By ; Basel Khaled
CIRA Education (“CIRA” or the “Group”, CIRA.CA on the Egyptian Stock Exchange), the largest fully integrated education service provider in the Egyptian private sector, together with Badr Universities, has announced a strategic academic partnership with Ontario Tech University, a leading Canada-based research and learning institution, to expand internationally accredited postgraduate education in Egypt.
The initiative reflects CIRA’s internationalization strategy, focused on bringing globally recognized academic partners to Egypt and positioning the country as a regional destination for internationally aligned higher education. Ranked as Canada’s No. 1 Research University of the Year among undergraduate universities for the past three consecutive years, Ontario Tech University is a technology-driven institution that offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Guided by its “Tech with a Conscience” philosophy, the university emphasizes industry-aligned, experiential learning and applied research, with particular strengths in Engineering, Energy Science, and innovation-led education. The partnership also lays the foundation for future cross-border academic expansion, supporting global mobility, knowledge transfer, and collaborative research across regions.
The signing ceremony, which took place on January 12, 2026, formalized a strategic partnership aimed at significantly elevating Badr Universities’ profile as a leading platform for advanced, globally-recognized engineering education. The initial phase of the initiative will focus on launching Master’s degrees under Badr Universities’ Faculty of Engineering, with potential programs in Mechatronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Automotive Engineering and Nuclear Engineering. Beyond graduate program delivery, the partnership envisions broader mutually beneficial academic and research activities such as faculty and student exchanges, joint participation in seminars, conferences and academic meetings, and the development of short-term academic programs.
Building on the successful launch at Badr University, the partnership sets the stage for CIRA to open new Ontario Tech branch campuses in East Cairo and Damietta, subject to the required government approvals. These new campuses will further expand access to internationally accredited engineering programs, bringing Ontario Tech’s technology-driven curriculum and experiential learning model to more students across Egypt, enhancing the country’s position as a regional hub for high-quality, globally aligned higher education
"This partnership is a testament to our shared vision of delivering future-ready education that transcends borders," said Dr. Lori Livingston, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Ontario Tech University. "By bringing Ontario Tech’s hands-on, technology-driven engineering model to Egypt, we are empowering a new generation of innovators in the MENA region. We are proud to partner with Badr Universities and CIRA Education, whose commitment to excellence aligns perfectly with our own mission to advance knowledge through cross-border collaboration."
"The agreement lays the foundation for a new era of engineering excellence in Egypt," added Dr. Ashraf El-Shihy, President of Badr University in Cairo. "Integrating Ontario Tech’s internationally benchmarked curriculum with our modern facilities and dedicated faculty will provide our students with an unparalleled educational experience, directly connecting them to Canadian academic standards and opportunities abroad."
"This partnership is a powerful execution of our vision to foster international exposure, academic collaboration and regional employability," concluded Dr. Hassan El-Kalla, Chairman of CIRA Education. "By bridging the academic landscapes of Egypt and Canada, we are accelerating our regional expansion, fulfilling our promise to deliver transformative education, and directly contributing to the development of high-caliber talent ready for the global stage."
