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The Central Bank of Egypt, in cooperation with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the Supreme Council of Universities, and the Egyptian Banking Institute (EBI), launched a Bachelor's degree program in Banking Sciences at faculties of commerce at several Egyptian universities, starting in the 2025/2026 academic year. This program is a strategic step toward preparing a new generation of banking professionals who will drive financial and economic development.

This came during an event held yesterday to announce the program's launch. The event was attended by Mr. Hassan Abdullah, Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt; Dr. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research; Dr. Mustafa Refaat, Secretary of the Supreme Council of Universities; Dr. Hussein Issa, former President of Ain Shams University, Coordinator of the Presidential Specialized Council for Economic Development, Chairman of the Commercial Studies Sector Committee, and Advisor to the Minister of Higher Education for Financial and Economic Policies; Dr. Abdel Aziz Naseer, Executive Director of the Egyptian Banking Institute; Dr. Adel Abdel Ghaffar, Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research; Dr. Tamer Rady, Professor of Economics and Vice Dean of the Faculty of Business for Graduate Studies and Research at Ain Shams University; a number of chairmen of the boards of directors of Egyptian banks; and a host of university presidents, deans of faculties of commerce, and higher education specialists.

The event witnessed the signing of a partnership agreement between the Egyptian Banking Institute and several universities participating in the program. The agreement aims to coordinate and organize cooperation between the two parties and ensure the success of the program, which aims to provide students with the specialized knowledge, practical skills, and ethical foundations necessary for success in the ever-evolving world of banking, especially considering the accelerating digital transformation and increasing economic challenges.

Mr. Hassan Abdallah, Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt, stated: "The program represents a pioneering step to enhance the skills and distinguished cadres in the banking sector and contributes to preparing future leaders of highly qualified bankers. This stems from a deep belief that empowering youth with global banking skills is a long-term strategic investment that provides a strong boost to the banking sector and economic development."

The Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt added that the program enables students to acquire advanced skills in various banking disciplines, such as financial inclusion, the basics of digital banking and financial technology, risk management, advanced banking regulations, sustainable banking, and environmental, social, and corporate governance.

The Governor explained that students will have opportunities for intensive practical training and practical studies in cooperation with various banks in the Egyptian market. This ensures that the banking labor market, both locally and globally, is supplied with graduates who are not only academically qualified but also possess the practical experience necessary to immediately engage in the workforce and contribute effectively to driving economic growth and financial stability.

For his part, Dr. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, announced that the launch of the Bachelor's Degree Program in Banking Sciences stems from the Ministry of Higher Education and the Central Bank of Egypt's belief in the importance of cooperation and integration to provide modern academic programs that meet the needs of the labor market. He noted that this program is the first of its kind, offered in partnership between the Ministry and the Central Bank. It relies on specialized scientific curricula in the banking field, delivered through modern educational methods, in addition to providing practical training opportunities within banks, equipping students with the skills required by the labor market.

The Minister added that the program will begin in the next academic year in a number of Egyptian universities, in preparation for its expansion in the coming years. He expressed his hope that this distinguished program will contribute to developing the skills of graduates in the banking sector. This supports efforts to strengthen the national economy.

Dr. Ayman Ashour explained that the program aims to qualify and train young people and students who wish to join the field of financial and banking activities and services, enhancing their role in supporting development efforts. This is achieved through the creation of a new academic degree that meets the requirements of this sector. The degree is awarded at universities and institutes after obtaining a high school diploma. The goal is to prepare banking cadres in accordance with the objectives of the National Strategy for Higher Education and Scientific Research. He emphasized that this program represents a strategic step toward achieving integration and harmony with various entities in the country, contributing to providing students with the skills necessary for success.

In the same context, Dr. Mustafa Refaat, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Universities, explained that the Supreme Council of Universities attaches special importance to ensuring that curricula align with the needs and requirements of the future labor market, in line with the state's vision and strategic plan 2030. He noted that the Supreme Council of Universities, in its session held on May 31, 2025, issued a decision approving the unified curriculum for a new program granting a bachelor’s degree in business, specializing in Banking Sciences. The program is offered on a credit-hour basis and taught in English within the faculties of commerce at Egyptian universities.

Dr. Mustafa Refaat added that the program was designed in accordance with the general framework of higher education in Egypt to prepare qualified banking cadres by combining academic education with practical training in banks and financial institutions. It also grants accredited professional certificates in addition to the graduation certificate, enhancing graduates' opportunities in the labor market.

Dr. Abdel Aziz Nossir, Executive Director of the Egyptian Banking Institute, stated: "We are very proud of this fruitful collaboration to launch the Bachelor of Banking Sciences. This program is not just an academic addition, but a true response to the changing needs of the banking labor market. At the Egyptian Banking Institute, we believe that building future banking cadres begins with providing specialized education that combines theory and practice and introduces the latest banking technologies and sciences. This is especially true given that the practical teaching of banking sciences is delivered by experts from the banking sector, in collaboration with distinguished faculty members from the participating universities.

The Bachelor of Banking Sciences program is committed to keeping pace with the digital transformation by integrating these developments into its curriculum. The program also promotes ethical and responsible banking practices and supports sustainable financial solutions that serve the community, contributing to the preparation of a generation of bankers capable of shaping the future of the banking sector in Egypt.