London — November 2, 2025:
Egypt has achieved a major milestone by ranking fourth globally as a host of UK transnational education (TNE), underscoring its growing leadership in digital higher education. The announcement was made during the British Council’s Going Global 2025 Conference, held from October 28–30 at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in London.
Led by Professor Mohammed Aymen Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the Egyptian delegation showcased the country’s advances in digital transformation, technological universities, and UK–Egypt partnerships under the national Vision 2030 agenda.
Egypt’s Rise as a Global TNE Hub
According to Universities UK International (UUKi), Egypt now ranks fourth worldwide for UK TNE enrolments, with 32,040 students in 2023/24 — a 13% year-on-year increase and 63.5% growth since 2019/20. Egypt accounts for nearly 5% of all UK TNE enrolments, trailing only China, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia.
Minister Ashour stated:
“This achievement reflects years of progress and growing confidence in Egypt’s higher education system. It strengthens our position as a regional hub for innovation and quality education, deepening our strategic partnership with the UK.”
Showcasing Egypt’s Digital Education Model
Egypt’s delegation participated in multiple sessions, including:
- “Responsive TNE Models for Emerging Markets in MENA”, with Professor Mostafa Rifat, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Universities, discussing policy frameworks for sustainable collaboration.
- “Driving Change Around Gender Inequality in Tertiary Education”, featuring Professor Heba Salem, President of the 6th of October Technological University, alongside experts from the UK, Malawi, and Mauritius.
A key highlight was the launch of the British Council’s new report — Scaling Digital Higher Education in Egypt, during the session “Scaling Digital Higher Education in Egypt: Rapid Insights from Government, Industry and Universities.”
The report — the first of its kind — maps Egypt’s digital higher education landscape, highlighting national initiatives such as Digital Egypt, the Egyptian Knowledge Bank, and the Digital Strategy for Higher Education 2025–2030. It calls for enhanced regulation, affordability, and local co-creation to expand blended and online TNE models.
Global Recognition of Egyptian Innovation
Susanna Carmody, Regional Education Director for MENA at the British Council, praised Egypt’s role:
“Egypt’s digital transformation in higher education offers globally relevant lessons, particularly in technological universities and flexible learning pathways.”
Mark Howard, Country Director, British Council Egypt, added:
“Transnational education remains one of Egypt’s greatest strengths. By embracing digital transformation, Egypt is shaping a globally connected and innovative education system.”
Strengthening International Collaboration
Beyond conference sessions, the Egyptian delegation held bilateral meetings and campus visits to expand partnerships in digital learning, research, and skills development. The country’s strong showing at Going Global 2025 reinforces its status as a regional leader in education reform and digital innovation, driving inclusive, resilient, and future-ready higher education systems
