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Australian International School Dubai

United Arab Emirates, Dubai

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· Reviewed by · B2C Marketing Manager

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees AED 52,000 - 90,000
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 424
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Australian Curriculum
Typical class size 25
Introduction

Australian International School Dubai is an international day school located in Al Barsha South, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The school follows the Australian Curriculum from Early Years through to secondary while also (as recorded on file) offering the International Baccalaureate continuum — PYP, MYP and DP — in the upper phases; senior students work towards the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) with ATAR pathways available. AIS Dubai serves children from early years through to Year 12 (ages 3 to 18). English is the primary language of instruction, delivered by Australian-trained staff, with Arabic provision and UAE requirements such as Islamic/Moral Education taught as part of the programme. The campus includes science and technology laboratories, performing-arts spaces, sports grounds and wellbeing areas to support curricular and extracurricular learning. A distinctive feature published by the school is its partnership with Education Queensland, through which aspects of curriculum delivery and senior assessment are aligned with Queensland standards.

Street 54, Al Barsha South 3, Al Barsha South, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Essentials

Australian International School Dubai has 424 pupils, typical class sizes of 25, instruction in English.

Location
Australian International School Dubai is located in Al Barsha South (Al Barsha 3), Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The campus is five minutes from Sheikh Zayed Road and directly off Hessa Street, making it accessible for families traveling from different parts of Dubai. The address is Australian International School Al Barsha 3, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, PO Box 449411. GPS coordinates are 25.060883465570765, 55.23305365510322.

Stages
AIS Dubai is structured into four learning stages: Nursery; Early Learning Centre (Pre KG and KG1); Primary School (Prep to Year 6); and Junior Secondary School (Years 7–10).

Type
Co-educational. AIS Dubai is a day school with no boarding facilities.

Pupil Nationality Mix
AIS Dubai emphasizes a diverse international community; however, the exact number of nationalities represented and the local-to-international ratio are not publicly disclosed.

Additional learning support
AIS Dubai offers inclusive education with a dedicated team of teachers and Learning Assistants. Support includes in-class assistance, small-group focused teaching, one-on-one tuition, and the development of personal learning plans, with regular meetings among teachers, parents and external specialists as needed.

Country affiliation
Australia. AIS Dubai delivers the Australian Curriculum and participates in a curricula partnership with the Australian Government.

Religious affiliation
No formal religious affiliation is stated; the curriculum includes Arabic and Islamic Studies as part of the program.

School day structure
School doors open at 8:00am and lessons begin at 8:15am. The Early Learning Centre finishes at 12:15pm, while Primary and Secondary finish around 2:55pm, with two breaks during the day.

Bus service
Bus transport is available with regular routes to areas surrounding the school. Families can register interest via a transportation form; the Transport team handles areas served and fees.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
AIS Dubai requires a full school uniform for all students. The uniform is provided by School Uniform Direct, and uniforms can be purchased at the Main Reception (appointments are arranged as part of the admissions process).

Food Options
There is an on-site café on campus. The public materials do not specify menu options, dietary accommodations, or snack facilities beyond noting the café exists.

Governance and Ownership
Governance is via a board of AIS Board Members who oversee the school. Current board members include Othman Al Sharif (Vice Chairman), Phillip Carney, Fatima Al Shamsi (Parent Representative – Inclusion), and Professor Mohamed M. Salem Zein (President, University of Wollongong in Dubai). The school operates as a corporate entity named Australian International School - Dubai LLC.
Fees

Annual tuition at Australian International School Dubai ranges from AED 52,000 to AED 90,000 for 2026/27.

Application fees and deposits

- Enrolment application fee: AED 500 per student (non‑refundable).
- Enrolment deposit: 10% of the annual tuition fee; this deposit is taken and shown as deducted from the Term 1 payment.
- Re‑enrolment fee (for returning students): 5% of the annual tuition fee; this charge is applied and deducted from the Term 1 payment.

Tuition fees — annual by year group (presented per school year)

- Pre‑KG (Pre‑K): AED 52,000 per year.
- KG1: AED 52,000 per year.
- KG2 (Prep): AED 52,000 per year.
- Year 1: AED 56,000 per year.
- Year 2: AED 56,000 per year.
- Year 3: AED 60,000 per year.
- Year 4: AED 63,000 per year.
- Year 5: AED 63,000 per year.
- Year 6: AED 71,000 per year.
- Year 7: AED 81,000 per year.
- Year 8: AED 81,000 per year.
- Year 9: AED 85,000 per year.
- Year 10: AED 85,000 per year.
- Year 11: AED 90,000 per year.
- Year 12: AED 90,000 per year.

Per‑term detail and instalments

- The school operates a three‑term billing schedule with specific due dates for each term. The published term due dates are: Term 1 — 1 August; Term 2 — 1 November; Term 3 — 1 March. The enrolment deposit and re‑enrolment fee are shown as deducted against the Term 1 payment. The schedule lists annual tuition by year group but does not publish a per‑term instalment table on the Schedule of Fees page; term instalments are therefore not explicitly itemised there.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Key payment deadlines:
- Application fee: due on submission of the application.
- Enrolment deposit: due within 7 days of the Offer of Placement.
- Additional services: payable with the first term payment.
- Term 1 due: 1 August; Term 2 due: 1 November; Term 3 due: 1 March. Re‑enrolment fee due: 31 May.
- The enrolment deposit (10% of annual tuition) and the re‑enrolment fee (5% of annual tuition) are accounted for against the Term 1 invoice.

Discounts and sibling concessions

- New‑enrolment discount for 2025–26: 5% per child (applies to new enrolments). Early payment discount: 5% per child where payment for the term is submitted before 1 July. Sibling discounts apply as follows: 5% for the second and third child, 10% for the fourth child, and 15% for the fifth child. Only one discount per family applies (either the new‑enrolment discount or the sibling discount).

Other compulsory and recurring fees

- Health Service Fee: AED 300 per child per year (covers the onsite clinic services, annual health check, first aid and immunisation programmes).
- Resource Fee: starting from AED 400 per child per year (covers stationery, book packs, textbooks and classroom resources).
- Excursion Fee: AED 450 per child per year (covers excursions and incursions across the academic year).
- Bus/transportation: two‑way and one‑way transport options are available; route and pricing details are provided separately through the school transport office (fees vary by route and service). Contact details for transport enquiries are provided.
- Uniforms: uniforms are sold through the school reception (purchase hours and appointment arrangements are provided during admissions). No fixed uniform price list is published on the Schedule of Fees page.

Boarding

- Boarding is not applicable; the school's published materials and fee schedule cover day‑school tuition, transport and associated services but do not list boarding or boarding fees.

Refunds and withdrawal information

- The application fee (AED 500) is stated as non‑refundable at the point of application.
- A detailed, itemised refund or withdrawal policy (for example formal rules showing how and when tuition or deposits are refunded after enrolment or withdrawal) is not published in the Schedule of Fees or the site's Terms & Privacy page; a specific fee refund/withdrawal schedule is not available on the pages reviewed. The enrolment deposit is shown as being applied against Term 1 rather than described as automatically refundable. Where a formal refund table or withdrawal charges is required, that information is not included in the publicly posted Schedule of Fees or Terms pages examined here.

Fee payment options and bank details

- Accepted payment methods: cash or card at the school reception; bank transfer (IBAN and swift provided); and online payments via the school's payment portal. Specific instructions request including the child name and family name as payment reference.
- Bank transfer details published for fee payments:
- Bank name: Sharjah Islamic Bank
- Account name: Australian International School Dubai
- IBAN: AE860410000012111939001
- Account number: 0012‑111939‑001
- Branch: Sharjah Main Branch
- Swift code: NBSHAEAS (required for overseas EFT)
- Reference: include Child Name and Family Name.
- Existing‑student payments are also referenced as payable online through the school payment portal.

Notes about information availability

- The school publishes clear annual tuition figures for each year group and the standard billing schedule and payment methods. The Schedule of Fees does not itemise fixed per‑term instalments in the same line‑by‑line format as the annual fees; the school shows term due dates and the manner in which the enrolment deposit and re‑enrolment fee are applied to Term 1. For a formal per‑term instalment table or an explicit refund/withdrawal schedule, the publicly posted pages reviewed do not contain a detailed, itemised refund table or an explicit per‑term pricing table.
Academics

Australian International School Dubai teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Australian Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
AIS Dubai implements the Australian Curriculum from Foundation through Year 10, starting in Prep (KG2) and continuing through Year 6 in Primary, with the program extending into Secondary (Years 7–10). The Junior Secondary years (7–10) cover eight learning areas and offer opportunities to specialise in particular interests while preparing students for senior secondary schooling, including vocational pathways. Core learning in Years 7–10 includes English, Mathematics, Science, History and Geography, with specialist subjects in Design and Technologies, Drama, Health and Physical Education, Languages (Arabic, French, Spanish), Music and Visual Art. Assessments are ongoing with three reports per year and include standardised benchmarking such as TIMSS, PISA, Acer and GL across Year 1 through Secondary School. UAE MoE requirements are integrated, including Arabic language instruction up to Year 9 and Islamic Studies for Muslim students, with UAE Social Studies mapped to the Australian Curriculum.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Social and emotional learning (SEL) at AIS Dubai is integrated into a holistic wellbeing framework that underpins daily learning. URStrong is used as a whole‑school program to explicitly teach friendship skills from Prep onward, promoting belonging, kindness, and healthy conflict resolution. The program aims to improve students' self‑esteem, resilience, and social competence through structured lessons and guided practice. A dedicated team of teachers and Learning Assistants works with classroom staff to embed SEL into everyday teaching and provide targeted support as needed. Regular meetings with parents, and collaboration with support staff and external agencies when appropriate, help tailor interventions and monitor progress while maintaining confidentiality. This approach aligns with AIS Dubai's inclusive education model, which prioritises social and emotional development alongside academics.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
SEN at AIS Dubai is delivered through an inclusive education approach described as a 'Support for Learning' model. Early Identification uses formal and informal assessments to identify challenges, sometimes with external professionals. The school provides in‑class support, small‑group teaching, one‑on‑one tuition, and guidance on strategies and resources through a team of trained teachers and Learning Assistants. The focus is on NEED rather than disability, including learners with developmental delays, impairments, or diagnosed disabilities, as well as those requiring extension or enrichment, and those needing EAL/D support. Regular meetings with classroom teachers, parents, support staff and external agencies help tailor Personal Learning Plans and monitor progress. AIS Dubai identifies itself as an inclusive school with a 'Support for Learning' model rather than a specialist SEN institution.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English as an Additional Language (EAL/D) is included within AIS Dubai's inclusive education model. The 'Support for Learning' framework covers learners who require EAL/D support alongside other needs. Assessment tools identify language needs and guide targeted adjustments and strategies. In‑class support and the Learning Assistants team provide language‑focused teaching as part of the broader learning support. AIS Dubai emphasises collaborative development of learning plans with families to address language needs.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is a core element of AIS Dubai's approach to education, integrated with SEL to support emotional resilience and belonging. URStrong provides explicit instruction on healthy friendships and social‑emotional skills from early years, contributing to emotional wellbeing and positive peer relationships. The wellbeing framework emphasises a safe, caring school culture where students feel connected and supported. AIS Dubai's adoption of URStrong in the UAE reflects a commitment to evidence‑based wellbeing practices. Wellbeing is supported as a shared responsibility among staff, students, and families to create a nurturing learning environment.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding is a top priority at AIS Dubai, with the health, safety and wellbeing of all students considered a school‑wide responsibility. The school maintains a Student Protection Policy and requires staff to report suspected or disclosed child protection concerns to the Executive Principal. If there is an immediate or ongoing threat, it is reported to the relevant local safeguarding authorities in accordance with UAE requirements. Confidential information is handled and shared only with appropriate people involved in the student's learning. The safeguarding framework is complemented by ongoing communication with parents and external agencies as needed.
Parent Experience

History
AIS Dubai was established in 2005 as the United Arab Emirates' first Australian school, created through a partnership between the Al Sharif Investment Trading Group and the Government of Queensland, Australia. The official opening of the first academic year in September 2005 marked the formal launch of AIS Dubai and its Australian-education framework in the UAE. The partnership was aimed at delivering Australian education in the UAE while respecting local culture, faith, and language needs. Since then, AIS Dubai has developed within this framework, employing Australian teachers alongside Arabic specialists to implement the Australian Curriculum in a UAE context.

Community
AIS Dubai emphasizes a close-knit, home–school partnership with open communication between families and school leaders. The community participates in a calendar of events and cultural activities throughout the year, including UAE National Day, Hag Al Laila, Australia Day Muster, and ANZAC Day, reflecting its cross-cultural ethos. Regular family engagement is supported through informal coffee mornings and formal meetings with the Principal and senior staff. A broad clubs and communities program offers opportunities in sport, arts, STEM, and coding that involve students and families and are delivered with external providers.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
AIS Dubai's Family and Friends Group functions as the school's parent association. It provides a forum for support, friendship, and communication with the school and among families, and it aims to actively engage in the Parent and School community through school activities, events, and celebrations. The Group supports the standards and values of the school and meets regularly in informal coffee mornings and in formal meetings with the Principal and Heads of School/Staff. A scheduled plan for the 2023–24 academic year outlines meetings and activities to encourage broad parent participation.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The AIS Dubai campus offers expansive outdoor grounds with four dedicated playgrounds and three separate sports ovals. The facilities include a large multi-purpose gymnasium with changing rooms, plus two swimming pools for students of all ages. An auditorium and stage host performances and assemblies, while a spacious library and resource centre support reading and research. A modern tech hub supports innovation, coding, and digital learning, and fully equipped science labs support hands-on inquiry-based learning. Creative spaces include dedicated art rooms and prayer rooms, with the campus organised into Block A (Early Learning Centre and Nursery), Block B and C (Primary), and Block D (Secondary).

Sports Facilities
The campus features a large multi-purpose gymnasium with changing rooms. There are two swimming pools that support water safety, physical development, and confidence across age groups. Outdoor sports facilities include three separate sports ovals for PE and games. The grounds also include four dedicated playgrounds, providing outdoor space for recreation and informal activity.

Academic Facilities
The library and resource centre is spacious and supports reading, research, and independent inquiry. Fully equipped science laboratories enable hands-on, inquiry-based learning across science subjects. A modern tech hub supports innovation, coding, and digital learning across the curriculum. Within each teaching block are dedicated spaces including Digital Technology Rooms, Theatre and Movement Rooms, Music and Art Rooms, and onsite Occupational and Speech Therapy Rooms.

Extra Curricular Facilities
An on-site auditorium and stage support performances, assemblies, and community events. Music rooms and art rooms provide spaces for creativity, complemented by theatre and movement spaces. Cultural activities such as art and drama are part of the program, and music lessons can be arranged. A café on campus provides dining options, and indoor sports courts support a range of activities.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers the Australian Curriculum and uses an inquiry-based learning model in flexible, state-of-the-art learning spaces. Education Queensland partners with AIS Dubai to deliver Australian education in Dubai. The school serves Nursery to Year 10. It positions itself as the first Australian Curriculum International School in Dubai and highlights a longstanding UAE partnership to support post-school pathways.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Student wellbeing is central to AIS Dubai's approach. An Inclusion Team works with students, families, and teachers to ensure learning is accessible and to celebrate diversity. The school notes that 99.9% of students feel happy, safe, and supported every day. Specialist facilities support wellbeing and learning within a Dubai-based school community.
Languages

Language Provision
English instruction with English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D) support is provided for students. Arabic is addressed through dedicated Arabic specialists with multiple pathways to support background language learners, first language learners and second language learners. UAE Ministry of Education requirements mandate Arabic language instruction up to Year 9 and Islamic Studies for Muslim students, and AIS Dubai aligns its program with these requirements within the Australian Curriculum.
Admissions

Admissions
Step 1: Book a personalised school tour to determine if AIS Dubai is the right fit for your family. Tours are conducted by appointment, and online meetings can be arranged if you are not in Dubai. Tours are often booked up to 4 weeks in advance, so scheduling early is advised. The tour provides an opportunity to explore facilities and understand the curriculum.

Step 2: Application Submission. A school tour is not required to submit an application. Complete the application form in full, submit the required documentation, and pay a 500 AED application fee. A Transfer Certificate is required in certain situations, and registration with KHDA is part of the process if applicable. Please also review any specific endorsement requirements if transferring from outside Dubai.

Step 3: Enrolment Questionnaire and Interview Booking. After the above is complete, arrange an interview with the Heads of School. The Enrolments Team will contact you by email to invite you to book the interview appointment once the steps are in place.

Step 4: Enrolment Interview. The interview is with the Head of School, offering an opportunity to learn about the school and for the family to share educational background and goals. Both the parent and the enrolling student are required to attend the interview.

Step 5: Acceptance. The Head of School decides the outcome of the enrolment application, and parents are notified by email if successful. If accepted, the non-refundable Enrolment Deposit and the completed Enrolment Agreement are due within one week to secure enrolment.

Step 6: KHDA Registration. Upon confirmed payment of the enrolment deposit, registration with KHDA begins and the KHDA Parent Contract must be signed before the child begins studying. If the Transfer Certificate has not been submitted, the Enrolments team will request it during registration.

Step 7: Enrolment Orientation. After KHDA registration, you will be invited to an Enrolment Orientation to purchase uniforms, meet clinic staff, review policies, and discuss drop-off/pick-up procedures. This completes the enrolment process and welcomes your child to AIS Dubai. AIS Dubai is located at Al Barsha 3, Dubai. 971 4 258 2222.
School Events
The school has not added events
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