Alexandria University: A Legacy of Education and Distinguished Alumni

Alexandria University, a public institution in Alexandria, Egypt, boasts a rich history, diverse programs, and a legacy of producing prominent figures across various fields. From its origins as a branch of Cairo University to its current status as a leading educational center, the university has played a vital role in shaping intellectual growth and contributing to the cultural landscape of Egypt and the Arab world.

History and Background

Founding and Evolution

Alexandria University's establishment began in 1938 as a satellite of Fouad University (later renamed Cairo University), initially housing the faculties of arts and law. The institution gained independence in 1942, named Farouk I University after King Farouk of Egypt. Following the Egyptian Revolution of 1952, the university was renamed Alexandria University.

Notable Events

In 1942, the university established its first three faculties: Medicine, Engineering, and Science, forming the foundation for its academic structure. Alexandria University expanded its international presence in 2010 by establishing a branch in N'Djamena, Chad. In 2021, it founded Alexandria National University to broaden its academic programs and community reach.

Cultural Legacy

Alexandria University maintains a strong connection to Alexandria’s cultural background as a prominent ancient learning and cultural center. The university upholds academic standards while fostering innovation and community outreach to enhance intellectual growth across Egypt and the Arab world, symbolizing intellectual pursuit through its commitment to the ancient Library of Alexandria’s cultural heritage.

Academic Structure

Colleges and Departments

The academic programs at Alexandria University encompass 21 faculties and three institutes, covering diverse subjects. The faculties include:

Faculty of Arts
Faculty of Law
Faculty of Commerce
Faculty of Engineering
Faculty of Science
Faculty of Agriculture
Faculty of Medicine
Faculty of Pharmacy
Faculty of Nursing
Faculty of Physical Education for Girls
Faculty of Physical Education for Boys
Faculty of Fine Arts
Faculty of Agriculture (Saba Basha)
Faculty of Education
Faculty of Dentistry
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Faculty of Tourism and Hotels
Faculty of Specific Education
Faculty of Education for Early Childhood
Faculty of Economic Studies & Political Science
Faculty of Computing and Data Science

The institutes are:

High Institute of Public Health
Institute of Graduate Studies and Research
Institute of Medical Research

Programs Offered

Alexandria University offers diverse undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. Undergraduate programs include scientific fields, engineering studies, medical studies, and social scientific disciplines. Graduate and doctoral studies enable students to pursue specialized research at advanced levels. The engineering faculty offers specialized programs in gas and Petrochemicals Engineering, electromechanical engineering, and biomedical engineering.

Research Institutes

Specialized research centers at the university conduct investigations that advance progress in multiple fields of study:

High Institute of Public Health: Conducts public health research and offers training programs to resolve health issues nationally and internationally.
Institute of Medical Research: Performs biomedical studies to enhance healthcare success rates and investigate diseases that commonly affect the area.
Institute of Graduate Studies and Research: Supports interdisciplinary research by providing academic backing to postgraduate studies in multiple scientific disciplines.

Accreditations and Affiliations

Alexandria University is accredited by the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. The National Authority for Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Education (NAQAAE) has accredited 80% of the university’s faculty. The university maintains international partnerships, strengthening its educational and research potential.

Societies and Student Organizations

Student societies at Alexandria University create an environment that enhances campus engagement, supports student development, and strengthens connections among students, building leadership abilities and experiencing different cultural and disciplinary perspectives.

Types of Societies

Academic Societies: The Society of Petroleum Engineers at Alexandria University Student Chapter helps students boost technical skills and build professional connections. The Alexandria University Chapter of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME) provides marine engineering and naval architecture resources.
Cultural and International Societies: The Students' Union Cultural Committee schedules events to celebrate various cultural traditions.
Sports and Recreation: The Students' Union Sports Committee enables multiple sports events, helping students develop physical fitness and improve teamwork.
Arts and Performance: The Students' Union Artistic Committee encourages artistic expression through theatre performances, music concerts, and art exhibitions.
Volunteering and Service: The Dental Students' Scientific Association of Egypt (DSSA-Egypt) operates from Alexandria University's Faculty of Dentistry.

By joining these societies, students gain valuable career assets and enriched educational experiences that prepare them for future professional success.

Distinguished Alumni

Alexandria University has produced numerous distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields. These individuals exemplify the university's commitment to excellence and its impact on society.

Ahmed Zewail: A 1967 chemistry graduate, Zewail was the first Egyptian to win the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1999 for his work on femtochemistry.
Mo Ibrahim: Graduated in 1969 with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. He later founded Celtel, a mobile phone company, and the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, which promotes good governance in Africa.
Yahya El-Mashad: A 1952 graduate of the Faculty of Engineering, El-Mashad became a renowned nuclear scientist.
Tawfiq Saleh: A 1949 graduate, Saleh was a prominent Egyptian film director and screenwriter.
Boutros Boutros-Ghali: Graduated from the Faculty of Law in 1946 and went on to earn advanced degrees in international law. He served as the sixth Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Farouk El-Baz: Earned a degree in geology in the mid-1950s and became an Egyptian-American space scientist who worked with NASA on the Apollo program.
Mohamed ElBaradei: Earned his law degree in the early 1960s and later obtained a doctorate in international law. He served as the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and was a joint recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005.
Abdel Halim Mahmoud: Graduated in 1939 and later studied at Al-Azhar University and the Sorbonne. He became the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, a leading figure in Islamic scholarship.
Amin Maalouf: Although primarily associated with Lebanon and France, Maalouf spent a brief period studying at Alexandria University and is a renowned author.
Gamal Refai-Ahmed: A 1985 graduate of the Faculty of Engineering, Refai-Ahmed is an Egyptian thermal engineer and a member of the US National Academy of Engineering.
Bahgat G. Moustafa Youssef: A 1997 graduate of the Faculty of Engineering and is an Egyptian computer scientist and engineer.