Cooperation of universities

The new academic year began at St. Petersburg University in Cairo.

A delegation from St. Petersburg University, led by Marina Yuryevna Lavrikova, First Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, and Sergey Vladimirovich Andryushin, Vice-Rector for International Affairs, visited the Arab Republic of Egypt to participate in the celebrations marking the start of the new academic year.

The visit was part of efforts to strengthen international partnerships and support Russian educational initiatives abroad. Student education at St. Petersburg University in Cairo, established as a strategic project of Russian-Egyptian cooperation, began last year in three core specialist programs: General Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy. More than 340 students successfully completed their first year and transferred to the next year of study.

The project was founded by St. Petersburg University and Modern Group, a company specializing in education, pharmaceuticals, and construction. Upon successful completion of their studies, students will receive diplomas in accordance with St. Petersburg University's educational standards and generally accepted international quality standards.

During the event, the University delegation met with representatives of the Egyptian educational community, as well as with students and teachers of the Russian language. Marat Gatin, head of the Russian House in Cairo, noted the importance of supporting joint initiatives, emphasizing that strengthening educational ties between Russia and Egypt contributes to improving the quality of personnel training, as well as the economic and social development of both countries. He also shared with those present the history of the educational organization and the employment prospects for St. Petersburg University graduates in Cairo.

As part of the 2024 admissions campaign, 400 first-year students were admitted to St. Petersburg University in Egypt. The competitive wave exceeded previous figures, confirming the demand for the offered educational programs and the growing reputation of St. Petersburg University as a qualified educational center training specialists not only in Russia but also internationally, noted Professor Ayman Shafei, Director of St. Petersburg University in Cairo, during the presentation. According to him, the "General Medicine" educational program traditionally attracted the greatest interest from applicants. The high demand for this specialty is explained by the prestige of medical education, the relevance of the profession, and the growing need for qualified medical personnel in Africa.

St. Petersburg University First Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Marina Yuryevna Lavrikova addressed the first-year students with a welcoming speech, emphasizing that St. Petersburg University offers a unique scientific and educational environment in which every student has numerous opportunities to gain theoretical knowledge and practical professional training. The Vice-Rector added that students can not only study their specialties in depth but also participate in scientific activities and research projects to enhance their competitiveness in the labor market. You've become part of our extended family. We're truly delighted to welcome you to our university and are confident that studying at St. Petersburg State University will be an important step toward your career success.

Marina Yuryevna Lavrikova, First Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs at St. Petersburg University.

Earlier, Nikolai Mikhailovich Kropachev, Rector of St. Petersburg University, stated that developing partnerships with the African continent is a priority for St. Petersburg University in establishing cooperation with foreign countries. During a meeting with students, Sergei Vladimirovich Andryushin, Vice-Rector for International Affairs at St. Petersburg University, also confirmed the University's strategic plans.

"St. Petersburg University is one of the leaders in the global educational market and the oldest university in Russia, celebrating its 300th anniversary this year. The University has rich scientific and educational potential, so exporting Russian education is one of our priorities. In this context, partnerships with Egyptian educational institutions appear particularly promising," the Vice-Rector stated. Sergey Andryushin also outlined the next steps for developing international cooperation, which include seminars and master classes featuring leading University faculty, joint conferences covering issues relevant to Russia and its partners in the Arab Republic of Egypt, and the implementation of cultural exchange programs that include student trips to explore the traditions of both countries. As the Vice-Rector of St. Petersburg University notes, such initiatives will allow students not only to deepen their knowledge in various fields but also to foster their personal development, broaden their horizons, and foster friendships.

"St. Petersburg University's immediate plans include collaboration between St. Petersburg University's international branches and the formation of a unified ecosystem of students studying abroad. We want to not only unite students, but also create a platform that provides them with comprehensive support: from assistance in adapting to new conditions and organizing their daily lives to joint educational and research projects," Sergey Vladimirovich shared. The Vice-Rector added that the key goal of the project is to introduce students from different countries to each other, strengthen international cooperation, initiate various interdisciplinary initiatives, and facilitate informal communication.

St. Petersburg University has signed agreements with 26 African countries, including Zimbabwe, Kenya, Gambia, Tunisia, and others. This cooperation aims to expand educational opportunities and cultural exchange between Russia and Africa. Furthermore, one of the key areas is the development and implementation of online courses, which allow students and specialists to access high-quality education without having to travel abroad. Currently, approximately 27,000 African citizens from 50 countries are enrolled in numerous online courses at St. Petersburg University.

Representatives of the Russian Embassy in Cairo emphasized the importance of the University's programs in Egypt, expressing interest in further development, increasing the number of students, and attracting students from other countries in the region. The diplomats also noted that the successful implementation of the project could form the basis for broader cooperation in education, science, and culture, and contribute to the strengthening of bilateral relations between Russia and Egypt.

A gala awards ceremony concluded the event marking the start of the new academic year. The best Egyptian faculty members, who demonstrated outstanding results in teaching and research, were awarded commemorative prizes bearing the University's logo. Special congratulations were extended to Professor Ayman Shafei, Director of St. Petersburg University in Cairo, who played a key role in organizing and hosting the event, as well as in developing cooperation. Under his leadership, strong ties were established, facilitating exchange and cultural interaction. Professor Sherine Abdelmalik, Deputy Director of St. Petersburg University in Cairo, was also recognized for her active work and support of educational initiatives.