CIRA Education and Badr Universities Partner with Canada’s Ontario Tech University to Launch Groundbreaking Engineering Master’s Programs in Egypt

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”

About Ontario Tech University

Founded in 2002 in the Eastern Greater Toronto Area, Ontario Tech University is a forward-thinking, technology-driven institution committed to advancing knowledge, driving innovation, and shaping the next generation of leaders. Ranked Canada’s No. 1 Research University of the Year in 2023, 2024 and 2025, and among the Top 50 Research Universities nationally, Ontario Tech is home to more than 80 specialized research laboratories across its two campuses in Oshawa. The university offers a diverse range of 105 programs across 6 faculties, including Business and Information Technology, Education, Science, Engineering and Applied Science, Health Sciences, and Social Science and Humanities, preparing students to excel in a tech-focused world through hands-on learning, innovation, and socially conscious problem-solving. Through partnerships with over 1,100 organizations, Ontario Tech equips graduates to make a meaningful impact across healthcare, IT, engineering, and public administration

About CIRA Education

Founded in 1992, CIRA Education is the largest fully integrated education service provider in Egypt’s private sector, delivering a broad ecosystem of learning that spans nurseries, K–12 schools, universities, and professional training. With more than 71,000 students in 30 schools and 3 universities across 13 governorates, CIRA continues to make world-class education accessible to the Egyptian market through a strong network of partnerships with leading international and regional institutions. CIRA’s K–12 platform offers multiple education tracks, including British, American, Canadian, French, German, and National curricula, with students consistently achieving top national and district rankings. Its higher education platform comprises 32 faculties across three universities – Badr University in Cairo, Badr University in Assiut, and Saxony Egypt University – delivering world-class academic instruction and practical experience to more than 34,000 students as of the first term of the 2025/2026 academic year. CIRA’s nurseries platform, the latest addition to the Group’s offering, includes 10 nurseries under 3 brands – Steamulation Hub, KidzGround, and Discovery Campus – each catering to different income segments. Through its integrated platform and strong international partnerships, CIRA remains committed to developing future-ready graduates and advancing education standards across Egypt

About Badr Universities

Established under CIRA’s higher education platform, Badr Universities comprise Badr University in Cairo (BUC) and Badr University in Assiut (BUA), two full-fledged universities offering regionally and internationally accredited programs across a wide range of disciplines, including Engineering, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Business, and Arts. BUC was launched as the Group’s flagship university, establishing a benchmark for quality higher education in Egypt’s private sector, followed by the launch of BUA to extend access to the same world-class academic standards to students in Upper Egypt. Together, the universities maintain a strong network of international academic partnerships to support continuous curriculum development and faculty advancement. With a combined student body of more than 32,000 undergraduates and access to 32 faculties, Badr Universities continue to expand offerings in high-demand and underserved specialties, delivering a globally-aligned undergraduate experience across both campuses