At a glance
Abu Dhabi International School opened in 1992 and is among the longer established private international schools in the emirate. It is licensed by the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Education and is unusual in offering several routes under one roof: an American curriculum leading to a high school diploma, the International General Certificate of Secondary Education and an International Baccalaureate pathway. That breadth lets families choose a programme to match a child's plans. You can place it within the wider market of international schools in Abu Dhabi through our city hub.
| Detail | Summary |
|---|---|
| Curriculum and exam boards | American curriculum and high school diploma; Cambridge IGCSE; International Baccalaureate |
| Stages | Kindergarten to Grade 12, ages 3 to 18 |
| Founded | 1992 |
| Accreditation | Licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education; accredited by the American International Accreditation Association |
| Fee band | Value to mid (see the Abu Dhabi fees guide) |
| Campus | Abu Dhabi, with branch campuses in the emirate |
Curriculum and academics
AIS teaches a core American curriculum from the elementary years through to a high school diploma, and adds the option of Cambridge IGCSE and an International Baccalaureate pathway so that families can pick the route that best fits their child and their next destination. Teaching is in English, with Arabic and Islamic studies provided in line with UAE requirements. The American curriculum route leads to a US style diploma recognised by universities in North America and beyond, while the IGCSE and IB options open British and international university pathways.
Offering three routes is a distinctive feature, but it also means provision varies by stage and branch, so families should confirm with admissions which programmes run at the campus they are considering and ask for recent results and university destinations rather than relying on summary claims.
Abu Dhabi International School fees
| Stage | Annual tuition |
|---|---|
| KG1 | AED 26,275 |
| Grade 1 | AED 39,500 |
| Grade 6 | AED 42,200 |
| Grade 12 | AED 49,950 |
Source: Abu Dhabi International School (aisschools.com). Annual tuition. Plus a one-time AED 1,500 registration in the first year. Fees are the most recent published figures and exclude one-off costs such as registration, deposits and capital levies. Always confirm current fees directly with the school.
Abu Dhabi International School fees sit towards the value to mid part of the Abu Dhabi market, below the most expensive American and IB schools in the capital. Published annual tuition has ranged broadly from the low teens to the high twenties of thousands of dirhams depending on grade, which makes it one of the more affordable multi pathway options in the emirate. The school revises fees each year, so request the current schedule directly and sense check the band against our guide to international school fees in Abu Dhabi.
Beyond tuition, budget for a registration or assessment fee, a deposit and optional charges such as transport, uniform, books and examination entry. In Abu Dhabi these extras are regulated but still add to the first year total, so weigh the full package when comparing schools.
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Admissions
Admission runs across the academic year, which starts in late August or early September, with places allocated as they arise. Assessment is age appropriate, combining a placement check in English and mathematics for older applicants with previous school reports, and the school asks for prior records, identity and residence documents at application as required in the UAE. Families relocating to Abu Dhabi should apply as early as a move is confirmed, since popular grades fill ahead of the new academic year.
Location and who goes there
The school is based in Abu Dhabi with branch provision in the emirate, serving families across the capital and its newer residential districts. Abu Dhabi's international community is large and varied, spanning government, energy, aviation and education sectors, and schools like AIS draw a broad national mix reflecting that. Transport networks across the emirate make a campus reachable from several residential areas, though commute times vary, so location relative to your home and workplace is worth checking. For the broader picture of where families settle, return to the Abu Dhabi city hub.
Reviews
No verified reviews yet. GlobalSchoolGuide is independent and no school pays to be listed, so we publish parent reviews only once they are verified. If your child attends or has attended Abu Dhabi International School, you can submit a review to help other relocating families. We never display a star rating without real, checked reviews behind it.
Frequently asked questions
How much are Abu Dhabi International School fees?
Fees sit towards the value to mid part of the Abu Dhabi market, with published tuition ranging broadly from the low teens to the high twenties of thousands of dirhams a year depending on grade. The school revises fees annually and issues the current schedule on request; budget separately for registration, a deposit and optional transport, uniform and examination costs.
Is Abu Dhabi International School a good school?
AIS is among the longer established private schools in the emirate, licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education and offering American, IGCSE and IB pathways under one roof. Whether it suits your child depends on stage, budget and which programme fits your plans. Ask the school for current results and university destinations.
What curriculum does Abu Dhabi International School follow?
It teaches a core American curriculum leading to a high school diploma, with Cambridge IGCSE and an International Baccalaureate pathway also available, taught in English with Arabic and Islamic studies as required in the UAE.
When do Abu Dhabi International School applications open?
Admission is rolling across the academic year, which starts in late August or early September, with popular grades filling ahead of the new year, so apply as early as a move is confirmed.
Where is Abu Dhabi International School located?
The school is based in Abu Dhabi with branch provision in the emirate, serving families across the capital and its newer residential districts.
