Aga Khan Academy Dhaka vs Australian International School Dhaka

	A Aga Khan Academy Dhaka Dhaka, Bangladesh	A Australian International School Dhaka Dhaka, Bangladesh
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year BDT 719,780 - 2,011,770	Fees / year BDT 408,000 - 1,540,000
Age range	Age range 6 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Australian Curriculum, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
Pupils	Pupils 600	Pupils 512
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2022	Opened 2015
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location The Aga Khan Academy Dhaka sits on a 17-acre site in Bashundara, Dhaka, at Ka-65/1, Kuratoli, Dhaka-1229, Bangladesh.	Location Head Office & Lalmatia: House No 7/16, Block B, Lalmatia, Mohammadpur, Dhaka 1207. Averroes Mirpur: 7/1 Pallabi, Section-12, Mirpur-12, Dhaka 1216 (Westside of Mirpur-12 Bus Stand). Averroes Uttara: Sector-7, Road-07, House-03, Uttara, Dhaka. Averroes Lalmatia campus shares the Lalmatia address. Visiting Hours: Sun–Thu 10am–3pm; Fri–Sat Closed.
Stages	Stages Kindergarten to Grade 12; Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme (IB World School).	Stages Primary and Secondary
School type	School type Private, non-profit, non-denominational, co-educational IB World School; residential programme planned to commence from Grade 6.	School type English-medium educational institution
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix IB DP students by nationality: USA 26%; Bangladesh 26%; Canada 21%; UK 11%; Australia 9%; Other 7%.	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Bangladesh	Country affiliation Bangladesh
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Non-denominational; AKDN programmes are conducted without regard to faith, origin or gender.	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details School bus transport is available; cancellations require two months' notice; if cancellations occur, two months' transport fees will be deducted from the deposit.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Admission and application fees - Admission fee (one-time, non-refundable): BDT 385,000 per student. Security (caution) deposit - Security deposit (one-time, refundable): BDT 85,000. Claims for refund of the caution money deposit must be made in writing within one year of the date of leaving the Academy; the Academy may set off any outstanding dues against this deposit. Tuition fees (annual) and per-term breakdown (by year group) - KG1–KG3 (Primary day school): Annual tuition BDT 719,780. - Grades 1–5 (Junior day school): Annual tuition BDT 1,064,360 - Grades 6–8 (Senior day school): Annual tuition BDT 1,465,950 - Grades 9–10 (Senior day school): Annual tuition BDT 1,528,320 - DP1–DP2 (Senior day school – Diploma Programme): Annual tuition BDT 2,011,770 Note on boarding/boarding fees - Residential facilities will not be available in the 2025–2026 academic year; therefore boarding fees are not applicable for that period. Other costs and miscellaneous fees - Transport/school-bus fees: Transport is charged where applicable and will appear on the student invoice. School bus transport cancellation must be given two months prior to the cancellation date; otherwise two months' transport fees will be deducted from the deposit. - Exam fees (MYP and DP): IB examination and related MYP/DP exam fees are billed separately based on the actual fees charged by the International Baccalaureate and associated incidental expenses. - Field trips and optional off-campus activities: Any field trips or off-campus educational experiences not included in the compulsory curriculum are charged when they are conducted and invoiced separately. - Uniforms, stationery, personal learning devices or similar consumables: not listed in the published fee schedule; such items, where required, are typically charged or purchased separately and are not included in the tuition figures above. Billing schedule and payment terms - On first joining: parents must pay the admission fee (non‑refundable), the tuition fee, and the caution money deposit (refundable) in advance and prior to the student attending the Academy.	Fee details Fees The annual tuition fees for the 2026–27 academic year range from BDT 408,000 to BDT 1,540,000, depending on the year level. Application and Admission Fees Admission Processing Fee (non-refundable): BDT 2,000 Admission Fee (non-refundable): BDT 250,000 Security Deposit (refundable): BDT 75,000 Tuition Fees PYP Early Childhood: BDT 102,000 per term \| BDT 408,000 per year Foundation: BDT 127,000 per term \| BDT 508,000 per year Pre Primary: BDT 150,000 per term \| BDT 600,000 per year Year 1: BDT 152,000 per term \| BDT 608,000 per year Year 2: BDT 168,000 per term \| BDT 672,000 per year Year 3: BDT 185,000 per term \| BDT 740,000 per year Year 4: BDT 205,000 per term \| BDT 820,000 per year Year 5: BDT 220,000 per term \| BDT 880,000 per year MYP Year 6: BDT 240,000 per term \| BDT 960,000 per year Year 7: BDT 255,000 per term \| BDT 1,020,000 per year Year 8: BDT 295,000 per term \| BDT 1,180,000 per year Year 9: BDT 295,000 per term \| BDT 1,180,000 per year Year 10: BDT 295,000 per term \| BDT 1,180,000 per year IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) Year 11: BDT 372,000 per term \| BDT 1,488,000 per year Year 12: BDT 385,000 per term \| BDT 1,540,000 per year WACE Year 11: BDT 335,000 per term \| BDT 1,340,000 per year Year 12: BDT 335,000 per term \| BDT 1,340,000 per year Transport School transport fee: BDT 40,000 per term Billing Schedule and Payment Terms Term fees are payable four times per academic year: 1st Term: Due 10 August 2026 2nd Term: Due 26 October 2026 3rd Term: Due 14 January 2027 4th Term: Due 15 April 2027 Boarding Fees No boarding fees listed. AUSIS operates as a day school. Refund Information Admission Processing Fee and Admission Fee are non-refundable. Security Deposit is refundable. Payment Methods Payment methods are not specified in the published fee schedule.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements Residential programme to commence in the future starting from Grade 6; residences will accommodate boarding students and teachers.	Boarding arrangements Boarding is provided on campus. Residential Activities include outdoor pursuits, retreats, and personal development courses; the school operates across two campuses.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement Uniform is mandatory. Boys wear a white shirt with ash pants; in winter they wear an ash blazer and tie with a black belt and black shoes. Girls wear an ash uniform (frock for younger students; jilbaab with hijab from Grade 2 onward), with hijab required from Grade 2; winter includes an ash overcoat.
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The Aga Khan Academy Dhaka is a private, non-profit, non-denominational, co-educational school and is part of the Aga Khan Academies network within the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). The school follows a dual-language programme with instruction in English and Bengali.	Governance and ownership The school is a proprietary institution owned by Averroes Ltd., a company registered under the Bangladesh Companies Act. Governance is exercised by the Averroes Education Board, with members including a Chairman, CEO & Head of School, Director of Finance, and Parent Representatives.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The school offers an education of an internationally recognised standard of excellence to prepare students to become intellectually curious, globally-minded citizens of the world. The Academy programme develops students who are committed to positive change and are able to understand and analyse complex issues of local, national and global significance. Our curriculum is rigorous and multidisciplinary, fostering intellectual curiosity, creativity, leadership development, social consciousness and a pluralistic sensibility. We prepare students for admission to the best universities in their own countries and abroad. They should have mastered at least two languages, including English. Through the Aga Khan Curricular Strands, cross-disciplinary areas of study have been developed for the network of Aga Khan Academies.	Curriculum details American International School Dhaka provides academic programs based on American educational principles for an international community. The AISD Learner Profile is embedded within the curricular framework and defines the values and attitudes students strive for, including inquiry, knowledge, communication, and openness. The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for grades 11–12 alongside an AISD Diploma, with three high school pathways: High School Diploma (HSD); HSD with IB Certificates; and the IBDP pathway. Course offerings for 2024–25 include IBDP English Language & Literature HL/SL, IBDP Math HL/SL, IBDP Biology HL/SL, and a range of DP courses across English, Math, Sciences, and Languages, together with AISD's HS Diploma courses. The graduation framework includes an AISD Diploma for all students and a separate IB Diploma pathway for eligible students, reflecting the school's blend of American and IB approaches.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results IB Diploma results for AISD's Class of 2022–2024 show: Class of 2022 had 31 grade 12 students with 25 pursuing the DP; the class averaged AISD score 35 and world score 32, with 12.9% scoring 40+; Class of 2023 had 26 students with 17 DP graduates, AISD average 35 and world average 30.24, with 3.8% scoring 40+; Class of 2024 had 29 students with 25 DP graduates, AISD average 34 and world average 30.3, with 6.9% scoring 40+. Diploma participation by class was 81% (2022), 65% (2023), and 86% (2024). Post-secondary outcomes show IB Diploma results and SAT results as part of the profile.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Graduates are well prepared for higher education and to pursue opportunities in an increasingly interdependent world. They are prepared for admission to the best universities in their own countries and abroad.	Higher education progression Post-high school plans indicate a strong leaning toward four-year colleges/universities, with 75.9% of the Class of 2024 on a Four-Year College/University pathway. In terms of location, 41.4% planned to study in the United States, 10.3% in the United Kingdom, 6.9% in Canada, and 20.7% in Other destinations (including the Netherlands, India, Ireland, France, and Germany). Gap Year accounts for 13.8%, and 6.9% have unconfirmed plans.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The Aga Khan Academy Dhaka integrates social-emotional learning as part of its programmes. The Early Years (IB Primary Years Programme) emphasises social-emotional development and personal growth alongside academic learning, with a focus on global citizenship. The curriculum supports social-emotional development through inquiry-based learning and transdisciplinary themes. Routines at home and the home-to-school connection are emphasised to support children's social-emotional well-being. Staff have engaged in professional development focused on social-emotional learning, including a Responsive Classroom workshop that emphasises safe, engaging classrooms and a positive community. Mental well-being is illustrated by student-led initiatives and school programmes, including a Diploma Programme student who authored a booklet on adolescent mental health and school activities to raise awareness.	Social & emotional learning Emotional & Social Wellbeing is addressed in AusIS's SEN Policy. Any staff member can refer a student's social, emotional or academic difficulties to the Student Support Team (SST) for assessment and action. The SST coordinates interventions and, where appropriate, develops an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) to support the student's social and emotional development. Appendix F provides targeted strategies for areas of concern, including emotional and social wellbeing. The policy aims to create a safe, inclusive learning environment that prioritises student wellbeing.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) AusIS has a SEN Policy (2019-20). The School's SST includes the Principal, Coordinator, teachers and other staff, and coordinates support for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN). The policy supports mild to moderate SEN and uses ILPs and a formal SEN referral process (Appendix H) to plan interventions. A three-tier approach to SEN support is used, with Tier 1 for mild needs and Tier 3 for moderate needs, with progressive interventions and monitoring. Admission decisions consider SEN requirements and capacity, and progress is reviewed at least once per term.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The Academy follows a dual-language instruction policy in Bangla and English for Dhaka. Students are expected to master at least two languages, including English. Language Week activities include readings in English, Bangla and Hindi, highlighting multilingual learning within the school community.	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Mental well-being is a focus at AKA Dhaka, evidenced by student-led initiatives such as a Diploma Programme student authoring a booklet on adolescent mental health. The DP coordinator notes that the Aga Khan Learner Profile emphasises wellbeing and personal growth. Parent workshops address students' mental well-being and ways to support it. The school's wellbeing culture is reinforced by the Athletic Programme, which links physical activity to social and emotional development and resilience.	Mental wellbeing The school values student wellbeing, with CAS emphasizing wellbeing alongside creativity, activity and service to foster balanced development and resilience. CAS programs promote physical and mental wellbeing through activities and reflection integrated into the curriculum. The SEN policy includes Emotional & Social Wellbeing as a focus area, with the SST implementing interventions aimed at students' emotional health. Activities and wellbeing-focused approaches are embedded to support students' emotional, ethical and intellectual growth.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Safety and security are priorities at AKA Dhaka; the Transportation and Security Manager states that safety comes first and that campus protocols and disciplinary acts are followed. The campus is large and staff remain vigilant about safety-related issues to ensure a safe and secure environment.	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Built on a 17-acre site near Bashundara, Dhaka, the Aga Khan Academy Dhaka offers state-of-the-art facilities on a secure, landscaped campus. The school enrols 750 students (K-12) with capacity to expand to 1,200, and residential facilities are provided for students and staff. Academic spaces include subject- and age-specific classrooms, well-equipped science and computer laboratories, a library and resource centres, and rooms for the fine arts, music and dance with individual practice booths and a music recording area. The Commons houses the dining hall and a hub for school activities, including music and drama performances and public lectures. The campus' sports facilities are extensive and, when complete, will include swimming and diving pools and fields for all sports.	Facilities overview The AUSIS campus features modern classrooms with smart boards and air-conditioned spaces, a centralized network across the campus, and a well-equipped Learning Center. It provides Wet/Dry Science Laboratories for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, and an IT Laboratory for digital learning. The library offers extensive collections and digital resources, with reading zones and librarian support. The arts and performance spaces include a Visual Arts Studio, Design Studio, Music Room, and Dance Room, supported by an auditorium and a cafeteria. Outdoor and indoor facilities include football fields, basketball courts, play grounds, and a swimming pool.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Our sports facilities are extensive and, when complete, will include swimming and diving pools and fields for all sports.	Sports facilities Sports facilities include a basketball court, football fields, indoor sports facilities, and a swimming pool. Outdoor play spaces encompass two playgrounds with basketball, badminton, football, and table tennis provisions, supporting a broad PE and after-school sport program.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Subject- and age-specific classrooms; well-equipped science and computer laboratories; library and resource centres; rooms for the fine arts, music and dance, including individual practice booths and a music recording area.	Academic facilities Academic facilities include state-of-the-art Science Laboratories for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, an IT Laboratory, and a well-equipped Library. Additional learning spaces comprise a Learning Center, Visual Arts Studio, Design Studio, Music Room, and Dance Room, with an Auditorium for performances and events.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The Commons will host a hub of student activity for music and drama performances, public lectures, and other school activities; spaces exist for arts and music, including rooms for fine arts, music and dance, with individual practice booths and a music recording area.	Extra curricular facilities Co-curricular offerings span arts, sports, music and drama, service projects, community engagement, charity events, and enterprise challenges, complemented by student clubs and other after-school activities that foster leadership and collaboration.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History —
Community	Community —	Community —
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The Aga Khan Curricular Strands strengthen understandings and dispositions needed by future leaders. They comprise five areas: Ethics, Pluralism, Cultures (with emphasis on Muslim civilisations), Governance and Civil Society, Economics for Development. The Strands are woven through the existing curriculum and integrated into school life via policies, co-curricular activities and daily practice, with opportunities to engage across the AK Academy network through visits and exchanges.	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Expression focuses on visual and performing arts, including theatre, art, music and drama, enabling students to think creatively and express their identities. Individual and collaborative creative projects emphasise growth and the achievement of personal goals.	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language An international exchanges network links students across Aga Khan Academies. The programme includes dual-language instruction with English and a national language, with English as a common medium at all Academies, and language study enhanced through immersion and intercultural contact.	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service Community service is a major facet of student education, integrated into life and the curriculum to extend learning beyond the classroom. Through community projects with local organisations and internships, students understand the world in which they live and work with local AKDN agencies to contribute to communities, gaining insight into human rights, dignity and autonomy.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Student leadership develops ethical, public-minded leaders. Through co-curricular clubs, students take leadership roles such as house leaders, student council members, team captains and dorm duties, gaining experience in cooperation, problem solving and goal setting. Leadership activities span community service, sports and expressive arts, building a sense of ownership, creativity and collaboration.	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Physical education and competitive sports form a core part of student life. Inter-school teams compete in swimming, basketball, cricket, hockey, football and athletics, with regular training. After-school clubs offer activities in football, squash, basketball, cricket, swimming, table tennis, tennis and yoga/gym.	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English and Bangla are the instructional languages. The curriculum emphasises local language and culture and is taught through a bilingual approach.	Language provision English is the language of instruction. Bangla is taught to all students as a language other than English, and Bangla is the official language of Bangladesh. The curriculum follows the Western Australian Curriculum Framework across eight learning areas. In the Diploma Programme, language-related learning areas include Language & Literature and Language Acquisition.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The Aga Khan Academy Dhaka uses a bilingual approach with English and Bangla.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Grade placement and eligibility. Entry to Nursery (Kindergarten 1) requires the child to be 3 years old by 31 July of the entry year. For Grade 1 entrants, the child must be 6 years old by 31 August and have completed at least three years of nursery education. Admission is based on a multifaceted assessment that evaluates cognitive, literacy, mathematical and leadership abilities and is competitive and merit-based. 2. Applications. Applications are submitted online through the Academy's online application service and there is no application fee. The online form requires: a completed application form; copies of the last two grade reports; birth certificate or passport; vaccination evidence for Junior School; two passport-sized photographs; and the tax return acknowledgment slip of either parent. 3. Assessments and interviews. Prospective Nursery and Kindergarten entrants participate in assessment exercises addressing communication, social and motor skills. Students entering Grades 2–5 take standard assessments in logic, English and mathematics and complete creativity tasks, followed by personal interviews with Junior School staff. Students entering Grades 6–10 take a standard assessment in logic, English, mathematics and problem-solving, plus interviews with Senior School staff. Diploma Programme (DP) applicants undertake a standardised assessment in English, mathematics and logic and an interview with DP coordinators and Senior School staff. 4. Diploma Programme specifics and merit. Applicants for the Diploma Programme must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and a proven record of civic-mindedness and community service. New students are not admitted in the year of the Diploma exam. Admission remains competitive and based on merit.	Admissions 1. Start Online Submission: AusIS aims to make the application journey clear and straightforward. Complete the Enrollment Enquiry Form or collect a paper form from the office. The Admissions Team is available to guide applicants through every step of the enrolment process. This starts the application journey and helps determine next steps. 2. Attach Documents: Birth certificate / passport copy, school records, passport photos and medical information. The documents are part of the submission and are used in the admissions review. Submitting complete documents supports the assessment of eligibility and seat availability. 3. Admissions Review: The team reviews documents and checks seat availability. This step determines whether the applicant meets admission criteria and whether space is available. Additional information may be requested if needed. 4. Assessment / Interview: Some applicants are invited for placement assessment or interview (as required). Assessments help determine appropriate grade placement and fit. Applicants will be informed of the outcome of this stage. 5. Offer Issued: The school issues an offer when criteria and seat availability are met. Offers are issued within the context of space and eligibility. Applicants should respond to the offer as directed and note any instructions for the next steps. 6. Acceptance & Orientation: Accept the offer per the instructions, complete fee payment, and attend orientation. Orientation is part of the enrolment process. Final enrolment proceeds after these steps are completed. 7. Things To Know First: Application and admission fees are non-refundable. Early application is recommended due to limited places. International applicants should prepare visa and travel documentation.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships Scholarship / Financial Assistance Program (from 2024-2025) is available. Categories include Academic – completely merit-based scholarships; Need-based scholarships for siblings and financial crises; Special Needs scholarships for students with financial challenges. Merit scholarships will be awarded to one student per year per class and are available to students in year 5 onwards. The scholarship application form is available at the front office with payment of 50 BDT. Only shortlisted students will be considered. The school reserves the right to change any rules or regulations about the Scholarship/Financial Assistance Program at any time with the consent of the Board of Management. For more information, contact the Principal's Office.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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