- Download our Moving to Egypt Guide (PDF)
Most expats in Egypt send their children to one of the country's many international schools. Though fees tend to be high, international schools in Egypt can ease the adjustment process for expat children as they can continue with their home-country curriculum in their home language.
This also allows for an easy transfer to schooling back home, if need be, and culminates in highly respected school-leaving qualifications, including the likes of the British A-Levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma and the American High School Diploma.
International schools are also often favoured for the excellent facilities and broader range of extracurricular activities on offer. These activities include dance, drama, robotics, coding, and public speaking, allowing international school students to develop into holistic beings. Expat parents are encouraged to ensure that they choose an area or suburb that will be near their children's school and their workplace to avoid long commutes.
There are several international schools in Egypt for expats to choose from, offering a diverse range of curricula. Most of these are in Cairo, Giza and Alexandria. Below are some of the top international schools in Egypt.
International schools in Egypt
American International School in Egypt
Boasting more than 45 years of educational experience, the American International School in Egypt (AISE) is a premier educational institution leveraging a technology-embedded approach to build tomorrow's leaders. AISE offers both the American and International Baccalaureate curricula and integrates pedagogical approaches such as project-based learning, design-based thinking and STEAM learning. With the aim of holistically developing students, AISE's facilities include premium sporting facilities that feature a swimming pool, gymnasium and a regulation-sized soccer field.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: American and International Baccalaureate
Ages: 4 to 18
Website: www.aisegypt.com
British Columbia Canadian International School
An accredited British Columbia Certification institution, British Columbia Canadian International School (BCCIS) aims to develop socially responsible students. The school's curriculum is designed to create enthusiastic learners, while its safe learning environment encourages creative and scientific thinking. BCCIS also offers Arabic Studies to give its learners an opportunity to fully engage in the local culture.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: Canadian (British Columbia)
Ages: 4 to 18
Website: www.bccis.ca
The British School of Egypt
The British School of Egypt (BSE) offers the British curriculum with a student-centred approach called Complete Well BSEing. This involves a distinct focus on academic, physical, social and emotional and spiritual well-being to ensure that students learn to live well. BSE boasts excellent academic results and beautiful facilities that include a swimming pool, theatre, ICT rooms and science labs.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and A-Levels)
Ages: 2 to 18
Website: www.bse.edu.eg
Canadian International School of Egypt
The Canadian International School of Egypt (CISE) offers its students the Canadian Ontario curriculum and a complementary range of activities that serve to develop students into knowledgeable, creative and caring global citizens. This international school offers inquiry-based learning to help students uncover their strengths and interests. CISE prides itself on providing both English immersion and French immersion programmes to ensure its students gain a truly international education.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: Canadian (Ontario)
Age: 3 to 18
Website: www.cise-egypt.com
What do expats say about international schools in Egypt?
"There are a wide variety of schools in Cairo or Alexandria and you need to find one that fits your budget and family culture. This may take some time but it is worth the effort. Cairo American College, the Maadi French School, British International School in 6th of October, The German School in Dokki, are just a few of the available choices. There are also groups of families that are homeschooling." Learn more about international education in Egypt in our interview with American expat Maryanne.
Further reading
►For more information on schooling, see Education and Schools in Egypt.
Are you an expat living in Egypt?
Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Egypt. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.
Expat Health Insurance
Cigna Global Health Insurance
Moving your family abroad can be intimidating, but learning about medical options such as family health insurance early on can help you successfully settle in.
Limited-time offer: 10%* off for life!
Get covered today and enjoy 10%* off your health insurance policy!
*T&Cs apply
Moving Internationally?
International Movers. Get Quotes. Compare Prices.
Sirelo has a network of more than 500 international removal companies that can move your furniture and possessions to your new home. By filling in a form, you’ll get up to 5 quotes from recommended movers. This service is free of charge and will help you select an international moving company that suits your needs and budget.
Get your free no-obligation quotes from select removal companies now!