Suez Canal University Faculty of Medicine Ismailia “Suez Canal University” was founded in 1976 as a community-based institution aimed to serve the Canal Region (Port Said, Ismailia, and Suez) and the Sinai Peninsula. In 1977, one year later, Professors Zuhair Noaman and Esmat Ezzat (God rest their souls) were tasked with establishing the Faculty of Medicine. The college opened its doors to the first batch of 49 students in October 1981, and this first batch graduated successfully in October 1987.
About Suez Canal University Faculty of Medicine Ismailia
Since its initial years, the Faculty of Medicine established itself as being academically strong as well as having an international presence. In June 1979, it was chosen as one of the ten institutions globally to form part of the International Network of Community-Oriented Health Institutes under the auspices of the World Health Organization (WHO). Throughout the years, the network grew to comprise over 300 institutions worldwide. For interest, Professor Zuhair Noaman also chaired this network from 1983 to 1985, and Professor Esmat Ezzat also acted as its General Secretary from 1997 to 2000.
Suez Canal University Faculty of Medicine Ismailia – Table of Contents
- About
- Advantages
- Ranking
- Departments And Course Duration
- Facilities And Infrastructure
- Required Documents
- Eligibility Criteria
- Admission Process
- Benefits
- Privileges And Benefits for Indian Students
- FAQ’s
The Faculty of Medicine has always been at the forefront of contemporary medical education and healthcare innovation in Egypt. It was the first in Egypt to open a Department of Family Medicine in 1980, emphasizing its emphasis on primary care and community health. The college also opened the Clinical Skills Laboratory in 1981, which for several years was the sole one of its type in Egypt. The laboratory subjected students to practice on peers and simulation models instead of patients, allowing for ethical and efficient education. Notably, no student was allowed to see a patient unless he or she had successfully passed a skills test in this laboratory.

Suez Canal University Faculty of Medicine Ismailia Accreditations, Affiliations, Recognitions
In 1986, the faculty continued to develop medical education through the establishment of the Medical Education Development Center, which in 1988 was named a WHO Collaborating Center in Medical Education—the sole one in Egypt. The center was reappointed on multiple occasions, most recently from 2005 through 2009, and took a pioneering role in developing medical education throughout Egypt and the Middle East.
Following its pledge to scientific investigation, the faculty created the Clinical Epidemiology Unit in 1988, which consolidated renowned researchers to enhance evidence-based medicine and public health research. To supplement these scholarly developments, the University Hospital opened in 1993 with 427 general beds and a further 146 beds for specialized surgery and organ transplantation. With 19 operating rooms, the hospital has conducted close to 6,000 operations each year for the last half a decade, making it a principal healthcare provider for the area.
In 2001, the faculty again set new ground by being the first to create in Egypt a Department of Medical Education to train future leaders and medical pedagogy professionals. In 2003, it was the first to create in the nation a Department of Critical Care Medicine, which is an indication of its sensitivity to new healthcare needs.
The Faculty of Medicine’s dedication to quality was substantively acknowledged in 2010 when it became Egypt’s first medical faculty to be accredited by the National Authority for Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Education (NAQAAE). The accreditation was renewed in 2015, cementing its commitment to excellence in education, research, and healthcare provision.
Latest Notifications:
Advantages of Studying in Suez Canal University Faculty of Medicine Ismailia
Pioneering Approach:
The faculty was the first in Egypt to adopt an integrated, problem-based, and student-centered curriculum, focusing on community needs from its inception.
Community-Oriented:
Its primary objective was to develop a relevant medical education program to address the health problems of the Suez Canal governorates.
International Recognition and Support
WHO Collaborating Centre:
The university is a recognized World Health Organization Collaborating Centre, indicating its global influence and commitment to medical education standards.
International Collaboration:
The curriculum’s development involved sending faculty members for training at the University of Illinois and receiving assistance from other innovative medical schools worldwide.
Accreditation and Quality
First Accredited:
The faculty was the first higher education institution in Egypt to achieve national accreditation and has since been re-accredited.
Quality Assurance:
It serves as a model for other schools in the region and actively encourages innovation through workshops and consultancies.
Strong Clinical and Academic Environment
High-Quality Clinical Exposure:
Studying here offers significant and high-quality clinical exposure, preparing students to address real-world health challenges.
Practical Experience:
The curriculum emphasizes practical skills and involvement, providing students with substantial experience through its community-based approach.
Suez Canal University Faculty of Medicine Ismailia – Ranking
Suez Canal University, Ismailia
Suez Canal University is a renowned Egyptian government university established under the guidance and foresight of late President Mohamed Anwar Al-Sadat (may his soul rest in peace).
On October 4, 1975, the cornerstone for the university was laid by President Sadat, commencing an ambitious endeavor to serve the Canal Zone and Sinai. The formal opening came in 1976 through Presidential Decree No. 93, and Prof. Abd El-Majeed Osman Mohamed was named as the university’s first president.
The university was constructed on a vast campus of 1,300 acres with the aim of offering a complete academic setting and also space for expansion in the future. The university began with just three faculties—Engineering and Technology, Commerce and Administrative Sciences, and Petroleum and Mining—at its opening. But soon its vision grew, and many specialized research centers and academic service units were added that worked extensively for the growth of the Suez Canal region.
The academic process started in 1977, and since its inception, Suez Canal University held a special place in Egyptian higher education. Based in Ismailia, a city that at one time represented resilience in the form of a land of fight and struggle, the university was not just conceived as an educational center but as a symbol of reconstruction, progress, and hope for the population of Ismailia. Its purpose went beyond conventional learning, focusing on community service, practical training, and higher scientific research, thus making it a key contributory factor towards national and local advancement.
Throughout the years, the university moved out of its initial base and established three branch campuses in Port Said, Suez, and Arish. All of these branches were vital to expanding educational services throughout the Canal Zone. Later on, these branches expanded and evolved into standalone institutions, a clear indicator of the pioneering role performed by Suez Canal University in raising higher education throughout the country.
Today, Suez Canal University continues to be recognized as one of Egypt’s leading academic institutions, dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement, while carrying forward its historic role in serving the Canal Region and Sinai.
Latest Updates:
Departments And Course Duration in Suez Canal University Faculty of Medicine Ismailia
MBBS Course Duration
-
- The MBBS program at Suez Canal University Faculty of Medicine follows the Egyptian higher medical education system.
- Duration: 6 years of academic study followed by a 1-year compulsory internship/housemanship at university hospitals or affiliated training centers.
- Medium of Instruction: Primarily English, with supplementary courses in Arabic to aid communication with local patients during clinical training.
- Curriculum Structure:
-
- Pre-clinical Years (1–3): Basic medical sciences, foundation subjects, problem-based learning, and laboratory training.
- Clinical Years (4–6): Clinical rotations in teaching hospitals, including internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics & gynecology, psychiatry, and family medicine.
- Internship (Year 7): Hands-on professional training under supervision across major departments.
Departments at the Faculty of Medicine
The Faculty of Medicine at Suez Canal University offers a wide range of basic and clinical departments, including:
Basic Science Departments
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Pathology
- Microbiology & Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Forensic Medicine & Toxicology
- Community Medicine & Public Health
- Family Medicine (first established in Egypt at SCU)
- Medical Education Department
Clinical Departments
- Internal Medicine
- General Surgery
- Pediatrics
- Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Orthopedics
- Ophthalmology
- Otorhinolaryngology (ENT)
- Dermatology & Venereology
- Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences
- Neurology
- Radiology & Medical Imaging
- Anesthesiology & Critical Care
- Emergency Medicine
- Urology
- Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery
- Neurosurgery
- Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Special Units & Centers
- Clinical Skills Laboratory (first of its kind in Egypt)
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit
- Medical Education Development Center (WHO Collaborating Center)
- University Hospital with specialized surgery and transplant units
The MBBS program at Suez Canal University spans 7 years (6 + 1 internship) and provides a comprehensive foundation in both basic sciences and clinical medicine, supported by advanced training facilities and specialized departments.
Facilities And Infrastructure in Suez Canal University Faculty of Medicine Ismailia
The Faculty of Medicine at Suez Canal University (SCU), Ismailia, is equipped with modern infrastructure, specialized units, and comprehensive facilities that support high-quality medical education, research, and healthcare services.
Campus & Academic Facilities
- Lecture Halls & Classrooms – Spacious, air-conditioned, and equipped with multimedia technology for interactive learning.
- Laboratories – State-of-the-art labs for anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, microbiology, pharmacology, and forensic medicine.
- Clinical Skills Laboratory (est. 1981) – The first of its kind in Egypt, where students practice examination and clinical procedures on simulation models and peers before interacting with patients.
- Medical Education Development Center (est. 1986) – Recognized as a WHO Collaborating Center in Medical Education, providing continuous training and innovation in teaching methods.
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit (est. 1988) – Supports advanced research in epidemiology, biostatistics, and evidence-based medicine.
- Library & E-Resources – A large central medical library with thousands of volumes, subscriptions to medical journals, and access to online databases and digital resources.
University Hospital & Healthcare Facilities
- University Hospital (est. 1993):
- Capacity: 427 beds for general services, plus 146 specialized surgery & transplant beds.
- 19 modern operating rooms equipped for advanced surgical procedures.
- Performs approximately 6,000 surgeries annually.
- Specialized centers for organ transplantation, critical care, and emergency services.
- Specialized Clinics & Diagnostic Centers – Radiology, imaging, and advanced diagnostic labs for training and community service.
Student Support & Accommodation
- Hostels & Dormitories – On-campus and nearby accommodations, with facilities for both local and international students.
- Cafeterias & Dining Facilities – Provide affordable, hygienic meals with options suitable for different student preferences.
- Sports & Recreation – Sports grounds, gymnasiums, and recreational spaces to encourage a healthy student lifestyle.
- Cultural & Extracurricular Activities – Student unions, medical clubs, cultural events, and volunteer initiatives.
Technology & Research Infrastructure
- Modern IT Infrastructure with computer labs, e-learning platforms, and digital classrooms.
- Research Laboratories – Well-equipped for postgraduate studies and scientific projects in both basic and clinical medicine.
- Collaborations – National and international partnerships with medical institutions and research organizations, especially under WHO programs.
Suez Canal University Faculty of Medicine provides world-class facilities, from advanced laboratories and simulation centers to a large teaching hospital, combined with strong student support services, making it a hub for both medical education and community healthcare in the Suez Canal region.
Official site For Suez Canal University Faculty of Medicine Ismailia: Click Here
Required Documents For Admission in Suez Canal University Faculty of Medicine Ismailia
- Valid passport (minimum 18 months validity)
- 10th and 12th-grade certificates and mark sheets
- Birth certificate
- Ten passport-sized photographs
- Official invitation letter from the university
- Authorization of all documents by the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi
- Legalization of all documents by the Egyptian Embassy
- Visa fees
- Bank receipt of first-year tuition fee payment
- Medical fitness certificate
Eligibility Criteria For Admission in Suez Canal University Faculty of Medicine Ismailia
- Age: The student should be at least 17 years old
- Academic Qualification: Students must have completed their secondary education or equivalent from a recognized board with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as mandatory subjects.
- Language Proficiency: International students must be proficient in the Chinese language as it is the language of instruction for the MBBS program.
- Entrance Exam: Students must clear the entrance exam conducted by the respective university.
- Health Checkup: International students must pass a medical examination to ensure they are fit to pursue MBBS studies
- No Criminal Record: A police clearance certificate can be procured in order to check whether the candidate is free from a criminal background.
Admission Process For Suez Canal University Faculty of Medicine Ismailia
- Online Application: Fill out the application form and submit the required documents online.
- Fee Payment: Once the university reviews and approves the application, pay the required fees.
- Immigration Process: The university initiates the immigration process and issues an invitation letter after receiving the ministry order.
- Visa Approval: The visa approval process takes around 30 days.
- Screening: The university then undertakes a screening process in which the applicant must determine eligibility for admission to MBBS programs in Ain Shams University.
- Physical Copy of Admission Letter: A hard copy of the admission letter will be sent by the university, which you will need to complete the visa process and enrollment.
- Fly to Egypt: Book your tickets and travel to Egypt to join MBBS. Complete enrollment once you reach there and start with your education.
Get more details about the colleges in Egypt: Click Here
Benefits of Studying at Suez Canal University Faculty of Medicine Ismailia
1. Academic Excellence & Accreditation
- First medical faculty in Egypt to receive National Authority for Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Education (NAQAAE) recognition (2010), renewed in 2015.
- Curriculum designed on problem-based and community-oriented learning, ensuring students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical exposure.
- English-medium instruction for MBBS, making it easier for international students.
2. Pioneer in Medical Education
- First in Egypt to establish a Department of Family Medicine (1980) and a Clinical Skills Laboratory (1981).
- Home to the Medical Education Development Center, a WHO Collaborating Center in medical education.
- Early adoption of modern teaching methods, simulation training, and competency-based education.
3. Strong Clinical Training
- Affiliated University Hospital with 427 beds + 146 specialized surgery & transplant beds, offering vast clinical exposure.
- Over 6,000 surgeries performed annually, ensuring students receive extensive hands-on training.
- Wide range of specialties including critical care, organ transplant, neurosurgery, cardiovascular surgery, pediatrics, OBGYN, and emergency medicine.
4. Research & Innovation Opportunities
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit supports evidence-based medicine and advanced scientific research.
- Opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students to participate in national and international research collaborations.
- Access to modern labs, digital library resources, and research centers.
5. International Recognition & Collaborations
- Member of the International Network of Community-Oriented Health Institutes under WHO.
- Faculty members held leading positions in global networks (Prof. Zuhair Noman as head, Prof. Esmat Ezzat as secretary).
- Graduates are recognized globally and eligible to appear for licensing exams like USMLE, PLAB, FMGE/NExT (India), etc.
6. Affordable & Accessible Education
- Being a governmental university, tuition fees are comparatively lower than many private medical schools in Egypt and abroad.
- High-quality education and clinical exposure at a reasonable cost, making it attractive for Egyptian and international students.
7. Student Life & Support Services
- On-campus hostels, cafeterias, sports facilities, and student clubs create a vibrant student community.
- Active medical student associations encourage participation in cultural, academic, and volunteer activities.
- Supportive environment for both local and international students.
8. Strategic Location & Community Service
- Located in Ismailia, a historically significant and rapidly developing city near the Suez Canal.
- Strong focus on community-oriented health education, where students actively engage in local healthcare projects and outreach programs.
- Excellent connectivity to Cairo and other Egyptian cities.
Privileges And Benefits for Indian Students in Suez Canal University Faculty of Medicine Ismailia
1. Globally Recognized MBBS Degree
- The MBBS program is recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India, enabling graduates to appear for the FMGE/NExT exam to practice in India.
- The degree is also accepted for international licensing exams such as USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), and DHA/MOH (Middle East).
2. English-Medium Instruction
- The MBBS curriculum is taught primarily in English, making it easier for Indian students to follow courses and interact with faculty.
- Basic Arabic is taught to help with patient communication during clinical rotations.
3. Affordable Education & Living Costs
- Being a governmental university, tuition fees are much lower compared to private institutions in Egypt or abroad.
- Cost of living in Ismailia is relatively affordable compared to Cairo or international destinations, making it budget-friendly for Indian families.
4. Strong Clinical Exposure
- Training at the University Hospital with over 427 general beds + 146 specialized beds provides students with exposure to diverse medical cases.
- High surgical volume (~6,000 operations annually) ensures students gain practical, hands-on experience.
5. Hostel & Student Facilities
- Availability of on-campus hostels and dormitories with separate accommodation for international students.
- Cafeteria, Indian food availability (locally), sports facilities, and student unions contribute to a comfortable campus life.
6. Safe & Student-Friendly Environment
- Ismailia is a peaceful, green city located near the Suez Canal, offering a safe and student-friendly environment.
- The city has a sizable international student community, including students from India, Africa, and Arab countries.
7. International Exposure & Research Opportunities
- Opportunities to participate in WHO-supported programs and international research collaborations.
- Early involvement in community health programs, strengthening both academic and social learning.
8. Easier Admission Process
- No entrance exam for admission (direct admission based on eligibility).
- Eligibility: Indian students need to have completed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology and must qualify NEET (as per NMC requirements).
Indian students at Suez Canal University Faculty of Medicine benefit from an NMC-recognized MBBS degree, affordable fees, English-medium instruction, extensive clinical exposure, safe living conditions, and global career opportunities.
FAQ’s
What is the medium of instruction?
The program is taught in English, which is convenient for Indian and other international students. Basic Arabic is also taught to facilitate communication with patients during clinical training.
How is the clinical exposure at the university?
The university hospital performs ~6,000 surgeries annually and provides training across all major specialties, including internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, OBGYN, neurology, cardiothoracic surgery, and transplant units. Students get extensive hands-on clinical experience.
Are hostels available for Indian and international students?
Yes. The university provides separate hostels/dormitories for international students with essential facilities. Affordable accommodation is also available off-campus in Ismailia.
What is the cost of studying MBBS here?
Tuition fees at Suez Canal University are much lower than private medical colleges in India. Along with affordable living costs in Ismailia, it is considered a budget-friendly option for Indian students.
Does the university support student exchange or international opportunities?
Yes, The Faculty of Medicine is part of the International Network of Community-Oriented Health Institutes under WHO and maintains collaborations with international medical schools and organizations, providing opportunities for research and exchange programs.
Also Check: