Egypt, also known as the Arab Republic of Egypt, is a country in Africa that has top medical universities. Two of the best universities for MBBS here are Ain Shams University and Cairo University, which offer the MBBCh (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) course, recognised as MBBS in India. The country has over 350 Indian students from both universities. The medical degree in the country is recognised by international bodies, including WHO, FAIMER, WFME, and NMC. For Indian students, the medical institutions here are aligned with NMC guidelines. This article will provide an analytical comparison of the two popular MBBS universities of the country to see which is a better choice for Indian students:

About Ain Shams University

Ain Shams University is one of the oldest universities in Egypt, offering medical education with healthcare facilities on campus. The Faculty of Medicine is situated in Abbassia. Since the university is NMC compliant, after the degree, the students can practice medicine back in the country. The Faculty of Medicine in ASU prepares, trains, and equips students with competitive skills to prepare them for learning, teaching, and training in the real-world.

Key Details About ASU

• Founded: 1950

• NMC Compliant: Yes

• Medium of the course: English

• Duration of the course: The medicine course is 7 years (5 years of study + 2 years of internship program)

Student Life at ASU

The campus of Ain Shams University offers a vibrant environment to students worldwide. It offers:

• Activities like cultural, social, scientific, sports, and Art activities for students.

• Medical care for students

• Youth welfare that aims to inculcate a sense of comfort and freedom in the self.

About Cairo University

Cairo University, located in Giza, Cairo, is another top choice for medical students to study MBBS. The university was founded in 1908. For the MBBS degree, CU aligns with the guidelines of the National Medical Commission of India. As per US News & World Report, in 2026, the university holds the first position in Egypt and 221 globally.

Key Details About Cairo University

• Founded: 1908

• NMC Compliance: Yes

• Medium of the course: English

• Duration of the course: 7 years, including 2 years of internship programme.

• Hostel facilities: The university offers hostel accommodation, but that is limited and competitive.

Student life at Cairo University

The campus of Cairo University offers a blend of extracurricular and academic activities. It offers: 

• On-campus residence

• Activities like athletic, artistic, and cultural activities.

• Academic resources like labs, faculties, and clinical practices with a modern touch.

• Opportunities to explore Egyptian culture while organising Indian festivals for Indian students.

A Comparison Between Ain Shams and Cairo University

Both of the universities have the same process to apply for MBBS. It is a tough decision to make a comparison between these two universities because of their quality of education, global recognition, and high-quality education, but here we mentioned a few points to consider.

Comparison between ASU and CU

Which university is a great fit for you?

Although both universities offer a well-structured academic environment, internationally recognised and modern infrastructure, Cairo University is a popular choice due to its rich history, higher rankings, research facilities, and affordable tuition fees. It dominates the global ranking space with better rankings than ASU. However, if you are not averse to hard work, then you can go for Ain Shams University. It has a rigid exam schedule with a fair system that requires consistent study.