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Dubai International Academy Al Barsha

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 47,807 - 84,928
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1638
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Typical class size 11
Introduction

Dubai International Academy Al Barsha is an IB continuum school in Al Barsha, Dubai (Al Barsha Road, Al Barsha First) delivering the International Baccalaureate Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes for children aged 3 to 18. English is published as the language of instruction for classroom subjects; Arabic is compulsory for students in Grades 1–9 in line with KHDA requirements and a modern foreign language (French or Spanish) is available from Grade 2. The school runs a Mother Tongue Programme to support home languages, listing options such as Dutch, Hindi, Swedish, Italian, French, Spanish, Russian, Turkish, Portuguese and German. Set on a 23‑acre campus, published facilities include specialist learning laboratories and technology provision, a 400‑seat auditorium, three swimming pools, a running track, a full‑sized astroturf playing field, two indoor sports halls, bee hives, a greenhouse and solar panels; the school describes these features as supporting applied and sustainability-focused learning.

Al Barsha Rd, Al Barsha First, Al Barsha, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Essentials

Dubai International Academy Al Barsha has 1,638 pupils, typical class sizes of 11, instruction in English.

Location
Dubai International Academy Al Barsha is located on Al Barsha Road in Al Barsha 1, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The campus sits on a centrally located 23-acre site with facilities for sport, arts and academics, and is accessible by car, metro and bus. The postal address is Al Barsha, Dubai, UAE, P.O. Box 118111.

Stages
The school serves children aged 3 to 18, from Pre-KG through Year 13. It offers the full International Baccalaureate continuum: Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP).

Type
Co-educational

Pupil Nationality Mix
The school represents students from over 90 nationalities. The inclusion programme explicitly recognises Emirati students among the student body. The most common nationalities and the local-to-international student ratio are not publicly published by the school.

Additional learning support
Dubai International Academy Al Barsha runs an inclusive learning programme. The Inclusion team provides Learning Support Assistants, Learning Support Teachers and Social & Emotional Counsellors, with in-class support, small-group pull-out or one-to-one sessions as needed. The school offers English as an Additional Language (EAL) support, a formal Individual Education Plan (IEP) process for identified students, and works with external agencies when required. Primary and secondary provisions include targeted learning support and booster interventions, with regular progress reviews and close collaboration with parents and SEN coordinators.

Country affiliation
No formal country affiliation is published. The school operates as a private IB World School in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Religious affiliation
No official religious affiliation; the school welcomes students of all religions and encourages inclusive participation.

School day structure
The school day typically begins around 7:30 am with morning bus arrivals. Lessons end around 3:00 pm, with after-school activities continuing until about 4:15 pm. Friday and weekend schedules may differ and are communicated through the school's admissions and calendar information.

Bus service
A comprehensive bus network is provided through Arab Falcon, with bus assistants on all vehicles. Buses run before school to have students arrive by 7:30 am, after-school arrivals around 3:00 pm, and after CCA activities around 4:15 pm. The bus service is offered at an additional cost and routes can vary year to year; transport registration is required.
Diving Deeper

Food Options
The school provides on-site catering through Kalo Hospitality with healthy and nutritious food. Daily offerings include a live egg station for breakfast, live fresh smoothie counters, freshly baked bakery products, and fresh salads and sandwiches with multigrain bread; vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available. Primary school students can order pre-packaged meals delivered daily, and students may bring their own meals.

Governance and Ownership
DIA Barsha is governed by the Board of Directors and an Advisory Council. The Board includes the owners and an independent member. Founding partners are Abdulla Majed Al Ghurair; H.E. Dr. Anwar Mohammed Gargash; Avishesha (Avi) Bhojani; Poonam Bhojani; Michael Stephen; James Roberts.
Fees

Annual tuition at Dubai International Academy Al Barsha ranges from AED 47,807 to AED 84,928 for 2026/27.

Application / Entrance fees
- Entrance test fee: AED 525 (includes 5% VAT). One-off, payable prior to taking the test; non‑refundable and adjustable against Term 1 fees.

Registration / Re-registration fees
- New students: Registration fee equals 10% of the annual tuition (listed as a specific amount per grade under the new-student schedule). The registration payment for new students is adjusted against Term 1 fees; it is not refundable.
- Existing students: Re-registration fees are charged per grade (see amounts below) and are payable by the re‑registration due date; these are adjusted against Term 1 fees.

Tuition fees – full detail per grade (Discounted annual tuition and term instalments for 2025–2026)
Note: term due dates are listed in the Billing schedule section below.
- Pre KG — Annual: AED 47,807. Existing-student term breakdown: Term 1 AED 19,123; Term 2 AED 14,342; Term 3 AED 14,342. New-student registration: AED 4,780; New-student Term 1 AED 14,343; Term 2 AED 14,342; Term 3 AED 14,342.
- KG1 — Annual: AED 53,582. Existing-student re-registration fee: AED 2,680. Existing term breakdown: Term 1 AED 18,752; Term 2 AED 16,075; Term 3 AED 16,075. New-student registration: AED 5,360; Term 1 AED 16,072; Term 2 AED 16,075; Term 3 AED 16,075.
- KG2 — Annual: AED 56,237. Existing re-registration fee: AED 2,810. Existing term breakdown: Term 1 AED 19,685; Term 2 AED 16,871; Term 3 AED 16,871. New registration: AED 5,625; Term 1 AED 16,870; Term 2 AED 16,871; Term 3 AED 16,871.
- Grade 1 — Annual: AED 62,163. Existing re-registration fee: AED 3,110. Existing term breakdown: Term 1 AED 21,755; Term 2 AED 18,649; Term 3 AED 18,649. New registration: AED 6,215; Term 1 AED 18,650; Term 2 AED 18,649; Term 3 AED 18,649.
- Grade 2 — Annual: AED 62,163. Existing re-registration fee: AED 3,110. Existing term breakdown: Term 1 AED 21,755; Term 2 AED 18,649; Term 3 AED 18,649. New registration: AED 6,215; Term 1 AED 18,650; Term 2 AED 18,649; Term 3 AED 18,649.
- Grade 3 — Annual: AED 62,608. Existing re-registration fee: AED 3,130. Existing term breakdown: Term 1 AED 21,914; Term 2 AED 18,782; Term 3 AED 18,782. New registration: AED 6,260; Term 1 AED 18,784; Term 2 AED 18,782; Term 3 AED 18,782.
- Grade 4 — Annual: AED 62,608. Existing re-registration fee: AED 3,130. Existing term breakdown: Term 1 AED 21,914; Term 2 AED 18,782; Term 3 AED 18,782. New registration: AED 6,260; Term 1 AED 18,784; Term 2 AED 18,782; Term 3 AED 18,782.
- Grade 5 — Annual: AED 62,608. Existing re-registration fee: AED 3,130. Existing term breakdown: Term 1 AED 21,914; Term 2 AED 18,782; Term 3 AED 18,782. New registration: AED 6,260; Term 1 AED 18,784; Term 2 AED 18,782; Term 3 AED 18,782.
- Grade 6 — Annual: AED 70,635. Existing re-registration fee: AED 3,530. Existing term breakdown: Term 1 AED 24,723; Term 2 AED 21,191; Term 3 AED 21,191. New registration: AED 7,065; Term 1 AED 21,188; Term 2 AED 21,191; Term 3 AED 21,191.
- Grade 7 — Annual: AED 70,635. Existing re-registration fee: AED 3,530. Existing term breakdown: Term 1 AED 24,723; Term 2 AED 21,191; Term 3 AED 21,191. New registration: AED 7,065; Term 1 AED 21,188; Term 2 AED 21,191; Term 3 AED 21,191.
- Grade 8 — Annual: AED 70,635. Existing re-registration fee: AED 3,530. Existing term breakdown: Term 1 AED 24,723; Term 2 AED 21,191; Term 3 AED 21,191. New registration: AED 7,065; Term 1 AED 21,188; Term 2 AED 21,191; Term 3 AED 21,191.
- Grade 9 — Annual: AED 78,170. Existing re-registration fee: AED 3,910. Existing term breakdown: Term 1 AED 27,358; Term 2 AED 23,451; Term 3 AED 23,451. New registration: AED 7,815; Term 1 AED 23,453; Term 2 AED 23,451; Term 3 AED 23,451.
- Grade 10 — Annual: AED 78,170. Existing re-registration fee: AED 3,910. Existing term breakdown: Term 1 AED 27,358; Term 2 AED 23,451; Term 3 AED 23,451. New registration: AED 7,815; Term 1 AED 23,453; Term 2 AED 23,451; Term 3 AED 23,451.
- Grade 11 — Annual: AED 84,928. Existing re-registration fee: AED 4,245. Existing term breakdown: Term 1 AED 29,727; Term 2 AED 25,478; Term 3 AED 25,478. New registration: AED 8,495; Term 1 AED 25,477; Term 2 AED 25,478; Term 3 AED 25,478.
- Grade 12 — Annual: AED 84,928. Existing re-registration fee: AED 4,245. Existing term breakdown: Term 1 AED 29,727; Term 2 AED 25,478; Term 3 AED 25,478. New registration: AED 8,495; Term 1 AED 25,477; Term 2 AED 25,478; Term 3 AED 25,478.

KHDA‑approved tuition figures
- The school also lists the KHDA‑approved annual tuition amounts per grade (as published for the regulator). These KHDA figures are shown on the same fee page.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Re-registration (existing students) is payable by 4 April 2025. Term 1 payment date: 22 August 2025. Term 2 payment date: 5 January 2026. Term 3 payment date: 27 March 2026. New‑student registration is payable on 22 August 2025 with Term 1/2/3 dates matching the term dates above.
- Post‑dated cheques for Term 2 and Term 3 are accepted. Registration/re‑registration payments are adjusted against Term 1 fees.

Boarding fees
- Boarding: not applicable. The published fee schedule does not list boarding accommodation or boarding fees.

Other costs and optional charges
- Stationery and learning materials.
- Educational and field trips (local and overseas) charged case‑by‑case.
- Voluntary excursions and sports tournament costs.
- School uniform, team kits and sporting attire.
- External examination fees and other examination‑related charges.
- Meals and canteen costs.
- Transportation / school bus fees.
- Insurance (parents are advised to maintain health, accident and liability cover).
- Textbooks for secondary students are available for purchase from the school at cost; parents may alternatively purchase independently but ownership of required books is mandatory.
- Some items are sold by independent suppliers and are subject to the suppliers' own refund terms and conditions.

Refund information
- The entrance test fee (AED 525) and registration fee (10% of annual fees or the grade-specific registration amount for new students) are non‑refundable.
- Additional items supplied by independent vendors (uniform suppliers, external providers) are subject to those suppliers' refund terms. The school's fees page references the school Terms & Conditions for the full position on refunds and returns.

Fee payment options
- Online payment via the Zenda payments platform (app.zenda.com / Zenda app).
- Cheque payable to Dubai International Academy Al Barsha (please indicate child's ID, name and grade on the back). Post‑dated cheques for Term 2 and Term 3 are accepted.
- Credit card payments accepted at the school.
- Bank transfer. Account details published for transfers: Account Name Dubai International Academy Al Barsha; Account No. 01239753301; IBAN AE900440000001239753301; SWIFT SCBLAEADXXX; Standard Chartered Bank, Dubai Branch. Payment advices should include child's ID, name and school name and a copy of remittance should be sent to accounts@diabarsha.com.
- Cash payments accepted (collect a signed and stamped receipt).

Sibling discount
- Sibling discount structure: 5% for the second and third child; 10% for the fourth child; 15% for the fifth child; 20% for the sixth child (applied to annual tuition).

Notes
- All figures above are presented in AED and correspond to the published fee schedules for the 2025–2026 school year as listed in the school's fee schedules and fee fact sheet.
Academics

Dubai International Academy Al Barsha teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
Dubai International Academy Al Barsha offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum: PYP, MYP, DP, and CP, for students from age 3 to 18 (Pre-KG to Grade 12). The Primary Years Programme (PYP) runs from Pre-KG through Grade 5, with a Programme of Inquiry that blends elements from UK Early Years Development Matters for Pre-KG and KG1 and the UK National Curriculum for KG2–Grade 5, alongside UAE Moral, Social and Cultural Studies. In the Middle Years Programme (MYP), students in Grade 6–10 follow eight subject groups, with a Grade 10 Personal Project and Service as Action, culminating in the MYP Certificate. For post-16, the options include the IB Diploma Programme (DP) full pathway, DP Courses as a tailored pathway, the IB Career-Related Programme (CP) as a hybrid academic-vocational pathway, and a BTEC vocational pathway. The language of instruction is English, and a Mother Tongue Programme is offered. The campus serves over 1,800 students from more than 90 nationalities on a 23-acre site, with a 100% IB Diploma pass rate reported.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
DIA Al Barsha supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through a dedicated Wellbeing Team that includes Student Ambassadors, Parents, School Counsellors, Teachers, Senior Leaders and Governors, and by running wellbeing initiatives throughout the year such as stakeholder surveys, social activities, charters and wellbeing-tracking software.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The Inclusion Programme provides support for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), English as an Additional Language (EAL), Gifted and Talented (G&T), Emirati students and sporting students, with an Inclusion Team comprising Learning Support Assistants, Learning Support Teachers and Social & Emotional Counsellors; plans are developed with input from students, parents, teachers and counsellors, and progress is tracked via Individual Education Plans and regular reviews; the school is not a specialist SEN institution.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
EAL support is provided under the Inclusion Programme as part of the school's inclusive learning approach.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through the Wellbeing Team and School Counsellors, with ongoing wellbeing initiatives addressing physical, mental and emotional health across the student community.

Safeguarding
A Safeguarding Policy governs child protection at the school, detailing reporting procedures, roles (Designated Safeguarding Lead and Designated Safeguarding Officers), staff responsibilities and training, with disclosures to be handled promptly and confidentially; the policy was last reviewed in September 2024.
Parent Experience

History
Dubai International Academy Al Barsha opened in 2018 as the second DIA campus. The original Dubai International Academy, Emirates Hills, was established on September 10, 2005. DIA is part of Innoventures Education, the group that operates the DIA network. The Al Barsha campus sits on a 23-acre site in central Dubai and offers the IB continuum across four programmes. The DIA Barsha community numbers around 1,800 students representing more than 90 nationalities.

Community
Dubai International Academy Al Barsha hosts a truly international community with around 1,800 students from more than 90 nationalities. Student wellbeing is a priority in a warm, nurturing environment supported by a dedicated wellbeing team and pastoral care. The co-curricular program offers a broad range of activities, including sports, arts, and local and international trips. DIA Barsha also emphasizes holistic learning with structured pastoral care and wellbeing provisions.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
PADIAB is a group of volunteer DIA Barsha parents who organize events and services for the school community. The group is led by a Core Group committee that meets regularly with senior academic staff, and any DIA Barsha parent can join. PADIAB runs events and fundraisers to build community spirit and provide graduation gifts at milestones in students' education. It is responsible for community-building activities (welcoming new parents and hosting annual events and social activities) and for supporting learning through Service Learning, Sustainability, Sports, Arts and Events. Funds raised support school-approved projects and PADIAB also runs the second-hand uniform and bookshop. Membership is open to all DIA Barsha parents, and the Core Group keeps the school leadership informed via monthly meetings.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Dubai International Academy Al Barsha sits on a 23-acre campus in Dubai with facilities that support academics, sport and performance. Academic facilities include a library, science laboratories, product design laboratories, digital design laboratories, a Diploma Programme study centre, and dedicated spaces for technology-enabled learning. Creative and performing spaces include music and drama rooms and an auditorium for performances. Outdoor and social spaces comprise KG play areas, shaded play areas, social benches, a greenhouse and beehives. The campus also features an athletics track, a field, a pool and a gymnasium, with tennis courts and cricket nets for sport.

Sports Facilities
The sports facilities at the DIA Al Barsha campus include an athletics track, a field, a swimming pool, a gymnasium, tennis courts and cricket nets.

Academic Facilities
Academic facilities include a library, science laboratories, product design laboratories and digital design laboratories, a Diploma Programme study centre, and spaces for technology-enabled learning such as an innovation room.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The Co-Curricular Activities Programme includes sport, performance activities and trips; the Duke Of Edinburgh Award is offered, along with Entrepreneurship, Sustainability and Service Learning initiatives as part of Holistic Learning.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers the International Baccalaureate continuum for learners aged 3 to 18, including the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP). English is the instructional language for all subjects. The IB curriculum is delivered in a 12-grade structure with an entry age of 3 years at Pre-KG. The campus spans 23 acres and supports an academically rigorous, inquiry-based approach with broad opportunities for skills development and character education.

Arts & Creative
The Centre for Musical Arts is the exclusive provider of instrumental and vocal music lessons for Dubai International Academy, Al Barsha. CMA offers lessons on piano, guitar, ukulele, voice, woodwind, brass and drumkit.

Cultural & Language
English is the instructional language for all subjects. Arabic is compulsory for all students in Grade 1 to Grade 9. From Grade 2, students can learn French or Spanish as part of the Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) programme. The school runs a Mother Tongue Programme to support home languages, with options including Dutch, Hindi, Swedish, Italian, French, Spanish, Russian, Turkish, Portuguese and German. English is the instructional default for all lessons, with MT offerings conducted in the mother tongue where possible.

Social & Hobbies
DIA Barsha offers a Co-Curricular Activities Programme with a 'Something for Everyone' aim. Most CCAs are free of charge and run by school staff using in-house facilities; paid CCAs are offered by external providers when necessary. Students register directly with the activity providers, and spaces are allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. CCAs support social skills, wellbeing and broader personal development beyond the classroom.

Community & Service
Service Learning is a central part of IB learning, with students conducting service activities, logging and reflecting on their experiences. The programme also includes trips at Dubai, UAE and international levels, each with specific learning outcomes. Trips are integrated with academic, social or personal development goals.

Leadership & Professional
The school offers the Duke Of Edinburgh International Award with Bronze, Silver and Gold levels, each requiring four components: Volunteering, Physical, Skills and Expedition (Gold includes a five-day residential). The programme is open to everyone aged 14–24 and focuses on personal growth, resilience and community involvement. Entrepreneurship opportunities exist through the Entrepreneurs programme, exposing students to enterprise activities, internships and real-world projects such as classroom Shark Tank pitches.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Wellbeing is a core priority, defined as a sense of community, purpose and fulfilment, with balance and good health. A dedicated Wellbeing Team — including Student Ambassadors, Parents, School Counsellors, Teachers, Senior Leaders and Governors — ensures student voices are heard and wellbeing goals are advanced. The school runs wellbeing initiatives throughout the year and uses dedicated measures to monitor and improve wellbeing.
Languages

Language Provision
The school teaches in English. Dubai International Academy Al Barsha offers all four IB programmes: PYP, MYP, DP, and CP. The school serves students from Pre-KG to Grade 12.
Reputation

Accreditations
KHDA rating Very Good (January 2024). The school is an authorised IB World School offering the full continuum of four IB programmes (PYP, MYP, DP, CP) for students aged 3–19/18, serving a diverse community of over 90 nationalities.
Admissions

Admissions
DIA Barsha is an international IB school in Dubai for children aged 3 to 18 and offers PYP, MYP, DP and CP. Applications are accepted year-round and must be completed online. If no places are available, the application is placed on the registration list. When a place becomes available, the first eligible applicant is invited to assessment, either on site or abroad. For PKG, a questionnaire; for KG and Grade 1, a general English and math test (non-verbal clues may be used); for Grades 2 and above, CAT4 digital testing. For abroad applicants, assessments can be arranged; an assessment fee of AED 525 applies. Documents required for assessment include passport copy, valid UAE residence visa, birth certificate in English or Arabic, immunisation record, two passport photos, last two years' reports, confidential school report, and transfer certificates as applicable. On enrolment, Emirates IDs are swiped and KHDA approval leads to signing the Parent School Contract. The admission process should be completed within 5 working days of the assessment for Dubai-based students. The school aims to respond within 1-2 working days, provide test results within 3 working days, and communicate the outcome within 5 working days from the test. Final admission decisions follow KHDA guidelines. SEND placements follow UAE law and the Dubai Inclusive Policy Framework; placements depend on space. EAL support is available for primary students.

Waitlist
Applications are accepted year-round; if no places are available, the application is placed on the registration list.
School Events
The school has not added events
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