Egypt implements new Baccalaureate system amid parliamentary inquiries

The Supreme Council of Trustees, Parents and Teachers has expressed support for the Egyptian Ministry of Education and Technical Education's new decisions regarding the implementation of the 'Egyptian Baccalaureate' and reforms to the General Secondary Certificate system. The council noted that the new mechanisms aim to provide educational flexibility, ensure equal opportunities, and reduce psychological and financial burdens on parents.

Key features of the new system include a multi-opportunity exam structure, where students can take exams in May, July, June, or August, with the highest score being calculated. Additionally, the system requires students to complete 60% of weekly and monthly assessments to qualify for the first exam opportunity. These changes are set to apply to the Baccalaureate system starting in the 2026/2027 academic year and the General Secondary Certificate in 2027/2028.

In response to these reforms, Member of Parliament Ayman Mohseb has raised parliamentary inquiries regarding the readiness of the education system. His questions focus on the infrastructure, laboratory availability, and technological equipment of public schools, as well as the number of qualified teachers. Mohseb also questioned the international recognition of the Egyptian Baccalaureate and the scientific basis for increasing the school year to 183 days and extending lesson durations to 100 minutes.