Exeter University launches historic Africa campus

The University of Exeter has announced an exciting new partnership with Ain Shams University in Cairo to open the first-ever Russell Group campus in Africa. This new collaboration aims to bring world-class education to Egypt and help solve global challenges.

The new Exeter campus, located at Ain Shams University’s International Campus, will offer undergraduate and postgraduate degrees accredited by the University of Exeter. It will also provide dual degree options and specialised courses tailored to meet the needs of students in Egypt and beyond. The partnership will help students gain skills for today’s job market and address skills shortages in key industries.

This partnership is about more than just education. It will also encourage research, industry connections, and staff and student exchanges. The collaboration will include opportunities for internships, study abroad programs, and cultural exchanges between the UK and Egypt. The British Council helped make this partnership happen, supporting the project through its Higher Education Transnational Education (TNE) programme.

Professor Lisa Roberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter, said: “Global partnerships are key to solving the world’s most important challenges. This collaboration with Ain Shams University will help us share knowledge and create a positive impact on a global scale. Together, we will inspire the next generation of leaders.”

The partnership also supports Egypt’s Vision 2030, which focuses on improving education, increasing international collaboration, and addressing global challenges.

Prof. Mohamed Ayman Ashour, Egypt’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, welcomed the new partnership: “This is a landmark achievement, marking the first-ever Russell Group campus in Africa. It will help us address global challenges through research and prepare students for success in today’s interconnected world.”

British Ambassador to Egypt, Gareth Bayley, also praised the initiative, saying: “This partnership is a key milestone in Egypt’s Vision 2030, opening up new opportunities for Egyptian students to access world-class education.”

The University of Exeter and Ain Shams University aim to achieve the following key goals:

- Access to Quality Education: Students in Egypt and the surrounding regions will gain access to internationally recognised degree programs.

- Collaborative Research: The partnership will promote joint research to tackle global issues.

- Student and Staff Exchanges: Faculty and students will benefit from exchange programs, fostering knowledge-sharing and professional growth.

- Preparing Graduates for the Workforce: The programs will equip students with the skills they need to succeed in today’s competitive job market.

- Cultural Exchange: The collaboration will strengthen academic, cultural, and industry connections between the UK and Egypt.

This new partnership is an important part of the University of Exeter’s global plans to drive innovation and provide top-tier education and research. The MoU signed on January 19, 2025, marks the beginning of this exciting collaboration. The Exeter campus will be located at Ain Shams University’s International Campus and will offer students a world-class education.

Prof. Mohamed Diaa, President of Ain Shams University, said: “This partnership is a game-changer for both our university and for higher education in Egypt. It combines world-class education with a focus on solving real-world problems, and we are excited to see the impact it will have on our students and faculty.”