Hegazy’s announcement came during a press conference held on Thursday to outline preparations for the new academic year.

The upcoming school year is scheduled to commence on 30 September 2023 and conclude on 8 June 2024.

According to Hegazy, the ministry will regularly monitor private schools to ensure their adherence to the ministry’s guidelines regarding tuition fees. He also noted that parents can file complaints against any school that violates the rules or illegally increases tuition fees.

In September, the ministry increased tuition fees for private and international schools by 6 to 25 percent for the academic year 2023/2024 and adjusted government school tuition.

School uniforms
 

Hegazy emphasized that students should comply with uniform dress codes in public schools and clarified that students are not obligated to purchase uniforms from specific vendors.

The uniform has specifications outlined by the ministry; however, there is no unified attire for all schools, Hegazy explained.

Compulsory second language
 

The decision to include a compulsory second language in Egyptian public schools will take effect this year for students enrolled in the first grade of middle school, according to Hegazy.

The second languages students can choose from include French, Spanish, Italian, and German.

Revisiting curricula and admissions
 

Hegazy confirmed that Thanaweya Amma's (high school) curriculum and assessment procedures will be reconsidered.

University admission methods also will be modified in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, added Hegazy.

Moreover, the ministry is examining recommendations for an “educational acceleration in high school,” allowing students to complete their high school education in one or two years.

Hegazy stated also that the ministry is considering multiple new attempts for Thanaweya Amma's final exams that will be applied in the future, not in 2024.