In this guide
The short answer
For a September start in Cairo, applications effectively open in the autumn of the year before, around October, and the main window runs to about February. Because most Cairo international schools admit on a rolling basis rather than to a fixed deadline, you can apply outside that window too, but the popular year groups at the established schools begin to close from around March, so the autumn to February window is where your real choice lives. Start by drawing a shortlist from our international schools in Cairo directory, then approach two or three schools at once. The detailed windows sit on our Cairo admissions deadlines 2026 page.
Intake months and the rolling model
The dominant intake in Cairo is September, the start of the academic year for both the American and British calendars. A second, smaller intake runs in January for some schools, useful for mid year relocations, and many schools will also take an in year place at other points if a space opens. This rolling pattern is why there is no single citywide deadline: the question is less when applications open and more when the year group you want fills. The answer is that the most sought after schools fill earliest, so an early file genuinely improves your position even though the door is technically open for longer.
| Intake | When | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Main September intake | Apply autumn to February | The widest choice of schools and year groups |
| January intake | Apply autumn term | Mid year relocations, where the school offers it |
| In year places | Year round, subject to space | Late moves and waitlist conversions |
Why the start date varies by calendar
Cairo runs two academic rhythms, and that shapes when you actually start. American framework schools such as Cairo American College open in mid to late August, so their admissions cycle leans slightly earlier. British framework schools such as the Modern English School Cairo open in September, with a cycle pegged a little later. The difference is only a few weeks, but if you are applying across both tracks it is worth lining up each school's own dates rather than assuming a single citywide start. Our Cairo school holidays and term dates 2026 page sets out both calendars side by side.
Find out which year groups are open
The fastest way to know when to apply is to know where the space is. The school finder narrows Cairo schools by curriculum, district and stage.
Use the school finderWhich year groups fill first
Two parts of the school fill earliest in Cairo. The entry years, Foundation and the first primary year, fill first at the popular schools because siblings and early enquiries take priority, so a reception or Grade 1 place at a Maadi or New Cairo name needs an early file. At the other end, the IB Diploma and the senior British years are tight to enter late because cohorts are capped and subject combinations are built around the timetable, so aim to apply for a Grade 11 or Year 12 place in the autumn before the start. The middle years of primary and lower secondary are generally the most flexible for an in year move.
A month by month plan
Work back from September. Through the autumn, draw your shortlist and book tours, using our Cairo school open days 2026 guide. Submit registrations before the winter break. Through January and February, sit the assessments and collect offers. In the spring, compare offers and settle the registration fees before they fall due, remembering that they are usually non refundable. Keep the budget in view throughout with our guide to international school fees in Cairo, and for the full process see how to apply to international schools in Cairo.
Frequently asked questions
When do international school applications open in Cairo?
For a September start, applications effectively open in the autumn of the year before, around October, and the main window runs to about February. Most Cairo schools admit on a rolling basis, so you can apply outside that window too, but the popular year groups begin to close from around March.
Is September the only intake in Cairo?
September is the main intake for both the American and British calendars. Some schools also run a smaller January intake, which suits mid year relocations, and many will take an in year place at other points if a space opens. The September window offers the widest choice of schools and year groups.
How far ahead should I apply?
Aim to apply in the autumn before a September start, with registrations in before the winter break and offers settled by February. Foundation and the first primary year, and the capped IB Diploma and senior British cohorts, fill earliest, so apply earlier still if you are targeting those.
Does the start date differ between schools?
Slightly. American framework schools such as Cairo American College open in mid to late August, while British framework schools such as the Modern English School Cairo open in September. The difference is only a few weeks, but check each school's own dates if you are applying across both tracks.
Can I still get a place if I apply late?
Often yes, because Cairo admits on a rolling basis and in year places open through the year as families move. The trade off is choice: the most sought after schools and the entry and senior year groups fill earliest, so a late application narrows your options even when places exist elsewhere.