The Graduate Studies and Research Council at Alexandria University, during its session held on Tuesday morning, May 19, 2026, chaired by Prof. Hisham Saeed, Vice President for Graduate Studies and Research, discussed mechanisms for integrating Micro-Credentials / Micro-Certificates into the university’s postgraduate system. This comes as part of the university’s efforts to develop academic programs and align them with labor market demands and emerging global trends in education.

Prof. Hisham Saeed emphasized that micro-credentials represent a modern educational pathway that enables learners to obtain accredited certificates for acquiring a specific skill or a set of specialized skills over short periods ranging from two weeks to three months. He explained that these certificates can be integrated into the credit hours of academic programs and may also be delivered through e-learning platforms in cooperation with internationally recognized universities.

He further noted that micro-credentials differ from traditional academic degrees such as master's and doctoral programs, as they are characterized by flexibility and a stronger focus on specialized practical skills. They can also be accumulated progressively within various academic programs, contributing to preparing learners for labor market demands and enabling them to keep pace with rapid developments in emerging fields, particularly artificial intelligence, information security, and biotechnology.

Prof. Saeed added that micro-credentials have become an increasingly important global trend and are expected to become a key component of higher education, postgraduate studies, and lifelong professional learning systems in the coming years.

He stressed that Alexandria University's adoption of an integrated micro-credentials framework represents a strategic step toward supporting digital transformation, enhancing international competitiveness, developing human capital, and strengthening the knowledge economy, ultimately reinforcing the university’s regional and international standing.

The Council also reviewed examples of micro-credential programs offered by leading international universities, including Penn State University, Harvard University, and MIT, in addition to discussing a proposal to establish a Higher Council for Micro-Credentials at Alexandria University and define its structure and responsibilities.

During the session, the Council approved the renewal of the cooperation protocol between the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (Alexandria University) and the Ministry of Defense, represented by the Center for Medical Research and Regenerative Medicine, with the aim of supporting and promoting joint scientific research.

The Council also approved forwarding the final amendments to the academic regulations of the Professional Master's Program in Radiopharmacy at the Faculty of Pharmacy to the Supreme Council of Universities.

At the conclusion of the session, the Council extended its congratulations to Alexandria University faculty members, staff, and students on the occasion of the upcoming Eid Al-Adha holiday.