Egypt is gearing up for the 2025-2026 academic year with carefully planned schedules for schools and universities, announced by the Ministry of Education and Technical Education and the Supreme Council of Universities. The new school year will officially commence on September 20, 2025, for public, private, and private language schools, while international schools will start earlier on September 7, 2025.
According to Minister Mohamed Abdel Latif, the academic calendar is designed to balance study and rest, spanning 36 weeks split across two semesters. For schools that operate on Saturdays, the first day of classes is set for September 20, 2025, while Sunday-start schools will begin their first semester on September 21, 2025. This staggered start accommodates the different weekly schedules in Egyptian schools.
Primary and preparatory stages, along with secondary schools, will all begin their studies on September 21, 2025, aligning the core educational phases. The Ministry is actively preparing for the new academic year by distributing textbooks and organizing class schedules, ensuring a smooth start for students nationwide.
The first semester's exam period kicks off on January 10, 2026, with transfer grades taking their exams, followed by the preparatory certificate (middle school) exams beginning on January 17, 2026. The first semester exams conclude on January 22, 2026, after which students enjoy a mid-year break starting January 24. This break lasts until February 5, 2026, when the second semester resumes on February 7.
Looking ahead to the second semester, exams for transfer grades will begin on May 16, 2026, while preparatory certificate exams and end-of-year tests are scheduled to start on June 4, 2026. Technical diploma exams will commence on May 31, 2026, and the highly anticipated general secondary exams will begin on June 20, 2026. The entire academic year wraps up with the last secondary exam on June 11, 2026.
Universities across Egypt will follow a parallel timeline, with the academic year starting on September 20, 2025. Mid-term exams for colleges operating under the semester system will be held in November 2025, while end-of-first-semester exams begin on January 3, 2026. Each college has the flexibility to set its own schedule for these exams, which will conclude by January 22, 2026.
Following the first semester exams, university students will have a two-week mid-year break from January 24 to February 5, 2026. The second semester will then begin on February 7, 2026. Mid-term exams for the second semester are planned for April 2026, and the semester concludes on May 21, 2026. End-of-year exams will be scheduled individually by each college during May and June, allowing for tailored assessment approaches.
The Ministry of Education emphasizes not only the logistical aspects of the academic calendar but also the importance of psychological and mental preparation for students. Recognizing that success in school hinges on more than just schedules, officials encourage parents to actively support their children's education by monitoring academic progress and maintaining communication with teachers.
Teachers, too, play a critical role in this new academic year. They are urged to adopt innovative teaching methods and foster open communication with students to ensure comprehension and engagement with the curriculum. The overarching goal is to enhance the quality of education and develop students' skills to meet modern challenges.
With these comprehensive preparations and a clearly defined academic calendar, Egypt is poised for a successful 2025-2026 school year. From the distribution of textbooks to the scheduling of exams, every step has been carefully coordinated to support students' learning journeys across the country.
