How many IB schools in Cairo
Cairo has nine authorised IB World Schools in 2026. Five offer the full Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and IB Diploma continuum, including Cairo American College in Maadi and Hayah International Academy in New Cairo. The remaining four offer one or two of the programmes, most commonly the Diploma as a sixth form option alongside an American or Egyptian national track. This is a smaller IB footprint than Dubai or Doha but larger than Amman or Beirut, reflecting Cairo's role as a regional Middle East and North Africa hub for embassies, multinationals and the United Nations.
The IB Diploma is the most widely offered programme in Cairo. It runs at all nine schools. The Primary Years Programme is offered at six schools and is the most competitive entry point, particularly at grades 2 and 4 where alignment with Egyptian and American settings creates natural transitions. The Middle Years Programme is the least universal, running at five schools, because some sixth form IB providers prefer an American middle school structure followed by a two-year Diploma. For the broader programme context see our IB curriculum hub.
Outcomes are strong by regional standards. Cairo American College and Hayah lead Cairo Diploma scores with averages of 33 to 36 points in the 2025 sitting. Graduates routinely place at US selective universities, UK Russell Group, the American University in Cairo, Bocconi and a growing pipeline into Dutch research universities. CAS portfolios benefit from Cairo's proximity to archaeological and humanitarian projects.
Fees and the USD question
Cairo IB school fees follow three rough tiers, almost universally denominated in USD due to Egyptian pound volatility since 2022. The lower tier, USD 9,800 to USD 13,400 a year, covers Diploma-only schools and smaller IB primaries. The mid tier, USD 13,400 to USD 19,200, captures Hayah, the International School of Choueifat IB pathway and the smaller continuum schools. The premium tier, USD 19,200 to USD 26,500, is reserved for Cairo American College Diploma years and the senior phase at the top two continuum schools. Most premium schools have shifted to USD or quasi-USD billing to insulate against pound depreciation; this transfers currency risk to EGP-paid families and benefits USD-paid expatriates. Read the full landscape in our Cairo fees guide and the cheapest international schools in Cairo piece. The fees comparison tool places Cairo IB pricing alongside Doha and Dubai.
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Illustrative example schools
The four schools below are illustrative, not a ranking. Each holds IB authorisation and either Middle States or Council of International Schools accreditation.
Cairo American College, CAC, in Maadi is the longest established IB World School in Cairo, founded in 1945. IB Diploma runs alongside a US high school diploma at grades 11 and 12. Middle States and IB authorised, with a strong record at US selective universities and a deep diplomatic alumni network.
Hayah International Academy in New Cairo runs the full IB continuum from PYP through Diploma. American-Egyptian leadership, strong sciences and a growing reputation for university counselling into US, UK and Dutch universities.
International School of Choueifat New Cairo sits in the SABIS network and offers an IB Diploma pathway alongside the SABIS proprietary curriculum. Heavy on data-led tracking and Arabic continuity, attractive to Gulf-bound families.
Misr International School runs MYP and IB Diploma, with strong placement at the American University in Cairo and a steady flow of graduates into US and UK universities. Egyptian leadership, smaller cohort, central west bank location.
Where IB families live
IB families in Cairo cluster around three areas, broadly tied to CAC and Hayah catchments. Maadi for direct access to Cairo American College, with leafy streets, embassy compounds and the deepest expatriate retail and dining infrastructure in the city. New Cairo and Katameya for Hayah International Academy and the eastern IB cluster, with newer-build villa compounds, larger plots and easier traffic flow once you are inside the Fifth Settlement. Zamalek and Garden City for central apartment families using IB schools further out, with longer commutes balanced by Nile views and walkable cultural infrastructure. For the wider context see our moving to Cairo with kids guide and the cost calculator.
Admissions and the Diploma question
Applications for September 2026 entry opened across Cairo IB World Schools between October 2025 and February 2026. CAC and Hayah close grade 6 and grade 11 first, typically by February. Late applicants land on waiting lists, clearing through May and June as embassy and multinational relocations confirm. Diploma entry requires subject choices submitted at the point of application, plus a transcript, two references and a short interview. Diploma transfers after October of grade 11 are very rare and usually require restarting the qualification, because subject coursework and Extended Essay drafts are already in flight.
Documentation matters in Egypt. Schools require an Egyptian Ministry of Education equivalence stamp for prior schooling, a vaccination record and a confirmed residence visa for the head of household. Factor in the documentation step. For a deeper read on IB-specific Cairo provision see our IB schools in Cairo piece, and for the broader picture the best international schools in Cairo guide.
Frequently asked questions
How many IB schools are there in Cairo?
Cairo has nine authorised IB World Schools in 2026. Five offer the full Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma continuum. The remaining four offer one or two of the programmes, most commonly the Diploma as a sixth form option alongside an American or Egyptian national track.
What IB Diploma scores do Cairo schools achieve?
Cairo American College and Hayah International Academy lead Cairo Diploma outcomes with average scores of 33 to 36 points in the 2025 sitting. Strong placement at US selective universities, UK Russell Group, AUC and a growing pipeline into Bocconi and Dutch research universities.
How much do IB schools in Cairo cost?
Annual fees range from USD 9,800 at smaller IB Diploma schools to USD 26,500 at Cairo American College Diploma years. Median Diploma year tuition in 2026 sits near USD 19,400, before transport, exam entry, capital contribution and uniform.
Is Cairo American College an IB World School?
Yes. Cairo American College in Maadi is the longest established IB World School in Cairo. It runs the IB Diploma at grades 11 and 12 alongside a US high school diploma pathway. CAC is also accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and recognised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
When should I apply for an IB school in Cairo?
Cairo IB World Schools open applications for September 2026 entry between October 2025 and February 2026. Cairo American College and Hayah close grade 6 and grade 11 first, typically by February. Mid-year transfers are accommodated in primary and middle years where capacity exists.
