A high-level delegation of UK university representatives is visiting Egypt this week to explore higher education and research collaboration.
The delegation, lead by UUKi director Vivienne Stern, was invited by Egyptian minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar, and the country’s prime minister, Moustafa Madbouly.
“We are delighted that our governments have put such an emphasis on higher education co-operation”
It follows a successful visit by Abdel-Ghaffar to the UK in January 2018 during which a bilateral governmental Memorandum of Understanding was signed to set out conditions under which UK universities could establish international branch campuses in Egypt.
In addition, the delegation will discuss topics including how UK universities can support the Egyptian government’s aims under their national sustainable development strategy Egypt Vision 2030, for the mutual benefit of both countries and their higher education sectors.
Abdel-Ghaffar and the University of Liverpool will also sign a MoU outlining a range of options for collaboration and the potential to develop an IBC in Egypt in the future.
Speaking about the signing, University of Liverpool vice chancellor and president of Universities UK Janet Beer said strengthening the university’s global reach in education and research is at the heart of its vision for the future.
“The UK and Egypt have a strong bilateral relationship supporting the development of mutually beneficial partnerships in education, research and innovation and we are delighted that our governments have put such an emphasis on higher education co-operation,” she said.
“The visit provides an opportunity for us to better understand the models of collaboration that will have the greatest impact.”
Acting Country director for the British Council in Egypt Alex Lambert added: “Years of work strengthening relationships in the international education sector lie behind a high-level meeting like this.
“The British Council has 80 years of experience developing education partnerships with the government of Egypt, working to build ties between organisations here and in the UK to provide international opportunities for young people.”
Egypt is currently the fifth largest host country worldwide for UK transnational education – with over 19,800 students enrolled on UK programs.