February 7 — Egyptian schools are set to reopen tomorrow as the second semester officially begins, with authorities confirming that all preparations have been finalized to ensure a smooth start to the academic term.
Cairo Governor Ibrahim Saber announced that the governorate has completed all necessary arrangements, noting that textbooks have been provided and are available for students across every grade level.
In an official statement released Sunday, Saber stressed the importance of coordination between the Education Directorate, district officials, sanitation services, and police authorities to ensure that school surroundings remain free of street vendors and illegal encroachments.
He also highlighted the need to maintain cleanliness both inside and outside school premises. School principals have been tasked with removing posters and graffiti, maintaining painted surfaces, increasing green areas, trimming trees, repairing restroom facilities, and ensuring water tanks are properly disinfected.
Additionally, Saber emphasized the importance of meeting civil defense requirements, noting that safety inspections will continue to be carried out across all school facilities.
Operational and Security Measures
The Ministry of Education has issued a comprehensive circular containing 24 directives aimed at strengthening discipline and enhancing safety in schools.
According to the ministry, classes must begin immediately on the first day of the semester without delay. Schools are required to record daily attendance and notify parents promptly in cases of student absence.
The discipline regulations for 2024 strictly prohibit any form of physical or psychological punishment. Students are also required to attend school wearing the officially approved uniform.
To improve security, school gates must remain closed after the morning assembly, visitor identification must be verified, and school administrations must ensure that all students are accounted for before leaving school grounds.
Crisis management committees are to be activated in all schools, working in coordination with local authorities and security agencies to address emergencies effectively.
The ministry also reiterated that collecting unauthorized fees, conducting private tutoring sessions within schools, or allowing any commercial or political activities on school property is strictly forbidden.
Social Support and Health Initiatives
As part of efforts to support families, the government has expanded its “Ahlan Madaris 2025” back-to-school fairs, which offer discounts of up to 30 percent on school supplies to help reduce financial pressure on parents.
In Cairo, the main exhibition located in Nasr City will continue operating until September 22.
At the same time, health initiatives such as the “Check on Your Child” campaign will provide annual medical examinations for students. The Ministry of Health has also opened applications for new technical nursing schools and published an updated list of accredited private nursing institutions.
Universities Prepare for Academic Year
Egypt’s public and private universities are scheduled to begin their academic year on September 20, in accordance with the timetable set by the Supreme Council of Universities.
The first semester will end on January 22, followed by a mid-year holiday. The second semester will then continue until June 11, 2026.
Egypt’s higher education system currently serves approximately 3.8 million students. Of these, around 2.4 million are enrolled in public universities and Al-Azhar institutions, nearly 386,000 attend private and national universities, and about 200,000 study in technical institutes.
Egypt also hosts approximately 125,000 international students from more than 100 countries, reinforcing its position as a major educational center in the region.
Cairo University has undertaken extensive upgrades, including renovations of lecture halls, laboratories, libraries, dormitories, and sports facilities, in addition to improving internet connectivity across the campus.
