Egypt’s Ministry of Education and Technical Education has unveiled the official academic calendar for the 2025/2026 school year, including key dates for the start of classes and scheduled holidays.
The announcement was made during a meeting chaired by Dr. Mohamed Abdel-Latif, the Minister of Education, on May 6, 2025. During the meeting, the focus was on the ministry’s plans for the upcoming academic year and the key reforms and strategies.
Academic Year Schedule
The new academic school year is set to begin on September 20th, 2025. The first semester will run from September 20th, 2025 to January 22nd, 2026, with mid-term exams starting on January 10th, 2026 for first semester.
The second semester, then, commences on February 7th, 2026 and concludes on June 11th, 2026 with the final exams scheduled to begin on May 16, 2026.
As for the national secondary school exams, they begin on June 20th, 2026, having the winter break to start from January 24th to February 5th, 2026.
That makes the total number of school days, excluding official holidays, 172 days: 88 days in the first semester and 84 days in the second semester.
Key Reforms and Updates
Dr. Abdel-Latif also revealed that the ministry is working towards eliminating afternoon shifts in primary schools and it is expected to be fully implemented within two to three years.
To further enhance the educational experience, the ministry is continuing to update curricula, particularly in Arabic language, social studies, and religious education, aiming to foster critical skills and develop students’ personalities.
Moreover, in the Ministry of Education’s collaboration with UNICEF, it will introduce specialized training programs for students struggling with basic literacy skills, particularly in early primary school grades. Summer remedial programs will also be offered to these students to ensure they are prepared for the following academic year.
Health and Well-Being Initiatives
In addition to academic efforts, the ministry is working closely with the Ministry of Health to monitor and address common health issues among students, such as vision problems, anemia, and stunting. The goal is to improve overall student health.
Technical Education Advancements
In the field of technical education, the ministry has increased the number of applied technology schools to 90, and is actively working to transition 1,270 vocational schools to international education models, in partnership with countries like Japan and Italy. This initiative aims to better equip students for the global workforce.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Dr. Abdel-Latif expressed his gratitude to all participants, including university representatives and officials from various ministries, for their ongoing support and efforts in advancing Egypt’s educational system. He also acknowledged the vital role of the Higher Council for Pre-University Education in implementing these reforms.
The meeting was attended by key figures in Egypt’s education sector, including Dr. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Din, President of Ain Shams University, Dr. Mustafa Rafat, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Universities, and Dr. Ahmed Ragab, Vice President of Cairo University for Education and Students Affairs, among others.
