Ashraf AboArafe
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) has organized a workshop to advance transnational education and strengthen the frameworks governing joint and dual academic degrees in Egyptian universities.
Cairo, 8 December 2025 — The DAAD Regional Office Cairo held a workshop titled “Enhancing Transnational Education: Guidelines and Frameworks for Joint and Dual Degrees” from December 7 to 8, 2025, at the Steigenberger El Tahrir Hotel. The event brought together 22 representatives from the administrations of 12 Egyptian public universities under the Dialogue on Innovative Higher Education Strategies (DIES) program—jointly developed by DAAD and the German Rectors’ Conference (HRK) and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
The workshop opened with welcoming remarks from representatives of DAAD, the German Embassy in Cairo, and Egypt’s National Authority for Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Education (NAQAAE). The first day focused on in-depth knowledge of transnational education, accreditation processes, and its governing legal frameworks. The second day featured dynamic participation through practical discussions and applied exercises.
The workshop also highlighted the Egyptian government’s strategic priority to internationalize higher education and enhance its quality, in line with Egypt Vision 2030. Participants were encouraged to apply the insights and knowledge gained to strengthen international collaboration, elevate academic standards, and expand the global presence of their institutions.
The sessions were led by Dr. Youhansen Eid, Executive Vice President of Zewail City of Science, Technology and Innovation and former President of NAQAAE, a distinguished expert in the field. She was joined by two German experts: Ms. Karin Schlott, Head of Finance and Control at the Helmholtz Association, and Mr. Henning Schiff, Executive Director of the Central Agency for Evaluation and Accreditation in Hanover. Ms. Schlott addressed the legal dimensions, while Mr. Schiff reviewed international accreditation standards and procedures. Their contributions helped clarify cross-border education models, accreditation requirements, and legal frameworks.
The program combined presentations, interactive training sessions, group work, and open discussions, enabling participants to apply newly acquired concepts in practical contexts. On the second day, Ms. Susanne Schiffen, Business Consultant and Trainer at the DAAD Kairo Akademie (DKA), concluded the program with a session on negotiation and communication in international settings.
Through this workshop, the DAAD Regional Office Cairo continues to support capacity-building efforts, the internationalization of higher education, and quality assurance in Egyptian academic institutions—reinforcing the foundation of sustainable academic partnerships between Egypt and Germany.
