Why international school scholarships matter in Egypt

Cairo, Alexandria and the New Administrative Capital have a dense network of British, American and IB schools. Fees at well‑known campuses can be high for both expat and Egyptian families, so scholarships, discounts and bursaries can make a crucial difference.

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1. Scholarship and discount types

• Academic scholarships – for strong performance in IGCSE, AS/A Level, IB, SATs or internal scholarship tests.
• Senior‑school awards – targeted at A Level / IB Diploma entry.
• Needs‑based bursaries – partial support for families with financial challenges.
• Corporate or ministry discounts – fixed reductions for staff of major employers.

Examples of Egyptian schools with scholarship programmes

Greater Cairo & New Capital:

• Cairo American College (CAC)

  • Academic scholarships: Merit‑based reductions, often 10–30% of tuition.
  • Financial aid: Means‑tested assistance for qualifying families.
  • Deadlines: Applications typically months before the new school year.

• British International School Cairo (BISC)

  • Academic scholarships: For high‑achieving IGCSE/A Level students, typically 10–40% of fees.
  • Eligibility: Strong exam results, entrance tests and references.

• New Cairo British International School / Alsson British & American Schools

  • Offer a mix of merit scholarships (10–30%) and case‑by‑case concessions for families with financial pressures.

Alexandria and other cities:

• Established international schools in Alexandria and major coastal cities often advertise limited academic scholarships (commonly 10–25% of tuition) and discounts for siblings or staff children.

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2. Typical share of fees covered

Indicative ranges from Egyptian schools:

• Academic scholarships: 10–40% of tuition.
• Senior‑school (A Level/IB) awards: Occasionally 25–50% for exceptional students.
• Talent awards: Where offered, often 10–25% for sport, music or arts.
• Bursaries / fee concessions: Typically 10–30%, depending on family income and circumstances.
• Corporate/ministry discounts: Often 10–20%.

Full fee coverage is unusual and usually limited to specific foundation or access initiatives.

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3. Eligibility and competition

Egyptian international schools typically assess:

• Academic strength – strong grades in Maths, Sciences and English.
• Entrance test performance and interviews.
• Behaviour and contribution to school life.
• For bursaries: clear documentation of financial need.
• For talent awards: competitive results, portfolios or coach recommendations.

Spaces are limited and priority may go first to existing students, so new applicants should treat scholarships as competitive bonuses, not guarantees.

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4. How to apply and when

General steps:

1. Identify schools that explicitly list scholarships, bursaries or discounts on their websites.
2. Collect documents – reports, exam certificates, references, and for bursaries, income and expense details.
3. Submit applications early – many schools decide on scholarships in the term before the new academic year.
4. Sit tests and interviews – academic and sometimes English‑proficiency tests, plus in‑person or online interviews.

Plan at least 9–12 months ahead, especially for A Level and IB Diploma entry.

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5. Duration, renewal and fine print

• Scholarships and concessions are usually granted for one academic year.
• Renewal generally depends on:
  • Maintaining agreed grade thresholds.
  • Upholding behaviour and attendance expectations.
  • Continued financial need for bursary recipients.
• Some schools may reduce or withdraw awards if performance or fee payment falls below expected standards.

Always clarify whether an award covers tuition only or also transport, books or exam fees.

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How Tutopiya supports families in Egypt

Tutopiya helps students in Egypt aiming for international‑school scholarships by:

• Strengthening performance in IGCSE, AS/A Levels, IB and American‑curriculum courses.
• Targeting common weaknesses in Maths, Sciences and English, which heavily influence scholarship decisions.
• Providing flexible online tutoring that fits around long commutes and busy school days.

If your child is seeking a scholarship or concession at an international school in Cairo, Alexandria or the New Capital, Tutopiya can help them build the grades and study habits that schools are looking for.