Schools in Egypt: Guide to Egyptian Schools

Schools in Egypt are divided into two broad categories: secular and Islamic. Within secular education, there are public, private, and international schools. Islamic schools, known as Al-Azhar Institutes, run a curriculum similar to the standard national curriculum, but with extra emphasis on Islamic studies and the Quran.

The government has been investing heavily in education reform, with a national programme aimed at modernising curricula and assessment across the board. However, public schools in Egypt are still of a low standard, and expat parents are unlikely to find them suitable. Luckily, there are many good international school options across the country, particularly in Cairo and Alexandria.

Public education in Egypt is structured similarly to most Western education systems. It’s compulsory for children in Egypt to attend school for nine years from ages four to 14. Children start kindergarten at age four, primary school at age six, and preparatory school (roughly equivalent to middle school) at age 12. Secondary school is from the ages of 15 to 18, and students choose between general, technical, and vocational streams.

Public education is free for all children, but is taught in Arabic and will probably not be up to the standards expats desire for their children. Therefore, most expat families opt for private or international schools instead.

There are a few different types of private schools in Egypt.

‘Ordinary’ private schools follow the national curriculum, like public schools. Since they’re funded by fees, these schools tend to have better facilities and better-trained teachers. Children will typically get a better education at these schools than at public schools.

Private language schools teach the Egyptian national curriculum in a foreign language, usually English, and add a second language like German or French in early primary school. These schools can be expensive, but generally less so than international schools, and children stand to learn a second language and get a good education.

There are also private schools whose teaching is based on a religion, such as Catholicism, or a particular educational philosophy, such as Montessori.

International schools in Egypt are private institutions that teach the curriculum of a foreign country. Teaching is either in English or the language of the school’s country of origin. Sometimes there are also bilingual options.

Arabic and Egyptian history are mandatory as core, graded subjects at international schools, accounting for 20 percent of a student’s total grade. Non-Arabic-speaking foreign citizens can usually apply for a nationality-based exemption through their school.

Most international schools teach British, American or International Baccalaureate (IB) curricula, but there are also French and German schools available. Although international schools in Egypt come at a premium, they give children the advantage of a globally recognised curriculum taught in English or, in some cases, their mother tongue.

International schools in Egypt also offer expat parents and children access to a community of families with similar experiences. This eases adjustment to everyday life in Egypt and is a great way to make friends.

Before moving to Egypt, ensure you and the family are fully covered with a reliable health insurance plan. Explore our comprehensive international health insurance plans, designed to provide you with peace of mind abroad. Find out more about the Egypt healthcare system in our Healthcare in Egypt guide.