A S U

As part of implementing the directives of Egypt's political leadership to advance the education system, align educational outcomes with labor market needs, and strengthen investment in human capital, Ain Shams University, under the leadership of Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of the University, and under the supervision of Prof. Ghada Farouk, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development, will launch the STEP Up – Complementary Tracks and Micro-Credentials Project on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, at the University's Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (iHub).

The launch of the project aligns with Egypt's National Strategy for Higher Education and Scientific Research, which seeks to strengthen the integration of education, scientific research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry through effective partnerships with various sectors. The strategy aims to prepare graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to meet the evolving demands of local, regional, and international labor markets.

The STEP Up Project represents an innovative educational model designed to bridge the gap between academic outcomes and labor market requirements. It offers an integrated framework of complementary learning pathways and micro-credentials based on competency-based education, while aligning with international best practices and quality standards.

The project provides students, graduates, and professionals with flexible learning opportunities to acquire practical knowledge and in-demand skills through Micro-Credentials—standalone learning units that are stackable and academically and professionally recognized. This enables learners to build personalized educational pathways aligned with their career aspirations, promotes lifelong learning, and enhances employability and career advancement.

The project also contributes to preparing highly qualified professionals capable of driving innovation and responding to the rapid transformations associated with the global economy and the Fourth and Fifth Industrial Revolutions. In doing so, it supports the development of a knowledge- and innovation-based economy while strengthening graduates' competitiveness in the labor market.

The project includes seven specialized complementary learning pathways focused on future-oriented fields: Financial Technology (FinTech), Smart Technology (SmartTech), Geospatial Intelligence for Sustainable Development (GeoSUSTAIN), Digital Media Content Creation, English for Teaching Science and Mathematics, International Teacher Preparation, and Legal Innovation, which covers digital legal research and the application of artificial intelligence in judicial practice.

The launch of the STEP Up Project reflects Ain Shams University's vision of developing a flexible, innovative educational ecosystem that responds to global transformations and equips learners with the skills needed for the future. It further reinforces the University's position as a leading academic institution committed to fostering innovation, accelerating digital transformation, and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.