Ministry: Egypt’s public school fees rise 45%

Egypt’s Education Ministry has increased fees for public schools this school year across all formal education stages by 40 to 45 percent, or 20 Egyptian pounds to 30 pounds, the ministry announced on its official website on Monday.

Fees for the kindergarten stage have been increased from EGP 45 to 65; for primary schools they have been raised from 60 pounds to 85 pounds; from 65 pounds to 90 pounds for preparatory schools; and from 85 pounds to 115 pounds for secondary schools. Fees for technical schools have been increased from 75 pounds to 105 pounds.

The ministry said that the increase in fees is the result of an increase in medical insurance for public school students.

The fees can be paid in two installments, one during the first term – by the end of October – and another in the second term.

The ministry also announced that some students will be exempted from school fees entirely, including the children of those who died during the 2011 revolution; the children of members of the Armed Forces, police and judiciary; the children of those who died in terrorist attacks; children from families who receive social solidarity pensions; the children of sole female breadwinners; and the children of special needs people.

The exemptions would be determined following a social survey.

Source: Ahram online