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Swiss International School Qatar

Qatar, Doha

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees QAR 55,750 - 74,017
Ages 4 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 830
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Swiss Curriculum
Typical class size 22
Introduction

Swiss International School Qatar (SISQ) is a private, multilingual international day school in the Al Luqta/Al Hashimiya area of Doha offering an IB-continuum education. The school publishes that it delivers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes and (as recorded in directory listings) also operates under a Swiss international school model. SISQ serves learners from early years through to secondary (ages 4 to 18) and identifies English as the main language of instruction while making French an integral part of the curriculum, supporting German native speakers and teaching Arabic, Islamic Studies and Qatari History in line with national requirements. Facilities include dedicated music studios, an auditorium, a fully equipped gym / multi-purpose sports hall and outdoor courts for volleyball, handball and basketball; students also have access to iPads and Chromebooks. Distinctive features the school publishes are its IB continuum, an explicit emphasis on multilingualism and Swiss-rooted values together with links to a sister school in the French-speaking part of Switzerland.

Al Hashimiya St, Doha, Qatar

The Essentials

Swiss International School Qatar has 830 pupils, typical class sizes of 22, instruction in English.

Location

The Swiss International School Qatar is located on Al Hashimiya Street in the Al Luqta district of Doha, Qatar. The campus address is Al Hashimiya Street, Al Luqta, Doha. It sits in a residential area with access to Doha's road network.

Stages

SISQ serves students aged 3 to 18 and is structured into Early Years, Primary School, and Secondary School. The school provides an IB continuum from Early Years through Grade 12.

Type

SISQ is a co-educational, day school.

Pupil Nationality Mix

The school represents a diverse community, with around 64 nationalities reported among students and a strong emphasis on inclusivity; the most common nationalities and the local-to-international ratio are not publicly published.

Additional learning support

The school describes itself as inclusive and multilingual and maintains a Learning Support Team. There is evidence of dedicated roles such as SENCo and a School Counsellor role within SISQ's staff and recruitment activity.

Country affiliation

The school operates under the Swiss branding and emphasizes the international values of Switzerland, but there is no explicit formal government affiliation cited.

Religious affiliation

There is no formal religious affiliation stated. Arabic, Islamic and Qatari History is taught as part of the national curriculum, with Islamic Studies provided for Muslim students.

School day structure

The school day for PK2–Grade 12 runs from 7:30 am to 2:00 pm, with a morning registration, periodic breaks, lunch, and multiple class periods. PK1 operates from 7:30 am to 1:00 pm with a shorter schedule and breaks built in.

Bus service

There is no in-school bus service offered by SISQ. Families typically arrange their own transport or use external options.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements

Boarding is not provided. SISQ operates as a day school for students aged 3 to 18. There are no on-site boarding facilities or programmes.

Uniform Requirement

Uniforms are required for pupils from PK to Grade 12. Uniforms can be purchased in three ways: a pop-up shop on campus at the start of the academic year, online from the supplier, or at a local store in the Al Rayyan area. The school is not involved in the transactions between parents and the uniform supplier, and fabrics, colours and design must comply with school guidelines.

Food Options

Meals are provided by the on-site canteen, with the provider listed as Bateel Bakery. There are three meal options: lunchbox from home, a daily cold meal pack, or a daily hot meal pack (small, large or daily special). Primary students have their canteen cards kept behind the counter; secondary students sign up at the counter; water policy encourages reusable bottles.

Governance and Ownership

SISQ was established as a partnership between the State of Qatar and Bellevue Education. Bellevue Education's CEO Mark Malley has been actively involved in setting up SISQ.
Fees

Annual tuition at Swiss International School Qatar ranges from QAR 55,750 to QAR 74,017 for 2026/27.

Application / Admissions Charges
- Registration fee: QAR 2,500 (one‑off, non‑refundable).

Tuition fees by year group (annual amounts in QAR)
- Early Years and Primary (PK1 / PK2 / Kindergarten / Grades 1–5): QAR 55,750 per year.
- Middle Years (Grades 6–10): QAR 66,717 per year.
- Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12): QAR 74,017 per year.

Per‑term detail (installments and how fees are invoiced)
- The school's annual tuition is collected across three term instalments with invoices issued in advance of each term; payments for each term are due before the start dates shown below. (The school invoices the appropriate portion of the annual fee for each term.)
- For straightforward reference, an equal three‑way division of the published annual fees would yield the following per‑term amounts (shown as QAR, rounded to two decimals):
- PK / Primary (annual QAR 55,750) — per term (equal split): QAR 18,583.33.
- Grades 6–10 (annual QAR 66,717) — per term (equal split): QAR 22,239.00.
- Grades 11–12 (annual QAR 74,017) — per term (equal split): QAR 24,672.33.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Term payment due dates for the academic year shown are:
- Term 1: payment due by 28 August 2025.
- Term 2: payment due by 04 January 2026.
- Term 3: payment due by 23 March 2026.
- Consequences for late or unpaid fees may include blocking of school reports, withholding of reference letters, blocking re‑enrolment for the next academic year, and other measures approved by the Ministry of Education.

Boarding fees
- Boarding accommodation is not listed as a service or fee for Swiss International School Qatar; there are no boarding fees applicable. The school operates as a day school.

Other costs and one‑off charges
- School uniform: charged separately; price list available from the official supplier.
- Lost or damaged textbooks/library books: charges apply for items lost or damaged beyond accepted standard.
- Additional lessons, specialist support, external extracurricular providers, some school trips, and external examination fees: may incur additional charges and will be invoiced separately to parents.

Refunds and withdrawals
- Registration fee: non‑refundable.
- Withdrawals: one term's written notice is required when withdrawing a student. If the required notice is not given, fees for the following term are payable.
- Cancellations after a place is confirmed: notification must be given in writing before the first termly instalment of fees is due to avoid further liability.

Fee payment options and bank details
- Accepted payment methods: bank transfer (preferred), cash at the school collections office, or cheque payable to Swiss International School. Parents making bank transfers should include the child's name on the transfer and provide a copy of the transfer document; bank charges are borne by the payer.
- Bank details published by the school (account currency QAR):
- Bank: Qatar National Bank (Al Shoumoukh Branch)
- Account name: Swiss International School
- Account number: 0260-051488-001
- SWIFT: QNBAQAQA
- IBAN: QA56 QNBA 0000 0000 0260 0514 8800 1.

Notes (format and presentation)
- All amounts above are shown in Qatari Riyals (QAR). The school states that the fee structure is approved by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and may be reviewed annually.
Academics

Swiss International School Qatar teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Swiss Curriculum for students aged 4 to 18.

Curriculum

Swiss International School Qatar (SISQ) is an IB Continuum World School for ages 3 to 18, offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP) across the full age range. In Early Years (PK1–PK2), SISQ follows the IB Primary Years Programme with instruction in English and French and an inquiry- and play-based approach. Primary School (PK1–Grade 5) uses the PYP with a transdisciplinary, inquiry-based framework and the IB Learner Profile in a multilingual setting. Secondary School (Grade 6–10) follows the IB MYP, and the Diploma Programme is offered for Grades 11–12; Arabic, Islamic/Cultural Studies and Qatar History are taught in line with Qatar's Ministry of Education requirements. The Diploma Programme provides a broad range of subjects across groups and language options, including Arabic, French and German alongside core DP subjects in English.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

SISQ supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) by promoting a culture of care and embedding SEL opportunities in both classroom learning and extracurricular activities. The school emphasises a culture of care, ensuring students feel happy and looked after and supported socially and emotionally. The Community Hub provides Extra-Curricular Activities (ECAs) and Community Activities (CAs) that foster social interaction, teamwork, and wellbeing. The mission and vision describe emotionally fulfilled and socially connected learners, aligned with SEL goals. As an IB World School, SISQ delivers an inquiry-based, holistic education that supports the social and emotional development of the whole child.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The school does not publicly disclose information regarding Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision, the types of SEN supported, or whether SISQ is a specialist SEN institution. External sources describe dedicated staff and programmes for students with special learning needs and access to an education psychologist. SISQ is an IB World School with English as the language of instruction. The school states it welcomes families of all nationalities, indicating an inclusive approach. Explicit SEN policies or details are not publicly published on SISQ's materials.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

English is the main language of instruction at SISQ. The school fosters a multilingual learning environment, with French as a component of the curriculum and opportunities to engage with other languages. External coverage notes SISQ's multilingual, intercultural environment. No dedicated English as an Additional Language (EAL) program is publicly disclosed on SISQ's materials. Details about explicit EAL programming are not publicly published.

Mental Wellbeing

SISQ aims to develop emotionally fulfilled learners who are happy, healthy, balanced and confident. SEL is promoted through classroom practice and a culture of care designed to support students' wellbeing. Extracurricular programs and activities (Community Hub) provide social opportunities that contribute to mental wellbeing. As an IB World School, SISQ emphasises holistic development that includes wellbeing as part of its educational approach. Safeguarding training for staff supports student wellbeing and protective practices across the school.

Safeguarding

SISQ provides safeguarding training for all staff, with external and internal resources. The safeguarding program includes language-diverse delivery to ensure understanding. All staff are certified to safeguard, with ongoing updates. SISQ has achieved National Online Safety Certified School Accreditation for its online safety program. A safeguarding culture is embedded across the school community, including support staff and operations.
Parent Experience

History

Swiss International School Qatar opened its doors in 2017. It started with an initial enrollment of 300 students from PK to Grade 8 and has grown rapidly since. It now enrolls over 800 students and offers a full IB Diploma Programme (IBDP). The school was established as a joint project between the State of Qatar and Bellevue Education. It was approved by His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and established under the leadership of Dr. Ali Bin Fetais Al-Marri, reflecting the international values of Switzerland at its core.

Community

The SISQ community is multilingual and international, with students representing around 69–70 nationalities. The school runs annual community events such as the SISQ Fair, featuring performances, food, and activities for families. Cultural and national celebrations, including Qatar National Day activities, are embedded in school life. A Community Hub program provides extra-curricular activities and community activities, coordinated by SISQ and external providers.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

Friends of SISQ (FOSISQ) is a parent-led organization that has been a vital part of the SISQ community since the school's founding in 2017. Founding members are Manal Muhaidi, Ariana Garcia, Huda Al-Meraikhi, Veronica Pena, and Rhonda Allam. FOSISQ fosters positive and collaborative relationships among parents, teachers, staff, and administration, creating a rich cultural and social experience for SISQ children. Membership includes monthly meetings open to all parents, with event details shared via the SISQ newsletter and the school's Facebook page. Volunteers are welcome to join committees and activities; inquiries are directed to [email protected]. FOSISQ coordinates and supports school initiatives and events, helping to bring community-driven programs to life.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

The Swiss International School Qatar operates across three departments — Early Years, Primary, and Secondary — in two buildings on a brand-new campus in the Al Luqta area. Facilities include dedicated rooms for art, technology and design, and rooms for music practice and singing, along with an auditorium for performances and events. Sports facilities include a large multi-purpose indoor sports hall, and outdoor spaces with two volleyball courts, a handball court and a basketball court. The campus is located on Al Hashimiya Street in Al Luqta, Doha.

Sports Facilities

The school features a large multi-purpose indoor sports hall for indoor PE and activities. Outdoor facilities include two volleyball courts, a handball court and a basketball court, enabling a range of team and individual sports as part of PE and after-school programs. These spaces support both physical education and extracurricular athletic activities.

Academic Facilities

Dedicated rooms are provided for art, technology and design, reflecting the school's emphasis on creativity and practical learning. Music practice rooms and a dedicated singing space support performance-based learning. An auditorium serves as a venue for school performances, assemblies and events.

Extra Curricular Facilities

The facilities enable an extensive range of sports and extracurricular activities through the multi-purpose hall and outdoor courts, and through dedicated spaces for arts, technology and music. The auditorium supports performances and events outside of regular class time, while art, design and music spaces facilitate creative clubs and showcases. The two-building, Al Luqta campus layout provides varied environments for after-school activities and school-life events.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

SISQ's Extra-Curricular Activities (ECAs) include academic clubs and competitions that extend learning beyond the classroom. Students can participate in STEM, debate, and other academic enrichment activities, and the school has supported participation in national competitions such as the Reading Olympiad, with SISQ students achieving top results. ECAs are coordinated by SISQ teachers and registered through the Clubsys app. Most ECAs run after school from 2:15 pm to 3:00 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Arts & Creative

Arts and creative activities are offered through the SISQ Community Hub as part of the ECA program. Activities include performing arts, music, dance, visual arts, and other creative disciplines. The school has hosted art-related events such as SISQ's Art Celebrations, illustrating a commitment to student creativity. Additional arts showcases and exhibitions have featured in SISQ news and events.

Cultural & Language

SISQ emphasizes multilingualism and cultural awareness. The Community Hub offers language sessions as part of Community Activities, broadening language practice beyond classroom time. The school supports French as an instructional language and provides opportunities to develop language skills through activities and clubs. The school's multilingual environment is reflected in its diverse student body, with many languages spoken on campus.

Social & Hobbies

Beyond academics, SISQ's ECAs and Community Activities provide opportunities for hobbies and social interaction after school. The program features sports, arts, drama, music, and debate clubs that help students connect with peers. ECAs run after school from 2:15 pm to 3:00 pm on Mondays to Wednesdays, while Community Activities run Sundays to Thursdays with varying times.

Community & Service

SISQ integrates community service into student life. The annual fee includes local community service activities and trips. Students participate in service projects and partnerships with local organizations, such as Qatar Animal Welfare Society (QAWS). For example, SISQ students designed and donated equipment to QAWS, and have run animal-awareness campaigns.

Leadership & Professional

SISQ provides University Counselling in the secondary school to support university and career planning. Counselors work one-on-one with students and families to refine university lists, prepare applications, and understand admissions requirements. The Office organizes workshops, presentations by university representatives, and university fairs to help students plan for higher education and future careers.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

SISQ provides extensive sports facilities, including a large multi-purpose hall and outdoor courts for athletics, badminton, basketball, football, and volleyball. The Community Hub offers fitness classes and wellness activities such as yoga and dance programs. After-school and weekend programming supports physical health and mindfulness as part of a balanced school experience.
Languages

Language Provision

The school is a multilingual environment with English as the primary language of instruction, French as an integral part of the curriculum, and 35 languages spoken among the community; 64 nationalities are represented.

Bilingual Teaching

The school uses English as the main language of instruction with French integrated into the curriculum.
Admissions

Admissions

1. Submit your application via the OpenApply application form for each child. This is a two-step process: first fill out the form with complete parent and child details, then upload the required documents. Incomplete applications are not processed.

2. The admissions team schedules a student assessment and interview. An assessment and interview are arranged, and overseas applicants typically have online interviews. Selected applicants are invited to assessments after initial screening.

3. A seat offer is issued within about one week after the assessment. The offer is communicated by a Seat Offer Letter. The family has a limited time to respond to the offer. The school reserves the right to offer the place to another family if the offer is not accepted.

4. To accept the offer, families have one week from the receipt of the Seat Offer Letter. They must complete and sign the Terms and Conditions and pay the non-refundable Registration Fee. For overseas students, the Probation Agreement must also be completed and returned. Enrollment is finalized after acceptance.

Scholarships

Scholarships: The SISQ Scholarship Programme offers scholarships for gifted and talented students joining Grades 9 and 10, with financial awards ranging from 50% to 100% of full tuition fees for the 2018-2019 academic year. Some SISQ students earned scholarships in 2025.
School Events
The school has not added events