Cairo University

Cairo University is Egypt's leading public university, and its Faculty of Medicine, known as Kasr Al Ainy, is one of the oldest and largest medical schools in Africa and the Middle East. The faculty provides guidance for international undergraduate applicants. Here is what Indian students should know for 2027-28.

Key facts for 2027-28

Location	Giza (Greater Cairo), Egypt
University founded	1908
Faculty of Medicine	Kasr Al Ainy, roots in 1827
Type	Public university
Programme	Medicine and Surgery (5+2 structure listed)
Intake	October 2027

Always check fees, dates and rules for your intake on the official university website before you apply or pay.

About Cairo University and Kasr Al Ainy

Cairo University was founded in 1908 as the Egyptian University. Its Faculty of Medicine traces its roots to a medical school established in 1827, which later moved to the Kasr Al Ainy area of Cairo. Kasr Al Ainy hospitals are among the busiest teaching hospitals in the region, giving students very large clinical exposure.

The Medicine and Surgery programme

The faculty lists a 5+2 programme structure: five academic years followed by two years of training. It provides undergraduate guidance for international applicants and may offer different academic routes. Ask the faculty:

• which academic route applies to your offer (for example, a regular or credit-hour programme);
• the teaching language for each subject and year;
• how the internship is organised and whether it is at the same institution;
• whether international graduates can get a licence to practise in Egypt on the same terms as Egyptian citizens.

These answers decide whether the course meets NMC rules for Indian students.

Why students consider Cairo University

• One of the most famous medical schools in the Arab world.
• Huge teaching hospitals with very high patient numbers.
• A public university with a long academic tradition.
• Living costs lower than in most medical study destinations.

Things to think about carefully

• Get written answers on licence eligibility and internship.
• Patients speak Arabic; learning it is important.
• Cairo is crowded and busy, which takes time to get used to.

How admission works

International students usually apply to Egyptian public universities through the government's Study in Egypt portal. Follow the faculty's international guidance for documents and steps. Request a complete fee schedule before accepting.

Fees and costs

Fees for international students are set separately, often in US dollars. Ask for the 2027-28 schedule in writing. Add accommodation, food, insurance, residence permit and travel.

Life in Greater Cairo

Cairo University's main campus is in Giza, close to the Nile and not far from the Pyramids. Greater Cairo is a huge, lively city with a metro, markets, historic mosques and museums. Arabic is the main language. Summers are very hot and winters are mild. There are flights from Cairo to Indian cities.

Support for international students

Cairo University has offices that guide international students on enrolment, residence and daily life. Senior students from India and other countries are often the best source of practical advice on housing, transport, study materials and exam preparation. Join student groups early and keep in regular contact with the international office.

Preparing for medical study in Egypt

Start learning basic Arabic before you travel: greetings, numbers and medical words will help you in daily life and in hospital. Read about the university's credit-hour or English-language programmes, and ask senior students how teaching works in practice. Keep certified copies of your documents, because Egyptian procedures for enrolment and residence often ask for originals and copies. Plan your budget with extra room for exchange-rate changes, and register your arrival with the university's international student office.

Comparing Cairo University and Ain Shams

Both are large public universities in Greater Cairo with major hospitals. Cairo University's Kasr Al Ainy is the older faculty, in Giza and central Cairo; Ain Shams is in eastern Cairo. Compare the programme route, teaching language, fees and written answers on licensing before choosing.

Before you apply to Cairo University

To practise in India later, you need a qualifying NEET-UG result before you join, and the course must meet the NMC Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate Regulations, 2021: at least 54 months of study, a 12-month internship at the same university, teaching in English and eligibility for a medical licence in Egypt. NMC does not approve or list foreign universities, so ask Cairo University to confirm these points in writing and read the latest notices on nmc.org.in. After graduating you will need to clear the licensing exam (currently FMGE) and a 12-month internship in India. Our MBBS abroad guide covers eligibility, documents, FMGE preparation and careers in detail.

2027-28 intake timeline

• October 2026 – January 2027: shortlist Cairo University and other options, read the official 2027-28 admission rules and check that the course meets the NMC conditions.
• February – April 2027: register for NEET-UG 2027 and get your passport and documents ready.
• May 2027: appear for NEET-UG 2027 (NTA will announce the date; recent exams were on the first Sunday of May).
• Summer 2027 through the Study in Egypt portal: apply to Cairo University through its official international admissions channel.
• September – October 2027: admission letter, visa, travel and joining.

Related guides

For the bigger picture beyond Cairo University, read these guides:

• MBBS in Egypt: living costs, visa, climate, student life and the full admission process in Egypt.
• MBBS abroad guide: eligibility, recognition in India, costs and choosing a country.
• Compare other universities by country, course and city.

How PSP Education can help

PSP Education has guided Indian students since 1992 and can help you decide whether Cairo University suits you and apply before the 2027-28 deadlines. Book a free counselling session using the form on this page.

Summary and official sources

Cairo University’s Faculty of Medicine provides undergraduate guidance for international applicants and lists a 5+2 programme structure separately. Ask which academic route, teaching language and clinical training arrangement apply to your offer. Request a complete fee schedule and confirm internship and licensing conditions.

Courses and official information

• Medicine and Surgery. Official programme information. Explore this course.

Visit the official university website for current admission rules, fees and application dates.

Indian medical applicants should check the current NMC requirements, NEET bulletin, internship structure and local licensing conditions before applying. Admission alone does not give permission to practise medicine in India.

Additional official admission or programme information.