1 Frequently Asked Questions
1- For how long has NU been in the market?
The presidential decree for establishing the University was issued in July 2006, followed by official inauguration ceremony on January 11th, 2007.
2- Have any students earned their degrees yet?
NU has graduated one EMBA class in September 2007. In spring andsummer 2009, the second EMBA class and the first group of MOT, WIT and SWE students earned their degrees. 3- How many students do you currently have?
NU currently has over 250 graduate students in 9 Masters Programs, and 47 undergraduates. 4- What is unique about NU? What can NU offer me that does not exist at other private
universities?
NU points of strength could be summarized as follows: - High quality education at competitive prices.
- High quality faculty, experienced in teaching and active in research.
- Curricula benchmarked to international standards for engineering and business accreditation.
- Curricula comparable to top universities abroad, but tailored to the needs of the Egyptian market.
- Unique features/specializations in the programs offered.
- International collaboration with reputable universities and institutes.
- Alliances with industry leaders that facilitate internships for students and recruitment opportunities for graduates.
- Positive reputation.
- Opportunity for undergraduate students to pursue post graduate studies at NU. - Opportunities for students to receive scholarships and student loans.
- Better equipped to adapt curricula and facilities to the rapidly changing technological environment.
5- Do you facilitate internships and/or employment opportunities after graduation? NU has alliances with industry leaders and business partners who can offer internship opportunities for students especially that internships/service learning allconsidered a university general education requirement. NU strong ties to business make employment
opportunities after graduation also available. The university has designateda career counselor office to help students in this respect.
6- Are the programs accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education? Yes.
2 7- Are the degrees recognized abroad? Can I pursue graduate studies inside and outside
Egypt?
The degrees are recognized both locally and internationally. Students can pursue graduate studies inside and outside Egypt. They can also pursue Masters Degrees at NU with a possibility of a reduction in their Masters graduation requirements.
8- Is the degree awarded solely by NU or is there an international partner?
The degree is awarded by NU. However, undergraduate students, especially juniors and seniors, will benefit from the experience of the visiting professors teaching in the graduate programs who will be invited to classes to give presentations and case studies. NU has collaboration with the following international partners:
- The IESE Business School, University of Navarra, Spain.
- The University of Minnesota Center for Development of Technological Leadership.
- The University of Miami.
- The International Association for Management of Technology. - The Carnegie Mellon Software Engineering Institute (SEI) - The Software Engineering Competence Center (SECC).
- The Electrical & Computer Engineering department (ECE) and the Institute of Sensor Systems (ISS) at the Ohio State University.
- The University of Central Florida (UCF) Center for Advanced Transportation Systems Simulation (CATSS).
- Johns Hopkins University. - Imperial College of London. - Northwestern University.
9- What is the education system? Credit hour? Fixed-curricula? Lecture versus tutorials? What are the graduation requirements for each degree?
Coursework, grading and graduation requirements are all functions of the credit hour. In general, a credit hour represents a one-hour class period and three hours of individual study each week for one semester.
Classes are limited to a maximum of 50 students and most of them are divided into 25- student tutorials. All English classes and labs are limited to 25 students.
The graduation requirements for each degree are listed below:
The Bachelor of Business Administration degree # of credits
Degree Requirements 120
The Computer Engineering degree # of credits
3 The Electronics and Communications Engineering degree # of credits
Degree Requirements 172
The Industrial and Service Engineering and Management degree
# of credits
Degree Requirements 172
10-Do you have double majors? What are the rules? Will I get one or two degrees? Students have the advantage of declaring two majors under the following conditions:
- Meeting the admission requirements of both majors taking into account that some majors may not accept double majoring with certain related or unrelated fields.
- Declaring the second major anytime before reaching the graduating senior class. - Having a minimum GPA of 2.5 at the time of declaration of the second major. - Getting approval from advisors of both majors.
Students with double majors must have a clear understanding that they must fulfill the graduation requirements of both majors and that only one degree will be awarded as per the student's decision. However, students are eligible to receive transcripts for all coursework in both majors. In respect to the second major, students will follow the degree requirements of the Catalog of the year of the second major declaration.
Courses that are listed among the requirements for both majors will be counted towards the requirements for each major. It is highly recommended for double major students to be in close contact with the faculty advisors of both majors.
11-Can I declare a minor? What is the policy?
Students may declare a minor if they satisfy the requirements set by the program. Students must complete a minimum of 15 credit hours to be awarded the minor. Courses that are listed among the requirements for both the major and the minor will be counted towards the requirements for the major and the minor.
12-How many sessions are there in the academic year?
In the first couple of years, there will be only fall and spring semesters and a summer session. Regular semesters are 15 weeks long plus an exam period. Summers are 4 to 6 weeks long as time allows. As the university grows, a winter session and a short summer session could be added.
13-What is the normal academic load per semester?
During Fall and Spring semesters, the minimum academic load for full-time non-science majors is twelve credit hours while the maximum is sixteen. For engineering majors, the
4 minimum is fifteen credit hours while students can take a maximum of nineteen credit hours.
For summer and winter sessions, the maximum academic load for full-time students is seven and four credit hours respectively.
14-What are the accepted means of payment?
NU accepts cash payment, Visa and Master Card credit cards, certified checks and bank transfers to NU accounts.
15-Do you have a bank branch on campus?
NU has opened bank accounts for tuition payment at the CIB and HSBC located at Dandy Mall which is 5 minutes far from NU campus.
16-Where is the new campus (Sheikh Zayed facilities)?
NU campus is located at Juhayna square in Sheikh Zayed City, 20 minutes away from the Center of Cairo. It is designed in such a way to provide the most appropriate scientific environment that supports a “research” university. Graduate studies have been hosted at NU facilities in the Smart Village.
The 127 acres campus provides complete service facilities for students and faculty as well as new technology start-ups and is divided as follows:
- Education and Research Area - Supporting Activities
- Investment Opportunities - Utilities
17-Do you offer transportation service? To which areas? How frequent? How much are the fees and do they defer according to location?
Yes, there are pick-up points in Cairo, Helwan, Giza and 6 October. Buses will move to and from the university twice per day:
- Arrival to NU: 8:45 am and 10:15 am - Departure from NU: 1:30 pm and 4:30 pm
Bus fees are fixed and are based on location. Fees amount to LE 1200 per semester for 6th of October and vicinity and LE 1800 per semester for other locations.
18-What are the admission requirements?
Abiding by the rules and regulations set by the Ministry of Higher Education, Nile University ensures that all applicants submit completed applications including official primary and secondary school academic transcripts and certificates proving that they have completed at least eleven years of education prior to their enrollment at any university undergraduate program. All academic records must be translated (and certified) into either English or Arabic.
5 In addition, all applying students are required to show proof of English proficiency by passing Nile University English Placement Test or submitting an acceptable TOEFL score. Scores from the English Placement Test/TOEFL will determine the English entry course-level for students.
19-What is the minimum GPA for admission?
NU will accept students with GPA 70% or equivalent.
20-What certificates and scores does NU accept for admission?
In its admission, Nile University follows the general rules and guidelines set by its office of admission and the Ministry of Higher Education. For more details, refer to the admission policy.
Criteria for the main certificates accepted are listed below: Thanaweya Amma
Nile University accepts a score of at least 70 percent for Egyptian Thanaweya Amma. For any engineering major two math courses, physics and chemistry are required. If one course is missing, students must take an equivalent substitute in their first semester. For Thanaweya Amma from Arab countries, a score of at least 75 percent is required. For engineering majors math, physics and chemistry are required.
American High School Diploma
Nile University considers admission of a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 (on a scale of 4.0). Students must have passed a minimum of 8 courses of one credit each, including the qualifying subjects for the chosen major, all of which should have been passed in the 12th grade. Students may have completed some of the subjects from the 11th or 10th grade with a maximum of 2 subjects. Students must submit SAT I scores with minimum of 1200 and SAT II for engineering majors with a minimum of 900.
Students who have scored high on Advanced Placement (AP) courses may be granted transfer credits.
For engineering majors, Math (pre-calculus, calculus is recommended), physics and chemistry, which are covered in grades 10, 11 or 12 are required.
IGCSE/GCSE/GCE
For admission at Nile University the following eligibility criteria applies:
Applicants have to submit certificates of 8 subjects at the O-Level with a minimum grade of "C" (these may only be in the extended and not in the core system) or 7 subjects at O-Level + one subject at A-O-Level or AS-O-Level, with a minimum grade of "C" at O-O-Level and "E" at A-Level or AS-Level subjects. Subjects must be completed in the three and a half
6 years prior to university enrollment. Applicants who have completed Advanced Level subjects may be granted transfer credits.
For engineering majors, four O-Level science courses (math, physics, chemistry and information technology), two AS-Level science courses (math, physics or chemistry) or one A-Level math course are required.
International Baccalaureate
Applicant should have completed the Baccalaureate diploma degree and satisfied its general requirements. Transfer credit may be granted.
For engineering majors math, physics and chemistry at the advanced level are required. French Baccalaureate
Nile University accepts applicants with a minimum average of "passable" grades. Transfer credits may be granted.
For engineering majors math, physics and chemistry are required. German Abitur
Nile University accepts admission of applicants with a minimum average of 4.0. Transfer credits may be granted.
For engineering majors math, physics and chemistry are required.
For other certificates of other countries, Nile University follows the general rules set by the Ministry of Higher Education.
21-How many credit hours could be transferred for IB/Abitur/French Bac./British Certificates holders?
Nile University grants transfer credit for advanced level subjects completed at the secondary school education granting the certificates mentioned above. Transfer credit is granted for coursework that is comparable in content and scope as well as to the appropriateness and applicability of credits to the courses at Nile University.
Nile University grants transfer credits for main subjects according to the following classification:
German Secondary School Certificate-Abitur
Transfers are up to 30 credits for academic subjects with scores of ten or more (out of 15).
French Baccalaureate II
Transfers are up to 30 credits for academic subjects with advanced level scores of minimum 14 (out of 20).
British Certificates (GCE Advanced Level)
7
International Baccalaureate Diploma/Certificate
Nile University grants up to 30 transfer credit for higher level academic subjects with grades of five, six, or seven (out of seven). Also, up to 15 credits of lower-division general elective transfer credit for the completion of the IB Diploma with a minimum total point of 30. No transfer credits are granted for subsidiary level subjects.
22-Will NU allow acceptance into majors from the gate versus declaration of major during the 1st year or a combination of both?
NU will accept students into majors from the gate and will also accept non-declared majors. The latter group must declare a major during their first year of study.
23-Does the university admit quotas from each high school certificate or does it convert them all to a unified scale?
All degrees will be converted to a unified scale.
24-Do you admit High School Diplomas based on their GPA only or require SAT and develop a weighted index of both criteria?
According to the MOHE policies, a combined index of GPA (40%) and SAT1(60%) is used. SAT2 is required for Engineering and could be used as a bonus.
25-What are the dates of the English placement tests?
English admissions tests will be offered on a weekly basis every Wednesday starting July 1st.
26-What is your English placement policy?
A score of 61 on iBT (internet-based TOEFL) or passing NU English test. 27-How much are the fees for the Intensive English course?
Students will be charged 50% of the nominal tuition rate, i.e. LE 950 per cr hr or LE 14,250 for this course.
28-Does the SAT exempt students from the English placement test? What SAT score do you require?
No, it does not. Students’ evaluation is based on a combined index of their scores in high school and the SAT score.
29-Is there any advantage for excellence in sports?
A maximum of 5 slots are available for national accomplishments. Priority is given to the top two first places in national sports competitions. Students must maintain their sports achievement to be able to maintain the tuition reduction during their study years at NU. A 20% reduction in tuition, in addition to existing scholarships applies. To maintain the sports scholarship, students must maintain their sports achievement throughout their study years at NU and carry a full academic load.
8 30-When does the fall 09 semester start?
First day of classes is Sunday October 11th 2009.
31-How and where do we apply? What is the application fee? Is it refundable?
Students may apply at NU admission office. The application fee is LE 300 and it is non-refundable. Upon acceptance, students must pay a place reservation fee of LE 5000 which is deductible from their first semester tuition. In case of withdrawal anytime before a month from the first day of classes, students will be refunded LE 2500.
32-What are the documents required? A complete application package includes:
- Undergraduate Application Form - Computerized Birth Certificate
- Copy of ID or passport (for non-Egyptians)
- Official Secondary School Certificate and Transcript or Grade Sheet and Proof of completing 11 years of schooling
- Proof of English proficiency (mainly ibt TOEFL or NU test) - Six recent passport size photos
- Military Service Status "Namouzag 2 gond" (for Egyptian male students only)
- Non-refundable application fee
- Financial Aid Application Form (if needed) 33-Can we apply online?
You can download the application from the website, fill it in and submit it with the required documents at NU admission office.
34-Who are the contact persons for admission? Ms. Ola Ismail Tel: (202) 35342124 E-mail:oismail@nileuniversity.edu.eg Ms. Nora Sadek Tel: (202) 35342016 E-mail:nsadek@nileuniversity.edu.eg Ms. Nancy El Sherbiny Tel: (202) 35342128 E-mail:nelsherbiny@nileuniversity.edu.eg Ms. Noha Nosseir Tel: (202) 35342066 E-mail: nnosseir@nileuniversity.edu.eg
9 Ms. Nada Barakat
E-mail: nbarakat@nileuniversity.edu.eg
35-What is the admission deadline? Thursday August 27th, 2009. 36-What are the working hours?
NU official working hours are from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Sundays through Thursdays. 37-What are your sports facilities?
The sports facilities of the Smart Village club will be made available for NU students during the first semester.
38-What is NU policy about textbooks?
Text books are sold to students in NU bookstore. Textbook prices are not included in the tuition fees.
39-Is there a food court or university restaurant?
NU is currently operating out of the Smart Village. There is a cafeteria in B2 building and a restaurant at the Smart Village club. As for the Sheikh Zayed campus, there will be a restaurant and several food stands.
40-Is student housing available? Is there an office at NU that can help us finding housing opportunity in the area?
Currently, this service is not available. However, NU will facilitate finding decent accommodation for students requiring this service.
41-Is there a clinic on-site? Yes.
