GEMS International School Cairo vs Royal Canadian School

	G GEMS International School Cairo Cairo, Egypt	R Royal Canadian School Cairo, Egypt
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year EGP 122,243 - 184,831	Fees / year EGP 10 - 229,000
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type —
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)	Curriculum Canadian Curriculum, IB (DP), Advanced Placement (AP)
Pupils	Pupils 1,400	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2022	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Al Rehab Extension, Zone 8, New Cairo, Egypt. The campus is in the New Cairo area.	Location DC-SC-3, LAND R2, The Residential Neighbourhood, New Cairo (The New Administrative Capital), Egypt. The campus is located in the Residential Neighbourhood area of New Cairo, within the New Administrative Capital.
Stages	Stages Early Years; Elementary; Middle-High School.	Stages KG & Elementary (G1-G6); Middle School (G7-G9); High School (G10-G12)
School type	School type IB World School offering PYP, MYP, and DP and the American International Curriculum; international day school.	School type International school; Canadian curriculum; Prince Edward Island affiliated; IB Diploma Programme
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Support and Inclusion Department; SEN Specialists include Alaa Lasheen and Noha Thabet.	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation Canada (Prince Edward Island)
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure Ramadan working hours: 8:30 to 2:00.	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details Option Travel provides bus transport for all students; 300+ buses with GPS tracking, pick-up/drop-off notifications, and speed control; well-trained drivers and bus supervisors. Contact 01033715744 or [email protected].	Bus service details Safe and reliable transportation with GPS-enabled buses and trained staff
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and Assessment Fees - Application fee: EGP 1,700 (one-off payable at application). - Assessment fee: An assessment fee is required to confirm an assessment/booking for entry; this must be settled before the assessment takes place. - Re-registration / enrolment deposit for returning students: EGP 15,000 (one-off at re-enrolment). Tuition fees by year group (annual amounts) - Pre-K / KG1–KG2: EGP 122,243 per year. - Grade 1–2: EGP 152,635 per year. - Grade 3–5: EGP 167,845 per year. - Grade 6–9: EGP 184,831 per year. Tuition fees per term (three-term billing - equal instalments) - Per-term amounts (three equal terms) are: 1) Pre-K / KG1–KG2: EGP 40,748 per term; 2) Grade 1–2: EGP 50,879 per term; 3) Grade 3–5: EGP 55,948 per term; 4) Grade 6–9: EGP 61,610 per term. The school operates a three-term academic year. Billing schedule and payment terms - First school payment is required within 7 days of receiving the formal Enrollment Offer Letter. - Invoices are issued electronically; families receive a payment link via message/email and may pay online using the link. Payment can be made by credit/debit card (Visa and MasterCard in EGP) or via the school's installment options offered through the online payment process. - Transport fees (if purchased) require a down payment to secure a seat; the remainder is payable in scheduled instalments (transport down payment adjustable against the first instalment; remainder payable in two instalments, typically timed around the start of the academic year and mid-term). Term dates and term lengths follow the school academic calendar. Boarding fees - Boarding facilities are not offered; the school operates as a day school with on-campus academic and co-curricular facilities and an optional school transport service. Other costs and typical additional fees - School transport: Bus fares are offered as an optional paid service; published local summaries show a typical range of EGP 20,500–27,500 for annual bus service (route and exact fare depend on pick-up/drop-off location). The bus service is charged as an annual fee with a down payment and instalment schedule. - Uniforms and school clothing: Uniforms are purchased through the school's authorised online supplier (shopping4school), with individual item pricing shown on that supplier's online store. Families buy required pieces (uniform set, PE kit, etc.) through the online shop. - Other standard extras commonly charged: optional after-school activities / clubs, school trips, examination fees for external qualifications (where applicable in upper years), books/learning resources, and individual consumables; these are charged in addition to tuition when applicable. (Transport and activity billing follows the school's invoicing schedule.) Refunds and cancellations - Refunds are processed only through the original mode of payment used for the transaction. The school maintains a refund and cancellation policy for online payments and related transactions. Fee payment options and accepted methods - Online credit/debit card payments (Visa and MasterCard) in EGP via the school's secure payment link. Installment payment options are available through the online payment flow. Families receive invoice links by email/SMS and use the online gateway to pay. Important administrative notes on payments - Transport enrolment is confirmed only after payment of the transport down payment and any required re-enrolment deposit; transport fees are not refundable once the service has been used for any period. Transport payments are typically split into scheduled instalments covering the full academic year. - The school requires the initial payment to be made promptly after the offer and uses electronic invoicing; families should ensure payments are made by the requested due dates to secure enrolment and transportation places.	Fee details Application / Registration fee - Registration (application) fee: EGP 10,000 (one‑time). - An earlier published application figure of EGP 8,000 is also listed in third‑party directories for the prior year. Tuition fees by year group (annual and per‑term amounts) — published figures for the 2025/26 academic year - KG1–KG2: Annual tuition EGP 150,000. Per term (equal three‑term division, calculated): EGP 50,000 per term. - Grades 1–9: Annual tuition EGP 182,000. Per term (calculated): EGP 60,666.67 per term. - Grades 10–12: Annual tuition EGP 229,000. Per term (calculated): EGP 76,333.33 per term. (Alternate published figures from other school directories — earlier year / for reference) - Alternate annual figures that have been published for 2024/25 include: KG1–KG2 EGP 120,000; Grade 1–6 EGP 125,000; Grade 7–9 EGP 178,000; Grade 10–12 EGP 194,000. Per‑term values shown in the main section above are calculated from the 2025/26 annual figures. Billing schedule and payment terms - The registration fee is payable at the time of application and may be paid in person using cash or by credit card at the campus. Annual tuition is published as an annual amount; where per‑term payment is used the per‑term figures above are equal divisions of the published annual tuition (three equal instalments). Specific invoice dates, due dates, late‑payment penalties, and published instalment schedules are not publicly listed in the materials reviewed; families should follow the school's admission paperwork and invoice instructions for exact deadlines. Boarding fees - Boarding is not listed among the school's services; school services explicitly include day‑school facilities such as a school bus and campus amenities, indicating the school operates as a day school (no published boarding fee). Other costs and optional extras - School bus (transportation) is charged in addition to tuition. Published bus fees vary by source and year: a published bus fee of EGP 45,000 for 2025/26 is listed; other published ranges for bus fees in prior listings show approximately EGP 17,000–20,300. Bus fees are charged separately from tuition. - Books, activities and resource fees are reported as included within some published tuition figures (check specific invoice breakdowns for confirmation). - Uniform costs, optional activity charges, school insurance, examination fees, airport transfer, and other ancillary costs are not shown as fixed published amounts in the reviewed public materials; families should budget for those items in addition to tuition and transport. Refund information - No publicly published, detailed refund policy for registration or tuition (for the 2025/26 or 2024/25 materials reviewed) was located. Refund and cancellation rules (for registration deposits, withdrawals, and tuition) are handled through the school's admission and fee‑policy documents and should be confirmed directly with the admissions office when completing registration. Fee payment options and accepted currencies - Accepted currencies and payment methods: payments are accepted in Egyptian pounds (EGP) and in US dollars in published listings; the registration fee can be paid in person by cash or by credit card at the campus. No public bank account or online payment gateway details were listed in the materials reviewed; payment by bank transfer or other electronic methods should be confirmed with the admissions office. Quick practical summary for parents - Expect to pay a one‑time registration fee (published EGP 10,000 for 2025/26). Annual tuition is published by grade band (see amounts above) and is commonly invoiced as an annual amount. Transport is an extra cost. Per‑term figures above are equal three‑term divisions of the published annual tuition (calculated for convenience). For exact invoice dates, any instalment plans, refund/cancellation terms, and the final invoice breakdown (uniform, optional services, examination fees, etc.), follow the school's admission paperwork and the invoice you receive from the admissions office.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement The school has a uniform; uniforms can be purchased online by grade or by product.	Uniform requirement K to Grade 10 wear the RCS School Uniform; uniform items may be purchased from the School Uniform Shop at 3G27+H47, El Nasr, Second New Cairo, Cairo Governorate 4752101, or ordered online using the student's Grade Level and RCS Student Number.
Food options	Food options The school has a canteen; snack and lunch provision is referenced in newsletters with information to be provided about the canteen service.	Food options The school has a healthy canteen offering nutritious, balanced meals prepared daily with fresh, high-quality ingredients; a weekly canteen menu is available.
House system	House system —	House system Four Houses. Students are divided into four Houses, each led by House Leaders and House Captains; activities include competitions, student-led assemblies, and House Fridays; new students are assigned a House on joining and points contribute to the House total.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is part of the GEMS Education network.	Governance and ownership The school is a private Prince Edward Island-affiliated Canadian international school in Cairo. Students are PEI Ministry of Education students and graduate with a PEI diploma; the school is registered with the Egyptian Ministry of Education to grant high school diplomas. The PEI Ministry of Education inspects the school annually.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details IB Continuum (PYP, MYP, and DP). From Pre-K to G11.	Curriculum details Canadian curriculum with KG–G12 progression: Early Child Education, Elementary Program, Middle School Program, and High School Program. Graduates earn an accredited Canadian diploma recognized by universities in Egypt and internationally. Certified Canadian teachers plus qualified Arabic and French instructors support the program. Prince Edward Island (PEI) affiliation covers K–12 and the school registers students in Canada throughout their academic journey.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression Graduates earn an accredited Canadian diploma recognized by universities in Egypt and internationally. Students are registered in Canada throughout their schooling, reinforcing a Canada-based credential. The Canadian certificate is recognized by top international universities, supporting admission to higher education worldwide. The school employs certified Canadian teachers along with Arabic and French instructors to support this pathway.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The program develops students' academic, social, and emotional wellbeing. It gives every student a voice, choice, and ownership in learning. It uses a transdisciplinary, inquiry-based approach with real-world contexts to build intercultural understanding. Life skills are embedded alongside academics, including interpersonal skills, self-management, and communication. This combination supports students' ongoing social and emotional development.	Social & emotional learning The school emphasizes a holistic approach to student development, with small class sizes and a nurturing environment designed to support individual growth.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) EAL support is provided by dedicated EAL teachers as part of the school's inclusion provisions. The EAL program is led by a Language Acquisition Department. EAL teachers include Farah Hassan and Hend Wahby. Soha Abd El Gawad is Head of Language Acquisition Department. The Middle and High School Program includes Language Acquisition (World Language) as part of its subjects.	Special educational needs (SEN) Not specified on the provided content.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language EAL support is provided by dedicated EAL teachers and a Language Acquisition Department. Farah Hassan and Hend Wahby serve as EAL teachers, and Soha Abd El Gawad leads Language Acquisition. The Middle and High School Program includes Language Acquisition (World Language) as a subject.	English as an additional language Not specified on the provided content.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The Elementary Program emphasizes students' wellbeing, including social and emotional aspects. It integrates life skills alongside academics and supports interpersonal skills, self-management, and communication. The program aims to foster a reflective, inquiry-based learning culture that connects learning to real-world contexts and diverse cultural perspectives.	Mental wellbeing Not specified on the provided content.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Safeguarding policies are in place and overseen by a dedicated Safeguarding Team. A GEMS Safeguarding Policy defines child protection procedures for the school community. The current policy version POLCSG001V4 is effective from 01 August 2024 and is scheduled for annual review; an Egypt-specific safeguarding policy (v2) is also available.	Safeguarding Not specified on the provided content.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The school is the first purpose-built, high-tech, and environmentally conscious GEMS IB Continuum School in Egypt, located in Rehab 2, New Cairo. It serves students from Pre-K to G11. It is an IB World School authorized to offer the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme. A gallery of facilities includes a Football Court, a Makerspace, a Multi-Purpose Hall, a Design Tech Lab, a Library, and a Pool.	Facilities overview The campus spans over 20,000 square meters and features state-of-the-art facilities designed to inspire learning, creativity, and growth. The campus is built with Canadian architectural principles to provide a world-class educational environment in Egypt, while celebrating Egyptian heritage. Modern learning spaces support academic excellence and personal development. The campus includes modern classrooms, science and computer labs, and a library and resource center.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Football Court provides outdoor playing space for team and individual sports. Pool provides aquatic facilities. Multi-Purpose Hall supports indoor physical activities.	Sports facilities The sports facilities include a full-sized football field, running track, and multi-purpose courts for basketball, volleyball, and tennis. There is an Olympic-sized swimming pool with professional coaching for all skill levels. A calendar of events and activities enriches student life, including cultural celebrations, academic competitions, and community service.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The Library, Makerspace, and Design Tech Lab are academic facilities.	Academic facilities Modern classrooms are spacious, well-lit, with smart boards and flexible seating for collaborative learning. Fully equipped science and computer labs provide up-to-date technology with safety measures. The Library & Resource Center offers a wide collection of books, digital resources, and quiet study areas to support independent learning and research.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities A vibrant calendar of events and activities enriches student life, including cultural celebrations, academic competitions, and community service.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History GEMS International School Cairo opened in 2022 in Rehab 2, New Cairo, as the first purpose-built, high-tech, environmentally conscious GEMS IB Continuum school in Egypt. It is part of the GEMS Education network and offers the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). For the 2026-27 school year, enrollment is projected to reach just under 1,400 students from PreK through Grade 12. The school emphasises inclusion and diversity and aims to develop global citizens.	History Royal Canadian School is located in New Cairo, Egypt. It is the only school worldwide officially affiliated with Prince Edward Island's Department of Education and Early Years from kindergarten through graduation. Students graduate with an accredited Canadian diploma and follow a Canadian curriculum with students registered in Canada throughout their studies. The RCS Board of Governors governs the school, led by Chairman Dr. Sayed Eissa and Directors Dr. Othman Abd El-bary and Dr. Emil Samarah, with Mr. Kevin O'Brien as Head of School. The Canadian-designed campus features state-of-the-art facilities and a multilingual faculty including certified Canadian teachers plus Arabic and French instructors.
Community	Community From the inception of GEMS International School Cairo, personal values have been central to plans for the highest quality educational experience. GEMS Core Values and Gems of Kindness are embedded in the GISC Legacy, with students described as Inspiring Leaders, Future Thinkers, Fearless Explorers, and Diversity Ambassadors. Within the International Baccalaureate continuum, global citizenship is a required cornerstone throughout the curriculum.	Community From international festivals to art exhibitions, music performances, and cultural exchange programs, Royal Canadian School provides opportunities for students to explore, express, and excel. Educators create an inclusive environment that fosters creativity, global awareness, and appreciation for diverse cultures. The school emphasizes celebrating diversity and engaging students in cultural activities as part of its learning experience.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school offers the IB Continuum: Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). MAP Tests are administered three times a year for Grades 2 through 11. The curriculum combines an American International Curriculum with IB principles to support holistic development. Teaching emphasizes inquiry, action, and reflection, helping students develop independent thinking and problem-solving.	Academic & intellectual Prince Edward Island Department of Education and Lifelong Learning accredits Royal Canadian School as a PEI Affiliate School. Graduates receive a High School Diploma from the PEI Ministry of Education in Canada, and students remain PEI Ministry of Education students throughout their studies. The PEI affiliation covers Kindergarten through Grade 9, and the school is an IB World School authorized to implement the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The Anglophone PEI Curriculum is taught in English by certified Canadian teachers with Arabic and French instructors, and the curriculum emphasizes holistic development, Indigenous perspectives, and global citizenship.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Facilities include a Makerspace, a Design Tech Lab, a library, and a Multi-Purpose Hall. The campus supports performing and visual arts. Culinary arts are offered as extracurricular activities. A football court and pool complement arts-based pursuits with opportunities for performance and creativity outside the classroom.	Arts & creative Cultural activities include international festivals, art exhibitions, and music performances, along with cultural exchange programs.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language In Early Years, English language knowledge is refined and a second language is introduced. World languages are part of the program. The IB Programme fosters international-mindedness and global engagement.	Cultural & language The school employs certified Canadian teachers plus Arabic and French instructors. Instruction follows the PEI Anglophone Curriculum in English. The PEI framework emphasizes Indigenous perspectives and global citizenship as part of its approach.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Facilities including the Makerspace, library, and Multi-Purpose Hall support clubs and collaborative activities. Sports facilities such as a football court and a pool enable physical recreation. The school environment encourages social and creative collaboration among students.	Social & hobbies Student leadership includes Student Leadership, Student Council, and the RCS House System with House Captains. The school also offers field trips, annual camps, and activities outside the classroom coordinated by the school community (RPTA).
Community & service	Community & service Community service clubs exist at GISC. Debates and international affairs clubs are part of student activities, alongside culinary arts offerings as extracurricular options. These activities support social responsibility and global engagement.	Community & service Leadership programs develop leadership skills through student councils, peer mentoring, and community service projects. The RPTA coordinates fundraising events and community involvement opportunities to support the school community.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Debate and international affairs clubs are part of student activities. The IB Continuum and American International Curriculum support leadership and global citizenship. The school emphasizes a values-driven community and future readiness to develop student leadership.	Leadership & professional The Leadership Team includes Head of School Kevin O'Brien and a Board of Directors led by Chairman Dr. Sayed Eissa; other board members include Dr. Othman Abd El-bary and Dr. Emil Samarah, with Dr. Ken Imperato serving as Board Advisor/Quality Assurance Officer. The team emphasizes student-centered learning, curriculum innovation, and global citizenship.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The campus is environmentally conscious and modern. Sports facilities include a football court and a pool to support physical activity. The school emphasizes inclusion and diversity, contributing to a supportive wellbeing environment.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Facilities include GPS-enabled school buses for safe transport, a playground, and a healthy canteen offering fresh, nutritious meals. The campus prioritizes safe, nurturing learning and Positive Learning experiences. The New Cairo/New Administrative Capital location is the school's address.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English is the language and Literature subject; Arabic is Language and Literature (Arabic). Language Acquisition (World Language) is offered as a World Language course. The curriculum spans Early Years through the Diploma Programme (DP), within an IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP).	Language provision Core subjects include English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies in KG & Elementary. Arabic Language is offered in Elementary as enrichment, and Arabic is a High School track. A Second Language is included in Elementary enrichment, and Foreign Languages are part of Middle School. French is taught by Arabic and French instructors.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching English and Arabic are taught as language subjects. Language and Literature are offered in English and in Arabic. A World Language (Language Acquisition) course is included.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards null	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations GISC is an IB World School authorized to offer the PYP, MYP, and DP, making it a continuum school. It has Cognia accreditation as an outstanding School of Distinction, membership in the UN Global Schools Program, affiliate membership in NESA, and IB Schools in Egypt Association (IBSEA). It also holds a Certificate of Excellence from Excellence in Education Expat.	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Provide details by filling the Interest Form for our admission team to contact you with further details. The team will contact you to discuss your child's needs and the next steps. This initial contact sets expectations and timelines for the application. You can expect a follow-up from the admissions team after submission. 2. Download and fill out the GISC Application Form to share with our admission team in person or by email. The form collects information about the student and family. The admissions team will acknowledge receipt and guide you toward the next steps. You will receive a reply with further instructions. 3. Submit the required documents, see the Required Documents section below. Submit the documents listed in the Required Documents section. The documents are reviewed by the admissions team as part of the decision process. If additional information is needed, the team will request it. 4. You will receive a call from our admissions' team to book your child's assessment date from the available assessment slots according to his/her grade level. The team will propose suitable dates and times. Families should select a slot that works and confirm. The admissions team will provide details about the assessment day. 5. Settle the assessment fees to confirm your booking. Pay the assessment fees to confirm the booking. The admissions team will provide payment details. After payment, the booking is secured. 6. Attend with your child for the assessment and the family interview on the scheduled date. The assessment procedures vary by grade level. The family interview allows the school to understand the child's needs and goals. Please arrive on time with required documents. 7. Successful students will be contacted within 72 hours from the assessment date. The notification will include whether enrollment is offered and next steps. Families should monitor email and phone for a response. The admissions team may request additional information if needed. 8. You will need to make your first school payment within 7 days from receiving the Enrollment Offer Letter. The Enrollment Offer Letter will outline the due date. Payment confirms enrollment and secures the place. Late payment may affect enrollment.	Admissions 1. Complete the Online Application. The Royal Canadian School online Application should be completed via the link labeled 'Click here'. The admissions team is available to guide applicants through every step of the application process. After submission, the school reviews the application and contacts applicants as needed. 2. Pay Registration Fees. Pay the registration fees. The registration fees may be remitted in person with cash or credit card at our campus. This step is part of the admissions process managed by the admissions team. 3. Schedule an Assessment. An assessment will be scheduled. The purpose of the assessment is to determine the student's readiness to attend Royal Canadian School and to determine a possible need for additional English Language support or additional Learning Support. The admissions team coordinates the scheduling and communicates details to families. 4. Assessment Day. On the assessment day, bring documents including: Copy of student's previous report card; Six passport size photos; Copy of the student's passport; Student's original birth certificate; Copy of father/mother's ID cards (both sides); Copy of father/mother's EG Visa and Passport (If not Egyptian); Copy of the student's immunization record. The assessment day is an opportunity to determine readiness and any support needs. 5. Final Registration. After a successful assessment result you will be invited to meet our Head of School and complete the registration process. This completes the admissions steps.
Scholarships	Scholarships The Egypt Education Platform (EEP) Scholarship Program offers a range of scholarships to recognize exceptional student achievement. The program includes the Academic Scholarship, the Co-Curricular Scholarship, the Top Attendance Scholarship, the Academic University Award, and the Study Abroad Scholarship. Each scholarship offers the chance to receive financial support, industry mentorship, and access to the GIS network. The Academic Scholarship rewards academic excellence; the Co-Curricular Scholarship recognizes talents in arts, sports, and various other areas; the Top Attendance Scholarship recognizes consistent attendance; the Academic University Award supports top graduates pursuing higher education at prestigious institutions; and the Study Abroad Scholarship provides a financial award to outstanding students to study abroad.	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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