PhD Holders in Egypt: What the Data Shows
Key Figures
- In 2019, the total enrolment in PhD programmes in Egypt was 24,435 individuals.
- During the period 2011-2016, about 37,519 PhD degrees were awarded by all Egyptian universities (public mainly), of which ~40% were earned by women.
- In 2016, around 9,016 PhD degrees were awarded in that year alone.
- After 2016, there are some reports that the number of PhD holders dropped significantly. For example, by 2021, according to CAPMAS and other sources, the number of doctoral degree holders was much lower compared to 2009 (which had ~33,800).
Trends & Observations
- Growth until mid-2010s: Egypt saw increasing numbers of people enrolling in PhD programmes and graduating, with female participation rising. doctoral-education.info
- Drop in more recent years: Some reports (e.g. CAPMAS) suggest a sharp decline of PhD graduates and holders after 2016. For example, one article said the number dropped ~91% for all disciplines combined, from ~128,000 in 2016 to ~11,255 in 2022. However, this figure seems extreme and possibly conflating different categories (holders vs enrolments vs specific fields). LinkedIn
- Fields, gender split, and public vs private: Most PhDs are awarded in public universities; female PhD holders make up a substantial share (~40-50%) in many years; disciplines are varied (science, humanities, health, etc.). doctoral-education.info+1
Challenges & Issues
- Underemployment / Mismatch: Many PhD holders struggle to find academic or research positions matching their qualifications. Some PhDs may remain unpaid or work outside their field.
- Duration and Completion Rates: PhD programs sometimes take very long (beyond official expected durations), and completion rates vary. Delays are due to resource constraints, supervisory issues, financial challenges, etc.
- Curriculum Relevance & Funding: Critics say curricula are outdated, research infrastructure underfunded, and supervision not always consistent. This impacts quality and attractiveness of doctoral studies.
Conclusion & What We Don’t Know
There is clear evidence Egypt has historically produced a large number of PhD holders, including increasing female participation, especially in the 2010-2016 period. However, more recently, there are claims of decline in both enrolment and awarded degrees. But the data isn’t fully reliable or up-to-date for recent years.
