From Egypt to the US: A Guide to Credential Evaluation and Academic Equivalency

Blending secular and religious traditions, Egypt’s education system is deeply shaped by its rich history and cultural heritage. With two parallel education systems — the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Al-Azhar system — Egypt provides comprehensive academic and vocational pathways that prepare students for various career and educational pursuits. Among the educational landmarks in Egypt is Al-Azhar University, the world’s oldest continuously operating university, founded in 988 AD, which remains a cornerstone of both religious and secular studies in the country.

In this blog, we will explore the structure of Egypt’s education system, focusing on the stages from primary through higher education, and delve into how Egyptian credentials are evaluated against U.S. academic standards. We’ll also discuss the challenges involved in credential evaluations, especially related to language barriers, and how MotaWord simplifies the process to help Egyptian qualifications be accurately recognized in the U.S.

Overview of Egypt’s Education System

Egypt's education system is well-established, featuring a blend of secular and religious education, with two parallel systems: the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Al-Azhar system. These systems work together to provide comprehensive educational opportunities from primary school through higher education, each playing a critical role in preparing students for various academic and professional paths.

One of the key pillars of Egypt's educational legacy is Al-Azhar University, founded in 988 AD, making it the oldest continuously operating university in the world. Al-Azhar has played a significant role in shaping Islamic education and scholarship, and it continues to be a leading institution for both religious and secular studies. Its academic programs have evolved over the centuries, offering a wide range of degrees in fields such as theology, law, medicine, and engineering. Al-Azhar is recognized globally and remains a center of excellence in higher education in Egypt.

Primary and Secondary Education in Egypt

Education in Egypt is compulsory for children from ages 6 to 14. The system is divided into three main stages: Primary, Preparatory (Lower Secondary), and Secondary Education.

Primary Education

Primary education in Egypt lasts six years (Grades 1-6) and is compulsory. Upon completion, students receive the Shehadet Al-Ibtidaiya (Primary Education Certificate), certifying their completion of the primary education stage.

Preparatory (Lower-Secondary) Education

Following primary school, students enter the Preparatory School (Grades 7-9), which lasts for three years. At the end of this stage, students receive the Shehadet Al-Iadadaiya (Preparatory Education Certificate). This certificate represents the completion of the lower-secondary level, and students are then eligible to move on to the next phase of their education — general or technical upper-secondary education.

Secondary Education

In Egypt, upper-secondary education lasts three years and is divided into two main pathways: academic and technical. Students who follow the academic track complete three years of general secondary education and graduate with the Thanaweya a'Amma, which is Egypt’s General Secondary Education Certificate. This credential is equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma and qualifies graduates for university admission or entry into the workforce.

Alternatively, students in the technical track specialize in fields like Agriculture, Commerce, or Industry, and graduate with one of three specialized certificates: Shehadet Thanawiya Zeraiya (Agriculture), Shehadet Thanawiya Togaraiya (Commerce), or Shehadet Thanawiya Senaiya (Industry). These certificates are comparable to U.S. vocational or specialized high school diplomas, providing students with practical skills for employment or the option to pursue further education in specialized institutions.

Additionally, the Certificate of Nile International Secondary Education (CNISE) is awarded after completing three years of secondary education in a bilingual curriculum at Nile Egyptian Schools. This certificate is equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma and may provide advanced standing for undergraduate studies, depending on the course-by-course evaluation.

Higher Education in Egypt

The higher education system in Egypt is diverse, providing a variety of degrees from undergraduate to postgraduate levels. Students can pursue a variety of programs across public and private universities, each designed to prepare them for professional careers or advanced academic study.

Bachelor’s Degrees

• Baccalaureos: The Baccalaureos is another name used for the undergraduate degree in certain fields, particularly in medical and technical disciplines, and is awarded after six years of study in medicine or dentistry, aligning with the structure of professional degrees in Egypt.
• Lisans: Similar to the Baccalaureos, the Lisans is awarded in various fields, especially in arts, law, and education. This degree typically takes four years to complete and is comparable to a U.S. Bachelor's degree.
• Bachelor of Engineering: The Bachelor of Engineering is typically awarded after five years of study and includes specializations like civil, mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering. This degree is equivalent to a Bachelor of Science in Engineering in the U.S.

Professional Degrees

• Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS): Awarded after completing six years of study in medicine, followed by one year of practical work. This is Egypt’s primary medical degree and is equivalent to a Doctor of Medicine (MD) in the U.S.
• Bachelor of Dental Medicine: Awarded after completing five years of undergraduate study in dentistry. This professional degree prepares graduates to practice as dentists in Egypt and is equivalent to a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) in the U.S.
• Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (BVM): Awarded after completing six years of study in veterinary medicine. This degree qualifies graduates to practice as veterinarians in Egypt and is equivalent to a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) in the U.S.
• Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science: This degree is awarded after completing five years of study in pharmacy, preparing graduates for careers as pharmacists. It is comparable to a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) in the U.S.
• Bachelor of Physical Therapy: Awarded after five years of study in physical therapy, this degree prepares graduates to practice as physical therapists, similar to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) in the U.S.

Master’s and Doctoral Degrees

Postgraduate education in Egypt includes Magistr (Master’s Degree), which typically takes two years to complete and involves advanced coursework and a thesis. The Doctoral Degree (Doktura) typically requires 3-5 years of study beyond the master's, focused on research and dissertation.

Postgraduate Degrees with No Direct U.S. Equivalency

• Doctor of Dental Sciences in Orthodontics: This degree is awarded after completing two years of postgraduate study in orthodontics, including the defense of a thesis. It does not have a direct equivalency in the U.S., but is specialized training beyond the dental degree.
• Master of Dental Sciences in Orthodontics: Similar to the Doctor of Dental Sciences, this degree requires two years of postgraduate study in orthodontics and the defense of a thesis. It provides advanced training but is not directly equivalent to a U.S. master's degree in dentistry.
• Doctor of Science: The Doctor of Science is awarded after at least five years of substantial research, typically in a specialized field of science. While it does not have a direct U.S. equivalent, it is a terminal research degree that demonstrates a high level of expertise and contribution to the field.
• Diploma of Graduate Studies: The Diploma of Graduate Studies is awarded after 1-2 years of postgraduate study but does not require a thesis. It is not considered equivalent to a full Master’s degree and provides specialized knowledge in the field but without the research component that typically accompanies a full Master’s program.

How MotaWord Simplifies Egyptian Credential Evaluation

• Streamlined Process: MotaWord simplifies the evaluation of Egyptian credentials by providing a clear, step-by-step approach. Our team handles all aspects of the evaluation process, ensuring each document is assessed according to U.S. standards for education, employment, and immigration.

• Language Barriers: One of the key challenges in evaluating Egyptian credentials is the language barrier. Most academic documents from Egypt are issued in Arabic, which can complicate the process for U.S. institutions. MotaWord offers professional translation services to bridge this gap. We specialize in translating Egyptian academic documents, ensuring precise and accurate conversion of terms like Shehadet Al-Ibtidaiya and Thanaweya a'Amma. Our certified translations guarantee that the qualifications are fully understood by U.S. universities, employers, and immigration authorities, avoiding any confusion that could arise from misinterpretation. Check out motaword.com/quote to get started with a certified translation of your Egyptian credentials!

• Expert Evaluation: MotaWord’s team of credential evaluation specialists is well-versed in Egyptian academic systems. We ensure that your credentials, whether vocational certificates or medical degrees, are properly aligned with U.S. standards. Our experts provide accurate evaluations that meet U.S. academic, professional, and immigration criteria.

• Enhanced Credibility: With MotaWord, clients receive reliable, certified evaluations that boost credibility with U.S. institutions. Whether you are applying for USCIS petitions, university admissions, or job opportunities, our evaluations ensure your Egyptian credentials are recognized and properly understood, simplifying your journey to academic or professional success.

Summing It Up

Understanding Egypt’s education system and how its credentials compare to U.S. standards is crucial for students, professionals, and immigrants seeking to align their qualifications. From primary education to advanced degrees, Egypt offers a range of credentials that open doors to further education or career opportunities. However, evaluating these credentials requires familiarity with Egypt’s educational framework, including translating Arabic documents and ensuring they meet U.S. standards.

With MotaWord's expertise in credential evaluation and translation services, we make the process clear and reliable, providing accurate evaluations that align with U.S. requirements. Whether for U.S. universities, employers, or immigration authorities, we ensure your Egyptian qualifications are properly recognized. Start your evaluation today at motaword.com/quote/evaluation

Mark Rogers - Head of Evaluation Services at MotaWord

Mark is a credentials evaluator expert with over five years of experience in the industry. Throughout his career, Mark has demonstrated a keen attention to detail and a thorough understanding of international education systems, contributing to his reputation as a trusted authority in the field of credentials evaluation.