Finland International School Maldives

Maldives, Malé

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The school at a glance

Instructs in English

Fees MVR 98,760 - 141,000

Ages Not listed

Pupil numbers 380

Bus Service No

Academic offering

Curriculum Finnish Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE

Taught languages English

Typical class size 50

Strengths STEM, Languages, Service and Sustainability

Clubs Leadership and Professional, Community and Service, Arts and Creative

Stages Primary School, Secondary School

Introduction

Finland International School Maldives (FISM) delivers a Finnish‑style education locally adapted for Maldivian culture. The campus in Malé uses a Finnish Core Curriculum while integrating a cross‑curricular, holistic approach and transversal competences to support 21st‑century skills. English is the language of instruction, with Dhivehi, Quran and Islam taught as part of a responsive program. The curriculum spans Mathematics, Environmental Studies, History and Social Studies, Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology), Geography, Music, Visual Arts, Crafts, PE, Home Economics and Study Counselling. In upper grades, the Finnish curriculum blends with Cambridge IGCSE, and students prepare for Grade 10 examinations, with a Finnish Basic Education Certificate awarded to qualifying students; expatriate students may follow IGCSE subjects in Grades 8–10. Lessons take place in HUBs with two Maldivian teachers and one Finnish teacher, supported by two assistants, a resource teacher and a SEN teacher. Individual timetables and class sizes of about 50 support personalized learning.

Dream Campus, Lonuziyaarai Magu, Malé, Maldives

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The Essentials

Location

Dream Campus, Lonuziyaarai Magu, Malé, Maldives. Located in Malé, the capital city.

Stages

Junior School; Senior School

Pupil Nationality Mix

13+ nationalities represented

Additional learning support

General support; Intensified support; Resource teacher; SEN teacher

Country affiliation

Finland

Religious affiliation

Islam

School day structure

Beginnings and endings of the school day vary by class-level timetable; learning in HUBs; breaks; team teaching; open learning environments; healthy lunch.

Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement

Two sets of school uniforms are included in the Uniforms and books fee.

Governance and Ownership

Affiliated with Billabong High International School Pvt Ltd (BHISPL); BHISPL is referenced in Admissions Priority Order, indicating governance/ownership linkage.

Fees

Application & Registration fees
- One-time registration fee: MVR 2,000.
- One-time security deposit: MVR 6,360 (security deposit is refundable subject to the school's refund procedure and may require a top‑up if the student advances to a grade with a higher tuition level).

Tuition fees (published monthly; presented here as monthly, per term and per academic year)
- Grade 1–6: Monthly tuition MVR 8,230. This converts to an annual tuition of MVR 98,760 and a per‑term tuition of MVR 49,380 (annual tuition divided into two equal terms). The school treats tuition as an annual lump‑sum that may be paid monthly, termly, quarterly or annually.
- Grade 7–9: Monthly tuition MVR 9,550. This converts to an annual tuition of MVR 114,600 and a per‑term tuition of MVR 57,300.
- Grade 10: Monthly tuition MVR 11,750. This converts to an annual tuition of MVR 141,000 and a per‑term tuition of MVR 70,500.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Due dates: Monthly tuition is due on the 1st of each month; parents are allowed an extension to pay until the 15th of the month. Late payment fines apply thereafter.
- Late fines: If fees are paid between the 16th and the end of the first month due, a 10% late fine is added; if paid in the second month, a 20% late fine is added. Outstanding fees carried into the next academic year may incur higher penalties and may lead to deregistration.
- Payment frequency: Annual tuition may be paid annually, termly, quarterly (every 3 months) or monthly. When paid monthly the school still treats tuition as an annual fee. Parents opting for monthly instalments remain liable for the full annual tuition as specified in the school's payment policy.
- Fees required at registration: registration fee, security deposit and the first month's fee (for registrations after the academic year begins).

Boarding fees
- No boarding programme or boarding fees are listed for this school; boarding is not applicable.

Other costs and recurring/one-off fees
- Uniforms: charged once per year; parents must pay the uniform fee before the student commences the academic year for new enrolments. Additional sets during the year are charged at a price set by the school. Exact uniform prices vary year to year.
- Books and stationery: charged once per year to cover textbooks, workbooks, online resources, library access and a stationery kit; amounts vary by year and grade.
- Extra co‑curricular activity fees: Certain extra-curricular activities carry additional monthly fees that are not covered by tuition.
- Sibling discounts: If two siblings attend participating schools in the same school network, the younger sibling receives 10% reduction to the tuition fee; if more than two siblings attend, the third and younger siblings receive 20% reduction (applies to the tuition component only).

Refund information
- Registration fee: non‑refundable.
- Security deposit: refundable subject to submission of a withdrawal form and settlement of all outstanding fees; normally refunded within six months (3–6 months in specified graduation cases). The security deposit will be forfeited on deregistration for unpaid outstanding fees.
- Tuition refunds: tuition fees are treated as an annual fee. Tuition is non‑refundable if a child withdraws during the last three months of the academic year; advance payments and refunds are governed by the school's advance‑payment and refund rules.

Fee payment options and accepted currencies
- Accepted currencies: Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) and United States Dollars (USD) only.
- Accepted payment methods: payments via the Islanders Education Mobile App (all app payment options accepted); bank transfers are accepted but must be evidenced by uploading the transfer slip through the Mobile App; cheques are accepted but are only deemed paid when realised. Credit cards and debit cards are not accepted.

Enforcement and consequences for non‑payment
- If tuition and fines are not paid for two months, deregistration procedures may begin; if outstanding beyond three months the student may be deregistered and records withheld until fees and fines are settled. The school may withhold reports and placement for the next academic year if fees are unpaid. The security deposit is forfeited on deregistration for outstanding fees.

Academics

Curriculum

In FISM Curriculum, we localized the Finnish Core Curriculum to suit Maldivian school culture, with a cross-curricular, holistic approach. The curriculum is built on the principles of the uniqueness of each student, humanity, general knowledge, equality, cultural diversity as a richness, and a sustainable way of life. Transversal competences are embedded to support 21st‑century skills, including thinking and learning to learn, cultural competence, interaction and self-expression, ICT competence, working life competence and entrepreneurship, and participation. We study English, Dhivehi, Quran, Islam, Mathematics, Environmental Studies, History and Social Studies, Music, Visual Arts, Crafts, PE, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Home Economics and Study Counselling. Learning takes place in open learning environments with HUBs and team teaching by two Maldivian teachers and one Finnish teacher, with individualized timetables and class groups of about 50 students. In upper grades, the Finnish Core Curriculum blends with Cambridge IGCSE, and students prepare for examinations in Grade 10, at which point a Finnish Basic Education Certificate is awarded; expatriate students may be exempt from Dhivehi and Islam and will follow IGCSE subjects in Grades 8–10.

Student Teacher Ratio

380+ students and 45+ pedagogical staff; typical HUB class size is about 50 students, giving an approximate student-to-pedagogical-staff ratio of around 8–9 to 1.

Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Open learning environment with HUB classrooms connected to studios for smaller groups. Classes include 50 students who work and study together in flexible groupings. Two Maldivian teachers and one Finnish teacher team-teach to support collaboration. General support is available to every student, and intensified support is provided when needed. The curriculum embeds transversal competences such as thinking and learning to learn, cultural competence, taking care of oneself and managing daily life, and ICT, with study counselling to guide individual growth. The school emphasizes nurturing well-being as part of the joy of learning.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

General support is available to every student. Intensified support is provided more regularly and can be combined with other supports. A SEN teacher, a resource teacher, and two assistant teachers support students. Individual timetables and small-group instruction provide targeted help. Inclusive practices and flexible arrangements are used to meet diverse learning needs.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

English is studied as part of the curriculum. International Students are exempt from studying Dhivehi, Islam and Quran and will receive additional lessons in other subjects during these periods.

Mental Wellbeing

Breaks are built into the day for play and social interaction. Healthy lunches are encouraged. Physical activity is prioritized through the School on the Move program, which aims to create an active school culture, integrate movement into lessons, and increase overall wellbeing. Expeditions, including Discover Maldives for primary and Discover the World for grades 7-10, foster self-awareness and resilience. The Reading Diploma supports literacy development and has well-being benefits. Study Guidance provides personalized support focused on each student's needs and goals. Extra-curricular activities in sport, arts, and STEM further support student wellbeing.

Parent Experience

Community

Junior School uses HUB-style open learning environments with large HUBs connected to studios for group work. Classes include 50 students who work and study together in flexible groupings. Two Maldivian teachers and one Finnish teacher form an expert team. Two assistant teachers, one resource teacher, and one SEN teacher are there to assist, to teach and to support the students. In respect of Maldivian culture and religion, our Quran teacher works closely with our students and teachers. The curriculum localizes the Finnish Core Curriculum to suit Maldivian culture and religion, covering English, Dhivehi, Quran, Islam, mathematics, environmental studies, history and social studies, among other subjects, with cross-curricular themes and transversal competences.

Facilities

Facilities Overview

HUBs are large classrooms connected to studios for smaller group work. Classes include 50 students who work and study together in flexible groupings. Two Maldivian teachers and one Finnish teacher form an expert team, with two assistant teachers, one resource teacher and one SEN teacher providing support. A Quran teacher works with students in respect of Maldivian culture and religion. Lessons follow individualized timetables with breaks for activity and a canteen serving healthy lunches, contributing to a holistic education that prepares students for the future.

Sports Facilities

Extra Curricular activities are provided in collaboration with local clubs and associations throughout the school year, including sports. The activities cover art, music, sport, technology, languages, entrepreneurship, STEM and civic skills and include after-school activities. A list of activities is shared with parents at the start of the academic year. These programs enrich the curriculum and support student wellbeing.

Academic Facilities

Curriculum is built on the Finnish National Core Curriculum with local Maldivian adaptation and a cross-curricular approach that emphasizes transversal competences. Students study English, Dhivehi, Quran, Islam, Mathematics, Environmental Studies, History and Social Studies, Music, Visual Arts, Crafts, PE, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Home Economics and Study Counselling. From Grades 8 to 10, IGCSE subjects are introduced and a Blue Economy framework is taught; a Finnish Basic Education Certificate is awarded at the end of Grade 10. Open learning environments and designated spaces for crafts, science labs, home economics and music support the academic program. Examinations assess a broad range of subjects with expatriate students potentially exempt from Dhivehi and Islam.

Extra Curricular Facilities

The third layer introduces Extra Curricular activities offered in partnership with clubs and associations involved in Sports, Arts and STEM. These activities are connected to seven transversal skills that form the foundation of the Finnish Core Curriculum. The curricular enriching programs include School Parliament for grades 1-10, Working Life practice for grades 6-9, School on the Move, and expeditions such as Discover Maldives for primary grades and Discover the World for grades 7-10. A list of activities is shared with parents at the start of each academic year.

Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

Finnish Core Curriculum forms the basis of the school's curriculum and is implemented with Maldivian and Finnish teachers. The approach is student-centered and collaborative, with team teaching and cross-curricular themes. Transversal competences such as thinking and learning to learn, cultural competence, self-expression, ICT, working life competence and entrepreneurship, and participation are embedded to develop 21st-century skills. The school maintains quality assurance and accreditation from Finland. English, Dhivehi, Quran, Islam, Mathematics, Environmental Studies and other subjects are studied as part of the curriculum.

Arts & Creative

Music, Visual Arts, and Crafts are part of the curriculum. Arts are included in high school as part of Cambridge IGCSE offerings (Art and Design, Music). Extra-curricular activities include arts-related activities in collaboration with local clubs and associations throughout the year.

Cultural & Language

Curriculum is localized to Maldivian culture, with the Finnish Core Curriculum adapted to local culture. Students study English, Dhivehi, Quran and Islam as part of the curriculum. A Quran teacher works closely with students and there is explicit emphasis on Maldivian cultural identity. Expeditions such as Discover Maldives help students engage with local culture and environment.

Social & Hobbies

Extra-curricular activities are offered in collaboration with local clubs and associations and cover art, music, sport, technology, languages, entrepreneurship, STEM, and civic skills. School Parliament for grades 1–10 provides a forum for representatives to discuss issues and develop leadership. Expeditions and the Schools on the Move program foster teamwork, physical activity, and real-world learning.

Community & Service

Expeditions include Discover Maldives with beach restoration projects and engagement with local communities. Working Life practice for grades 6–9 introduces students to local industries and entrepreneurship through work experience. These programs connect learning with the Maldives' environment and society.

Leadership & Professional

School Parliament for grades 1–10 provides a democratic platform for leadership and representation. Working Life practice for grades 6–9 offers work experience and career exploration opportunities. Study Guidance provides personalized support to help students plan their futures.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Breaks and physical education are prioritized, with breaks for activities and a healthy lunch encouraged. The Schools on the Move program promotes an active school culture with active breaks integrated into lessons. Physical activity and wellbeing are central to the daily schedule and school life.

Languages

Language Provision

English and Dhivehi are studied. Expatriate students may be exempt from Dhivehi.

Bilingual Teaching

Two Maldivian teachers and one Finnish teacher form an expert team that teaches together in FISM Junior School.

Admissions

1. Apply via the Skolaro application portal: Applications are submitted through apps.skolaro.com. The portal handles admissions submissions and related communications. It provides the starting point for the enrollment process. Applicants should begin the process by submitting the online form. 2. Fees and charges: Grade 1–6 monthly fee is MVR 8,230; Grade 7–9 monthly fee is MVR 9,550; Grade 10 monthly fee is MVR 11,750. A one-time Registration Fee of MVR 2,000 and a Security Deposit of MVR 6,360 apply. Additional annual fees include a uniforms and books fee and a stationery fee; charges may vary. The security deposit applies to admissions applications submitted from 27 May 2024. 3. Payment terms and consequences: Fees are due on the 1st of each month and must be paid by the 15th. If payment is not made by the 15th, a late fine is charged; from the 16th a 10% fine applies for the first month and 20% for the second month. If fees remain unpaid for two months or more, the student will be automatically withdrawn. Fees paid are non-refundable and non-transferable. 4. Sibling discounts and admissions priority: A Sibling Discount applies when two siblings attend Kangaroo Kids, Billabong High, or Finland International School Maldives; the younger sibling receives a 10% reduction, while a third or younger sibling receives a 20% reduction. To apply for the Sibling Discount, obtain a Sibling Discount Application Form from the Kangaroo Kids Front Office. Admissions priority order is: 1) Children of existing BHISPL staff; 2) Students who graduate from Kangaroo Kids; 3) Students with siblings in BHISPL schools; 4) Students who graduate from BHISPL schools. Other schools refer to any school outside BHISPL.

School Events

The school has not added events

FAQs

Where is Finland International School Maldives located?

The school is on the Dream Campus at Lonuziyaarai Magu in Malé, the capital city of the Maldives. It's situated to serve families relocating to Malé with a campus designed for a Finnish–Maldivian education approach.

What grade levels and curriculum does FISM offer?

FISM operates a Junior School and a Senior School. Grades 1–6 follow the localised FISM Curriculum, Grades 7–9 introduce Cambridge IGCSE subjects, and Grade 10 leads to a Finnish Basic Education Certificate, with expatriate students potentially following IGCSE subjects in Grades 8–10.

Who leads the school?

The head of school is Dr. Eija Valanne, who oversees the Finnish–Maldivian program and the school's cross-curricular, holistic approach.

What are the admission and registration costs?

There is a one-time registration fee of 2,000 MVR and a security deposit of 6,360 MVR. New admissions also require the first month's tuition at registration, and uniforms/books are charged separately each year.

What are the tuition fees by grade and what payment options exist?

Monthly tuition is 8,230 MVR for Grades 1–6, 9,550 MVR for Grades 7–9, and 11,750 MVR for Grade 10. The annual tuition can be paid monthly, termly, quarterly, or annually, with extensions possible to the 15th of the month if needed.

Is there a sibling discount, and who qualifies?

Yes. The younger sibling receives a 10% reduction and a third or younger sibling can receive a 20% reduction on the tuition component if two siblings attend participating BHISPL or Finland International School Maldives institutions.

What does the curriculum look like in practice and how is it delivered?

The curriculum localises the Finnish Core Curriculum for Maldivian culture, with transversal competences embedded for 21st‑century skills. Learning takes place in open HUBs with team teaching by two Maldivian teachers and one Finnish teacher, and class group sizes are about 50 students.

What are the class sizes and the student–teacher ratio like?

There are roughly 380+ pupils with 45+ pedagogical staff. Typical HUB classes have about 50 students, giving an approximate student–pedagogical staff ratio of around 8–9 to 1.

What qualifications do students earn at Grade 10 and what exams are involved?

At the end of Grade 10, students are awarded a Finnish Basic Education Certificate. Expatriate students may follow IGCSE subjects in Grades 8–10 as part of the transition to Cambridge IGCSE assessments.

What learning spaces and facilities does the school offer?

Learning takes place in large HUBs connected to studios for smaller-group work, with spaces dedicated to crafts, science labs, home economics, and music. The school provides open learning environments and multiple specialist spaces to support a cross‑curricular program.

Are there sports and extracurricular facilities and activities on campus?

Extra-curricular activities are offered in partnership with local clubs and associations and cover sport, arts, technology, languages, entrepreneurship, STEM and civic skills. An after-school activities program runs throughout the year and a canteen serves healthy lunches.

What are the dining and break arrangements?

Breaks for activity and a healthy lunch are integral to the daily routine, with a canteen serving nutritious meals as part of the holistic education.

What leadership opportunities exist for students?

School Parliament runs for Grades 1–10, providing a democratic platform for student leadership and representation.

What are examples of expeditions and work-life programs?

The school runs field-based programs such as Discover Maldives (beach restoration and local engagement) and Discover the World (global perspectives). Working Life practice for Grades 6–9 gives students work experience and career exploration opportunities.

What clubs and after-school activities are available?

After-school activities span art, music, sport, technology, languages, entrepreneurship, STEM and civic skills, and are designed in collaboration with local clubs and associations.

What support is available for SEN and EAL students?

A range of support is available, including general and intensified SEN support with a dedicated SEN teacher, a resource teacher, and two assistant teachers. EAL is supported through English-in-the-curriculum study, and expatriate students may be exempt from Dhivehi.

How does the school promote wellbeing and mental health?

Wellbeing is woven into the day with breaks for activity, a focus on healthy lunches, and the School on the Move program to integrate movement into lessons. The curriculum also includes study guidance and wellbeing-focused initiatives.

What study guidance and safeguarding provisions exist?

Study Guidance provides personalized support to help students plan their futures, with ongoing wellbeing considerations. Specific safeguarding policies are not listed in the available information.

Is there a school uniform, and what does it include?

Yes. Two sets of school uniforms are included in the Uniforms and Books fee, with additional uniforms charged as needed. Uniforms are required before the start of the academic year for new enrolments.

What is the governance and ownership structure of the school?

The school is affiliated with Billabong High International School Private Limited (BHISPL), indicating governance and ownership links within that group.

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