New grant for transformative Egypt project

The University of East London (UEL), in partnership with Ain Shams University (ASU) in Egypt, has been awarded a grant from the British Council to enhance the dual degree programmes in engineering and computer-information sciences.

UEL-ASU’s submission for the grant – Unlocking the Potential of UK Transnational Education (TNE) in Egypt through Structural and Digital Transformation – was selected from over 100 submissions spanning Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey. 

Supported by the Egyptian Supreme Council of Universities (SCU), the project aims to address significant challenges in the administration and delivery of these programmes. Key components include developing an API for real-time data sharing, grade conversion software, and an agile development cycle. 

Additionally, UEL will provide training to ASU staff on educational best practices and support for students with disabilities. Trained staff will serve as ‘Trainers of Trainers’ to spread knowledge throughout the institution.
The project emphasises sustainability by replacing physical documents with digital records to reduce carbon footprint, and it also explores developing a research centre to drive future collaboration and research.

Building on an existing successful partnership between UEL and the two faculties at ASU and drawing on lessons learned to date, the project aims to solidify a solid foundation for structuring and conducting dual degrees, in instances when a UK university partners with an Egyptian university.

Through this initiative, UEL is taking a leading role in the higher education sector in Egypt, particularly in advancing the potential for UK Transnational Education (TNE). The outcomes of this project will be utilised by the Supreme Council of Universities to support both current and future collaborations between UK and Egyptian universities.

Aligned with Egypt’s Vision 2030, this initiative also aims to empower Egyptian students by providing access to high-quality UK education, helping support the country’s broader goals for economic and social development.

UEL’s dedication to enhancing the international student journey and advancing impactful research is further evidenced by recent awards including Outstanding Contribution to Enhancing the Overseas Student Experience in London and Best Research/Knowledge Exchange Collaboration, at this year’s inaugural London Higher Awards.