Abu Dhabi International School vs The Cambridge High School
Abu Dhabi International School and The Cambridge High School are both in Abu Dhabi, about 22 km apart. Both schools offer British programmes. Abu Dhabi International School also offers IB and American, and The Cambridge High School also offers EYFS, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels and BTEC Qualification. Published annual fees are AED 26,275 - 50,350 at Abu Dhabi International School and AED 16,960 - 35,760 at The Cambridge High School, which puts Abu Dhabi International School roughly 45% higher. Abu Dhabi International School takes pupils from 3 to 18, and The Cambridge High School from 4 to 18. Abu Dhabi International School is the larger school, with around 3,500 pupils to The Cambridge High School's 1,787. Typical class sizes are 22 at Abu Dhabi International School and 19 at The Cambridge High School.
British Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum
Curriculum
EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, BTEC Qualification
Pupils
Pupils
3,500
Pupils
1,787
Typical class size
Typical class size
22
Typical class size
19
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English, Arabic
Opened
Opened
1992
Opened
1988
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
AIS operates across two campuses in Abu Dhabi: the AD Campus is located on Al Karama Street in the Abu Dhabi City area, and the MBZ Campus is in Mohammed Bin Zayed City. The AD Campus address places it in a central Abu Dhabi neighbourhood, while the MBZ Campus serves families in the northern part of the emirate. The school arranges a two-way bus service with routes that reach multiple areas, including Abu Dhabi City limits, Shamkha, Reem Island, Yas Island, Khalifa City, and Mohammed Bin Zayed City.
Location
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Stages
Stages
AIS offers Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle, and High School, with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) available for Grades 11–12. The school operates across two campuses with programs aligned to K-12 education and IB pathways.
Stages
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School type
School type
AIS is a private, international, day school that is co-educational. The two campuses are located in Abu Dhabi City and Mohammed Bin Zayed City.
School type
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Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
AIS represents around 60 nationalities across approximately 3,500 students across its two campuses. The school notes a diverse international community, with a proportion of students and staff from many national backgrounds; local-to-international ratios are not published.
Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
AIS provides a comprehensive Student Support Services program, including Counseling, Special Education services, Enrichment for gifted and talented students, Academic support, English Language Learner services, and Social and Emotional Learning programs.
Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
No formal country affiliation is stated; AIS is licensed by the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Education (ADEK framework) and operates as a UAE-based international school.
Country affiliation
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Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
No religious affiliation is stated. AIS emphasizes diversity and inclusion across a multicultural student body.
Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
Exact start and end times vary by campus and grade level. The Academic Calendar for 2025–2026 is published by AIS, and admissions hours are typically 8:00–15:00 on weekdays, with shorter hours on Fridays.
School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
AIS offers a two-way bus service with separate PS, KG and Prep afternoon routes, and separate morning/afternoon routes for Grades 1–12 as needed. Pick-up locations include Abu Dhabi City Limits, Shamkha, Reem Island, Mohammad Bin Zayed City, Shabiya, Khalifa City, Yas Island, and other areas. The annual bus fee is AED 4,950, including a non-refundable AED 500 registration, and registrations are on a first-come, first-served basis.
Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application / Registration fees - The tuition schedule lists a non-refundable registration fee of AED 1,500 per student. - The school's Tuition Fee Policy states that the registration fee (and the re‑registration fee) is normally calculated as 5% of the yearly tuition and is deductible from the student's final tuition fees for the academic year; specific refund conditions for registration and re‑registration are set out in the policy.
Billing schedule and payment terms - The school divides the total annual tuition into three termly instalments. Term 1 covers September–December (4 months), Term 2 covers January–March (3 months) and Term 3 covers April–June (3 months). The standard due dates for the three term invoices are 1 August (Term 1), 1 December (Term 2) and 1 March (Term 3). A full‑year invoice can be issued on request with a due date of 1 August. - Tuition may be paid in three instalments; uniforms and books may only be collected after presentation/clearance of all three instalments. Students will not be enrolled if payments are not made. The school may suspend students, withhold reports or block re‑enrolment for unpaid fees following the stated late‑payment procedures.
Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable. Abu Dhabi International School is a K–12 day school.
Other costs and fees - Bus transport and uniform costs are not included in the tuition figures shown and are charged separately. Extra fees apply for special education services where required. - A separate IB Diploma Programme (DP) official examination fee of AED 3,500 is charged in Grade 12 for IBDP students; this fee is subject to adjustment.
Refunds and withdrawal terms - Registration fee refund: the policy permits the registration fee to be refundable for new students if written notification is provided at least two weeks prior to the start of the new academic year (deadline stated as 15 August). Re‑registration refunds must be requested on or before 30 June. - Tuition retention on withdrawal: if a student attends up to part of the first week of term and then discontinues without sufficient written notification, the school may retain up to 5% of the annual tuition. If a student attends one to three weeks in a term, the school will retain one full month's tuition; attendance over three to six weeks leads to retention of two months' tuition; attendance beyond six weeks leads to retention of the full term fee. Refunds are otherwise handled according to ADEK rules and the school's published policy.
Fee payment options - Accepted payment methods include online payment link, bank transfer, cheque, cash, credit card and the PayNest mobile application. Returned cheque bank charges will be charged to the parent.
Notes - The annual figures above are shown for the MBZ Campus fee schedule for the 2025–26 academic year and include the listed book charge; bus, uniform and other ancillary charges are additional. Instalment amounts and totals are those published in the school's published fee schedule.
Fee details
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Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
AIS is a private, coeducational K-12 day school with two campuses in MBZ City and Abu Dhabi City, and a planned third campus in Saadiyat. Boarding is not offered, as the institution operates as a day school. AIS provides a two-way bus service for students, with PS/KG and Prep routes separate from Grades 1–12 for afternoon trips, and Grade 1–12 buses that may operate in the morning and/or afternoon depending on demand. The annual bus charge is AED 4,950 (including a non-refundable AED 500 registration fee), and routes cover multiple locations around Abu Dhabi with registration on a first-come, first-served basis.
Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
AIS requires all students to wear the full AIS uniform. For boys, the dress code specifies AIS uniform trousers and shirt with the AIS jacket, plain white undershirts, plain black or white shoes, and white socks, with hair neatly groomed and facial hair not allowed. For girls, the dress code requires AIS uniform trousers/shirt with the AIS jacket, plain white undershirts, hair tied back, veils permitted in white/blue/grey/black, makeup and nail polish not allowed, and only a single stud per ear. Uniforms (including polo shirts for events) can be ordered online via the parent portal and collected from the school uniform store.
Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
AIS maintains a canteen that provides healthy, nutrient-rich meals in line with Abu Dhabi guidelines. Parents are encouraged to pack healthy meals for their child, and items such as nuts are prohibited; external food deliveries are not allowed during school hours. The school emphasizes hydration, with water available on site and students encouraged to bring a water bottle.
Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
AIS is a private, MOE-licensed day school operating from two campuses (AD City and MBZ City) with a planned third campus in Saadiyat. Governance is provided by a formal structure that includes a Board of Trustees, a Parent Committee, a Student Council, and school leadership, reflecting a multi-body governance model within the AIS family.
Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
AIS offers a tri-path curriculum: the American Program with AP, the British Program with IGCSE and AS/A Levels, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), with the DP available at the MBZ campus for Grades 11–12 and the British/American tracks running through Grades 9–12 (IGCSE in Grade 10; AS/A Levels in Grades 11–12; AP in Grades 11–12). Kindergarten (ages 3–5) uses a play-based, inquiry-driven approach with the sMiles phonics program to support early English and Arabic literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional development. Elementary School (Grades 1–5) emphasizes CCSS and NGSS-aligned learning, with core English, Math, Science plus Arabic/French language development, ICT, and STEM. Middle School (Grades 6–8) expands to English, Science, Math, Social Studies, Moral Education, Performing and Visual Arts, PE, Arabic/French, ICT, and Islamic Studies, with counseling services. High School (Grades 9–12) provides American, British, or IB pathways: AP courses in the American track, IGCSE in Grade 10 followed by AS/A Levels in Grades 11–12 for the British track, and the IB Diploma Programme for eligible students.
Curriculum details
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Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
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Higher education progression
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Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
AIS supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through dedicated programs designed to develop self-awareness, empathy, and responsible decision-making. The AIS Inclusion Services page explicitly lists Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Programs as a core component of student support. The AIS Student Support Services Department provides services designed to support students academically, socially, and emotionally, including counseling services. Counseling services are provided by counselors or psychologists to support students who may be struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, or other personal issues. SEL initiatives are integrated within the school's inclusive framework to promote well-being and positive relationships among students.
Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
AIS offers Special Education services to students with disabilities to ensure appropriate accommodations and support. The program includes speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and counseling. The school uses inclusive approaches such as full mainstreaming, adaptive classes, partial mainstreaming, and progressive mainstreaming to place students in learning environments that meet their needs. The AIS Inclusion Program has been recognized by ADEK as an outstanding program and best practice. The curriculum is described as increasingly individualized for SEN and Gifted & Talented (G&T) students.
Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
AIS provides English Language Learner (ELL) services as part of its ESL Services to support students learning English as a second language. The ESL program is designed to provide individualized instruction and support to help students improve their English language skills. AIS notes that many students come from non-English speaking backgrounds and may need additional support to master English. ESL specialists work with students to ensure progress toward required curricular expectations. ESL/ELL services are integrated within the AIS Inclusion Services framework.
English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
Counselling Services at AIS emphasizes that mental health involves more than the absence of illness and includes the development of self-esteem, confidence, empathy, positive peer relationships, coping skills, and adaptability. Mental health activities are designed to promote positive well-being because it is crucial to learning and achievement. The counselors are fully certified to provide confidential individual and group sessions, as well as counseling-related programs. The mission is to provide a nurturing and supportive environment that fosters holistic development and well-being. Counseling aims to support students in achieving both academic and personal success.
Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
AIS has a Student Protection Policy that prioritizes safeguarding by protecting students from maltreatment and ensuring their safety. The policy defines roles such as the Child Protection Coordinator and mandates that all staff and volunteers are mandated reporters of suspected maltreatment. The policy enforces a zero-tolerance approach toward maltreatment and requires reporting to authorities as applicable. Concerns must be reported to the CPC and, where required, to the ADEK Child Protection Unit (CPU) within 24 hours. The policy aligns with UAE laws including Wadeema and related child protection regulations.
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
The AIS operates two contemporary campuses in MBZ City and Abu Dhabi City, with a third campus planned for Saadiyat. AIS has approximately 3,500 students across its two locations. The campus features a well-stocked library, a spacious theatre, vibrant play zones, a sparkling science laboratory, and fully equipped sports grounds. AIS provides dedicated spaces on campus for co-curricular activities.
Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
AIS offers a range of sports teams that include basketball, soccer, volleyball, and track and field. Varsity level teams compete against other schools in the region. The teams have won championships over the years. The campus includes fully equipped sports grounds to support physical education and training.
Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
The AIS campuses feature a well-stocked library and a spacious theatre. There is a sparkling science laboratory on campus. There are vibrant play zones and other dedicated spaces on campus to support the broader curriculum. Two contemporary campuses host the full academic program, with a third campus planned for Saadiyat.
Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
AIS offers a broad suite of co- and extra-curricular activities with dedicated spaces on campus. Sports and varsity teams include basketball, soccer, volleyball, and track and field, with regional competitions and championships. Theatrical productions provide opportunities for acting, set design, and stage management, with public performances and regional recognition. Visual arts, science and engineering clubs, robotics, sustainability initiatives, and life skills programs broaden student learning. A community service program engages students in local volunteering.
Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
AIS was founded in 1982 by Mrs. Jihan Nasr as a private, fully licensed coeducational K-12 school operating in a villa. In 1992 AIS opened its Abu Dhabi Campus, and a formal Parent Committee was established to involve parents in governance. By the 1990s the school had grown to over 300 students and expanded to two villas. In 2005, under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, AIS received praise for academic excellence while integrating sustainability and inclusion. AIS later opened the MBZ Campus in 2015, and today the school serves students and staff from more than 70 nationalities across two campuses, with a third campus planned on Al Saadiyat.
History
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Community
Community
AIS has an international community with students and staff from around 60 nationalities across its two campuses in MBZ City and Abu Dhabi City. The AIS family emphasizes ongoing engagement with parents and the wider community through a formal Parent Committee and a Student Council, guiding decisions and representing parents at events and external evaluations. The school hosts a range of community and cultural events, including Emirati Women's Day workshops, the Annual University Fair, and the Student Council Presidential Debate, as well as activities such as UAE Civil Aviation Day and visits from authorities. These programs reflect a commitment to inclusion, service, and civic learning within the school community.
Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
The Parent Committee is an official body established to involve AIS parents in school governance, with origins dating back to the early years of the school when the first classroom session in 1982 encouraged parent engagement. The Committee comprises a core body of permanent members and a volunteer roster, and parents can participate as Volunteers or Members, with roles including attending meetings, supervising events, and supporting school initiatives. The Committee represents all parents at official school events, external evaluation visits, and other required meetings, providing regular communication and feedback to the administration. Parents can apply to join the Committee through the AIS portal, and the group coordinates outings, events, and curriculum-related activities such as Career Days and chaperoned trips. The Policy for the Parent Committee formalizes its governance, responsibilities, and relationship with the school.
Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
The school offers science and engineering programs with science and engineering clubs to foster student inquiry. The robotics program teaches programming, problem-solving, and teamwork and participates in regional and national competitions. Students engage in hands-on projects and experiments through science and engineering activities.
Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
Theatrical productions provide opportunities to act, design sets, and manage stages; productions are well-known for their high quality and have won regional and national awards. The visual arts program covers drawing, painting, ceramics, and sculpture, and students showcase their work in exhibitions and shows throughout the year. Dedicated spaces at the campus support these activities.
Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
AIS runs sports and varsity teams, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, and track and field, with teams competing regionally. The school hosts theatrical productions and a visual arts program as part of the co- and extra-curriculars, offering opportunities to perform, create, and exhibit. The programs emphasize creativity, community involvement, and skill development.
Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
The Act & Impact Community Service Program engages students in local and global service projects that foster compassion, responsibility, integrity, and courage. Local service projects address issues in students' daily lives, while global projects involve partnerships with international organizations. Students log their service in the AIS Act & Impact Log and may be considered for the AIS Citizenship Award.
Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
The Student Council represents the student body and links between students and school leaders, teaching older students to participate in healthy debate. The Act & Impact Program also fosters leadership through service and student-driven initiatives.
Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Sports teams include basketball, soccer, volleyball, and track and field. Life skills programs include cooking classes, financial literacy workshops, and first aid training. Dedicated spaces at the campus support co- and extra-curricular activities.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Two modern languages are studied as part of AIS's IBDP. The IBDP is available at the MBZ campus for Grades 11 and 12. Arabic is taught under the UAE Ministry Curriculum for Arabic subjects.
Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
87-94 includes Outstanding Inclusion Program; 100% University Placements across UK, USA, and other locations.
Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
Band A ADEK rating; ADEK acknowledges high performance and governance.
Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. Step 1: Admission for the 2025-2026 academic year is currently open for MBZ Campus only. The MBZ Campus offers the American curriculum from pre-school to Grade 12, with Grades 11 and 12 offering the High School Diploma, Advanced Placement (AP), or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). 2. Step 2: Applications are processed on a first-come-first-serve basis, with priority admissions given to children of AIS faculty members, siblings of current AIS students, former AIS students, and other eligible applicants. If there are no vacancies in the grade level, the applicant will be placed on a waiting list, and the school will contact the parents or guardians if a seat becomes available. 3. Step 3: New applicants to AIS: admission is open for pre-school to Grade 11; Grade 12 admissions are not accepted. Applicants must meet the age requirements for the grade to be applied to (e.g., Pre-school 3 years, Kindergarten 4 years, Prep 5 years, Grade 1 6 years) by September 1 of the admission year. Exceptions are not made for age when stated and admissions criteria will be considered. 4. Step 4: Attend a meeting with the School Registrar. For UAE-based applicants, meetings are held Monday–Thursday, 8:00 AM–3:00 PM, and Fridays, 8:00 AM–11:30 AM. Applicants outside the UAE should email admissions to schedule an online meeting. 5. Step 5: After the meeting, applicants attend a placement test or interview, scheduled by the Admissions Office. UAE-based applicants will receive an email with the date and time and should arrive on time; applicants outside the UAE will receive a link for the online test/interview. Enrollment follows acceptance: a Letter of Acceptance is issued, and enrollment must be completed within one week. A non-refundable AED 1,500 registration fee is payable at enrollment; bus service enrollment can be arranged at enrollment, and additional enrollment documents (e.g., Emirates IDs, transfer documents) may be required.
Admissions
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Scholarships
Scholarships
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Scholarships
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Waitlist
Waitlist
If a grade has no vacancies, applicants are placed on a waiting list. The Admissions Office contacts guardians if a seat becomes available.
