CAIRO, Jan 13 (MENA) - President Abdel Fattah El Sisi directed the government to ensure that branches of Egyptian universities, including non-profit universities, are well equipped to meet international standards and lure foreign students.

The president underlined that those universities should have faculties for technology, artificial intelligence, digitization and engineering.

Sisi's directives came during his meeting on Monday with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Ayman Ashour and Minister of Education and Technical Education Mohamed Abdel Latif, said Presidential Spokesman Mohamed El-Shennawy.

The spokesman added that the higher education minister posted the president on the significant rise in the number of students enrolled in the majors of artificial intelligence (AI), digitization, computer science and technology in the 2024/2025 academic year, marking an increase of 40% compared to the 2023/2024 academic year.

Ashour stated the 2025/2026 academic year will see the opening of ten new non-profit universities, taking the total number of those universities in Egypt to 30.

The higher education minister noted the total number of universities in Egypt stands at 116, housing 1,079 faculties of different specializations.

The president gave instructions to continue the efforts aimed at turning Egypt into an attractive destination for foreign students.

President Sisi underlined the importance of transforming scientific research outputs into products of economic value that contribute to supporting the national economy, while promoting the culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Also, the president underscored the significance of linking scientific research to development plans, while addressing the shortage of qualified academic staff, so as to enhance Egypt's position as a leading destination in the field of education and higher education. (MENA)

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