Best Universities in Alexandria – Study and Opportunities

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Alexandria: A Student City by the Mediterranean

Alexandria is a well-known coastal city in Egypt, but it is also one of the country's most important places for learning. Alexandria is a popular choice for students because it has great universities, a vibrant city life, and a Mediterranean vibe that sets it apart from other Egyptian cities.

The city runs along the sea and has famous neighbourhoods like Sidi Gaber, Smouha, Sporting, and Stanley. It is also easy to get to other governorates by train and highway. Alexandria is also known for its culture and tradition of learning. It has big libraries, museums, theatres, and a long history of academic life. This means that students can study in a serious setting while also enjoying a city with a lot of activity, cafes, public spaces, walks along the beach, and a strong sense of identity.

Another reason students like Alexandria is variety. In one city (and the nearby Borg El Arab area), you can find:

A large public university with many faculties
New national universities with modern study systems
Private universities with focused programs and smaller class sizes
Specialized institutions in maritime transport, logistics, and technology
Modern technological and e-learning options for flexible education

1) Alexandria University (Public)

Best for: Students who want a classic, respected public university with many fields and a large academic community.

Alexandria University is one of Egypt’s most established public universities and a major pillar of higher education in the city. It has a long academic history and a very wide range of faculties, so it fits many study goals—from medicine and engineering to law, arts, science, business, agriculture, and more.

Because it is a large public university, you will find:

Many departments and specializations
A strong research culture across different fields
A large student community with diverse backgrounds
A strong academic reputation inside Egypt

Programs and strengths (in simple words):

Medicine and health: Popular among students aiming for clinical careers
Engineering and science: Strong choice for technical and applied paths
Business, law, and humanities: Good option for students wanting public-university depth and recognized degree routes

Student life and environment:

Alexandria University is deeply connected to the city’s daily life. Students often feel they are part of Alexandria itself—not isolated inside a private campus. You will also find many university activities, student groups, and academic events. Because it is a large institution, students who succeed here are usually those who can manage their time, handle busy schedules, and stay focused.

Who should choose it?

If you want a broad set of programs, a well-known public university name, and a classic university atmosphere with a large student community, Alexandria University is usually the first place to consider.

2) Alexandria National University (National / Program-Based)

Best for: Students who want modern program-based study options, newer facilities, and a structure designed for today’s job market.

Alexandria National University is a newer national university linked to the Alexandria higher education ecosystem. It was created with a modern style of education, where programs are often built around skills and career outcomes.

One strong point is that the university focuses on current market needs. This can be attractive if you are looking for a more updated academic approach compared to older systems.

Common study areas students look for:

Medicine and health fields (including dentistry, pharmacy, nursing)
Engineering and technology
Computing, cybersecurity, and digital skills
Business and management-related areas
Legal studies and social sciences
Arts and design

Student experience:

Many students prefer national universities because they often provide a modern structure from the start—clear course plans, organized academic systems, and a learning environment designed for today’s students. It can feel more “new generation” than older campuses.

Who should choose it?

If you want Alexandria but prefer a newer university style—more program-focused, more career-oriented, and more modern in operations—Alexandria National University is a strong option to explore.

3) Pharos University in Alexandria (Private)

Best for: Students who want private-university learning with professional programs, modern campus life, and structured academic services.

Pharos University is widely known as a leading private university in Alexandria. Many students choose it because private universities often offer:

Smaller class sizes compared to very large public universities
More organized student services
Modern campus facilities and a structured learning environment

Pharos has a broad selection of faculties, which is important because not all private universities provide that variety.

Popular fields at Pharos:

Pharmacy and dentistry (strong demand areas in Egypt)
Engineering and computer-related disciplines
Business and administrative sciences
Languages and translation
Tourism and hotel management
Mass communication and media
Physical therapy and applied medical sciences
Arts and design
Legal studies and international relations

What students like about it:

Pharos is often described as structured and student-service oriented. Many students feel private universities provide clearer communication, better scheduling support, and more predictable systems.

Who should choose it?

If you want to study in Alexandria but prefer a private campus environment—especially in health sciences, engineering, business, languages, or media—Pharos University is one of the most recognized options in the city.

4) Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport (AASTMT) (Specialized)

Best for: Students interested in maritime studies, logistics, engineering, transport, business, and applied technology with a strong professional focus.

AASTMT has a special identity in Alexandria because it is strongly connected to maritime transport and related industries. It is also known for engineering and business programs, and many students like it because it feels closely linked to professional sectors.

In Alexandria, this institution is often seen as one of the strongest choices for students who want:

Industry-connected education
Practical learning in transport and logistics
Career-oriented programs with professional direction

Key areas students often choose:

Maritime transport and technology
Engineering and technology
Logistics and supply chain fields
Computing and information technology
Management and business-related fields

Learning style and environment:

AASTMT is usually chosen by students who want more than theory. Programs in maritime and logistics naturally require applied learning. Many students pick it because they can imagine a clear career route after graduation—especially in industries connected to transport, ports, logistics, and technical management.

Who should choose it?

If you want a specialized institution in Alexandria with a strong career link—especially in maritime, logistics, engineering, and applied business—AASTMT is one of the most important names to consider.

5) Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST) (Research & Technology Focus)

Best for: Students who want a technology-driven university, strong research culture, and advanced programs in engineering, science, and innovation.

E-JUST is located in the Borg El Arab area, which is connected to the Alexandria region and is known for new development zones. This university has a strong identity in science and technology and is designed to support advanced learning and research.

Students often consider E-JUST if they want:

A serious research environment
Strong engineering and advanced technical programs
A university culture focused on innovation and practical solutions

Main academic strengths:

Engineering
Basic and applied sciences
Computer science and information technology
International business and humanities (in a modern structure)
Pharm D and health-related tracks (depending on program availability)
Art and design (in a modern, applied way)

Student experience:

E-JUST is often chosen by students who enjoy structured learning, lab work, and research-oriented thinking. It can be a good match for students who want to build a future in technology, innovation, and advanced industry roles.

Who should choose it?

If your goal is engineering, computing, science, or research—and you want a university environment built around modern innovation—E-JUST is one of the strongest Alexandria-area options.

6) Borg El Arab Technological University (Technology & Industry Skills)

Best for: Students who want applied technology education, hands-on programs, and direct career preparation for technical sectors.

Borg El Arab Technological University represents a newer style of higher education in Egypt focused on technology and industry needs. It is designed to prepare graduates for real technical roles through practical learning.

Students interested in this type of university often care about:

Applied, job-ready education
Technology training linked to real industries
Programs that match modern production and service sectors

Common program themes include:

Information technology
Industrial and energy technology fields
Health sciences technology tracks
Food industry technology and other applied programs (depending on the university’s offerings and updates)

What makes it different:

Technological universities are generally built for practical skills and technical readiness. Many students prefer this when they want a clear professional path and hands-on learning.

Who should choose it?

If you want to become job-ready in a technical field—especially IT or applied industrial/health technology—this university can be a strong fit.

7) Arab Open University – Egypt (Alexandria Branch Option)

Best for: Students who want flexible study models, blended learning, and a system designed for working learners or those needing schedule flexibility.

Arab Open University (in Egypt) is known for flexible education formats. While the main administration is in Egypt, students often look for branch-based access, including in major cities like Alexandria, depending on available study center arrangements and local services.

Why students consider it:

More flexible scheduling compared to traditional full-time models
Study formats that can support working students
A learning model that often fits learners who prefer blended education

Who should choose it?

If you need flexibility—because of work, family, or personal commitments—this type of university model can be useful. It is also considered by students who prefer structured distance or blended learning paths rather than classic daily campus attendance.

8) Sadat Academy for Management Sciences (Alexandria Branch)

Best for: Students focused on business, management, accounting, marketing, HR, and management information systems.

Sadat Academy is known in Egypt for management sciences and related fields, and it operates branches in several cities, including Alexandria. Students who want business-focused education often consider this type of academy because it is specialized in management and administrative disciplines.

Common study themes:

Business administration
Accounting and finance
Marketing and sales
Human resources
Management information systems (MIS)
Economics and management-related fields

Student experience:

This is a good place for students who want a clear business direction. It can also be attractive for learners who want a management identity from the beginning rather than studying business inside a very large general university environment.

Who should choose it?

If you want a business and management-focused institution in Alexandria—especially with a practical, career-minded style—Sadat Academy is a name many students recognize.

9) Alexandria Higher Institute of Engineering and Technology (AIET) (Smouha)

Best for: Students who want engineering in Alexandria through a focused institute, with departments designed around modern engineering needs.

AIET is a specialized higher education institute in Alexandria known for engineering programs. It is located in Smouha, a central and well-connected student area in the city.

Students often choose AIET because it is focused, practical, and built around engineering training rather than being a multi-discipline university with dozens of unrelated faculties.

Engineering tracks students commonly look for:

Electronics and communications
Computer engineering
Mechatronics
Industrial engineering

Learning environment:

As a focused engineering institute, AIET can be attractive for students who want a strong technical identity and prefer an environment where “almost everyone is studying engineering.” This can create a serious, like-minded student community.

Who should choose it?

If you want engineering in Alexandria and prefer a focused institute environment (especially in Smouha), AIET is a strong option to include on your shortlist.

10) The Egyptian E-Learning University (EELU) – Alexandria Learning Center Option

Best for: Students who want structured e-learning with local support, especially for computing, business, and educational studies.

EELU is known in Egypt for e-learning and blended education models, and it provides learning centers in different cities. Alexandria has an option through learning center arrangements that support students who want flexibility without losing local academic support.

Typical study areas:

Computers and information technology
Business administration and commercial studies
Educational studies

Why students like this model:

You can study using modern online systems
You may still have access to support services through local study centers
It suits students who want to combine study with work or personal responsibilities

Who should choose it?If you want the benefits of e-learning but still want Alexandria-based support and structure, EELU’s Alexandria learning center model can be a practical solution.

Choosing the Right University in Alexandria: Simple Tips

Here are practical tips students can use when comparing Alexandria universities:

1) Choose by career goal, not only by name

If your dream is medicine, focus on universities strong in health faculties. If your goal is engineering, look for strong labs and technical departments. If you want logistics or maritime, a specialized institution may be a better fit than a general university.

2) Think about your learning style

If you like a large, busy environment, a big public university may match you.
If you want structured services and smaller class sizes, a private university can help.
If you need flexibility, consider e-learning or open-learning models.

3) Consider location inside Alexandria

Alexandria is a large city. Some universities are in central areas like Smouha and Sidi Gaber. Others are in Borg El Arab, which is part of the wider Alexandria region but has a different lifestyle and commute pattern. Your daily travel matters more than many students think.

4) Ask about training and practical experience

The best university experience is not only classes and exams. Ask about:

Labs and practical sessions
Internships and training opportunities
Career support and employability preparation

Final Thoughts: Why Alexandria Is a Strong Choice

Alexandria is one of the best places in Egypt to go to college because it has a lot of different things to do and see. It has a long history of public universities, modern national universities, strong private universities, and specialised schools in areas like technology, engineering, maritime, and flexible learning.

In short, Alexandria is a great place to study and live in a beautiful, cultural, and active city.