Abu Dhabi International School
International School in Abu Dhabi
Quick answer
Abu Dhabi International School offers a multi-track American and IB programme, with a highly diverse student body of 55 nationalities. Well-suited to internationally mobile families valuing curriculum portability families. Tuition of $10,000–$22,000/year is in line with Abu Dhabi averages. Note: Registration AED 1,500.
Key facts
- Curriculum: American, IB leaving qualifications include IGCSE and A-Levels and IB Diploma and US Diploma and AP and TOEFL and ACT.
- Tuition: $10,000–$22,000/yr published annual range.
- Avg class size: 22 (max 25) Abu Dhabi international school · 2,100 students total.
- 55 nationalities top: UAE.
- Ages: 3-18 school day starts at KG1 - KG3: 7:45 am G1 - G12: 7:25 am.
- Accreditations: MSA-CESS, IBO, CIS verified.
2,100
55 (UAE)
22 avg / 25 max
Rolling
MSA-CESS, IBO, CIS
IGCSE and A-Levels and IB Diploma and US Diploma and AP and TOEFL and ACT
About Abu Dhabi International School
Abu Dhabi International School is a truly international school that educates students from over 70 nationalities in a familial, friendly, fun yet disciplined environment. The international flavor our school provides is also reflected in the diversity of its academic programs. AIS provides the opportunity for its students to graduate with an American program, the British (IGCSE and A-Levels) program or the International Baccalaureate Programme and join top tier institutions worldwide, such as Harvard, Stanford, Cambridge and the Sorbonne of France as well as regional universities in Lebanon, Egypt and the UAE.
Learning & language support (SEN / EAL)
This school states meaningful learning-support provision — still confirm it fits your child's specific need.
Why this matters
Special-needs provision at international schools varies widely and is rarely guaranteed by the school itself — and local legal duties differ by country. Confirm what this school provides, in writing, before you commit.
- Learning support: moderate
- In-house specialist staff listed
- EAL/ESL support listed
Not published
- —Educational-psychologist availability not stated
Questions to ask the school
- Is an educational psychologist on staff or available by referral?
- Can you support a child with my child's specific need (e.g. dyslexia, ADHD, autism), and have you done so this year? Ask for concrete examples.
- Is there an additional fee for learning support or EAL — and how much per year?
- Is learning support guaranteed for the full enrolment, or can it be withdrawn later?
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual tuition (USD) | $10,000 – $22,000 |
| Annual tuition (local) | Dirham 26275-Dirham 50350 |
| Fee year | 2025-2026 |
| Est. all-in cost (modeled)how we calculate | $17,650(+10%) |
| Est. first-year total (modeled) | $19,150 |
| Cost position in Abu Dhabi | 85th percentile(premium tier) |
Hidden costs & fee notes
Registration AED 1,500. Tuition ranges AED 37,000-80,000 by grade. IB Diploma programme available. Exam fees AED 2,000-4,500. Uniforms AED 1,000-1,500. Transport AED 5,000-7,500/year. Multiple campuses.
American, IB
IGCSE and A-Levels and IB Diploma and US Diploma and AP and TOEFL and ACT
The school successfully prepares high school students to pass external examinations and assessments which include ACT, AP, A-levels, IGCSE, TOEFL, and SAT and SAT Subjects Tests, IB Diploma Programme, and other achievement tests.
French for students from Grade 3 - 12
The Student Support Services Department offers support in three areas: psychological and educational therapy; English as a Second Language; and reading support. The Department currently provides services to over 115 students with cases that include cerebral palsy, ADD/ADHD, weak motor skills, autism, reading difficulties, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, auditory deficiency, visual problems, epilepsy, speech delay, neurological and psychological problems.
Yes, what lies at the heart of the AIS educational mission is promoting the wellbeing and development of all students including those with learning difficulties and disabilities. Through its Student Support Services Department, the school assists students with learning difficulties and developmental disabilities to reach their full potential within the mainstream school by ensuring that these students receive the appropriate accommodation that promotes academic and social success.
Yes, we have English as a second language who support students to attain proficiency in English.
KG1 - KG3: 7:45 am G1 - G12: 7:25 am – KG1 - KG3: 2:00 pm G1 - G12: 2:25 pm
The school has a fully equipped canteen with healthy meals that students can buy during their recess.
Yes, there is always a variety of lunches for our students.
Recommended neighborhoods
Al Karamah, Al Mushrif, Al Nahyan, Corniche
Reviewed by WhereNext against a named source — some fields may be approximate.
Is Abu Dhabi International School right for your family?
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At a Glance
Fee Position in Abu Dhabi
Budget-friendlySchool Profile
Class Size
Student Diversity
Very diverse
Common: UAE
Estimated Real Cost
Tuition + registration, transport, uniform, exams
Registration AED 1,500. Tuition ranges AED 37,000-80,000 by grade. IB Diploma programme available. Exam fees AED 2,000-4,500. Uniforms AED 1,000-1,500. Transport AED 5,000-7,500/year. Multiple campuses.
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Nearby Schools (within 5km)
Disclaimer: School profiles are source-backed decision aids, not endorsements or official rankings. Tuition figures are approximate and may not include registration fees, uniforms, transport, or exam costs. Always verify directly with the school before applying. WhereNext is not affiliated with any school listed. This is not admissions consulting, legal advice, or official school placement guidance.