President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi has issued a presidential decree to implement four new non-profit private universities, in an attempt to better serve different areas and change the scope of higher education in Egypt, Invest-Gate reports.

The decision will see the establishment of King Salman International University (KSIU) in Sinai, Al Alamein International University in New Alamein, Galala University in El Galala, and New Mansoura University in New Mansoura, according to a Cabinet statement on August 14.

On his part, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said the move is a pathway toward providing high-quality education and enriching the country’s options for higher education in compliance with global standards. It also reflects the government’s goals pertaining to advancing the younger generations.

Minister of Higher Education Khaled Abdel Ghaffar indicated that King Salman University (KSIU) will have three branches, two of which in Sharm El Sheikh and Ras Sudr to extend over 35 and 330 acres, respectively. The third branch will be in South Sinai’s El Tor, spreading over 355 acres.

Students in the four governorates are up to choose from a broad array of majors since the new universities are set to present different non-traditional study programs, specifically designed to fulfill the needs of the local and international labor market, Abdel Ghaffar further stated, without setting any opening dates for the campuses.

Early in August, El Sisi has mandated the Egyptian government to approve the development of several state-run non-profit universities, at a total cost of EGP 30 bn. This includes Suez Canal University in East Ismailia and Port Said University in El Salam City.