Comparing 3 schools side by side in USD.
The Australian School of Abu Dhabi is located in Shakhbout City, Khalifa City B, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The campus sits at the corner of Streets 11 and 32, near the Civil Defence facility. A dedicated school bus network serves a wide catchment across Abu Dhabi, providing regular transport for students. The school's postal address is PO Box 36044.
ASAD offers the International Baccalaureate from Early Years (PYP) through the Diploma Programme (DP), i.e., from Kindergarten to Year 12. The curriculum is integrated with the Australian Curriculum (ACARA).
ASAD is co-educational and operates as a day school; there are no boarding facilities.
ASAD serves a diverse student body representing multiple nationalities. Third‑party listings estimate around 500 students across about 45 nationalities. The school community is described as multicultural and globally oriented.
ASAD follows an inclusive education approach, with dedicated supports for Students of Determination, English Language Learners, and students from diverse backgrounds. Support is provided within the classroom with accommodations, and additional services may be available as part of the school's inclusive framework.
The school aligns with the Australian Curriculum (ACARA), reflecting its Australian educational identity while operating in the United Arab Emirates.
There is no formal religious affiliation stated for the school. A Masjid (prayer room) is available on site for Muslim students, and UAE Islamic Studies is delivered in line with national guidelines where applicable.
The typical school day runs from about 8:00 to 16:00 Sunday to Thursday, with a shorter day on Fridays (roughly 9:00 to 12:00).
ASAD provides a transport service that complies with UAE safety requirements. Buses operate daily with a driver and assistant, and transportation costs 3,850 AED per child per academic year. Destinations include Khalifa City B (Shakhbout City), Baniyas, Gabat, Officer City, and other Abu Dhabi areas. Parents arrange the service through the Front Office.
ASAD does not offer boarding; it operates as a day school. A school transport service is available with routes across Abu Dhabi and a transport fee of 3850 AED per child per year. There are no on-site boarding facilities or dormitories.
The uniform must be worn during school hours. Items include blazer (optional for both boys and girls), shirt, trousers or skirt, tie, jumper, and jacket (winter months); PE uniform and swimming gear are separate. All uniform items, except footwear and swimming items, are purchased from the ASAD Uniform store on campus.
The School provides breakfast and lunch; a paid School Meal Program is available to KG1–Year 12 on request with an annual fee. Meals include pasta, rice, meat dishes, chicken, fresh fruit and vegetables; snacks for Year 5 and below are sent to classrooms, while older students eat in the cafeteria. The school accommodates special dietary requirements when advised.
ASAD is a full IB World School delivering the International Baccalaureate across the full span of schooling—from early years (PYP) through high school graduation (DP)—and this is integrated with the Australian Curriculum (ACARA). The language of instruction is English for most subjects; Arabic language begins in the kindergarten, Islamic Studies begins in Year 1, and French and advanced Arabic are offered as electives in the secondary years to meet Ministry requirements. The Middle Years Programme (grades 6–10) covers eight subject groups: Language and Literature (Arabic and English), Language Acquisition (English and French), Mathematics, Integrated Sciences, Individuals and Societies, Physical Education, Design, and Arts, with interdisciplinary units and a mandatory personal project. The Diploma Programme (grades 11–12) comprises a DP core (Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, Creativity, Activity, and Service) and six subject groups (Studies in Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, and the Arts), with courses offered at Higher Level and Standard Level. ASAD emphasises inclusive education and UAE-contextual learning, ensuring curriculum design aligns with inclusion principles and local requirements.
Social and emotional learning (SEL) is embedded in ASAD's Wellbeing Strategy, which aligns with the IB Learner Profile and ADEK Wellbeing Policy. SEL topics are integrated into the formal curriculum across the PYP, MYP, and DP, with advisory sessions and mentoring to support personal development. A comprehensive counselling program provides individual and group counselling, and a school social worker is available to support students' emotional and social needs. Anti-bullying campaigns, restorative practices, and initiatives that promote respectful relationships and peer connection are part of everyday school life. A Wellbeing Committee, led by the Head of Student Management and Wellbeing, oversees the strategy and uses annual wellbeing surveys to monitor impact.
ASAD describes inclusion as a guiding principle rather than a separate program and does not present itself as a specialist SEN institution. Key learner groups supported include Students of Determination, Gifted and Talented, English Language Learners, Students from Diverse Backgrounds, Students with Temporary Challenges, and Students with Learning Differences. Early Intervention, Learning Support Plans, and Multi-Tiered Support provide tailored assistance, with collaboration among parents, specialists, and the child. The school employs inclusion specialists and coordinators to support implementation and staff development; the Head of Inclusion coordinates provision for additional learning needs and works with teachers and families to design individualized support. Inclusion is integrated into all aspects of school life, not as a standalone program.
The language of instruction at ASAD is English, and English as an Additional Language (EAL) provision supports students whose mother tongue is not English to access the curriculum and thrive academically and socially. ASAD uses the Bell Foundation EAL Assessment Framework to identify language needs, set learning goals, and monitor progress. The EAL provision is led by an EAL Coordinator and supported by EAL teachers and support staff who implement pull-out, push-in, and co-teaching models. A tiered model (Universal, Targeted, Intensive) provides escalating levels of support in line with ADEK requirements. Progress and exit criteria for the EAL programme are tracked and communicated with families.
ASAD implements a holistic mental and emotional wellbeing approach within its Wellbeing Strategy, aligning with ADEK guidelines. A comprehensive counselling program offers individual and group counselling and supports staff and families as needed. Staff receive ongoing professional development on mental health awareness, early identification, and inclusive wellbeing practices. SEL and wellbeing are integrated into the formal curriculum, advisory sessions, mentoring, and student leadership activities to build resilience and self-regulation. The Wellbeing Strategy is monitored through annual wellbeing surveys and a dedicated Wellbeing Committee that oversees implementation and improvement.
ASAD maintains a Student Protection Policy that aligns with UAE Wadeema laws and ADEK safeguarding requirements and emphasizes the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of all students. The policy defines roles and responsibilities, including the Principal, a Child Protection Coordinator (CPC), staff, and parents, and requires mandated reporting of concerns to appropriate authorities. A designated CPC is the key contact for safeguarding matters, coordinates responses, and liaises with families and authorities. The policy covers types of maltreatment, reporting procedures, data confidentiality, training, and awareness initiatives to ensure child protection is embedded in school life. The policy also provides key contacts, confidential reporting forms, and guidance on staff and volunteer vetting.
1. Submit the Enrolment Form and the required documentation. All applicants must complete an Enrolment Form, and it is available on the public admissions page. Prepare and submit passport/visa copies for student and parents, birth certificate, immunisation records, two years of the most recent school reports, a transfer certificate, and any additional educational reports or assessments (including IEPs or other documents if applicable). Admission decisions are made in line with IB principles and ADEK regulations, and enrolment is subject to availability.
2) If a year group is fully subscribed, applicants are placed on a waiting list. The waiting list is refreshed every term at a minimum, and applicants are notified as seats become available. When places open, offers are made in accordance with the school's priority criteria and the applicant's documentation and readiness. Priority enrolment criteria include siblings of current students, students transferring from other IB schools, children of staff, and returning ASAD students, but all applicants must meet the school's admissions criteria and placement remains subject to availability.
Australian International School Dubai is located in Al Barsha South (Al Barsha 3), Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The campus is five minutes from Sheikh Zayed Road and directly off Hessa Street, making it accessible for families traveling from different parts of Dubai. The address is Australian International School Al Barsha 3, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, PO Box 449411. GPS coordinates are 25.060883465570765, 55.23305365510322.
AIS Dubai is structured into four learning stages: Nursery; Early Learning Centre (Pre KG and KG1); Primary School (Prep to Year 6); and Junior Secondary School (Years 7–10).
Co-educational. AIS Dubai is a day school with no boarding facilities.
AIS Dubai emphasizes a diverse international community; however, the exact number of nationalities represented and the local-to-international ratio are not publicly disclosed.
AIS Dubai offers inclusive education with a dedicated team of teachers and Learning Assistants. Support includes in-class assistance, small-group focused teaching, one-on-one tuition, and the development of personal learning plans, with regular meetings among teachers, parents and external specialists as needed.
Australia. AIS Dubai delivers the Australian Curriculum and participates in a curricula partnership with the Australian Government.
No formal religious affiliation is stated; the curriculum includes Arabic and Islamic Studies as part of the program.
School doors open at 8:00am and lessons begin at 8:15am. The Early Learning Centre finishes at 12:15pm, while Primary and Secondary finish around 2:55pm, with two breaks during the day.
Bus transport is available with regular routes to areas surrounding the school. Families can register interest via a transportation form; the Transport team handles areas served and fees.
AIS Dubai requires a full school uniform for all students. The uniform is provided by School Uniform Direct, and uniforms can be purchased at the Main Reception (appointments are arranged as part of the admissions process).
There is an on-site café on campus. The public materials do not specify menu options, dietary accommodations, or snack facilities beyond noting the café exists.
Governance is via a board of AIS Board Members who oversee the school. Current board members include Othman Al Sharif (Vice Chairman), Phillip Carney, Fatima Al Shamsi (Parent Representative – Inclusion), and Professor Mohamed M. Salem Zein (President, University of Wollongong in Dubai). The school operates as a corporate entity named Australian International School - Dubai LLC.
AIS Dubai implements the Australian Curriculum from Foundation through Year 10, starting in Prep (KG2) and continuing through Year 6 in Primary, with the program extending into Secondary (Years 7–10). The Junior Secondary years (7–10) cover eight learning areas and offer opportunities to specialise in particular interests while preparing students for senior secondary schooling, including vocational pathways. Core learning in Years 7–10 includes English, Mathematics, Science, History and Geography, with specialist subjects in Design and Technologies, Drama, Health and Physical Education, Languages (Arabic, French, Spanish), Music and Visual Art. Assessments are ongoing with three reports per year and include standardised benchmarking such as TIMSS, PISA, Acer and GL across Year 1 through Secondary School. UAE MoE requirements are integrated, including Arabic language instruction up to Year 9 and Islamic Studies for Muslim students, with UAE Social Studies mapped to the Australian Curriculum.
Social and emotional learning (SEL) at AIS Dubai is integrated into a holistic wellbeing framework that underpins daily learning. URStrong is used as a whole‑school program to explicitly teach friendship skills from Prep onward, promoting belonging, kindness, and healthy conflict resolution. The program aims to improve students' self‑esteem, resilience, and social competence through structured lessons and guided practice. A dedicated team of teachers and Learning Assistants works with classroom staff to embed SEL into everyday teaching and provide targeted support as needed. Regular meetings with parents, and collaboration with support staff and external agencies when appropriate, help tailor interventions and monitor progress while maintaining confidentiality. This approach aligns with AIS Dubai's inclusive education model, which prioritises social and emotional development alongside academics.
SEN at AIS Dubai is delivered through an inclusive education approach described as a 'Support for Learning' model. Early Identification uses formal and informal assessments to identify challenges, sometimes with external professionals. The school provides in‑class support, small‑group teaching, one‑on‑one tuition, and guidance on strategies and resources through a team of trained teachers and Learning Assistants. The focus is on NEED rather than disability, including learners with developmental delays, impairments, or diagnosed disabilities, as well as those requiring extension or enrichment, and those needing EAL/D support. Regular meetings with classroom teachers, parents, support staff and external agencies help tailor Personal Learning Plans and monitor progress. AIS Dubai identifies itself as an inclusive school with a 'Support for Learning' model rather than a specialist SEN institution.
English as an Additional Language (EAL/D) is included within AIS Dubai's inclusive education model. The 'Support for Learning' framework covers learners who require EAL/D support alongside other needs. Assessment tools identify language needs and guide targeted adjustments and strategies. In‑class support and the Learning Assistants team provide language‑focused teaching as part of the broader learning support. AIS Dubai emphasises collaborative development of learning plans with families to address language needs.
Mental wellbeing is a core element of AIS Dubai's approach to education, integrated with SEL to support emotional resilience and belonging. URStrong provides explicit instruction on healthy friendships and social‑emotional skills from early years, contributing to emotional wellbeing and positive peer relationships. The wellbeing framework emphasises a safe, caring school culture where students feel connected and supported. AIS Dubai's adoption of URStrong in the UAE reflects a commitment to evidence‑based wellbeing practices. Wellbeing is supported as a shared responsibility among staff, students, and families to create a nurturing learning environment.
Safeguarding is a top priority at AIS Dubai, with the health, safety and wellbeing of all students considered a school‑wide responsibility. The school maintains a Student Protection Policy and requires staff to report suspected or disclosed child protection concerns to the Executive Principal. If there is an immediate or ongoing threat, it is reported to the relevant local safeguarding authorities in accordance with UAE requirements. Confidential information is handled and shared only with appropriate people involved in the student's learning. The safeguarding framework is complemented by ongoing communication with parents and external agencies as needed.
Step 1: Book a personalised school tour to determine if AIS Dubai is the right fit for your family. Tours are conducted by appointment, and online meetings can be arranged if you are not in Dubai. Tours are often booked up to 4 weeks in advance, so scheduling early is advised. The tour provides an opportunity to explore facilities and understand the curriculum.
Step 2: Application Submission. A school tour is not required to submit an application. Complete the application form in full, submit the required documentation, and pay a 500 AED application fee. A Transfer Certificate is required in certain situations, and registration with KHDA is part of the process if applicable. Please also review any specific endorsement requirements if transferring from outside Dubai.
Step 3: Enrolment Questionnaire and Interview Booking. After the above is complete, arrange an interview with the Heads of School. The Enrolments Team will contact you by email to invite you to book the interview appointment once the steps are in place.
Step 4: Enrolment Interview. The interview is with the Head of School, offering an opportunity to learn about the school and for the family to share educational background and goals. Both the parent and the enrolling student are required to attend the interview.
Step 5: Acceptance. The Head of School decides the outcome of the enrolment application, and parents are notified by email if successful. If accepted, the non-refundable Enrolment Deposit and the completed Enrolment Agreement are due within one week to secure enrolment.
Step 6: KHDA Registration. Upon confirmed payment of the enrolment deposit, registration with KHDA begins and the KHDA Parent Contract must be signed before the child begins studying. If the Transfer Certificate has not been submitted, the Enrolments team will request it during registration.
Step 7: Enrolment Orientation. After KHDA registration, you will be invited to an Enrolment Orientation to purchase uniforms, meet clinic staff, review policies, and discuss drop-off/pick-up procedures. This completes the enrolment process and welcomes your child to AIS Dubai. AIS Dubai is located at Al Barsha 3, Dubai. 971 4 258 2222.
Victoria International School of Sharjah is located on Al Taawun Street in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (PO Box 68600). The Al Taawun area is a residential district with straightforward road access, and the campus is part of the broader VISS network in Sharjah that includes multiple campuses. The school's central campus address and general location are publicly listed on its site.
The school comprises an Early Learning Centre, Primary School, Middle School (Grades 6–9), and Senior School (Grades 10–12). The Early Learning Centre serves the youngest students, followed by primary and middle years, with a senior program for the secondary years. This structure is reflected across the Taawun campus materials.
The Victoria International School of Sharjah operates as a private international school delivering an Australian-Curriculum framework. The Senior School includes Grades 10–12 and follows the Australian curriculum for the upper years. A career listing for the school notes it is fully co-educational.
The school describes its student body as diverse, noting that students come from all over the globe. Public data does not publish a precise count of nationalities or a local-to-international ratio; the material emphasizes wide international representation. The presence of multiple nationalities is a core feature of the VISS community.
The school provides Learning Enhancement under an RTI (Response to Intervention) framework, identifying students with learning needs and providing Individualised Learning Plans. Provisions extend to Gifted and Talented students as part of the school's inclusive approach.
The school is linked to Australian education quality and systems, with explicit references to providing a world-class Australian education and ties to the Victorian education framework. It has been described in regional reporting as connected with Australia (Victorian government ties and embassy connections).
Religious affiliation is not stated in the school's materials; the curriculum and communications emphasize Australian international education and well-being without reference to a religious program.
School timings are: Early Learning Centre from 7:55 am to 1:30 pm and the main school from 7:55 am to 3:10 pm. The office is typically open 7:30 am–4:30 pm (varying by day).
A large portion of students travel by bus, with routes covering Sharjah, Dubai, and Ajman. Pickups typically begin around 7:00 am, and the school day starts at 8:10 am. Buses are equipped with CCTV and seatbelts, have a bus conductor on board, and a transport app for attendance and route tracking; a dedicated Transport Manager oversees operations. Bus-service fees vary by distance and are listed by zone. For transport inquiries, contact 06 599 3283.
Uniforms are compulsory for all students. The on-site uniform shop at Gate 1 opens 8:00am–4:00pm Saturday to Thursday, with access limited to one family at a time. Uniforms can also be purchased from Zaks, the school's uniform partner, at the Kalba campus or online via the Zaks Online Uniform Shop.
VISS uses a four-house system: Falcons, Gazelles, Leopards and Scorpions. Houses participate in most extracurricular activities, with House Captains from Grades 5, 9, and 12 representing their groups. The school runs major inter-house events and maintains an Honour Board to recognise the winning house across athletics, cross country, and swimming, plus other house activities.
VISS is a premium not-for-profit international school owned by Sharjah Asset Management, the government of Sharjah's investment arm. It operates as part of the Victoria International Schools group, with multiple campuses in the emirate including Al Taawun and others. The statement that VISS is a subsidiary of Sharjah Asset Management is shown on the official About Us page, and the campus network is listed under Our Campuses.
The Victoria International School of Sharjah follows the Victorian Curriculum from Kindergarten through Grade 10, with the Early Learning Centre aligned to the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF). Senior School (Grades 11–12) offers two pathways: the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and the Cognia-accredited VISS Global Citizen Diploma (GCDP). The IBDP is a two-year programme requiring six subjects across Groups 1–5 (Group 6 optional) and the IB Core: Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and CAS. The GCDP is a two-year American-style diploma with compulsory English, Mathematics and an Additional Language (Arabic or French), a range of electives, and a minimum 21 credits across Grades 10–12; certain Arabic Language and Islamic Studies and Curriculum Enrichment Programme (CEP) requirements may apply. Overall, the curriculum combines Australian foundations with international senior options to prepare students for university entry worldwide.
Victoria International School Sharjah (VISS) supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through a holistic wellbeing framework that places students' emotional, social and physical needs at the center of learning. The school highlights that it focuses on each child's emotional wellbeing and growth, with staff responsible for safeguarding and supporting these aspects in daily practice. Wellbeing and the five VISS values (Excellence, Diversity, Integrity, Learning, Community) are described as core to school life and student development. A designated Senior Person for Child Protection is the Executive Principal; in their absence, the School Psychologist or Head Principal of Primary or Secondary leads safeguarding matters, supported by a Child Protection Team. Overall, SEL is integrated with teaching and pastoral support to foster both academic progress and personal development.
SEN provisions at VISS are delivered within the mainstream school with an inclusive approach. The school uses a Learning Enhancement (Inclusion) model and a Response to Intervention framework, supported by dedicated inclusion staff, to address individual learning needs. The Victorian Curriculum at VISS explicitly includes provisions for students with disabilities and additional learning needs, English as an additional language, and Gifted and Talented students. Early identification and individualised learning approaches are implemented to support these learners in regular classes. The information publicly available indicates these supports are integrated into the standard school program rather than a separate specialist SEN facility.
EAL is acknowledged within VISS's curriculum, with English as an additional language explicitly listed as a provision in the Victorian Curriculum offered at the school. A dedicated Inclusion/Inclusion staff role (Learning Enhancement) supports learners with additional needs, including those for whom English is not the first language. This combination indicates EAL support is provided within the mainstream program rather than via a standalone department. The school's materials highlight English as an additional language as part of the core inclusive provisions.
Mental wellbeing is a central element of VISS's approach, with Wellbeing explicitly integrated into the school's values and daily practice. The Wellbeing framework emphasizes the emotional, social and physical needs of students as foundational to academic progress. The school identifies a designated Senior Person for Child Protection and maintains a safeguarding structure that includes a School Psychologist and a Child Protection Team to support mental wellbeing and safety. Wellbeing and values guide decisions and practice across campuses.
Safeguarding at VISS is underpinned by UAE Federal law (Wadeema's Law, No. 3 of 2016), which protects a child's right to safety and education. The designated Senior Person for Child Protection is the Executive Principal; in their absence, the School Psychologist or Head Principal of Primary/Secondary leads safeguarding and is supported by the Child Protection Team. Safeguarding is described as the responsibility of all staff, with a formal commitment to child protection reflected in policies and practices. All staff undergo safeguarding screenings, including background checks and reference verification.
Step 1: VISS accepts enrolments from Nursery to Grade 11. The age guidelines align with UAE private education rules. Nursery is 2 years old by 31 August 2025; Pre-KG is 3 by 31 August 2025; KG is 4 by 31 August 2025; Prep is 5 by 31 August 2025; Grade 1 is 6 by 31 August 2025.
Step 2: Applications are submitted online via the Online Application form. The form requires scanned copies of key documents, including a student photo, previous school report, UAE Emirates ID, passport, medical report, and residence visa for the student. The parent documents needed include Emirates ID, passport and residence visa. Registration is online and references the Daleel/SPEA process.
Step 3: Registration documents must be uploaded as part of the process. Required items include student and parent passport copies, student and parent ID copies, and vaccination/immunization details. Family Book is required for Emirati nationals, and UAE residency documents are needed for non-Emirati families. Entry procedures and registrar support are available via the school's Registration Office.
Step 4: The school operates under the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA). All children must be registered with SPEA via Daleel or the school, and entry assessments may be required as part of admissions. For enquiries, the school provides registrar support and transfer procedures.
