Hundreds of Sudanese Medical Students in Alexandria Face Uncertain Future
Alexandria, August 9, 2025 — Special Report (Sudanile) —
Relief finally came for Sudanese medical students at Alexandria University and their families after the university’s council decided to grant them a 70% reduction in tuition fees, retroactive to the previous academic year.
Between 350 and 400 Sudanese students enrolled in the university’s Faculty of Medicine had been grappling with unexpected financial and administrative challenges since the start of the 2024/2025 academic year. The crisis was triggered by a sudden change in the policy on tuition fees for international students, causing severe disruption and posing a real threat to their academic stability.
The Sudanese Embassy’s Cultural Office confirmed in an official statement that the decision applies to all Sudanese students — whether holding Sudanese, Arab, or foreign high school certificates — and that any overpayments from last year’s tuition would be credited toward the current year.
Policy Change Without Warning
In August and September 2024, Sudanese students applied to Alexandria University on the basis of previous regulations that set a 70% tuition reduction, as in prior years, meaning fees would not exceed USD 2,400 out of USD 8,000. But when it came time to pay, students with Sudanese certificates were charged 50% of the full amount, while those with Arab or foreign certificates were told to pay in full.
The decision, issued by the faculty administration without prior notice, was only discovered when students went to make payments — with no clear official explanation provided.
Withheld Exam Results
Despite paying the first installment (USD 1,000 for Sudanese certificate holders, USD 2,000 for others), students were allowed to attend lectures and complete the first semester. However, the administration withheld exam results from those who had not paid more than half the total fees.
Following interventions by the Sudanese Medical Students’ Association and other student bodies, they were allowed to continue into the second semester and sit for exams — but the results remained withheld. Current indications suggest that the policy will continue for end-of-year results unless the outstanding amounts are paid.
Some students who arrived late due to war-related difficulties in Sudan were denied official consideration for “extenuating circumstances” and were graded pass/fail only in the summer session, disrupting their academic progression.
Psychological Strain and Threat of Expulsion
Students described immense psychological pressure as they faced two difficult choices: either impose an unbearable financial burden on their families — many of whom are struggling under Sudan’s war conditions — or lose the academic year and attempt the costly, complex process of transferring to another university abroad.
Uneven Policies Across Egyptian Universities
Students noted that most other public universities in Egypt continue to apply the 70% tuition discount for Sudanese nationals, making Alexandria University’s stance particularly puzzling in the absence of a unified directive from higher authorities.
Multiple appeals and complaints were submitted to the faculty and university administration, as well as the Sudanese Embassy in Cairo and the Cultural Attaché. The best outcome achieved so far was permission to continue studies, but with results still withheld for those with unpaid balances.
Time Running Out
End-of-year results are expected to be released next week, and students hope the university’s latest decision will resolve the crisis. However, unless the results policy changes, those who cannot complete payment risk losing the academic year or being blocked from advancing to the second year.
Students’ Main Demands
The students have called on the Sudanese Embassy and Alexandria University to:
- Reinstate last year’s 70% tuition discount policy.
- Release withheld exam results and allow students to progress to the second year while a permanent solution is found.
- Standardize tuition policies across all Egyptian public universities to ensure fair treatment of Sudanese students.
This crisis underscores the wider challenges facing Sudanese students abroad, particularly in demanding fields like medicine, which require academic and psychological stability. Students hope their calls will reach decision-makers and that their exceptional circumstances will be met with the flexibility they urgently need.
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The Sudan Media Forum and its member organizations publish this Sudanile report as part of ongoing coverage of the impact of the Sudanese war on higher education and the future of Sudanese students, shedding light on the complex challenges they face overseas.
