About
Al-Azhar University, located in Cairo, Egypt, is one of the world's oldest continuously operating universities and the preeminent institution for Sunni Islamic learning. It is best known academically for its profound contributions to Islamic jurisprudence, theology, and Arabic language, attracting thousands of international students annually seeking deep religious scholarship. While its core strength lies in Sharia, Usul al-Din, and Arabic Language faculties, Al-Azhar also offers a wide range of modern scientific disciplines including Medicine, Engineering, and Agriculture. For international students, Al-Azhar provides dedicated institutes for learning Arabic and Islamic sciences, fostering a unique multicultural environment centered on religious education and cultural exchange. Its distinctive characteristic is its unparalleled historical legacy and global authority in Islamic thought.
Background
Al-Azhar University is a public university in Cairo, Egypt. Founded in 970, and associated with the Al-Azhar Al-Sharif religious institution in Islamic Cairo, it is Egypt's oldest degree-granting university, and one of the oldest universities in the world. It is known as one of the most prestigious universities for Islamic learning. In addition to higher education, Al-Azhar oversees a national network of schools with approximately two million students. As of 1996, over 4,000 teaching institutes in Egypt were affiliated with the university. Founded in 970 or 972 by the Fatimid Caliphate as a centre of Islamic learning, its students studied the Qur'an and Islamic law, along with logic, grammar, rhetoric, and how to calculate the phases of the moon. Today it is the chief centre of Arabic literature and Islamic learning in the world. In 1961 additional non-religious subjects were added to its curriculum. Its library is considered second in importance in Egypt only to the Egyptian National Library and Archives. In May 2005, Al-Azhar in partnership with a Dubai information technology enterprise, IT Education Project (ITEP) launched the H.H. Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum...
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SchoolScout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.