Al-Azhar University

Ancient Wisdom, Global Impact, Timeless Learning.

๐Ÿ“ Cairo, Egypt ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ฌ

๐Ÿ† #6 in Egypt ยท QS World #1001 ยท THE World #801 ยท ARWU #701

Quick Facts about Al-Azhar University

  • Type: Public
  • Students: 2,000,000
  • Campus: Multiple Campuses
  • Tuition: $2,000 โ€“ $5,000/year
  • Language: Arabic, English
  • Intakes: Fall, Spring

About Al-Azhar University

Al-Azhar University, located in Cairo, Egypt, is a prestigious institution with a rich history, recognized as one of the oldest degree-granting universities globally. Established in 970 CE, it serves as a leading center for Islamic and Arabic education, while also offering a wide array of modern academic disciplines. The university is a public, coeducational institution officially affiliated with the Islamic religion, and it plays a significant role in shaping Islamic scholarship worldwide.

Academics

Al-Azhar University boasts a diverse academic structure with 81 faculties and 359 academic departments, encompassing both religious and non-religious studies. Key faculties include Islamic Theology (Usul al-Din), Sharia and Law, Arabic Language, Medicine, Dentistry, Engineering, Pharmacy, Agriculture, Commerce, Education, Humanities, and Social Sciences. The teaching approach integrates traditional Islamic sciences, such as Quran and Sunnah, with logical sciences, fostering critical thinking and reasoning. While renowned for Islamic studies, the university has expanded its curriculum to include modern sciences, offering comprehensive undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs.

International Students

Al-Azhar University has a substantial international student population, with over 25,500 students from various countries. The Center of Education Development for Envoys and Foreign Students (CEDEFS) provides support services, including facilitating university applications and introducing student affairs. Proficiency in Arabic is generally essential for Islamic studies and Arabic language programs, and non-native speakers may need to complete preparatory Arabic courses at the Arabic Language Institute. For non-Arabic speaking programs, English language proficiency might be required. The university aims to foster cultural integration through various clubs, organizations, and events, promoting a strong sense of community among students.

Campus & Location

Al-Azhar University is situated in Cairo, Egypt, a vibrant metropolis with a population exceeding 5 million. The university has multiple branch campuses across Egypt, including Assiut, Tanta, Mansoura, Alexandria, Qena, and Shebin-Elkom. While specific details on campus features and transportation are not extensively provided, Cairo offers a rich city life with numerous historical sites and cultural attractions. The university's library is a significant feature, housing an extensive collection of books, manuscripts, and research materials.

Career Outcomes

Al-Azhar University graduates pursue diverse professional paths, with an employment rate reaching 74%. The university's degrees are internationally recognized, and its graduates are competitive in global labor markets and academic environments. Career services and industry connections are implied through the university's focus on providing practical curricula and training sessions. Graduates often find opportunities in education, healthcare, engineering, and business.

Information for International Students at Al-Azhar University

Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt welcomes international students.

  • Visa support available
  • No on-campus work
  • Student housing available
  • Teaching languages: Arabic, English

Admissions Requirements for Al-Azhar University

Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Al-Azhar University:

  • GPA minimum: 2
  • Application deadline: March (for September intake) and September (for January intake)

Scholarships & Tuition at Al-Azhar University

Annual tuition for international students: $2,000 โ€“ $5,000/year

โœ… Al-Azhar University offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.

Rankings of Al-Azhar University

  • National Ranking: #6 in Egypt
  • QS World University Ranking: #1001
  • Times Higher Education (THE): #801
  • Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU): #701
  • Ranking tier: Unranked
  • Research output: High

Campus & Facilities at Al-Azhar University

  • Student housing available
  • Sports facilities available
  • No disability support info
  • Campus type: Multiple Campuses

Key Highlights

  • Oldest degree-granting university
  • Leading Islamic scholarship center
  • Diverse religious and modern studies
  • Global student body
  • Cairo, Egypt location

Accreditation

  • Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of Egypt
  • National Authority for Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Education (NAQAAE)

Fields of Study at Al-Azhar University

  • Islamic Studies
  • Arabic Language
  • Theology
  • Law

Notable Alumni

  • Aliko Dangote
  • Abdurrahman Wahid
  • Taha Hussein

Frequently Asked Questions about Al-Azhar University

What is Al-Azhar University?

Al-Azhar University is a public university located in Cairo, Egypt. It has approximately 2,000,000 students.

How much does it cost to study at Al-Azhar University?

Tuition fees at Al-Azhar University for international students range from $2,000 โ€“ $5,000/year. Scholarships are available for international students.

What are the admission requirements for Al-Azhar University?

GPA minimum: 2. Application deadline: March (for September intake) and September (for January intake).

What language are courses taught in at Al-Azhar University?

Courses at Al-Azhar University are taught in Arabic and English.

What is Al-Azhar University ranked?

#6 in Egypt ยท QS World #1001 ยท THE World #801 ยท ARWU #701.

Does Al-Azhar University offer scholarships?

Yes, Al-Azhar University offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.

Does Al-Azhar University provide visa support?

Yes, Al-Azhar University provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available.

How Abroadly Helps You Study at Al-Azhar University

Abroadly is an AI-powered platform that manages your entire study abroad journey โ€” not just university search. Here's how we help students applying to Al-Azhar University in Egypt:

๐ŸŽฏ Phase 1: Exploration & University Matching

Our AI matches you to Al-Azhar University based on your GPA, budget, test scores, and career goals. Compare programs, tuition, scholarships, and admission requirements side-by-side.

๐Ÿ“ Phase 2: Application & SOP Generation

AI generates personalized Statements of Purpose (SOPs), cover letters, and motivation essays tailored to Al-Azhar University's requirements. Get per-university document checklists and deadline tracking.

โœ… Phase 3: Post-Acceptance & Enrollment

Once accepted to Al-Azhar University, Abroadly helps you review offer letters, pay tuition deposits, arrange student housing (available at this university), activate health insurance, and complete enrollment steps.

๐Ÿ›‚ Phase 4: Visa Processing & Embassy Prep

Get AI-guided visa document preparation for Egypt: embassy appointment booking, visa interview preparation, financial proof assembly (proof of funds), and country-specific document checklists.

โœˆ๏ธ Phase 5: Pre-Departure & Travel

After your visa is approved: banking setup in Egypt, orientation registration at Al-Azhar University, emergency contact registration, health insurance activation, accommodation confirmation, and travel booking guidance โ€” all tracked in your dashboard.

Apply to Al-Azhar University with Abroadly โ€” University Search to Visa to Landing

Use Abroadly's AI to manage your complete journey to Al-Azhar University: university matching, SOP & cover letter generation, application tracking, visa processing, embassy interview prep, and pre-departure planning โ€” all in one platform.

What you get: AI-generated SOPs, per-university document checklists, embassy appointment tracking, visa interview preparation, financial proof assembly, pre-departure checklists, and 24/7 AI advisor support.

Explore All Features | For Students | For Agencies | Pricing

Explore More Universities