Cairo, Egypt – 17 October 2026: NOVA University Lisbon celebrated a historic milestone with the graduation of its inaugural class in Egypt during a ceremony hosted by its branch campus in Egypt.
The Knowledge Hub Universities (TKH) on Saturday, 17 October 2026. The occasion marked a significant chapter in the university’s presence in Egypt, celebrating the achievements of its first graduates and welcoming them into the NOVA alumni community.
The ceremony brought together distinguished figures from higher education, government, diplomacy and industry, including Professor Paulo Pereira, Rector of NOVA University Lisbon; Professor Shahira Samir, President of The Knowledge Hub Universities; Dr Ghada Abdel Bari, Secretary-General of the International Branch Campuses council; Her Excellency Dr Susana Vaz Patto, Ambassador of Portugal to Egypt; Dr Mahmoud El Metini, Head of the Board of Trustees of The Knowledge Hub Universities, Eng Ahmed El Sewedy, President and CEO of Elsewedy Electric; and Eng Sadek El Sewedy ;Founder and board member of El Sewedy Education ; f The event also welcomed Professor Francisco Caramelo, NOVA Branch Director, alongside academic leaders, faculty members and other distinguished guests.
The graduation marked a defining moment for NOVA University Lisbon in Egypt, as its inaugural graduates became the first to complete their academic journeys with the university in the country. Throughout their studies, they contributed to building its academic community and establishing a foundation for future generations. Their achievement represents not only the culmination of years of academic work, but also a lasting place in the history of NOVA University Lisbon in Egypt.
As the highest-ranked European Union University in Egypt, according to QS, NOVA University Lisbon brings its academic experience and international outlook closer to students in the region. Through its presence in Egypt, the university enables students to pursue a European university education while remaining close to home, strengthening the academic connection between Portugal and Egypt.
Addressing the occasion, the university’s leadership and distinguished guests highlighted the importance of international academic collaboration and the role of higher education in preparing graduates to contribute to their professions and communities. Mariam Assaf, representing the inaugural graduating class, reflected on the students’ shared journey and the significance of being part of NOVA University Lisbon’s first graduating cohort in Egypt.
Graduates from three schools of NOVA University Lisbon received their diplomas during the ceremony, marking their entry into the university’s alumni community:
- NOVA Information Management School (NOVA IMS): BSc Information Management.
- NOVA School of Business and Economics (NOVA SBE): BSc Management.
- NOVA School of Science and Technology (NOVA FCT): BSc Environmental Engineering and BSc Industrial Engineering and Management.
The diploma presentation was attended by Professor Paulo Pereira, Rector of NOVA University Lisbon; Professor Shahira Samir, President of The Knowledge Hub Universities; and Professor Francisco Caramelo, NOVA Branch Director. The schools were represented by Professor Miguel Neto, Dean of NOVA IMS; Professor Ana Balcão Reis, Associate Dean of NOVA SBE; and Professor José Alferes, Dean of NOVA FCT.
As NOVA University Lisbon celebrates its inaugural graduating class in Egypt, the milestone represents both an achievement for the graduates and an important step in the university’s continued presence in the country. The founding graduates will forever hold a distinctive place in its history, having opened the way for future cohorts to build on the foundations they helped establish.
About NOVA University Lisbon
NOVA University Lisbon is a Portuguese public university with an international outlook, offering education and research across a range of academic disciplines. Through its presence in Egypt, in partnership with The Knowledge Hub Universities, NOVA University Lisbon extends its academic opportunities to students in the region, connecting them with a European university education while studying in Egypt.
About The Knowledge Hub Universities
The Knowledge Hub Universities (TKH) is an international higher education campus located in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital. Through partnerships with international universities, including Coventry University and NOVA University Lisbon, TKH brings international higher education opportunities to students in Egypt, enabling them to pursue internationally recognised degrees while studying locally.
