UEL expands global reach with Egyptian partnership

A high-level delegation from the University of East London has met with senior government and university officials in Egypt. The visit, led by UEL’s Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Amanda Broderick, focussed on strengthening existing relationships and exploring further areas for collaboration with leading Egyptian universities.

A series of substantive measures were taken during the visit to deepen those relationships. The delegation signed a formal agreement with Cairo University, with discussions held on further partnership possibilities in the future, fostering an environment conducive to exploring joint initiatives that can mutually benefit both institutions.  

Speaking about the delegation’s visit, Professor Broderick said, 

UEL’s recent visit to Cairo marks a pivotal moment in our dedication to global education. Through transformative partnerships with eminent institutions such as Ain Shams University, Cairo University, and European Universities in Egypt, we are aligning our Vision 2028 with Egypt’s Strategy 2030. These partnerships stand as a testament to our unwavering commitment to academic excellence and collaboration.

“As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of global education, partnerships like these play a crucial role in shaping the future. They not only reinforce our commitment to academic excellence but also underscore the influential role of international collaborations in fostering a rich and diverse educational experience. UEL believes in the potential of Egypt’s young population, and our expansion into Egypt signifies a crucial opportunity to extend our global reach.”

At Ain Shams University (ASU) a special ceremony honoured the first cohort of dual UEL/ASU graduates. These trailblazing students are the product of a partnership with ASU in undergraduate programmes within the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Computer and Information Sciences. UEL looks forward to welcoming the large number who are coming to our London campuses in September to take post-graduate courses.  

Discussions are also underway to extend this collaboration with ASU to an additional four programmes. This initiative aligns with UEL’s 10-year strategy, Vision 2028, which aims to enhance the educational experience for all students while fostering the development of their skills and capabilities to address global challenges.

The UEL delegation was also privileged at the ceremony to reconnect with key figures such as the Minister of Higher Education, Professor Dr Mohamed Ayman Ashour. The minister has played a key role in supporting links between Egyptian universities and educational institutions overseas and last year, he received an honorary doctorate in architecture from UEL for his commitment to education and research.  

Also present at the ceremony were the President of ASU, Professor Dr Mohamed Diaa Zein El-Abidin, Dr Mustafa Refaat, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Universities, and other eminent members of the ministry and university.

The final leg of the visit took the UEL delegation to the vibrant campus of European Universities in Egypt (EUE), where its members were welcomed by Professor Dr Mahmoud Abdelkader, the founder of EUE and Chairman of the Board of Trustees. A new branch of UEL will open to students at the campus later this year. It will offer an innovative portfolio of programmes, with students able to enrol on 16 new degree courses, including animation, graphic design, fashion design, film, media and communication, media production and fine arts. As UEL navigates the ever-evolving landscape of global education, partnerships like these will play a pivotal role in shaping the future. Our partnership with EUE not only reinforces our joint commitment to academic excellence but also signifies the power of international collaborations in fostering a rich and diverse educational experience.

The University of East London has a long history of collaboration with global institutions, knowing that talent is not limited by the UK’s borders. Vision 2028, the University’s 10-year strategy, aims to produce graduates with the skills, tools and competencies sought by employers and entrepreneurs in a rapidly changing world. The University’s vision has many of the same goals as Egypt’s Strategy 2030, with both sharing a commitment to achieving a transformative impact in the global academic landscape.

To close the three-day delegation, UEL representatives attended a dinner hosted by His Excellency, Professor Dr Ashour, in the company of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Egypt, Gareth Bayley OBE, and Professor Dr Abdelkader of EUE. The gathering not only marked the end of the visit but also highlighted its significance, underlining UEL’s commitment both to international collaboration and educational excellence.