As part of Ain Shams University’s strategy to strengthen its international academic presence and expand global partnerships, and under the patronage of Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University, Prof. Amr Shaat, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, and Prof. Marwa Khalifa, Vice Dean for Graduate Studies and Research, paid an academic visit to the Faculty of Architecture at the Mediterranea University of Reggio Calabria, Italy. The visit aimed to enhance international academic cooperation and explore opportunities to further expand the strategic partnership between the two institutions.

During the visit, meetings were held with Ain Shams University students and graduates currently studying at Mediterranea University under the Dual Degree Program. This program represents one of the leading models of international academic cooperation in architecture and reflects Ain Shams University’s commitment to the internationalization of education and aligning its academic outcomes with European and international standards.

This partnership dates back to 2018, when the Faculty of Engineering at Ain Shams University signed an academic cooperation agreement with the Faculty of Architecture at Mediterranea University, one of Italy’s most prestigious institutions specializing in architecture. The agreement aims to offer students a dual degree combining a Bachelor of Architecture from Ain Shams University and a Master’s Degree in Architecture from the Italian university.

The program allows students to complete three years of study at the Faculty of Engineering, Ain Shams University, followed by two academic years at Mediterranea University in Italy, providing them with valuable international academic and professional experience that prepares them to compete in the global job market.

Over the past years, the program has achieved remarkable success, graduating approximately 100 students with dual degrees. Many of these graduates are currently employed at leading architectural design firms and consulting offices across Europe, while others have continued their academic journeys through doctoral studies at Mediterranea University.

The academic collaboration between the two universities also resulted in distinguished Egyptian participation in the 2023 Venice Architecture Biennale through the “NiLab” project, which received significant international recognition and acclaim. This achievement reflects the outstanding academic standards of Ain Shams Engineering students and graduates and their ability to excel and compete on the global stage.

This partnership aligns with Ain Shams University’s strategy of strengthening cooperation with leading international universities and providing advanced educational and research opportunities that contribute to preparing highly qualified professionals capable of leading the future of architecture and sustainable development both locally and internationally.