The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research have signed two cooperation protocols to expand educational opportunities for high-achieving students in need and to support those impacted by the suspension of the USAID scholarship programme. The agreements were signed on Monday by CBE Governor Hassan Abdalla and Higher Education Minister Ayman Ashour. Contents * Comprehensive Scholarships for Outstanding Students * Support for Students Affected by USAID Suspension * Commitment to Human Capital and CSR * Ministry's Perspective and Online Scholarship Platform Under the new protocols, scholarships will be provided to outstanding students benefiting from the Takaful and Karama social protection programme, students exempted from tuition fees by the Ministry of Education during the 2024/2025 academic year, as well as students directly affected by the suspension of USAID-funded scholarships. The initiative will begin in the upcoming academic year. This step, officials said, forms part of Egypt's national vision to achieve sustainable development and social justice, while also enhancing education quality, equity, and equal opportunities. Comprehensive Scholarships for Outstanding Students The first protocol establishes comprehensive scholarships for high-achieving students in need, with priority given to those from border governorates and students with disabilities. The focus will be on scientific disciplines that align with the state's development needs across various regions, ensuring the preparation of a generation capable of innovation and active contribution to sustainable growth. To guarantee the programme's continuity, a dedicated bank account will be established across all institutions in the banking sector to receive donations and contributions from individuals, companies, and charitable organisations. Support for Students Affected by USAID Suspension The second protocol addresses the situation of 846 students affected by the suspension of the USAID scholarship programme. These students, who had previously been granted scholarships by the Ministry to study at private, national, and public universities as well as international university branches in Egypt, will now have their living and accommodation expenses covered. Commitment to Human Capital and CSR CBE Governor Hassan Abdalla stressed that the initiative reflects the Central Bank and the banking sector's strong commitment to supporting the state's sustainable development plans. He underscored that investing in human capital remains a cornerstone of both economic and social progress. "The signing of these protocols marks a practical step toward enabling students to continue their education and fulfil their ambitions without obstacles, thereby contributing to a stronger economy and a more prosperous society," Abdalla said. He also highlighted the Central Bank's efforts to expand the scope of banking sector corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, particularly those targeting education, which he described as "the main driver of development and progress in any society." Ministry's Perspective and Online Scholarship Platform For his part, Minister Ayman Ashour thanked the CBE Governor for his support, noting that this is the first time such protocols have been signed with the Central Bank to support high-achieving students while ensuring close monitoring of their academic performance. He explained that the agreements strengthen the existing scholarship system, which already allows top students to pursue higher education through multiple tracks, including private and national universities, international university branches, and academies affiliated with the Ministry. Ashour also announced the launch of a dedicated online platform for students seeking full scholarships at national universities. The platform will cover tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses, with applications reviewed under transparent criteria designed to ensure fairness and equal opportunity. Eligible students, he said, are encouraged to visit the website and submit their applications.
