Educational System in Egypt

Relocating to a new country can be a daunting experience, especially when it comes to understanding the educational system for your children. Egypt, with its rich history and diverse culture, offers a unique educational landscape. The Egyptian educational system is divided into several stages, each with its own focus and age group. This guide aims to provide expats with a comprehensive understanding of the educational system in Egypt, including the main stages of education, enrollment procedures, language requirements, public and private schooling options, and alternative education methods such as homeschooling and online schooling.

What are the main stages of education in Egypt?

The Egyptian educational system is divided into four main stages: Pre-primary education (Kindergarten), Basic Education (Primary and Preparatory), Secondary Education, and Higher Education. Each stage has a specific age group and focuses on different areas of learning and development.

Pre-primary Education (Kindergarten)

Pre-primary education in Egypt is for children aged 4 to 6 years. This stage focuses on the child's overall development, including cognitive, emotional, and social skills. Kindergarten is not mandatory in Egypt, but it is highly recommended to prepare children for the next stage of education.

Basic Education (Primary and Preparatory)

Basic Education in Egypt is divided into two stages: Primary Education (6 to 12 years) and Preparatory Education (12 to 15 years). This stage is compulsory and focuses on basic literacy, numeracy, and general knowledge. The curriculum includes subjects like Arabic, English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Religious Education.

Secondary Education

Secondary Education in Egypt is for students aged 15 to 18 years. It is divided into general secondary education and technical secondary education. The general secondary education prepares students for higher education, while the technical secondary education provides vocational training.

Higher Education

Higher Education in Egypt includes universities, institutes, and higher colleges. The admission to these institutions is based on the scores obtained in the secondary school certificate examination.

How does a newcomer from a different country enroll their kids in school?

Newcomers can enroll their children in Egyptian schools by submitting the required documents, which usually include the child's birth certificate, passport, previous school records, and immunization records. It is recommended to contact the school directly for specific enrollment procedures.

Can children still learning Arabic enroll in a public school?

Yes, children who are still learning Arabic can enroll in public schools in Egypt. However, they may face challenges as the medium of instruction in public schools is Arabic. There are language support programs available in some schools to help non-Arabic speaking students.

Are there public bilingual schools?

Yes, there are public bilingual schools in Egypt. These schools offer instruction in both Arabic and English or French. Admission to these schools is usually competitive and based on entrance exams.

What types of private schools are common in Egypt?

Private schools in Egypt include international schools, bilingual schools, religious schools, and Montessori schools. International schools follow foreign curriculums like the British, American, or International Baccalaureate curriculum. Bilingual schools offer instruction in both Arabic and another language, usually English or French.

Do expats typically send their children to public or private school?

Expats in Egypt typically send their children to private schools, particularly international schools, due to the language barrier in public schools and the high standard of education in private schools.

How expensive are Private schools in Egypt?

Private school fees in Egypt vary widely depending on the school. International schools are generally the most expensive, with fees ranging from EGP 70,000 to EGP 200,000 per year. Bilingual and religious schools are usually less expensive.

Are you allowed to homeschool while living in Egypt?

Homeschooling is not officially recognized in Egypt. However, some expat families choose to homeschool their children, especially if they are staying in Egypt for a short period. It is recommended to check with the local authorities for any legal implications.

May kids attend online school instead of a local school while living in Egypt?

Yes, children can attend online schools while living in Egypt. However, it is important to ensure that the online school is accredited and that the credits earned will be recognized in your home country or future schools.