International Schools in Cairo: The Complete Guide for Expat Families
Cairo is one of the Middle East and North Africa's most established expatriate cities, and its international school sector reflects that history. With more than 80 schools offering English-medium or bilingual curricula, globally-mobile families relocating to Egypt's capital have genuine choice — from longstanding British-curriculum institutions to full IB World Schools and American College Preparatory programmes.
This guide provides an overview of the Cairo international school landscape, the major curriculum streams, typical fees, the most popular expat areas for school access, and the admissions process. It is intended as a starting point for families planning a move; always verify fees and availability directly with each school, as both change annually.
Why Families Choose Cairo
Cairo draws international families for a wide range of reasons: diplomatic and embassy postings, corporate assignments, heritage connections, academic roles at institutions such as the American University in Cairo, and — increasingly — families drawn by the lifestyle, relative affordability and real estate opportunity that Egypt offers. The city's international school ecosystem has expanded substantially over the past decade, with newer campuses in New Cairo and the New Administrative Capital complementing the historic cluster in Maadi.
Curriculum Streams
British Curriculum (National Curriculum / IGCSE / A Level)
The largest single curriculum group in Cairo. Schools typically follow the English National Curriculum from Early Years through Year 6, then Cambridge IGCSE in Years 10–11 and Cambridge International A Levels in Sixth Form. Key schools include The British International School Cairo (BISC), Cairo English School (CES) and the Maadi British International School (MBIS). Note that some British-curriculum schools — including BISC — offer the IB Diploma rather than A Levels in Sixth Form (as of 2026); confirm the Sixth Form qualification with each school.
American Curriculum (US High School Diploma / AP)
Cairo American College (CAC) in Maadi is the city's most prominent American-curriculum school, offering the US High School Diploma alongside the IB Diploma Programme. The American International School in Egypt (AISE) is a further option. Schools typically follow a semester structure and prepare students for US Common App and SAT-route university admissions.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
Several Cairo schools are authorised IB World Schools. GEMS International School Cairo, which opened in 2022, offers the full PYP, MYP and DP continuum alongside its American curriculum track. Cairo American College offers the PYP and the DP (it does not run the MYP). El Alsson British and American International Schools (NewGiza), Modern English School Cairo (MES) and The British International School Cairo (BISC) also offer the IB Diploma in Sixth Form.
SABIS Network
The International School of Choueifat Cairo (Katameya) follows the proprietary SABIS Educational System alongside Cambridge IGCSE and A Level qualifications. CADMUS International School in the New Administrative Capital also uses SABIS.
Other Curricula
Cairo has French-language schools (including Lycée Français du Caire) serving the large Francophone expatriate community, a German school (Deutsche Schule Kairo) and several Canadian-curriculum options. These are smaller in number but valuable for families maintaining language continuity from a previous posting.
Key Schools at a Glance
| School | Curriculum | Location | Approx. Annual Fees (2025–26) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cairo American College (CAC) | American / IB | Maadi | USD 15,000–28,000 |
| British International School Cairo (BISC) | British (IGCSE) + IB Diploma | 6th October City | EGP 400,000–750,000 |
| El Alsson NewGiza | British / American / IB | NewGiza (Giza) | EGP 380,000–700,000 |
| Modern English School Cairo (MES) | British / IB / American | New Cairo | EGP 300,000–650,000 |
| Cairo English School (CES) | British (IGCSE / A Level) | Maadi / New Cairo | EGP 280,000–550,000 |
| Int'l School of Choueifat Cairo | SABIS / Cambridge | Katameya, New Cairo | Contact school |
| Maadi British International School | British | Maadi | EGP 250,000–450,000 |
| GEMS International School Cairo | American / IB | New Cairo | EGP 450,000–800,000 |
| CADMUS Int'l School (NAC) | SABIS | New Administrative Capital | Contact school |
Fees are indicative for 2025–26 and are subject to annual revision. Many schools bill some or all fees in EGP at the prevailing exchange rate. CAC quotes fees in USD.
Choosing the Right Area
Where you live in Cairo significantly affects your school commute. Cairo traffic is notoriously heavy, and journey times can double during peak hours. The principal expat and school clusters are:
- Maadi — the traditional expatriate neighbourhood, home to CAC and several British-curriculum schools. A calm, tree-lined suburb south of central Cairo.
- New Cairo / Fifth Settlement — the largest concentration of newer international schools, including ISC Cairo, MES and GEMS. Modern compounds, shorter internal commutes within the area.
- Heliopolis / Nasr City — established residential districts near Cairo International Airport with good transport links.
- Zamalek — a cosmopolitan island in the Nile, central Cairo. Fewer schools on the island itself, but well-connected.
- New Administrative Capital (NAC) — 45 km east of central Cairo, a government-built city where several corporate and government employees are now based. CADMUS International School is the main option; more campuses are expected.
See our dedicated area guide at /guides/best-areas-cairo-near-schools for detail on each neighbourhood.
Fees and Currency Considerations
Egypt's pound (EGP) has experienced significant devaluation since 2022, moving from around EGP 15–16 per USD in early 2022 to approximately EGP 50–51 per USD in 2026. This has a material effect on EGP-denominated fees for families receiving USD, EUR or GBP salaries — costs in hard-currency terms have fallen substantially. Schools that quote in EGP adjust fees annually; some, notably CAC, quote and collect in USD to provide families with fee predictability.
Full fee analysis and budget guidance is at /guides/international-school-fees-cairo.
Admissions and Waiting Lists
Most leading Cairo international schools require an application form, previous school reports (typically two years), evidence of English proficiency, and an entrance assessment or observation session. Popular year groups carry waiting lists, particularly Years 7–9 and IB Diploma Years 12–13. Families should contact schools as early as possible — ideally six to twelve months before the intended start date.
For a step-by-step walkthrough see /guides/apply-international-school-cairo and /guides/international-school-waiting-lists-cairo.
Healthcare and Wider Practicalities
Cairo has a strong private healthcare sector catering to the international community. As-Salam International Hospital (Maadi) is JCI-accredited and maintains an International Relations Department specifically for expatriate families. Cairo House Hospital and International Medical Center are further options. Families relocating from countries with universal healthcare should budget for comprehensive private health insurance; public facilities in Egypt are not generally recommended for expatriate use.
Residency and Legal Status
Expat families typically require a valid residency permit — a tourist residency is not sufficient to enrol children in most private schools. For families considering property purchase, Egypt's residency-by-investment route may be relevant: purchasing residential property at appropriate values can support a renewable residency permit, with higher thresholds applicable for longer durations. Details are at /guides/egypt-residency-by-property-investment and /residency-citizenship.
How Global Investments Can Help
Global Investments has more than three decades of experience helping international families structure relocations and property acquisitions. Our Egypt specialists can advise on property selection in areas with proven school access — from Maadi apartments near Cairo American College to New Cairo compounds close to IB World Schools — and on the residency pathways that property purchase can support. Explore current Egypt listings at /listings or visit the Egypt property hub for market context, then contact us to discuss your family's specific requirements.
Property values and investment returns can fall as well as rise. Residency and visa regulations are subject to change; always seek current legal advice before making any investment or immigration decision. School fees, curricula and admissions criteria change annually — verify directly with individual institutions.
Frequently asked questions
How many international schools are there in Cairo?
Cairo has more than 80 schools that describe themselves as international or bilingual, covering British, American, IB, French, German and other curricula. The largest concentrations are in Maadi, New Cairo (Fifth Settlement), Sheikh Zayed and 6th of October City.
Are international school fees in Cairo affordable compared with other expat cities?
Cairo is generally more affordable than Dubai or London. As of 2025–2026, mid-tier international school fees range from roughly EGP 350,000–550,000 per year (approximately USD 7,000–11,000 at current rates), and even premium schools are typically below USD 25,000 — well below comparable schools in Western Europe or the Gulf.
Do international schools in Cairo teach Arabic?
Yes. Most international schools include Arabic as a compulsory subject, usually as a second or third language. The level of instruction varies; schools in Egypt are required to offer Arabic and Islamic (or equivalent) studies to Egyptian nationals, and many include Arabic for all pupils.
Can I enrol my child mid-year in a Cairo international school?
Many schools accept mid-year applications subject to space in the relevant year group. Popular year groups — particularly Years 7–9 and the IB Diploma years — often have waiting lists, so early contact with the admissions team is advised.
This guide is for general information only and does not constitute financial, legal or tax advice. Rules, fees and regulations change frequently; verify current requirements with a qualified adviser before acting.