Most MENA parents start school applications 4-6 weeks too late. Here's the calendar, working backward from September entry.
September (12 months before)
Research phase. Tour 5-8 schools. Attend open days. Don't decide yet.
October-November
Narrow to a shortlist of 3-4. Request application forms. Start assessment bookings — good schools book up 3 months in advance in Dubai and Riyadh.
December-January
Submit applications for top-tier schools. Schedule the assessment days.
February-March
Assessments happen. Typically maths + English + an interview, with additional Arabic for MENA-resident kids. Some schools also do a half-day "trial" with the child in class.
April-May
Offers go out. Deposits become due fast — often within 14 days. Decline offers you won't take quickly so waitlisted families can move.
June-July
Uniform, supplies, visa paperwork if relocating. Many schools hold welcome events for incoming families.
August
Orientation day. Meet the class teacher. Kids visit their classroom.
The Egypt twist
Cairo international schools often have rolling admissions and shorter lead times than Dubai/AD. You can sometimes apply in May for September — but the top-tier ones still follow the 12-month cycle.
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