Egypt defends mandatory history, Arabic in international schools at 2026 forum

At the Egypt Forum 2026 education roundtable, officials defended requiring history, Arabic and religious education for all students, including those in international schools.

• The first Egypt Forum 2026 education roundtable convened in the New Administrative Capital with PM Mustafa Madbouly and the education ministers present.
• Education Minister Mohamed Abdel Latif said every student in every Egyptian school will study history, Arabic and religious education, declaring the dispute settled.
• International schools association representative Nader Younan asked that history and Arabic count as pass-fail rather than add to students' grades.
• PM Madbouly said the Egyptian Baccalaureate equalises government and international school students in multiple exam opportunities.
• Egyptian Education Minister Mohamed Abdel Latif said the Egyptian Baccalaureate curricula are accredited by the international IBO organization.
• Higher Education Minister Abdulaziz Qansuwa said Egypt will add about 60 universities and institutes over three years, creating 1.5 million places.
• Abdel Latif reported that 87% of students attend public schools and that daily attendance now exceeds 90%, up from 15%.