The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research witnessed a week of intensive activity, reflecting dynamic institutional performance and integrated efforts across its various sectors. These efforts come within the framework of implementing the State’s strategy to develop university education, enhance the quality of scientific research, strengthen cooperation with state institutions, and link research outputs to industry.
The Supreme Council of Universities convened its regular meeting, chaired by Dr. Abdelaziz Qansowa , Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research. During the meeting, the Council approved the academic calendar for the 2026/2027 academic year, which is set to begin on Saturday, 19 September 2026. Mid-term exams for the first semester will be held during the first three weeks of November, according to each faculty. The first semester will span 15 weeks, ending on Thursday, 31 December 2026. Final exams for the first semester will commence on Saturday, 2 January 2027, and conclude on Thursday, 21 January 2027. The mid-year break will run from Saturday, 23 January 2027, until Thursday, 4 February 2027. The second semester will begin on Saturday, 6 February 2027, with mid-term exams scheduled from the last third of March through the first third of April 2027, depending on each faculty. The second semester will also extend over 15 weeks, ending on Thursday, 20 May 2027, with final exams taking place during May and June 2027 in accordance with each faculty’s academic system. The Council also approved the launch of an awareness campaign targeting university and institute students to promote energy conservation within the community.
Dr. Abdelaziz Qansowa , Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and Eng. Raafat Hindi, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, held an expanded meeting at the Ministry’s headquarters in the New Administrative Capital. The meeting reviewed areas of joint and proposed cooperation aimed at advancing the education and research ecosystem through modern technologies, focusing on four main pillars: capacity building, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and support for innovation and entrepreneurship. The two ministers also discussed expanding training programs by integrating technical training into university curricula, building on the successful cooperation with Cairo University in entrepreneurship, and aligning training with labor market needs.
Dr. Eng. Salah El-Din Mostafa Gembalat, Minister of State for Military Production, received Dr. Abdelaziz Qansowa to discuss avenues of joint cooperation. Dr. Qansowa emphasized the importance of this meeting in following up on developments in several joint projects implemented by companies and entities affiliated with the Ministry of Military Production. He noted that this cooperation reflects a shared commitment to linking scientific research with industry and transforming it into innovative products and services, thereby supporting the development of Egyptian industry, strengthening the national economy, and preparing qualified cadres capable of leading development based on knowledge, technology, and innovation.
Dr. Abdelaziz Qansowa also participated in a roundtable discussion titled “Future Energy Leaders from Youth: Empowering Young Talents to Support Egypt’s Energy Sector,” held as part of the Egypt Energy Show (EGYPS 2026). The Minister highlighted that the energy sector is among the largest employment sectors globally, particularly in new and renewable energy, which is experiencing rapid growth. This underscores the importance of expanding in this field in the coming period. He further affirmed that the next phase will witness increased focus on qualifying university students in energy-related fields, expanding relevant academic programs, enhancing students’ capabilities in a flexible and efficient manner, and investing in youth as a key driver for the future of the energy sector.
Dr. Abdelaziz Qansowa held a meeting with Prof. Michael Hoch, President of the University of Bonn and President of the German Academic Scholarship Foundation. The meeting included extensive discussions on developing joint and dual-degree programs, enhancing research cooperation in priority areas, supporting student and faculty exchange programs, linking research outputs to industry, and exchanging expertise in innovation support and talent attraction. The meeting concluded with an agreement to develop a joint action plan for the coming period, including identifying research priorities, exploring mechanisms for applying international models of research excellence, and activating joint research projects, thereby deepening scientific cooperation and supporting efforts to build a knowledge-based economy in Egypt.
