In a major policy reform, Egypt’s Supreme Council of Universities has authorized direct admission for graduates of technical schools into university programs focused on computer science and artificial intelligence. This move eliminates the longstanding requirement for complex equivalency procedures, opening university doors to a broader range of technical graduates.
The reform applies to students from five-year and three-year technical schools, applied technology schools, and post-secondary technical institutes specializing in AI and computing—including institutions like Telecom Egypt’s WE ICT Schools. A new flexible quota system adjusts minimum admission thresholds based on technical categories, ensuring fair access.
Applied technology schools have expanded rapidly, growing from three in 2018 to 70 across 19 governorates. These schools provide students with academic learning, practical industry experience, internationally accredited diplomas, and certifications from leading ICT firms.
This initiative, coordinated by the Ministries of Education, Technical Education, and Higher Education under Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly’s supervision, is expected to significantly increase Egypt’s digital and AI talent pipeline by integrating vocational students into higher education.
The reform aligns Egypt with regional trends in the Middle East, where countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan are similarly bridging vocational training with university access to meet the growing demand for tech professionals.
