Founded in 1961, Al-Azhar University is a non-profit public higher-education institution located in the urban setting of the large metropolis of Cairo (population range of over 5,000,000 inhabitants). This institution also has a branch campus in Assuit Tanta Mansoura Alexandria Zaqaziq Qena Shebin-Elkom. Officially recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education of Egypt, Al-Azhar University is a very large coeducational Egyptian higher education institution formally affiliated with the Islamic religion. Al-Azhar University offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. Al-Azhar University also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.