In a bold stride toward educational transformation, Egypt has launched a sweeping initiative to integrate programming and artificial intelligence (AI) into its national curriculum for secondary school students. This move, which unfolded in late September 2025, marks a significant chapter in the country’s ongoing partnership with Japan and signals Egypt’s determination to align its educational system with global technological trends.
The centerpiece of this initiative is the QUREO Japanese educational platform, which has been officially introduced for the 2025-2026 academic year. According to Al-Mashhad, the Ministry of Education and Technical Education rolled out the General Certificates Platform—an online portal designed to facilitate student access to QUREO. The platform provides every first-year secondary school student with a unique username and password, granting them direct entry to an immersive digital environment focused on programming and AI skills.
The launch of QUREO was not merely a backend update; it was celebrated as part of the first phase of the International Robotics Competition 2025, a high-profile event that drew collaboration from Egypt’s Ministry of Education, Ministry of Higher Education, and Ministry of Scientific Research. The opening ceremony, as reported by multiple outlets, featured the unveiling of a new electronic book—a comprehensive resource containing competition questions and a glossary of technical terms. This digital handbook is expected to serve as a vital companion for students as they navigate the competition and the QUREO platform itself.
But what exactly is QUREO, and why has it become the focal point of Egypt’s educational ambitions? Unlike traditional platforms, QUREO is designed to be accessible even to those with no prior programming experience. Its learning environment is built around interactive games, hands-on projects, and real-world simulations of AI concepts. Students are not just memorizing code—they’re building and testing robots, experimenting with machine learning, and engaging in practical exercises that mirror the demands of a rapidly evolving workforce.
"The goal of launching this platform is to make access to practical and applied programming training easy, ensuring an inclusive educational process for all students without technical barriers," the Ministry of Education stated, as quoted by Al-Mashhad. The process for students to join is straightforward: they log in to the General Certificates Platform using their school-issued email, retrieve their QUREO credentials, and immediately begin their digital learning journey.
Egypt’s embrace of QUREO is not just a technological upgrade—it’s a strategic move tied to the nation’s Vision 2030. As highlighted by CIAS, the initiative aims to nurture digital literacy among youth, connect school education with global technological directions, and empower students to earn internationally recognized certificates before even entering university. These certificates, awarded upon successful completion of the QUREO program, are Japanese-accredited and serve as tangible proof of a student’s proficiency in programming and AI. In a competitive global job market, this credential could make all the difference for Egyptian graduates.
The International Robotics Competition, where QUREO was unveiled, is itself a major event in the world of educational robotics and AI. The 2025 edition, according to organizers, saw robust participation from students, teachers, and technical teams—without a single technical hitch reported. The competition’s format is ambitious: it includes a phased rollout, with the first phase launched from Hanaa, the selection of a competition administration head, and a strong focus on team leadership and collaborative problem-solving. The event is set to run annually, with plans to expand its scope through to 2030.
One of the most notable aspects of QUREO is its dual approach to learning. While computer science teachers in schools cover theoretical foundations, the platform itself provides a dynamic, hands-on experience. This synergy is meant to bridge the often-cited gap between academic knowledge and practical application. As one official explained, "Teachers explain the theoretical side, while QUREO offers the practical, interactive experience, creating a comprehensive learning environment."
The stakes are high. The Ministry of Education has announced that programming exams for secondary students will now be conducted through the QUREO platform. This is no side activity—it’s a core subject, and the results will count toward students’ academic records. The seriousness of the endeavor is underscored by the government’s commitment to ensuring that every student, regardless of background, can participate. The platform’s user-friendly design means that even beginners can dive in without feeling overwhelmed.
Of course, such an ambitious rollout is not without its challenges. As CIAS points out, there are concerns about the need for robust digital infrastructure in schools, the necessity of ongoing teacher training, and the importance of raising parental awareness about the value of this new direction. The Ministry is reportedly working on all fronts to address these issues, ensuring that the transition to digital learning is as smooth and inclusive as possible.
The broader context cannot be ignored. Egypt’s partnership with Japan is part of a global trend toward cross-border educational collaboration, especially in STEM fields. By leveraging Japanese expertise in AI and robotics education, Egypt is positioning itself as a regional leader in digital learning. The QUREO platform, with its gamified lessons and real-world projects, is emblematic of this forward-thinking approach.
The rollout has already garnered attention for its seamless execution. According to Al-Mashhad, the initial phase of the robotics competition and the QUREO platform launch saw a large turnout, with enthusiastic participation from all stakeholders. No technical problems were reported, a testament to the careful planning and robust infrastructure underpinning the project.
As the initiative moves forward, the hope is that students will not only master the basics of programming and AI but also develop the critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills needed to thrive in tomorrow’s job market. The international robotics competition, now an annual fixture, is expected to keep raising the bar, pushing students to innovate and collaborate at ever-higher levels.
For Egypt’s youth, the message is clear: the future is digital, and the tools to succeed are now at their fingertips. While the journey may not be without bumps, the launch of QUREO and the integration of AI education represent a decisive leap into the future—one where Egyptian students can compete, and excel, on the world stage.
