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Victoria International School of Sharjah

United Arab Emirates, Dubai

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees AED 32,500 - 80,200
Ages 3 - 18 years
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Australian Curriculum
Introduction

Victoria International School of Sharjah is an all-through international school on Al Taawun Street, Al Mamzar, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, serving students aged 3 to 18 from an Early Learning Centre through Senior School (Grades 10–12). The school delivers the Victorian (Australian) curriculum through the lower years and offers a dual-pathway senior provision: the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and the Cognia-accredited Global Citizen Diploma (an American-style high school diploma). English is the language of instruction; Arabic and French are taught (the school provides Ministry-prescribed Arabic for Arab and non‑Arab tracks and offers Arabic B and French options in the IBDP). VISS publishes details of specialist provision beyond the classroom, including a VISS Music Academy and a Grade 6 wind band, an extensive sports and outdoor-education programme that participates in and hosts EISSA competitions, and MOE-mandated Arabic and Islamic Studies; wellbeing and learning-enhancement (Response to Intervention) support are integrated across the school.

Al Taawun St, Al Mamzar, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

The Essentials

Victoria International School of Sharjah has instruction in English.

Location

Victoria International School of Sharjah is located on Al Taawun Street in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (PO Box 68600). The Al Taawun area is a residential district with straightforward road access, and the campus is part of the broader VISS network in Sharjah that includes multiple campuses. The school's central campus address and general location are publicly listed on its site.

Stages

The school comprises an Early Learning Centre, Primary School, Middle School (Grades 6–9), and Senior School (Grades 10–12). The Early Learning Centre serves the youngest students, followed by primary and middle years, with a senior program for the secondary years. This structure is reflected across the Taawun campus materials.

Type

The Victoria International School of Sharjah operates as a private international school delivering an Australian-Curriculum framework. The Senior School includes Grades 10–12 and follows the Australian curriculum for the upper years. A career listing for the school notes it is fully co-educational.

Pupil Nationality Mix

The school describes its student body as diverse, noting that students come from all over the globe. Public data does not publish a precise count of nationalities or a local-to-international ratio; the material emphasizes wide international representation. The presence of multiple nationalities is a core feature of the VISS community.

Additional learning support

The school provides Learning Enhancement under an RTI (Response to Intervention) framework, identifying students with learning needs and providing Individualised Learning Plans. Provisions extend to Gifted and Talented students as part of the school's inclusive approach.

Country affiliation

The school is linked to Australian education quality and systems, with explicit references to providing a world-class Australian education and ties to the Victorian education framework. It has been described in regional reporting as connected with Australia (Victorian government ties and embassy connections).

Religious affiliation

Religious affiliation is not stated in the school's materials; the curriculum and communications emphasize Australian international education and well-being without reference to a religious program.

School day structure

School timings are: Early Learning Centre from 7:55 am to 1:30 pm and the main school from 7:55 am to 3:10 pm. The office is typically open 7:30 am–4:30 pm (varying by day).

Bus service

A large portion of students travel by bus, with routes covering Sharjah, Dubai, and Ajman. Pickups typically begin around 7:00 am, and the school day starts at 8:10 am. Buses are equipped with CCTV and seatbelts, have a bus conductor on board, and a transport app for attendance and route tracking; a dedicated Transport Manager oversees operations. Bus-service fees vary by distance and are listed by zone. For transport inquiries, contact 06 599 3283.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement

Uniforms are compulsory for all students. The on-site uniform shop at Gate 1 opens 8:00am–4:00pm Saturday to Thursday, with access limited to one family at a time. Uniforms can also be purchased from Zaks, the school's uniform partner, at the Kalba campus or online via the Zaks Online Uniform Shop.

House System

VISS uses a four-house system: Falcons, Gazelles, Leopards and Scorpions. Houses participate in most extracurricular activities, with House Captains from Grades 5, 9, and 12 representing their groups. The school runs major inter-house events and maintains an Honour Board to recognise the winning house across athletics, cross country, and swimming, plus other house activities.

Governance and Ownership

VISS is a premium not-for-profit international school owned by Sharjah Asset Management, the government of Sharjah's investment arm. It operates as part of the Victoria International Schools group, with multiple campuses in the emirate including Al Taawun and others. The statement that VISS is a subsidiary of Sharjah Asset Management is shown on the official About Us page, and the campus network is listed under Our Campuses.
Fees

Annual tuition at Victoria International School of Sharjah ranges from AED 32,500 to AED 80,200 for 2026/27.

Application / Assessment Fees

- An assessment (application) fee is charged for new applicants: AED 500 (non-refundable).

Tuition fees by year group (annual) and resource levy

- ELC
- Pre-KG: AED 28,350. Resource Levy: AED 500 (non-refundable).
- KG: AED 34,250. Resource Levy: AED 500 (non-refundable).
- Primary
- Prep (KG2): AED 40,150. Resource Levy: AED 500 (non-refundable).
- Grade 1: AED 46,050. Resource Levy: AED 1,000 (non-refundable).
- Grade 2: AED 51,950. Resource Levy: AED 1,000 (non-refundable).
- Grade 3: AED 51,950. Resource Levy: AED 1,000 (non-refundable).
- Grade 4: AED 51,950. Resource Levy: AED 1,000 (non-refundable).
- Grade 5: AED 51,950. Resource Levy: AED 1,000 (non-refundable).
- Secondary
- Grade 6: AED 55,930. Resource Levy: AED 1,000 (non-refundable).
- Grade 7: AED 59,900. Resource Levy: AED 1,000 (non-refundable).
- Grade 8: AED 59,900. Resource Levy: AED 1,000 (non-refundable).
- Grade 9: AED 59,900. Resource Levy: AED 1,000 (non-refundable).
- Grade 10: AED 66,000. Resource Levy: AED 1,000 (non-refundable).
- Grade 11: AED 68,040. Resource Levy: AED 1,800 (non-refundable).
- Grade 12: AED 74,900. Resource Levy: AED 1,800 (non-refundable).

Per-term billing (payment schedule and amounts)

- Standard billing schedule: three instalments collected by post‑dated cheques (or equivalent payment method) as follows: 1st payment due 15 August (40% of the annual tuition fee plus the resource levy), 2nd payment due 1 December (30% of the annual tuition fee), 3rd payment due 1 March (30% of the annual tuition fee). Post‑dated cheques are held and presented for collection. Substitutions of payment method must be completed at least 10 working days before the cheque due date. An administration fee of AED 250 applies to any returned cheque.

- Per-term examples (each line shows: Term 1 = 40% of tuition + resource levy; Term 2 = 30% of tuition; Term 3 = 30% of tuition):
- Pre-KG (Tuition AED 28,350; Resource Levy AED 500): Term 1 AED 11,840; Term 2 AED 8,505; Term 3 AED 8,505 (total paid including resource levy AED 28,850).
- KG (Tuition AED 34,250; Resource Levy AED 500): Term 1 AED 14,200; Term 2 AED 10,275; Term 3 AED 10,275 (total AED 34,750).
- Prep (KG2) (Tuition AED 40,150; Resource Levy AED 500): Term 1 AED 16,560; Term 2 AED 12,045; Term 3 AED 12,045 (total AED 40,650).
- Grade 1 (Tuition AED 46,050; Resource Levy AED 1,000): Term 1 AED 19,420; Term 2 AED 13,815; Term 3 AED 13,815 (total AED 47,050).
- Grades 2–5 (Tuition AED 51,950; Resource Levy AED 1,000): Term 1 AED 21,780; Term 2 AED 15,585; Term 3 AED 15,585 (total AED 52,950).
- Grade 6 (Tuition AED 55,930; Resource Levy AED 1,000): Term 1 AED 23,372; Term 2 AED 16,779; Term 3 AED 16,779 (total AED 56,930).
- Grades 7–9 (Tuition AED 59,900; Resource Levy AED 1,000): Term 1 AED 24,960; Term 2 AED 17,970; Term 3 AED 17,970 (total AED 60,900).
- Grade 10 (Tuition AED 66,000; Resource Levy AED 1,000): Term 1 AED 27,400; Term 2 AED 19,800; Term 3 AED 19,800 (total AED 67,000).
- Grade 11 (Tuition AED 68,040; Resource Levy AED 1,800): Term 1 AED 29,016; Term 2 AED 20,412; Term 3 AED 20,412 (total AED 69,840).
- Grade 12 (Tuition AED 74,900; Resource Levy AED 1,800): Term 1 AED 31,760; Term 2 AED 22,470; Term 3 AED 22,470 (total AED 76,700).

Billing terms and penalties

- All post‑dated cheques are handed to the school's bank for collection in advance of due dates. A returned cheque attracts an administration fee of AED 250 and constitutes a breach of the registration agreement; outstanding fees may lead to suspension of next‑year enrolment and withholding of academic reports or transfer certificates.

Sibling and staff discounts

- Family (sibling) discounts: second enrolled child receives 10% off tuition (applied to the child with the next‑highest tuition); third and fourth children receive 20% off; further children receive 25% off (only one discount type may be applied).
- Special staff discounts: employees of named partner organisations (examples listed by the school) receive a 15% tuition discount.

Transportation / Bus fees

- VISS operates paid bus services. Fees vary by zone depending on distance. Representative annual two‑way fees by zone: Zone 1 AED 4,800; Zone 2 AED 5,700; Zone 3 AED 6,600; Zone 4 AED 7,500; Zone 5 AED 8,400; Zone 6 AED 9,300. One‑way annual fees are shown on the transport schedule.

Other charges and extras (uniforms, activities, supplies)

- Resource levy (listed above) is charged per year and is non‑refundable.
- Uniforms are sold through the school's on‑site shop and the school's uniform partner (Zaks); uniform costs are separate and payable to the uniform supplier.
- Paid extracurricular activities and external providers (for example sports academies) may carry separate charges; specific activity fees are billed or collected separately.

Refunds and withdrawal / cancellation charges

- The resource levy is non‑refundable. Refunds are issued to the payer after submission of the school refund form and supporting documents; refunds are processed by cheque within 12 working days (refund processing is not available in July and August).
- Cancellation / withdrawal charges: cancellation from 15 August without attendance incurs a non‑refundable registration/re‑registration fee of AED 1,000. Withdrawal within two weeks or less of term attendance requires payment of one month's tuition and transport (if applicable); withdrawal after more than two weeks up to one month requires payment of two months' tuition and transport; withdrawal after more than one month of term attendance requires payment of the whole term's tuition and transport (resource levy remains non‑refundable).

Boarding

- Boarding is not applicable. VISS operates as a day school and provides transport options for day students.

Fee payment options and bank details

- Accepted methods: cash, credit card, cheques, or bank transfer. For bank transfers the listed account is:
- Beneficiary Name: Victoria International School of Sharjah
- Bank: Sharjah Islamic Bank, University City Branch
- Account Number: 0011218899003
- IBAN: AE640410000011218899003
- SWIFT: NBSHAEAS
- Transfer confirmation should include the student's full name and ID number and be e‑mailed to finance@viss.ae.
Academics

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

Curriculum

The Victoria International School of Sharjah follows the Victorian Curriculum from Kindergarten through Grade 10, with the Early Learning Centre aligned to the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF). Senior School (Grades 11–12) offers two pathways: the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and the Cognia-accredited VISS Global Citizen Diploma (GCDP). The IBDP is a two-year programme requiring six subjects across Groups 1–5 (Group 6 optional) and the IB Core: Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and CAS. The GCDP is a two-year American-style diploma with compulsory English, Mathematics and an Additional Language (Arabic or French), a range of electives, and a minimum 21 credits across Grades 10–12; certain Arabic Language and Islamic Studies and Curriculum Enrichment Programme (CEP) requirements may apply. Overall, the curriculum combines Australian foundations with international senior options to prepare students for university entry worldwide.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Victoria International School Sharjah (VISS) supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through a holistic wellbeing framework that places students' emotional, social and physical needs at the center of learning. The school highlights that it focuses on each child's emotional wellbeing and growth, with staff responsible for safeguarding and supporting these aspects in daily practice. Wellbeing and the five VISS values (Excellence, Diversity, Integrity, Learning, Community) are described as core to school life and student development. A designated Senior Person for Child Protection is the Executive Principal; in their absence, the School Psychologist or Head Principal of Primary or Secondary leads safeguarding matters, supported by a Child Protection Team. Overall, SEL is integrated with teaching and pastoral support to foster both academic progress and personal development.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

SEN provisions at VISS are delivered within the mainstream school with an inclusive approach. The school uses a Learning Enhancement (Inclusion) model and a Response to Intervention framework, supported by dedicated inclusion staff, to address individual learning needs. The Victorian Curriculum at VISS explicitly includes provisions for students with disabilities and additional learning needs, English as an additional language, and Gifted and Talented students. Early identification and individualised learning approaches are implemented to support these learners in regular classes. The information publicly available indicates these supports are integrated into the standard school program rather than a separate specialist SEN facility.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

EAL is acknowledged within VISS's curriculum, with English as an additional language explicitly listed as a provision in the Victorian Curriculum offered at the school. A dedicated Inclusion/Inclusion staff role (Learning Enhancement) supports learners with additional needs, including those for whom English is not the first language. This combination indicates EAL support is provided within the mainstream program rather than via a standalone department. The school's materials highlight English as an additional language as part of the core inclusive provisions.

Mental Wellbeing

Mental wellbeing is a central element of VISS's approach, with Wellbeing explicitly integrated into the school's values and daily practice. The Wellbeing framework emphasizes the emotional, social and physical needs of students as foundational to academic progress. The school identifies a designated Senior Person for Child Protection and maintains a safeguarding structure that includes a School Psychologist and a Child Protection Team to support mental wellbeing and safety. Wellbeing and values guide decisions and practice across campuses.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding at VISS is underpinned by UAE Federal law (Wadeema's Law, No. 3 of 2016), which protects a child's right to safety and education. The designated Senior Person for Child Protection is the Executive Principal; in their absence, the School Psychologist or Head Principal of Primary/Secondary leads safeguarding and is supported by the Child Protection Team. Safeguarding is described as the responsibility of all staff, with a formal commitment to child protection reflected in policies and practices. All staff undergo safeguarding screenings, including background checks and reference verification.
Parent Experience

History

Victoria International School of Sharjah (VISS) was established in 2005 through an agreement between His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan Al Qassimi and the Government of Victoria, Australia, to deliver the Victorian curriculum in Sharjah. It operates as a not-for-profit international school offering the Victorian version of the Australian curriculum, with teachers predominantly drawn from Victoria, Australia, and close ties to Australian authorities to support curriculum delivery. VISS has expanded across the emirate, with the Central Region opening in August 2020 and Tilal opening in September 2024. The Al Taawun campus earned Cognia's Distinguished School status in 2024, reflecting the network's accreditation and quality assurance standards. The group maintains ties with Australian authorities to support curriculum delivery and professional development.

Community

VISS fosters a diverse, multinational school community across its campuses with active participation from families in school life. Annual events include National Day, Pink Day, Flag Day, Australia Day, Book Character Day, and music and dance concerts, with the broader VISS International Day celebrating diversity. The school supports community outreach through charity fundraising and partnerships, and runs student leadership activities via a Student Representative Council (SRC). Parental involvement is encouraged through workshops and events, including sessions led for parents on technology use.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

VISS maintains an active Parents Association that coordinates parent involvement in school life. The association organizes events such as International Day, National Day, sport carnivals, Grandparents Day, Pink Day, Sausage Sizzles, and Coffee Sessions. Parents participate in social activities and collaborate with staff to support student activities and fundraising initiatives, including partnerships with charities like The Big Heart in the UAE and The Fred Hollows Foundation from Australia. There are formal structures, including two formal PTA meetings per term, and workshops with faculties across Pre-KG to Grade 12. Mornings with the Principal and other informational sessions are part of ongoing parent engagement.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

VISS operates three independent schools on the same site: Early Learning Centre, Primary School, and Secondary School, with spacious, well‑equipped modern classrooms and the latest technologies. There are shared facilities across the school to support learning programmes. In 2018 VISS opened the first VISS Innovation Centre, a dedicated learning space for innovation education, and a STEM Lab was opened in the Primary School. A library is on site.

Sports Facilities

Sport is an integral part of the Australian education at VISS. The sports program runs across Primary, Middle and Senior School and participates in Emirates International Schools Sports Association (EISSA) leagues and tournaments. VISS hosts many EISSA leagues and tournaments, offering students a myriad of sporting opportunities. Health and Physical Education includes practical and theoretical components. Outdoor Education includes camps for Grades 4, 5, 7, 9 and some Senior IB classes, with international trips supported by trained professionals. The House System runs across Primary and Secondary School, with major events such as Athletics, Cross Country and Swimming.

Academic Facilities

VISS operates three campuses on the same site—ELC, Primary, and Secondary—with spacious, well‑equipped classrooms and the latest technologies. The Early Learning Centre implements the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) within a UAE context. The Primary School delivers the Victorian Curriculum, with Arabic, Islamic, Moral Education and Social Studies taught under UAE MOE requirements. Arabic Language is delivered through two curriculums: Arabic for Arabs and Arabic for non‑Arabs. Islamic Education is compulsory for Muslims and taught in Arabic for Arab students and in English for non‑Arab students. The Senior School offers two pathways for Grades 11–12: the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and the Global Citizen Diploma Programme (GCDP). The IBDP is authorized, and the GCDP is Cognia‑accredited and recognized as a pathway for post‑school progression. The school Year 10 is the final year of the Australian Curriculum in the Senior School.

Extra Curricular Facilities

The ECA program includes football, basketball, swimming, volleyball, rhythmic gymnastics, gymnastics, roller skating, and more. ECA providers include Pro Sport Academy (Football and Gymnastics), All Stars Academy (Basketball), Evolution Sports Academy (Football), Flying Roses (Rhythmic Gymnastics), Elite Volleyball Academy (Volleyball), and Get The Kids Fit. ECAs promote teamwork, resilience and a healthy lifestyle.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

VISS follows an Australian Curriculum framework augmented by International Baccalaureate Diploma Program content. Contemporary Pedagogy and Authentic Learning Experiences provide age-appropriate, personalised learning through explicit teaching, guided learning, and inquiry approaches. Learning Enhancement uses a Response to Intervention model to identify and address specific learning needs, with Individualised Learning Plans for students who require targeted support or challenge. Grade 10 marks the final year of the Australian Curriculum and serves as a preparatory year for the programmes offered in Grades 11 and 12, including the Diploma Program.

Arts & Creative

VISS runs a vibrant Performing Arts program including Music and Drama across Primary, Middle and Senior School. All students engage in Performing Arts through Grade 8, with elective pathways available from Grade 9. The VISS Music Academy offers individual lessons through the co-curricular program. The Grade 6 Wind Band provides a year-long instrument learning pathway, and a range of ensembles and productions offer on-campus and external performance opportunities.

Cultural & Language

The curriculum blends Australian frameworks with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. VISS values diversity and hosts cultural events such as National Day, Pink Day, Flag Day and Australia Day, along with Book Character Day and annual music and dance concerts; Diversity is celebrated with VISS International Day.

Social & Hobbies

ECAs promote teamwork, resilience and a healthy lifestyle. Students can participate in athletic programs including football, basketball, swimming, volleyball, rhythmic gymnastics, gymnastics, roller skating, and more. ECA providers include Pro Sport Academy (Football and Gymnastics), All Stars Academy (Basketball), Evolution Sports Academy (Football), Flying Roses (Rhythmic Gymnastics), Elite Volleyball Academy, Get The Kids Fit, AOS Academy, United Karate Group, and Elite Football Academy.

Community & Service

All students participate in the local and wider community through opportunities such as supporting the Student Representative Council (SRC) and charity fundraising, and working with partner charity organisations like the Big Heart in UAE and The Fred Hollows Foundation from Australia.

Leadership & Professional

Student leadership is embedded across year levels through roles including the Student Representative Council, School Captains and Vice Captains, House Captains, Digital Leaders, Emirati Student Leaders, and Student Culture Committee. Student voice and leadership guide engagement and wellbeing, with surveys to inform practice.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Wellbeing is at the heart of VISS. Social and Emotional Learning is taught explicitly and embedded across timetabled lessons and daily routines, focusing on emotional literacy, problem solving, help-seeking, positive coping, personal strengths, cyber awareness, and bullying prevention. The Wellbeing program runs fortnightly in the Secondary School and includes assemblies run by students; in the Primary School wellbeing is integrated in daily classroom routines with meditation and Circle Time. Camps and Activity Weeks support relationships and independence, and celebrations recognize student progress.
Languages

Language Provision

The school uses English as the language of instruction and offers Arabic and French as additional languages. Arabic is taught through two MOE curricula (Arabic for Arabs and Arabic for non-Arabs). French is offered as a language acquisition option (French Ab Initio and French B) within the IB Diploma Programme.

Bilingual Teaching

The school delivers Arabic through two MOE curricula (Arabic for Arabs and Arabic for non-Arabs). Islamic Studies is taught in Arabic for Arab students and in English for students who don't speak Arabic.
Admissions

Admissions

Step 1: VISS accepts enrolments from Nursery to Grade 11. The age guidelines align with UAE private education rules. Nursery is 2 years old by 31 August 2025; Pre-KG is 3 by 31 August 2025; KG is 4 by 31 August 2025; Prep is 5 by 31 August 2025; Grade 1 is 6 by 31 August 2025.

Step 2: Applications are submitted online via the Online Application form. The form requires scanned copies of key documents, including a student photo, previous school report, UAE Emirates ID, passport, medical report, and residence visa for the student. The parent documents needed include Emirates ID, passport and residence visa. Registration is online and references the Daleel/SPEA process.

Step 3: Registration documents must be uploaded as part of the process. Required items include student and parent passport copies, student and parent ID copies, and vaccination/immunization details. Family Book is required for Emirati nationals, and UAE residency documents are needed for non-Emirati families. Entry procedures and registrar support are available via the school's Registration Office.

Step 4: The school operates under the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA). All children must be registered with SPEA via Daleel or the school, and entry assessments may be required as part of admissions. For enquiries, the school provides registrar support and transfer procedures.
School Events
The school has not added events