Education in Egypt: A Comprehensive Guide to Schools, Universities, and the Education System

Stages of Education in Egypt

1. Early Childhood Education (Pre-Primary)

   • Age Group: 4–6 years

   • Overview: Early childhood education in Egypt is optional and focuses on preparing children for primary school. It includes kindergarten and nursery programs that emphasize play-based learning, social skills, and basic literacy and numeracy.

   • Types of Schools: Public kindergartens, private nurseries, and international preschools.

2. Primary Education

   • Age Group: 6–12 years

   • Duration: 6 years (Grades 1–6)

   • Overview: Primary education is compulsory and free in public schools. The curriculum includes Arabic, mathematics, science, social studies, and religious education (Islamic or Christian).

   • Types of Schools: Public schools, private schools, and language schools (offering instruction in English, French, or German).

3. Preparatory Education

   • Age Group: 12–15 years

   • Duration: 3 years (Grades 7–9)

   • Overview: This stage builds on primary education and prepares students for secondary school. The curriculum includes more advanced subjects, with a focus on critical thinking and problem-solving.

   • Types of Schools: Public preparatory schools, private schools, and experimental schools (offering bilingual education).

4. Secondary Education

   • Age Group: 15–18 years

   • Duration: 3 years (Grades 10–12)

   • Overview: Secondary education is divided into two tracks:

     • General Secondary Education: Prepares students for university through a broad curriculum.

     • Technical Secondary Education: Focuses on vocational training in fields like agriculture, commerce, and industry.

   • Exams: Students take the Thanaweya Amma (national high school exam), which determines university admission.

   • Types of Schools: Public secondary schools, private schools, and international schools (e.g., American, British, or French systems).

Types of Schools in Egypt

1. Public Schools

   • Funded by the government and free for Egyptian citizens.

   • Follow the national curriculum set by the Ministry of Education.

   • Often overcrowded, with limited resources.

2. Private Schools

   • Offer higher-quality education with smaller class sizes and better facilities.

   • Include national private schools and international schools.

   • International schools follow foreign curricula (e.g., British GCSE, American Diploma, or International Baccalaureate).

3. Language Schools

   • Teach the national curriculum but with instruction in a foreign language (usually English, French, or German).

   • Popular among middle-class families seeking bilingual education.

4. Religious Schools

   • Include Al-Azhar schools, which follow the national curriculum with a stronger emphasis on Islamic studies.

   • Christian schools are also available, offering religious education alongside the standard curriculum.