Introduction
The Egyptian Ministry of Education (MOE) has adopted educational reforms and is working to improve quality by applying National Education Standards.
In the World Economic Forum’s 2018 reports, Egypt ranked 129th in the world for the quality of education. Even so, it has one of the most extensive education systems in the Middle East and North Africa, and free tertiary education is available to all citizens.
According to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), the official youth literacy rate was 94% in 2017, and the number of out-of-school children of primary age had fallen by 50% over the previous five years. In 2017, 12.2 million students were enrolled in the basic education stages; at secondary level, the figure was 8.9 million in 2015.
Modern education system
In the early 19th century Muhammed Ali modernised Egypt’s education system and introduced Western educational philosophy. After the revolution of 1952, widening public access to education became the government’s main aim, and European languages were introduced in public schools and universities.
Pre-university education has three levels. Primary school lasts six years, for ages 6 to 11. It is followed by three years of preparatory school, for ages 12 to 14, which completes compulsory education. Secondary schools are either general or vocational/technical, and the student’s score in the third year of preparatory school decides which.
The Al Azhar system is similar to public schooling but puts more weight on Islamic studies. Al Azhar University accepts students who graduate from Al Azhar schools.
School subjects
- Primary level: Arabic, Mathematics, English, Religious Studies, Social Studies, Computer Science and Science.
- Preparatory level: students choose a second foreign language, either German, French or Spanish.
- Secondary level:
General secondary schools prepare students for university. Subjects include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Philosophy, Sociology and Psychology, in addition to the subjects above, and students choose to specialise in either scientific or literary studies.
Technical schools are usually organised by field, such as industry, commerce and agriculture, and students can enrol in them for free.
Vocational schools prepare students for suitable jobs, and the government treats them as a top priority.
Frequently asked questions
How is school education structured in Egypt?
Pre-university education has six years of primary school (ages about 6 to 11), three years of preparatory school (about 12 to 14), which completes compulsory education, and then general or technical/vocational secondary school.
Is education free in Egypt?
Public education is free, and the page notes that free tertiary education is available to all citizens.
What is Al Azhar education?
Al Azhar runs a parallel school system similar to public schools but with a stronger focus on Islamic studies; its graduates can go on to Al Azhar University.
Which foreign languages do pupils learn?
English is taught from primary level, and at preparatory level pupils choose a second foreign language such as German, French or Spanish.
