CIRA Education, Badr Universities, and Ontario Tech Launch Engineering Master’s Programs in Egypt
CIRA Education, the largest fully integrated private education service provider in Egypt, in partnership with Badr Universities, has announced a strategic academic collaboration with Ontario Tech University to introduce a new generation of internationally accredited postgraduate engineering programs in Egypt.
The partnership aligns with CIRA Education’s internationalization strategy, which focuses on attracting globally recognized academic institutions to Egypt and strengthening the country’s position as a regional hub for internationally aligned higher education. Ontario Tech University, ranked Canada’s No. 1 Research University of the Year among undergraduate universities for three consecutive years, is known for its technology-driven academic model and its guiding philosophy, “Tech with a Conscience,” which emphasizes experiential learning, industry alignment, and applied research.
The agreement was formally signed during a ceremony held on January 12, 2026, marking a significant milestone in advancing postgraduate engineering education at Badr Universities. The initial phase of the collaboration will see the launch of Master’s degree programs within the Faculty of Engineering, with proposed specializations including Mechatronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Automotive Engineering, and Nuclear Engineering.
Beyond academic program delivery, the partnership establishes a broader framework for long-term collaboration, encompassing faculty and student exchange programs, joint participation in academic conferences and seminars, collaborative research initiatives, and the development of short-term academic offerings designed to enhance skills and industry readiness.
Building on the planned launch at Badr University, the agreement also paves the way for CIRA Education to establish future Ontario Tech University branch campuses in East Cairo and Damietta, subject to the necessary government approvals. These campuses are expected to further expand access to globally accredited engineering education, extending Ontario Tech’s technology-focused curriculum and experiential learning model to a wider student base across Egypt.
Dr. Lori Livingston, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Ontario Tech University, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to future-ready education. She noted that bringing Ontario Tech’s hands-on engineering approach to Egypt will empower a new generation of innovators across the Middle East and North Africa, while reinforcing the university’s mission of advancing knowledge through cross-border collaboration.
Dr. Ashraf El-Shihy, President of Badr University in Cairo, described the agreement as a foundation for a new era of engineering excellence in Egypt, highlighting that integrating Ontario Tech’s internationally benchmarked curriculum with Badr Universities’ modern facilities will provide students with direct exposure to Canadian academic standards and global opportunities.
Dr. Hassan El-Kalla, Chairman of CIRA Education, emphasized that the partnership represents a tangible execution of CIRA’s vision to enhance international exposure, academic collaboration, and graduate employability. He added that linking the academic ecosystems of Egypt and Canada supports CIRA’s regional expansion strategy while contributing to the development of high-caliber talent prepared for the global workforce.