Sir Magdi Yacoub
Sir Magdi Yacoub, one of the world's most eminent cardiothoracic surgeons and a pioneer of heart transplantation, is a graduate of the Cairo University Faculty of Medicine, reflecting the Faculty's global standing.
Cairo University Faculty of Medicine (Kasr Al-Ainy)
Africa and the Arab world's oldest medical school, founded in 1827 as Kasr Al-Ainy and part of the QS-ranked University of Cairo. English-taught MBBCh, clinical training in the vast Kasr Al-Ainy teaching hospitals, and a normal, accessible study destination in the heart of Cairo.
5000+ Students trust us
Egypt
Country
Cairo
City
~6–7 Years
Course duration (incl. internship)
English
Medium of instruction
Introduction
Cairo University Faculty of Medicine (Kasr Al-Ainy)
- Study programme:MBBS, the English-taught MBBCh (Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery), the MBBS-equivalent
- Language:English (some Arabic is useful for the clinical/ward years with local patients)
- Duration:About 6–7 years including internship (Egypt's reformed structure, about 5 years + 2 years)
- University type:Public university faculty (University of Cairo), under Egypt's Ministry of Higher Education
- Tuition fees:About US$6,000/year (roughly ₹5.8 lakh/year); roughly ₹45–60 lakh all-in over the course, approx.
- Entrance examination:Selective admission on academic record; a qualifying NEET-UG score is required for Indian students
- Application deadline:The international intake window is published on the official Faculty site; apply early
- Recognition:QS-ranked university; listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools; ECFMG/WFME-recognised; NAQAAE-accredited; NMC/FMGE pathway for India
A felucca on the Nile with the Cairo Tower behind, in central Cairo (Cairo city context)
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Recognition & Prestige
Rankings & Recognition
Cairo University is Egypt's top university and a genuinely ranked institution, and its Faculty of Medicine, founded in 1827, is the oldest and most prestigious in the region. The University is ranked in the QS World University Rankings and has historically been strong in medicine and life sciences by subject; the Faculty is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools and recognised by ECFMG and WFME (and accredited by NAQAAE in Egypt). Its heritage, ranking and Kasr Al-Ainy clinical network are its core strengths.
QS-ranked
Part of the University of Cairo, Egypt's top-ranked university
WDOMS
Listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools
ECFMG / WFME
Recognised by ECFMG and the World Federation for Medical Education
The Cairo University Faculty of Medicine (Kasr Al-Ainy, founded 1827), part of the QS-ranked University of Cairo, is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools and recognised by ECFMG and WFME, and is accredited in Egypt by NAQAAE, the National Authority for Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Education. Indian students can qualify to practise in India through the National Medical Commission screening/exit examination, subject to meeting the NMC's conditions.
Complete Information About Cairo University Faculty of Medicine
Get complete information about studying MBBS at Cairo University Faculty of Medicine, including fees, the admission process and recognition for Indian students.
Success stories
Student Success Stories
Hear directly from students who are studying medicine in Europe with futureMBBS.
Academic Excellence
MBBS at Cairo University Faculty of Medicine (Kasr Al-Ainy): Key Highlights
Cairo offers a genuinely prestigious, English-taught medical education with an enormous clinical base, in a historic African/Arab-world capital. These are its real strengths, with the honest trade-offs.
Africa's Oldest Medical School
English-Taught MBBCh
Part of a QS-Ranked University
A Vast Clinical Network
World-Class Heritage
A Normal, Affordable Destination
Plan Honestly
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How to Apply
Admission Process for MBBS
Admission to Cairo University Faculty of Medicine is selective and based on academic record. International intake at public Egyptian faculties is route-specific, and the international-admissions process is published on the official Faculty site (medicine.cu.edu.eg). Indian students must have a qualifying NEET-UG score, and apply early, as places are competitive.
Admission Timeline
- 1Class 12 & NEETQualify Class 12 and NEET-UG
Applicants must have passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English with strong marks, and Indian applicants must have a qualifying NEET-UG score, which is also required for later Indian licensing.
- 2Choose the International RouteCheck the Admissions Route & Fees
International intake at public Egyptian faculties is route-specific; the international-admissions process, documents, the current fee (US$ or EGP) and the degree structure are published on medicine.cu.edu.eg.
- 3Apply Early to Cairo UniversitySubmit the Application
Apply through the official international-admissions route with academic documents and passport; admission is selective, so apply early with a strong record.
- 4Offer & Eligibility CertificateAdmission Letter and NMC Certificate
Successful applicants receive an admission/enrolment letter, and Indian students obtain the NMC Eligibility Certificate now expected before starting an MBBS/MBBCh abroad.
- 5Visa & EnrolmentEgyptian Visa and Enrolment
Students apply for the Egyptian student visa and pay tuition; banking and payment from India are straightforward (Egypt is not sanctioned).
- 6EnrolmentBegin Studies
Students enrol at the start of the academic year and complete arrival formalities in Cairo.
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Qualification
Applicants must have passed Class 12 (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English. The general requirement is a minimum of 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry and Biology taken together (with the standard relaxation to 40% for SC/ST/OBC and other reserved categories), in line with the National Medical Commission's eligibility norms for studying MBBS abroad; Cairo is selective, so strong marks are important.
Subjects:
PhysicsChemistryBiologyEnglishMinimum 50% in PCB (40% reserved)
Age Requirement
Applicants must have completed, or will complete, 17 years of age on or before 31 December of the year of admission, in line with the National Medical Commission's rules for MBBS.
- NEET-UG qualification is mandatoryRequired for Indian applicants and by the NMC for later FMGE and Indian practice
Requirements
Indian applicants need Class 12 with PCB, a qualifying NEET-UG score and NEET certificate, an NMC Eligibility Certificate, a valid passport and the supporting documents, plus the Faculty's international-admissions requirements (documents may need attestation).
NEET & Strong Academics
A qualifying NEET-UG score is required for Indian applicants, along with a strong Class 12 record, as Cairo is competitive.
Route, Fees & Structure
Settle the international-admissions route and the current fee, and see how the MBBCh structure and internship map to NMC FMGL-2021 conditions.
Admissions Test
Admission is primarily on academic record and the NEET requirement for Indian students.
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Application route | Official international-admissions route (medicine.cu.edu.eg) |
| Admissions basis | Academic record (strong Class 12) |
| Academic requirement | Class 12 with PCB and English; minimum 50% in PCB (40% for reserved categories); strong marks help |
| Intake | Set each year; published on the official Faculty site |
| India-side requirement | NEET-UG qualification and NMC Eligibility Certificate, for later FMGE licensing in India |
Required Documents
Indian applicants typically provide the following documents for admission and the Egyptian student visa:
- Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets and certificates
- NEET-UG scorecard/certificate and NMC Eligibility Certificate
- Valid passport (with sufficient validity)
- Passport-size photographs and a birth certificate
- Admission letter, medical fitness certificate and Egyptian visa documents (attestation may apply)
- + More
Admission Guidance & Document Checklist
Get the complete document checklist or admission guidance from our experts.
Programme Structure
MBBS (MBBCh) Course Structure at Cairo University
Cairo's MBBCh is taught in English, moving from basic sciences to clinical study in the Kasr Al-Ainy teaching hospitals, followed by an internship. Egypt reformed its medical structure (about 5 years of study + 2 years of internship/foundation).
MBBS (MBBCh in Medicine & Surgery) Course
Total Duration:
About 6–7 Years including internship (Egypt's reformed 5+2 structure)
Degree:
MBBCh (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery), the MBBS-equivalent Egyptian medical qualification
Course Phases at Cairo University Faculty of Medicine
Years 1–2
Basic Medical Sciences
The pre-clinical foundation years, taught in English, covering the core basic medical sciences with laboratory and early clinical-skills work:
AnatomyPhysiologyBiochemistryHistologyMicrobiologyMedical humanitiesYears 3–4
Para-clinical & Clinical Subjects
The para-clinical and early clinical years, introducing disease mechanisms and clinical subjects with training in the Kasr Al-Ainy hospitals:
PathologyPharmacologyForensic MedicineInternal MedicineSurgeryYear 5
Senior Clinical Subjects
Senior clinical study across the major specialties, with increasing hands-on hospital training under supervision:
Obstetrics & GynaecologyPaediatricsPsychiatryCommunity MedicineSurgical specialtiesMedical specialtiesYears 6–7
Internship / Foundation
The internship (and foundation) phase completing the MBBCh in the Kasr Al-Ainy hospitals; FMGL-2021 also requires that the degree entitles practice in Egypt.
Rotational clinical internship across the major departments
Clinical Training & Internship
Clinical training takes place in the Kasr Al-Ainy teaching hospitals, among the largest hospital complexes in the Middle East and Africa. For Indian students, a further internship in India is required for Indian registration (see the FMGE & NExT section). An indicative pattern is:
| Phase | Focus |
|---|---|
| Years 3–5 | Clinical training in Internal Medicine, Surgery, Paediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Psychiatry and the specialties in the Kasr Al-Ainy hospitals |
| Years 6–7 | The internship/foundation phase completing the MBBCh |
| Back in India | Indian graduates clear the FMGE and complete the required internship in India before registering with the NMC or a State Medical Council |
Get the full curriculum
Download a free brochure to see detailed subjects, the course structure and everything you need to plan your studies.
Legacy
Alumni and Heritage of Kasr Al-Ainy
As the oldest medical school in the region, Kasr Al-Ainy has a distinguished heritage and world-renowned alumni.
Faculty
Teaching is delivered by the Faculty's departments and the Kasr Al-Ainy teaching hospitals, with a long tradition of clinical and scientific excellence, within the QS-ranked University of Cairo.
Academic Expertise
Africa's oldest medical school (since 1827)
Part of the QS-ranked University of Cairo
English-taught MBBCh
Clinical training in the vast Kasr Al-Ainy hospitals
Student Support & Mentorship
A prestigious, English-taught environment
Exceptional clinical exposure at Kasr Al-Ainy
A normal, accessible destination (Egypt not sanctioned)
Guidance for Indian students on FMGE
About University
History Information
The iconic domed landmark tower of the University of Cairo
Founded in 1827
Part of the University of Cairo
The Kasr Al-Ainy Hospitals
A Global Faculty Today
Get all information about Cairo University Faculty of Medicine in our free brochure
Read on to find out how you can fulfil your dream of studying MBBS at Cairo University Faculty of Medicine.
Role in medicine
Role in medical education
A Kasr Al-Ainy Faculty of Medicine building of the University of Cairo, with its garden
The Region's Leading Medical Faculty
Training International Doctors
Ranked, Recognised, English-Taught
Get all information about Cairo University Faculty of Medicine in our free brochure
Read on to find out how you can fulfil your dream of studying MBBS at Cairo University Faculty of Medicine.
Cost of living
Living Cost in Cairo
Cairo is a large, comparatively affordable capital city, and the cost of living for students is moderate by international standards, though students must budget for a hot desert climate. Here is an approximate monthly breakdown for a student (this is separate from tuition).
Monthly Living Cost
| Cost Component | Approximate Amount (per month) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (hostel/rental) | ₹11,500 – ₹24,000 (US$120 – US$250) |
| Food & Groceries | ₹9,600 – ₹17,300 (US$100 – US$180) |
| Transport & Personal | ₹2,900 – ₹5,800 (US$30 – US$60) |
| Utilities & Summer Cooling | ₹3,400 – ₹6,700 (US$35 – US$70) |
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Average monthly living cost (excluding tuition)
₹24,000 – ₹48,000 (US$285 – US$560)
Housing
Accommodation
International students in Cairo live in university housing or private rentals, at a moderate cost, in a large capital city.
University Housing
Private Apartments
Furnished Homes with Cooling
A Selective International Community
Indian & Halal Food
A Historic Capital City
Moderate Costs
Arrival Support
Need accommodation details?
Get a full overview of housing options with our university guide, or reach out to an expert.
Food & Dining
Indian, Halal and Vegetarian Food in Cairo
Cairo is a large, cosmopolitan capital where halal food is standard and Indian and vegetarian food is available, alongside Egyptian and international cuisine.
As a large Muslim-majority capital, Cairo has halal food as standard, a comfort for many Indian students.
Cairo has Indian restaurants and eateries catering to residents, students and visitors, so Indian food is accessible in the city.
Egyptian cuisine is rich in vegetarian-friendly dishes (koshari, ful, ta'ameya/falafel, breads, salads and vegetables), so vegetarian students eat well and affordably.
Supermarkets, local markets and some Indian/international grocery stores stock produce, spices and Indian items, so students can cook their own food.
University housing and rented apartments typically have kitchen facilities, an economical option for students who prefer to cook their own vegetarian or home-style meals.
Location
How to Reach Cairo University Faculty of Medicine
Address
Cairo University Faculty of Medicine (Kasr Al-Ainy), Al Saray Street, El Manial, Cairo, Egypt
Nearest Airport
Cairo International Airport (CAI), with good connectivity from India (EgyptAir and Gulf carriers, direct or one-stop). Egypt is not sanctioned, so flights and banking are normal; Indian students need an Egyptian student visa. Cairo is on Eastern European Time, about 3.5 hours behind Indian time
Local Transport
Cairo has a metro, buses and taxis/ride-hailing and the Kasr Al-Ainy campus sits centrally on the Nile, so students can travel around the city and to the hospitals; the hot summer makes air-conditioned transport welcome
Your Roadmap to Success
Career Pathways After MBBS at Cairo University Faculty of Medicine
The MBBCh from the Cairo University Faculty of Medicine is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools and recognised by ECFMG and WFME, opening licensing pathways in India, the United States, the Gulf and other countries.
Indian graduates can appear for the Indian screening examination (currently the FMGE, transitioning to the NExT), complete the required internship and register with the National Medical Commission, provided they qualified NEET before starting and meet the NMC's licentiate conditions.
Graduates are eligible to apply for ECFMG certification and sit the USMLE, opening the pathway to residency and medical practice in the United States.
A recognised, English-taught MBBCh supports licensing pathways in the Gulf states, the UK (through the GMC's PLAB route) and other countries, each with its own requirements.
After qualifying, graduates can pursue postgraduate specialisation in Egypt, in India (through NEET PG, or NExT once it starts), or in other countries.
A recognised, English-taught degree from Africa's oldest medical school and a QS-ranked university gives graduates strong flexibility to build clinical careers in their home country or internationally.
Understand the Medical Licensing Pathway
A clear overview of the exams and requirements after graduation.
Practising in India
FMGE & NExT Details
An Indian graduate of the Cairo University Faculty of Medicine who wants to practise in India follows the licensing pathway set by the National Medical Commission (NMC): qualifying NEET before starting, completing a course and internship that meet the NMC's conditions, clearing the NMC screening examination (currently the FMGE, transitioning to the NExT), completing the required internship in India and registering with the medical council. The NMC does not 'approve' individual foreign universities; it sets conditions, and the Egyptian MBBCh structure should be checked against them.
Step 1
NEET Before You Start
An Indian student must have qualified NEET-UG before beginning the course abroad to be eligible later for Indian licensing. A qualifying NEET score is required, and an NMC Eligibility Certificate is now expected before starting.
Step 2
Meet the FMGL 2021 Conditions
The Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate Regulations 2021 require the course and internship to meet the NMC's minimum duration (about 54 months of study plus a 12-month internship), completed in the SAME institution, taught in English, with a degree that entitles the holder to practise in Egypt. Cairo's MBBCh is on Egypt's reformed structure (about 5+2), and its study duration and internship are assessed against these conditions.
Step 3
Clear the FMGE / NExT and Register
Graduates must clear the qualifying examination for foreign medical graduates, currently the FMGE, which India is replacing with the National Exit Test (NExT), then complete the required internship in India and register with the National Medical Commission or a State Medical Council.
Student Life Style
Student life at Cairo University Faculty of Medicine
Being a medical student at Kasr Al-Ainy is a mix of demanding study at a historic, prestigious faculty and life in Cairo, one of the world's great historic capitals on the Nile.
An ancient Egyptian temple with hieroglyphic columns in Upper Egypt (Egyptian national-heritage travel context, not Cairo)
Academics
An ancient Egyptian heritage site in Upper Egypt (Egyptian national-heritage travel context, not Cairo)
Life in Cairo
Challenges and Growth
Social Life
Overall Experience
Fees & Financial
Fees & Financial Planning
Cairo is an affordable, prestigious option, so realistic financial planning across the whole programme matters; banking and payment from India are straightforward as Egypt is not sanctioned.
International students pay tuition of about US$6,000 per year (roughly ₹5.8 lakh), and with Cairo living costs the realistic all-in is roughly ₹45–60 lakh across the programme: affordable for a prestigious, English-taught, QS-ranked option, comparable to or a little above Russia, and far below Western medical degrees.
- About US$6,000/year tuition (₹5.8 lakh)
- Cairo living costs about ₹27,000–₹54,000/month
- Roughly ₹45–60 lakh all-in across the programme
- Straightforward payment (Egypt not sanctioned)
- Currency (US$/EGP) and fee published on the official site
Financial planning focuses on budgeting tuition, accommodation, living costs, travel and one-time costs across the programme. Our counsellors can help map the full budget and the international-admissions route.
Indian students can often fund the course through savings or an education loan; the modest total cost makes loans easier to service than for high-fee destinations. We can guide families on documentation for loans and the Egyptian visa.
Compare
Compare Colleges
Compare the Cairo University Faculty of Medicine with a leading Indian medical college.
Quick Comparison:
Cairo University Faculty of Medicine vs AIIMS New Delhi
| University | Cairo University Faculty of MedicineCairo, Egypt | AIIMS New DelhiNew Delhi, India |
|---|---|---|
| University Type | Public university faculty (University of Cairo) | Government institute of national importance |
| Medium | English (some Arabic useful for clinical years) | English |
| Course Duration | ~6–7 years (MBBCh; Egypt's 5+2 structure) | 5.5 years including internship (MBBS) |
| Tuition (per year) | ~₹5.8 lakh (US$6,000); ~₹45–60 lakh all-in | Nominal (a few thousand rupees per year) |
| Admission | NEET-qualified + strong Class 12 (selective) | NEET-UG (extremely high rank) |
| Recognition | QS-ranked university; WDOMS-listed; ECFMG/WFME; NAQAAE; NMC via FMGE | NMC-recognised |
| World Ranking | QS-ranked; Egypt's top university; Africa's oldest medical school | India's top-ranked medical institute (NIRF #1) |
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Our blog
Medical Education Insights
Articles that turn complex MBBS-abroad rules into simple, practical steps for students and parents.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Short answers to the questions students and parents ask most often about studying MBBS at the Cairo University Faculty of Medicine.
Yes. The Faculty of Medicine (Kasr Al-Ainy) teaches the MBBCh (the MBBS-equivalent) in English, so Indian students study the curriculum in English throughout. Some Arabic is useful for communicating with patients in the clinical/ward years.
Yes. The University of Cairo is Egypt's top university and is genuinely ranked in the QS World University Rankings, and it has historically been strong in medicine and life sciences by subject.
International tuition is about US$6,000 per year (about ₹5.8 lakh), so with Cairo living costs the realistic all-in is roughly ₹45–60 lakh over the programme, affordable for a prestigious, English-taught, QS-ranked option.
It is an MBBCh on Egypt's reformed structure, about 5 years of study plus 2 years of internship/foundation (about 6–7 years). For NMC eligibility, the study duration and internship must map to India's FMGL-2021 (54 months + 12-month internship).
The Faculty is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools and recognised by ECFMG and WFME (and accredited by NAQAAE in Egypt). Indian students can qualify to practise in India by clearing the NMC screening examination (FMGE, transitioning to NExT), provided they qualified NEET before starting and their programme meets the NMC's conditions.
Yes. A qualifying NEET-UG score is required for Indian applicants, and NEET is mandatory for any Indian student who wants to study MBBS abroad and to sit the FMGE to practise in India.
No. This is an honest point. Cairo's Indian student community is small (in the tens, not thousands), so it is a selective, prestige route rather than a mass-market one like Russia or Kazakhstan. Indian and halal food are, however, widely available in Cairo.
No. Egypt is a separate country and is not under the sanctions that affect Russia, so paying tuition from India and travelling are straightforward. Cairo International Airport has good connectivity from India (EgyptAir and Gulf carriers).
Cairo is a vast, historic capital on the Nile, home to the Giza Pyramids (in Greater Cairo), Islamic Cairo and a rich culture, with halal food standard and a comparatively affordable cost of living. Its climate is hot and dry; Cairo is about 3.5 hours behind Indian time.
It is a genuinely prestigious, English-taught, QS-ranked option at Africa's oldest medical school, with an exceptional clinical base at the Kasr Al-Ainy hospitals, at an affordable price. The honest caveats are the small Indian community, the competitive admission, mapping the MBBCh structure to NMC rules, some Arabic for the wards, and clearing the FMGE.
Campus photographs supplied by the client: the Faculty of Medicine administration entrance, the domed University of Cairo landmark tower, and a Kasr Al-Ainy Faculty building. Cairo and Greater Cairo city images courtesy of Unsplash: the Nile with the Cairo Tower, the mosques of Islamic Cairo and the Giza Pyramids (photos by Hatem Ramadan, Omar Elsharawy, Simon and Rosario Janza). The two Student Life photographs show ancient Egyptian temples in Upper Egypt (photos by Calin Stan on Unsplash) and are Egyptian national-heritage travel context, not Cairo University.