The back-to-school season in Egypt has become a significant financial challenge for families, as the cost of uniforms, stationery, and school supplies continues to rise. According to seasonal government surveys and Owl Research estimates, Egyptian families face major expenses in 2023, with costs varying depending on whether the child is a boy or a girl.
1. School Uniform Costs
- Girls: Average of 650 EGP, including school skirt, blouse, apron, shoes, and socks.
- Boys: Average of 520 EGP, covering trousers, shirts, shoes, and socks.
👉 Uniforms represent the biggest single expense for most families during the school season.
2. Essential School Supplies
The cost of basic stationery items for one student includes:
- Pencils: 4 EGP
- Pens: 5 EGP
- Pencil case: 60 EGP
- Notebooks (100 papers): 5 EGP
- Eraser: 7.5 EGP
- Sharpener: 7.5 EGP
- Ruler: 5 EGP
- Color pencils: 20 EGP
While each item may seem inexpensive, together they contribute significantly to the overall back-to-school budget.
3. Additional Student Needs
Beyond uniforms and stationery, families also spend on:
- Lunch box: 70 EGP
- Water bottle: 50 EGP
- School bag: 200 EGP
These items are considered essential for daily school use, adding more pressure to household budgets.
4. Financial Burden on Families
With inflation and rising living costs in Egypt, preparing for the school season is increasingly difficult for middle- and low-income households. Some families resort to:
- Buying second-hand uniforms.
- Relying on government exhibitions offering discounted supplies.
- Reducing purchases of non-essential items.
Final Thoughts
In 2023, the average costs for the school season in Egypt range from hundreds to over a thousand Egyptian pounds per child, depending on uniform type and supply needs. With uniforms costing up to 650 EGP and school bags at 200 EGP, families are forced to carefully manage their budgets during this critical time of year.
