Dr. Rasha Saad Sharaf, Secretary-General of the Education Development Fund affiliated with the Prime Minister's Office, revealed the details of the implementation of the Japanese educational model "Kozon" in coordination with the Ministries of Education, Technical Education, Higher Education, and Scientific Research, as well as details about the study at the Egyptian-Japanese Kozon College and how to enroll, along with the Food University, in an interview with "Youm7" newspaper. Here are the full details:

First, we would like to know the role of the Education Development Fund?

The role of the fund is to create innovative educational models, which are then handed over to the relevant ministry or entity for expansion. This is what happened with the Nile Schools model, where 10 schools were established with international standards and curricula, along with specific admission policies and tests. This model is globally recognized, and it was expanded by the Ministry of Education. It is important to note that the fund does not stick to the educational model but rather ensures that the initiative or educational model becomes sustainable. This is not the role of the Education Development Fund; it is the role of the relevant ministry or body, whether the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, or the Ministry of Industry.

What are the criteria for choosing an educational model?

The most important criterion is that the model must be generalizable and meet the needs of both local and international labor markets for graduates.

Recently, the Japanese "Kozon" educational model was announced. What are the details?

Kozon is a technological and applied engineering education system that serves the industrial sector, alongside other models. Egypt has always been interested in Japanese education because it includes competencies that graduates acquire, focusing on building professional personalities, awareness of safety standards during work, productivity, quality, and discipline.

How can one enroll in the Kozon Japanese system, and what qualifications do students receive?

The Kozon system's college is located in the 10th of Ramadan City, near the industrial area, to facilitate the dissemination of the experience in the best-suited location, which is the industrial zone. The Japanese model is based on high standards in terms of space and equipment. Not all schools are suitable for hosting the Kozon system as it requires workshops and specific equipment, in addition to playgrounds and activities for holistic student development.

Is the Kozon Japanese system technical education?

The Kozon Japanese system involves colleges that accept students graduating from preparatory schools. The student studies for 5 years and receives a higher-than-average diploma called "Assistant Engineer." The subjects taught, such as chemistry, physics, and mathematics, go beyond the typical high school curriculum and are comparable to those in advanced science and technology schools. Kozon is not a secondary route to engineering education. Graduates in the Kozon system become developers of machines, not operators, and there are factories in Egypt that already employ Kozon graduates from Japan.

What is the admission policy for the Kozon Japanese system after the preparatory stage?

Admission is based on academic excellence, with a high grade point average (GPA), along with an entrance exam that tests basic knowledge in physics, mathematics, and chemistry, similar to the entrance exams for advanced science and technology schools.

Have curricula been developed for the Kozon educational system? What are the specialties?

Curricula have been developed, covering subjects such as physics, chemistry, mathematics, and a large part of the specialized curricula. The program includes specialties in mechatronics, information technology, and communications. These curricula were developed based on the Kozon system in Japan, ensuring that practical training hours allow students to excel.

What is the official name of the Kozon system or the new educational program?

It is called the Egyptian-Japanese Kozon College.

Does a graduate from the Egyptian-Japanese Kozon College have the right to enroll in engineering colleges?

They are allowed to join engineering colleges after obtaining equivalence and passing an exam. They would join the third or fourth year in the engineering college.

Does the industrial sector need these graduates?

Certainly. The industry has a significant demand for these graduates, to the point that it already employs Kozon graduates from Japan, and we don’t yet have this type of graduate in Egypt.

Is the study duration at the Egyptian-Japanese Kozon College separate?

The student studies for 5 years and receives a diploma after 5 years, not 3 years.

Do graduates of the Egyptian-Japanese Kozon College have the right to join the Engineers' Syndicate?

Typically, they are not registered because registration is limited to engineers. However, if a Kozon graduate wishes to join the syndicate, they would need to continue their studies at an engineering college. Kozon graduates can join the Technologists Syndicate since they receive a higher-than-average diploma from the Egyptian-Japanese Kozon College. The Kozon system is primarily designed to serve the workforce directly, not for continuing academic paths, regardless of type.

Who developed the curricula for the Egyptian-Japanese Kozon College?

The curricula were based on Japanese textbooks for specialties like mechatronics and information technology, adapted by professors and experts from engineering colleges, the Ministry of Higher Education, the Ministry of Education, STEM experts, and the Ministry of Communications.

How are faculty members selected for the Egyptian-Japanese Kozon College?

The Board of Trustees of the Fund approved adopting the financial and administrative regulations of the Egyptian-Japanese University in Borg El Arab for the Kozon College. Faculty members will hold doctoral degrees, especially for mechatronics and information technology, which require PhDs. Chemistry and physics instructors will also be recruited but may have different qualifications.

Is enrollment at the Egyptian-Japanese Kozon College free or subject to certain fees?

There will be fees. The state has supported the college's infrastructure, but the fees will cover operating costs to ensure sustainability. The exact fees will be announced when the first batch is admitted.

When will the first batch be admitted to the Egyptian-Japanese Kozon College?

The first batch will be accepted in September 2025.

What are the details about the launch of the Food University?

The Food University is the first model of specialized technological universities focusing on the "food triangle" – water, agriculture, and animal production (fish, poultry, and livestock) – with high-quality food manufacturing specifications. The European Union and the World Food Bank are interested in supporting this type of specialization because of its impact on food production. The university has an international partner, Hamk University in Finland, and an agreement has been signed with the Fund. Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly has directed cooperation with a large industrial partner to link the university with labor market needs and industry demands.

How can one enroll in the Food University?

The Food University is open to graduates of agricultural technical secondary schools and general secondary schools, as it has a large base of students graduating from high school. The university will be located in a secondary agricultural school in Abu Ghaleb on the Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road, covering 83,000 square meters. The university will be integrated with the school, and students will study for 3 years, followed by 4 more years, earning a Technological Bachelor's degree. The facilities, including barns and equipment, will be equipped to the highest technological standards. Admission will be based on specific grades after high school.

Does the private sector support the Fund’s initiatives?

All of the Fund’s projects involve local and international partners, including industrial and community partners. These entities collaborate with the Fund to ensure the models meet needs and address problems.

What about the technological complexes established by the Fund?

The Fund has established the International Technological University of Egypt, which includes three universities: Fayoum International Technological University with an Italian curriculum and language, Helwan International Technological University, and Assiut International Technological University. This is a pioneering model. For example, graduates from Assiut International Technological University are qualified to work in Germany. Students from these universities receive scholarships and training at the highest level, with industrial partnerships that give these universities a real-world application with industry.

How does the Fund contribute to developing technical education and linking it to the labor market?

The Fund creates initiatives and hands them over to the state, as was done with the International Technological University of Egypt. This is the real development – creating a successful model within the Egyptian context. Graduates from these initiatives secure jobs and serve the industry. Likewise, technical technological schools have been very successful.

Have applied technology schools contributed to the development of technical education?

Applied technology schools have been a successful model and have made a significant breakthrough. The industrial partner now manages the schools and employs the graduates in the factories of the industrial partners.