IB Schools in Cairo: International Baccalaureate Guide for Expat Families
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is the curriculum of choice for many globally mobile families precisely because its programmes — the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP) — are designed to transfer seamlessly across IB World Schools worldwide. A child who begins the PYP in Singapore can move into the MYP in Cairo and complete the Diploma in the UK without losing academic ground.
Cairo's IB sector has grown considerably over the past decade. This guide covers the authorised IB World Schools in Cairo, the programmes they offer, fees, admissions and what the Diploma results mean for university applications.
The IB Framework in Brief
| Programme | Ages | Year Groups | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Years Programme (PYP) | 3–12 | FS1 – Year 6 | Inquiry-led primary education; internationally transferable |
| Middle Years Programme (MYP) | 11–16 | Years 7–11 | Broad secondary programme; can lead to MYP Certificate or DP |
| Diploma Programme (DP) | 16–18 | Years 12–13 | Pre-university qualification; six subjects + core requirements |
| Career-related Programme (CP) | 16–18 | Years 12–13 | Vocational/professional pathway alongside DP subjects (rare in Cairo) |
The DP is the qualification that universities use for admissions decisions. The PYP and MYP are curriculum frameworks without an external qualification per se (although an MYP certificate examination exists). Students are assessed internally throughout PYP and MYP, with external moderation.
IB World Schools in Cairo
Cairo American College (CAC) — Maadi
CAC is one of Cairo's flagship IB schools. It holds authorisation for the PYP (elementary) and the DP (high school); it does not run the IB MYP. CAC delivers a US-based Pre-K–12 programme with the American Diploma alongside the IB Diploma track, so students can follow either pathway or combine elements.
Diploma Programme: CAC's IB Diploma class is typically around 50–80 students per year. The school employs dedicated IB coordinators and has extensive university counselling support for IB graduates applying to US, UK and Canadian universities.
DP Fees (2025–26): Approximately USD 24,000–28,000 per year. CAC denominates all fees in USD.
DP Assessment fees: The IBO charges examination fees separately (collected through the school). IB DP examination fees for the full diploma are in the range of USD 800–1,100 per candidate (as of 2025; verify the current IBO fee schedule).
Admissions: See /guides/apply-international-school-cairo for the general process. IB Diploma entry at CAC typically requires strong MYP results (or equivalent IGCSE grades) and an academic assessment.
GEMS International School Cairo — New Cairo
GEMS International School Cairo opened in 2022 and offers PYP, MYP and DP alongside its American International curriculum. It is one of the newer IB World Schools in Cairo and occupies a modern campus in the New Cairo area.
Fees (2025–26): EGP 450,000–800,000 per year. Verify current schedule directly — as a newer school, fee structures may still be evolving.
Note: As a recently opened school, GEMS Cairo's IB track record of Diploma results is still being established. Ask admissions for the most recent cohort's results and university placement data.
El Alsson British and American International Schools — NewGiza
El Alsson offers the IB Diploma Programme (DP1 and DP2 / Years 12 and 13) alongside its British A Level track and American AP track. Students who complete El Alsson's IGCSE or American curriculum in Years 10–11 can elect to enter the IB Diploma stream in Year 12.
DP Fees (2025–26): EGP 600,000–700,000 per year approximately (DP years). The school has a strong track record in both A Level and IB Diploma.
Note: El Alsson offers DP only, not MYP. Students entering for the DP come from IGCSE or American curriculum backgrounds.
Modern English School Cairo (MES) — New Cairo
MES offers the IB Diploma alongside its British (A Level) and American curriculum tracks. Students choose their upper secondary pathway at the start of Year 12. The school has a medium-sized Diploma cohort each year.
DP Fees (2025–26): EGP 580,000–650,000 per year approximately.
IB Diploma: How It Works
Subject Groups
Diploma students study six subjects: one from each of six subject groups:
- Studies in Language and Literature (English)
- Language Acquisition (Arabic, French, Spanish etc.)
- Individuals and Societies (History, Geography, Economics, Psychology, Business Management)
- Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Systems)
- Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation at HL or SL)
- The Arts (Visual Arts, Film, Theatre) — or a second subject from groups 1–5
Three subjects are taken at Higher Level (HL, approximately 240 teaching hours) and three at Standard Level (SL, approximately 150 hours). HL subjects correspond roughly to A Level depth.
Core Requirements
- Extended Essay (EE): A 4,000-word independently researched essay in a subject of the student's choice.
- Theory of Knowledge (TOK): A multi-disciplinary course examining the nature of knowledge; assessed by essay and exhibition.
- Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): A framework of extracurricular engagement — arts, sport and community service. No formal examination; completed via a reflective portfolio.
Core requirements are graded as A–E; failing to meet core requirements can prevent a Diploma award even if subject grades are sufficient.
Grading and the Diploma Score
Each of the six subjects is graded 1–7. The maximum subject score is 42 points (6 subjects × 7). Core components add up to 3 bonus points. The maximum Diploma score is 45 points; the minimum for Diploma award is 24 points with no failing conditions.
Typical UK university offers:
- Oxford/Cambridge: 38–42 points with 7s at HL in relevant subjects
- Russell Group (medicine, law, competitive): 36–40 points
- Good UK universities: 30–36 points
- Egyptian universities (AUC, BUE etc): typically 28–32 points minimum
Recognising an IB School's Track Record
Ask each school for its mean Diploma score and the percentage of students achieving 32 points or above. The global IB mean Diploma score is typically around 29–30 points. A school averaging 34+ is performing well. Do not accept only "our students go to leading universities" as evidence — request specifics.
PYP to MYP Transition for New Arrivals
For families arriving with a child currently in IB PYP at their previous school, joining a Cairo school in the MYP (Years 7–11) is typically smooth. The MYP builds on PYP inquiry approaches and the unit structure is transferable. Bring your child's PYP portfolio and teacher references — Cairo IB schools appreciate this documentation.
For children arriving from non-IB systems, the MYP is accessible from Year 7 without prior IB experience; the inquiry skills develop during the programme.
How Global Investments Can Help
Families committed to the IB pathway are usually committed to a specific school — and in Cairo, that typically means CAC in Maadi or GEMS/MES in New Cairo. Our property team understands that school choice is the primary driver of neighbourhood selection for IB families and can help you find property within practical reach of your target school. View current Egypt property options at /listings or visit /locations/egypt. Contact us to discuss your relocation timeline.
IB programme fees, subject availability and examination schedules are set by the IBO and individual schools and change annually. University admissions offers are set by individual institutions and change. Property values and investment returns can fall as well as rise. This guide is for information only.
Frequently asked questions
Which schools in Cairo offer the full IB continuum (PYP, MYP and Diploma)?
GEMS International School Cairo is authorised for the full PYP, MYP and DP continuum. Cairo American College (CAC) offers the PYP and the DP but does not run the IB MYP. El Alsson NewGiza, Modern English School Cairo and The British International School Cairo offer the IB Diploma alongside (or in place of) their British or American tracks, but not the full MYP continuum.
Is the IB Diploma harder than A Levels?
The IB Diploma is broadly comparable in difficulty to three A Levels, but the assessment structure differs. The Diploma requires six subjects across different groups, plus the core requirements (Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge and CAS). It is wider in breadth than A Levels but does not require the same depth of specialisation in three subjects. Some students find this breadth more manageable; others find it more demanding.
Are IB Diploma results from Cairo schools recognised by UK universities?
Yes. IB Diploma results from IB World Schools are recognised on equal terms by UK universities, European universities, US universities and institutions worldwide. The IBO sets the same syllabuses, assessment criteria and grade moderation globally. UK universities publish standard IB point offers; for example, Russell Group universities typically ask for 36–42 points for competitive courses.
How expensive are IB schools in Cairo compared with other international schools?
IB programmes command a modest premium within Cairo's school market, primarily because IB World School authorisation imposes standards on teacher training, curriculum delivery and facilities. Cairo IB school fees range from approximately EGP 450,000–800,000 per year in local currency, or USD 15,000–28,000 at CAC. This is significantly below comparable IB schools in Dubai, Singapore or Geneva.
This guide is for general information only and does not constitute financial, legal or tax advice. Rules, fees and regulations change frequently; verify current requirements with a qualified adviser before acting.