Academic Year 2026: A Comprehensive Timeline

Egypt Unveils 2025/2026 Academic Calendar: key Dates for Students and Educators

Cairo, Egypt – August 2, 2025 – The Ministry of Education and Technical Education has officially released the complete academic calendar for the 2025/2026 school year, setting the stage for a structured and productive learning habitat across the nation. The new academic year is slated to commence on Saturday, September 20, 2025, and will conclude on Thursday, june 11, 2026, encompassing a total of 36 academic weeks.

Semester Breakdown and Key Milestones

The first semester will kick off on September 20, 2025, and will run until January 22, 2026. To ensure a balanced distribution of the curriculum, transportation rankings within this semester will begin on Saturday, January 10, 2026. Educators are tasked with a strategic allocation of study materials, ensuring a steady progression through the syllabus.

Following the first semester,students can anticipate a two-week mid-year break. This recess is scheduled to begin on Saturday, January 24, 2026, and will conclude on Thursday, february 5, 2026. The ministry emphasizes the importance of this period for students to rest and re-energize, preparing them for the demands of the second semester.

The second semester is set to commence on Saturday, February 7, 2026, with the academic year drawing to a close on Thursday, June 11, 2026. The concluding weeks of each semester are designated for review and planning for examinations. Specifically, transportation examinations for the second semester will commence on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

Exam Schedules for key Stages

Crucial examination periods have also been outlined. The first semester preparatory certificate exams are scheduled to begin on Saturday, January 17, 2026. For the second semester, preparatory certificate exams will commence on Saturday, June 4, 2026.

Students pursuing technical diplomas will see their preparatory exams begin on Sunday, May 31, 2026. High school students, a important cohort, can expect their final examinations to commence on Saturday, june 20, 2026.

This detailed calendar provides a vital roadmap for students, parents, and educators alike, fostering a predictable academic rhythm and enabling proactive planning for the year ahead. The consistent structure of academic terms and examination periods remains a cornerstone of educational planning, promoting student success and facilitating effective teaching practices. The timely release of this calendar underscores the ministry’s commitment to transparency and preparedness within the Egyptian education system.

What is the traditional deadline for students to accept or decline admission offers?

Academic Year 2026: A extensive Timeline

Key Dates for College Applications & Financial Aid (Fall 2025 – Summer 2026)

Planning for the academic year 2026 starts well before the first classes begin.This timeline breaks down crucial dates for students, parents, and educators, covering college applications, financial aid, standardized testing, and crucial academic milestones. We’ll focus on the US system,but many dates have international relevance.

Fall 2025: Application Season Kick-Off

September 2025:

FAFSA Opens (Expected): The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is expected to open in late September/early October.Keep a close watch on the official FAFSA website for the exact date. This is critical for accessing federal grants, loans, and work-study programs.

Common Application & Coalition Application Launch: These platforms become fully active, allowing students to begin completing their profiles and essays.

SAT/ACT Registration: Students planning to take the SAT or ACT in the fall should register now.

October 2025:

PSAT/NMSQT: The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test is administered. This is a key step for National Merit Scholarship consideration.

College Application Workshops: Many high schools and community organizations host workshops to assist students with the application process.

November 2025:

Early Action/Early Decision Deadlines: Many colleges have November 1st or 15th deadlines for Early Action and Early Decision applications. Understand the difference – Early Decision is binding.

CSS Profile opens: The College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile opens. Some private colleges require this in addition to the FAFSA.

Winter 2025/2026: Decisions & Financial Aid Packages

December 2025:

Regular Decision Application Deadlines Approaching: Many colleges have January or February deadlines for Regular Decision applications.

Early Action/Early Decision Notifications Begin: Students start receiving admission decisions from colleges where they applied Early Action or Early Decision.

January 2026:

Regular Decision Application Deadlines: Final deadlines for Regular Decision applications.

FAFSA Priority Deadlines: Many states and colleges have priority deadlines for FAFSA submission to maximize financial aid eligibility.

February – April 2026:

Regular Decision Notifications: Colleges release regular Decision admission decisions.

Financial Aid Award Letters: Students begin receiving financial aid award letters from colleges. Compare offers carefully!

College comparison & Decision Making: Students evaluate their options and make their final college decision.

Spring 2026: Enrollment & Readiness

May 2026:

College decision Deadline (National College Decision Day): May 1st is the traditional deadline for students to accept or decline admission offers.

AP Exams: Advanced Placement (AP) exams are administered.

Final Transcript Requests: Students request their final high school transcripts to be sent to their chosen colleges.

June 2026:

Enrollment Deposits Due: Students submit enrollment deposits to secure their place at their chosen college.

Housing Applications: Students apply for on-campus housing.

July – August 2026:

Course Registration: Students register for their fall semester courses.

Orientation Programs: Colleges host orientation programs for incoming freshmen.

Move-In Day: Students move into their dorms or off-campus housing.

Financial Aid Updates & Considerations for 2026

The FAFSA underwent notable changes starting with the 2024-2025 academic year. these changes are expected to continue refining the process for 2026. Key areas to watch:

Simplified FAFSA: The new FAFSA aims to be simpler and more accessible.

* Expanded Pell Grants: More students are now eligible for Pell Grants due to