The Supreme Council of Universities announced, on Saturday, that the first semester exams will commence on 27 February.
The Council, headed by Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, emphasised the need to apply all precautionary measures against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This would also see crisis committees introduced at different universities to ensure the safety of students and staff.
It agreed to continue the application of hybrid education, which combines physical with online classes, in addition to reducing the number of students in classrooms and laboratories to ensure social distancing.
Students at theoretical colleges will be required to attend classes two days per week, while students at practical colleges will attend classes three or four days per week, the council said.
It also approved the extension of the current academic year for three weeks at all universities, in order to complete the academic curriculums.
Those students who wish to postpone their courses and exams for a year have to submit an official request, the council said.
Those students who are confirmed as having COVID-19 must submit a medical report to postpone their exams, so long as the exams coincide with the period of infection. They will be allowed to continue their exams after recovering from the illness.
Last week, Abdel Ghaffar told the media that students will either take written exams in their faculties, or take online exams for the universities that earlier announced they have the required infrastructure to do so.
