Quality of Education in Egypt
The quality of education in Egypt has been a concern for many years. The country faces several challenges, including a lack of resources, over-crowded classrooms, and outdated teaching methods. According to the World Bank, the average number of years of schooling in Egypt is 7.3, which is lower than the average for the Middle East and North Africa region. However, the government has implemented several reforms to improve the quality of education in recent years.
Compulsory Education Age in Egypt
Education in Egypt is compulsory from the ages of six to 15 years old. Primary education is mandatory for children aged six to 11, while preparatory education is mandatory for those aged 12 to 14.
Types of Schools in Egypt
In Egypt, there are several types of schools, including:
1. Public Schools
Public schools in Egypt are free and funded by the government. These schools provide education from primary to secondary levels. However, public schools face several challenges, including a lack of resources and overcrowded classrooms.
2. Private Schools
Private schools in Egypt are funded by tuition fees and often provide a higher quality of education than public schools. Private schools are more common in urban areas and tend to be more expensive than public schools.
3. International Schools
International schools in Egypt offer instruction in English and follow an international curriculum. These schools are mainly aimed at expatriate families or Egyptian families who plan to study abroad.
4. Al-Azhar Schools
Al-Azhar schools in Egypt are Islamic schools that provide religious education as well as secular education. These schools are run by the Al-Azhar mosque and university, which is one of the oldest Islamic institutions in the world.
Syllabus and Qualifications in Egypt
In Egypt, schools follow a national curriculum set by the Ministry of Education. Primary education covers a range of subjects, including language, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education, and art. Preparatory education includes additional subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics, and foreign languages. Secondary education builds on preparatory education and includes specialized subjects based on the student’s chosen track, such as science, literature, or commerce.
At the end of secondary education, students take the Thanaweya Amma exam, which determines whether they can go on to university. Students who pass the exam are awarded a certificate of general secondary education, which is equivalent to a high school diploma.
School Hours and Holidays in Egypt
The typical school day in Egypt starts at 8:00 am and ends at 2:00 pm. However, some schools may have different schedules. Primary school students attend school from Sunday to Thursday, while preparatory and secondary school students attend school from Sunday to Wednesday.
The school year in Egypt runs from September to June, with breaks for Christmas and Easter holidays.
Enrolling in a School in Egypt
To enroll in a school in Egypt, students must provide a copy of their birth certificate, a health certificate, and proof of address. In some cases, students may also need to provide academic records from their previous school.
Enrollment in public schools is generally straightforward, but there may be more competition for enrollment in private or international schools, particularly in urban areas.
International Schools in Egypt
There are several international schools in Egypt, including:
- Cairo American College (https://www.cacegypt.org/)
- American International School in Egypt (https://www.aisegypt.com/)
- British International School in Cairo (https://www.bisc.edu.eg/)
- Deutsche Schule der Borromäerinnen Kairo (https://www.dscairo.com/)
These schools offer an international curriculum and instruction in English
Higher Education in Egypt
Egypt has a range of higher education options, including universities, technical schools, and vocational schools. The most prestigious universities in Egypt are:
- Cairo University
- Ain Shams University
- Alexandria University
- The American University in Cairo
These universities offer a range of degree programs, including engineering, medicine, law, and social sciences.
In addition to traditional universities, Egypt also has a network of technical schools and vocational schools that offer training in a variety of fields, including hospitality, culinary arts, and construction.
To enroll in higher education in Egypt, students must take the General Secondary Education Certificate Examination (Thanaweya Amma) and achieve a minimum score required by their chosen university or college.
Education in Egypt faces several challenges, but the government has implemented several reforms to improve the quality of education in the country. Egypt offers a variety of school options, including public, private, international, and Al-Azhar schools, as well as options for higher education, such as universities, technical schools, and vocational schools. While the education system in Egypt has room for improvement, it continues to evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs of students and society.