International schools in Egypt are the default choice for most expat families. Although fees tend to be high, international schools can ease the adjustment process for expat children by allowing them to continue their home-country curriculum in their home language.

This also allows for an easy transfer to schooling back home, if need be, and culminates in highly respected school-leaving qualifications, including the British A-Levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, and the American High School Diploma.

International schools are also often favoured for the excellent facilities and broad range of extracurricular activities on offer. These activities include dance, drama, robotics, coding, and public speaking. They give students the chance to grow beyond the classroom and develop well-rounded skills. Expat parents are encouraged to choose an area or suburb close to their children’s school and their workplace to avoid long commutes.

There are several international schools in Egypt for expats to choose from, offering a diverse range of curricula. Most of these are in Cairo, Giza, and Alexandria. Below are some of the top international schools in Egypt.

International schools in Egypt

International schools in Egypt

American International School in Egypt

Founded in 1990, the American International School in Egypt (AISE) uses a technology-embedded approach to build tomorrow’s leaders. AISE offers both the American and International Baccalaureate curricula. Its technology-embedded approach centres on project-based learning and STEAM. AISE operates two campuses: the Main Campus, which relocated to Uptown Cairo in 2025, and the West Campus in Sheikh Zayed City. AISE’s sporting facilities include a swimming pool, gymnasium, and a regulation-sized football pitch.

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: American and International Baccalaureate
Ages: 4 to 18
Website: www.aisegypt.com

British Columbia Canadian International School

An accredited British Columbia Certification institution, British Columbia Canadian International School (BCCIS), aims to develop socially responsible students. The school’s curriculum is designed to create enthusiastic learners, while its safe learning environment encourages creative and scientific thinking. BCCIS also offers Arabic Studies to help its learners fully engage with the local culture. BCCIS has two campuses: BCCIS East in El Sherouk City and BCCIS West in 6th of October City.

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: Canadian (British Columbia)
Ages: 4 to 18
Website: bccis.ca

The British School of Egypt

The British School of Egypt (BSE) offers the British curriculum with a student-centred approach called Complete Well BSEing. This involves a distinct focus on academic, physical, social, emotional and spiritual well-being to ensure that students learn to live well. BSE boasts excellent academic results and beautiful facilities that include a swimming pool, theatre, ICT rooms, and science labs.

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, and A-Levels)
Ages: 3 to 18
Website: bse.edu.eg

Canadian International School of Egypt

The Canadian International School of Egypt (CISE) offers its students the Canadian Ontario curriculum and a complementary range of activities that help develop students into knowledgeable, creative, and caring global citizens. This international school offers inquiry-based learning to help students uncover their strengths and interests. CISE prides itself on providing both English immersion and French immersion programmes to ensure its students gain a truly international education.

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: Canadian (Ontario)
Ages: 3 to 18
Website: cise-egypt.com

What do expats say about international schools in Egypt?

"There are a wide variety of schools in Cairo or Alexandria and you need to find one that fits your budget and family culture. This may take some time but it is worth the effort. Cairo American College, the Maadi French School, British International School in 6th of October, The German School in Dokki, are just a few of the available choices. There are also groups of families that are homeschooling."

Learn more about international education in our interview about expat life in Egypt with American expat Maryanne.

Further reading

►For more information on schooling, see Education and Schools in Egypt

Are you an expat living in Egypt?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Egypt. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute, or fill in our expat interview form to be featured.