EgyptStudy and training
Egypt student visa and study residence permit
Student residence permit (temporary residence for study)
In short
International students admitted to an Egyptian university, institute or school receive a one-year temporary residence permit for non-tourism purposes, issued on the basis of their registration certificate. The Ministry of Higher Education’s Study in Egypt portal handles admissions and advises students to start the visa process early.
Apply on Study in Egypt (Ministry of Higher Education) checked 23 October 2026
Key facts
- Validity
- One year, renewed each year of study.
- Fee
- EGP 533.10Ministry of Interior fee for a one-year non-tourism residence permit; EGP 503.10 for less than a year. Tuition and university fees are separate.
- Work
- The student permit is granted for study; employment needs a separate Ministry of Labour work permit.
- Family
- Parents of children studying in Egypt who hold a study permit can receive a one-year residence.
- Where to apply
- Admission online through Study in Egypt or the institution; entry visa from an Egyptian mission or, where allowed, at entry; residence permit in Egypt.
Who qualifies
Students enrolled at Egyptian universities, institutes and schools qualify for the one-year study residence, based on the registration certificate issued by the institution. Study in Egypt, run by the Ministry of Higher Education, is the government gateway for international admissions to Egyptian universities.
Visa before travel
Study in Egypt notes that visa rules depend on nationality and length of programme. Students from Lebanon, Iraq, Algeria, Morocco, Iran, Tunisia, Palestine, Libya and Syria must obtain a visa from the Egyptian embassy in their country before arriving. The portal lists a passport valid for at least six months, two photos on a white background, the application with its fee and proof of sufficient funds.
Students who cannot use a port-of-entry visa obtain the entry visa from the Egyptian embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence, presenting the admission letter; the Egyptian consulate in Washington asks prior-approval applicants for school registration with student visa requests.
Required documents
Identity
- Two photos on a white background
Travel
- Passport valid for at least six months
Money
- Proof of sufficient funds for the period of study
- Residence permit fee (EGP 533.10 for one year)
Study
- Admission letter and, after enrolment, the registration certificate of the institution
Fees
EGP 533.10 for a one-year permit and EGP 503.10 for a shorter period, as published by the Ministry of Interior. Tuition is set by each institution.
Getting the residence permit
After registration, the student applies to the Passports, Emigration & Nationality Administration for a temporary residence permit for non-tourism purposes, presenting the institution’s registration certificate. Appointments are booked through the Ministry of Interior residence system.
- Apply for admission through Study in Egypt or directly to the institution.
- Check whether your nationality must obtain a visa from an Egyptian embassy before travel, and apply there with your admission letter if so.
- Travel to Egypt and complete enrolment to obtain the registration certificate.
- Book a residence appointment with the Ministry of Interior.
- Submit passport, registration certificate, photos and fee at the passport office.
- Renew the permit each academic year before it expires.
Renewal and travel
Renew each year with a new registration certificate. During a valid non-tourism residence, trips abroad of up to 6 months need no re-entry visa.
Parents and family
The Ministry of Interior grants a one-year residence to parents of children studying in Egypt who hold a study permit, so a parent can accompany a school-age child.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa before travelling to Egypt to study?
You need an entry visa; whether you can get it at the port or must apply in advance depends on your nationality. The tourist e-Visa does not cover study. Nationalities on the advance-visa or security-approval lists apply at an Egyptian mission with the admission letter.
How long is the student residence valid?
One year at a time, renewed with each new registration certificate.
Can my parent live with me while I study?
Parents of children studying in Egypt with a study permit can receive a one-year residence.
Can I work while studying in Egypt?
The student permit is for study. Paid work requires a separate work permit from the Ministry of Labour.
Official sources
- Study in Egypt (Ministry of Higher Education) — Student visa requirements
- Ministry of Interior, Passports, Emigration & Nationality Administration — Temporary residence for non-tourism purposes (one-year permit categories and fees)
- Ministry of Interior, Passports, Emigration & Nationality Administration — Re-entry visas for residents
- Embassy of Egypt in Washington DC — Visa requirements (consular tourist and business visas, pre-approval list)
- Ministry of Interior of Egypt — e-services (residence permit appointments)
Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.
Other visa types for Egypt
Visits and short stays
- Tourist visa Processing time: Set by each mission. The Egyptian consulate in Washington allows at least 10 business days, and 6 to 8 weeks for nationalities needing prior security approval.
Business and self-employment
- Business visa Processing time: Set by each mission; the Washington consulate allows at least 10 business days, longer where security approval is required.
- Investor visa Validity: Five years, renewable. During company set-up: one year, renewable for six months or a year through GAFI.
Work
- Work visa Validity: Residence permit for work: one year, renewable together with the work permit.
Family
- Family reunification visa Validity: Follows the sponsor’s permit: one, three or five years.
- Spouse and partner visa Validity: Wives and widows of Egyptians: five years. Foreign husbands of Egyptian women: three years, or one year under the wife’s sponsorship. All renewable.
Residence
- Residence permit Maximum stay: Tourist residence: up to one year per permit, renewable.
- Golden visa and residence by investment Validity: One, three or five years depending on property value; renewable while the property is held.
Online travel permits
- Visa on arrival Maximum stay: South Sinai permit: 15 days, limited to the designated areas. For the port-of-entry visa the stay is set at entry; the Ministry page does not publish a fixed number of days.
- e-Visa Processing time: No fixed time is published; the portal asks you to apply at least 7 days before departure and emails you when a decision is made.
Protection
- Asylum and international protection Validity: UNHCR white certificate: 6 months; yellow asylum-seeker card: 18 months; blue refugee card: 3 years. UNHCR-registered refugees are listed for the three-year residence permit.