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British schools in Egypt: Cairo, Alexandria and the Red Sea

A guide to British international schools in Egypt: where they are, Egyptian Ministry requirements, IGCSE equivalency for local universities, and choosing a school.

Last reviewed on by our editorial team

Egypt has one of the largest British school sectors in the Middle East and Africa. The British pathway, with IGCSEs followed by AS and A-Levels, is a long-established choice among Egyptian families, alongside expatriates.

Where the schools are

  • Greater Cairo: most British schools are in the expanding suburbs, especially New Cairo in the east and Sheikh Zayed / 6th of October in the west, plus established areas such as Maadi and Heliopolis.
  • Alexandria: a smaller number of British and international schools.
  • Red Sea coast: a few schools serving families in Hurghada and El Gouna.

Ministry of Education requirements

International schools in Egypt are licensed by the Ministry of Education. Egyptian nationals must study the Ministry’s subjects, including Arabic, religious education and social studies, alongside the British curriculum. Schools build these subjects into their timetables in different ways, so ask how much time they take.

The IGCSE route and university equivalency

Many Egyptian families choose the British pathway with a view to Egyptian universities as well as international ones. Entry to Egyptian universities from the British system works through an equivalency process, with specific requirements on:

  • the number of subjects at IGCSE, AS and A-Level,
  • the minimum grades,
  • and sometimes which subjects are taken.

Because these rules affect subject choices from around age 14, check the current requirements early and ask the school’s university counsellor how they plan for them.

Choosing a school

The range of schools is wide, from long-established schools to new campuses. Fees and quality vary significantly. Look for:

  • accreditation or a BSO inspection,
  • the share of UK-trained teachers and their average length of stay,
  • IGCSE and A-Level results with the number of candidates,
  • and practical points such as school bus routes across Cairo’s long distances.

Use our full school checklist.

Directory: British schools in Egypt

Our school-by-school directory for Egypt is being researched. We only list a school once its details have been checked against its own published information.

Frequently asked questions

Do Egyptian students at British schools need extra subjects?

Yes. Egyptian nationals at international schools are required to study Ministry of Education subjects such as Arabic, religion and Egyptian social studies alongside the British curriculum.

Can students with IGCSEs and A-Levels enter Egyptian universities?

Yes, through an equivalency process run by the Egyptian authorities, which sets requirements on the number and level of subjects (IGCSE, AS and A-Level) and their grades. Rules change, so families should check the current requirements early, ideally before choosing IGCSE options.