Several Egyptian students attempt suicide over exam results

The national secondary school examinations determine entry into universities and career paths

Cairo students assemble for first day of school year. Suicide attempts over exam results are not uncommon in Egypt, where they determine what universities and career paths are open to students. EPA

Several Egyptian high school pupils attempted suicide over the past week due to worries over their performance in the national secondary school standardised examinations, which determine their entry into national universities.

On Monday, an 18-year-old pupil in Cairo's Nasr City district was admitted to hospital with injuries after attempting to take her life, police said.

An investigation by public prosecutors found that she had not yet received her exam results but was under psychological pressure.

In the southern province of Sohag, a pupil died by suicide minutes after receiving her examination results, which showed that she had failed in some subjects, according to a prosecution investigation.

Four female pupils also attempted suicide in the province of Qalyubia, police said. All of them are currently in hospital undergoing treatment.

Three other pupils attempted suicide in the province of Sharqia, including a girl who feared that her family would react badly to her exam results, officials said.

The results of the national secondary school exams determine whether or not pupils can pursue careers in their desired fields, which places them under a great deal of pressure. Last year, at least three pupils attempted suicide after receiving unfavourable exam results.

Egypt offers counselling through its 24-hour national suicide prevention hotline, which can be reached at 0220816831 or 08008880700.