Track and Sector in Egyptian Higher Education: Who Studies Where and Why?

Overview & Synopsis

Following the 1952 revolution, the Egyptian higher education system grew rapidly, with post-secondary institutes complementing the expanding university system. Private post-secondary institutes were permitted from 1970; in the early 1990s financial constraints and pressures for cost recovery prompted legislation allowing private universities. In the face of expansion, diversification, and partial privatization, concerns have arisen about equity in higher education opportunities. The 2014 Survey of Young People in Egypt is used to examine correlates of higher education track placement and of sector placement within tracks. We produce secondary score and wealth profiles of students in selected fields, specific for track and sector. Analysis shows who studies where and suggests reasons why. Attending a particular track and sector in higher education is driven: (1) primarily by scores on the secondary school leaving exam; and (2) secondarily by the ability to pay for private higher education. [Note: The year shown on the PDF (2019) is incorrect. The correct year is 2020.]