IB Schools in UAE are a great choice for both local and expat families as they offer globally recognized curricula, outstanding academics plus a nurturing environment for children. Discover our selection of the best IB Schools in UAE, including reviews, fees, and why families choose them.
Why choose a IB school in UAE?
The IB organization was originally founded as a response to the lack of flexibility in the different school systems around the world. Today, the IB education system is recognized in more than 100 countries worldwide, and many of the major UK and North American universities are very positive towards prospective students with an IB diploma. In an article featured in The Telegraph, John Claugthon, retiring Chief Master of King Edward’s School, sheds light on some of the reasons why schools all around the world choose to offer the IB Diploma Programme. He points to the breadth of the programme as one of the key motivations: “IB schools believe that the old dispensation to the narrow world of specialisation won’t do any more.”Many universities world-wide follow this line of thought, and an increasing number of them are revising their admissions criteria to attract more IB graduates. Among other examples, Claugthon mentions King’s College, London, and points to the fact that 20 percent of the university’s new undergraduates are IB students.If you are looking for an education that stimulates and challenges you but also requires hard work, then the IB is the perfect place for you.
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Study in UAE
With more than 500 international schools teaching over 400.000 students, the UAE can be considered as the Mecca of private education. No other country has this many schools offering first class education. And the school market here is still booming with many new international schools opening year after year. The majority of the schools are located in Dubai, followed by Abu Dhabi.
Almost all schools are day schools, just a few schools offer boarding, among them the prestigious Repton School Dubai or the brand new Swiss International Scientific School Dubai, which opened just recently in September 2015.
Top rated IB Schools in United Arab Emirates 2025
- 2025
The Western International School of Shanghai (WISS)
5 reviewsShanghai - ChinaInternational Schoolfrom 161975 to 275600 cnyThe Western International School of Shanghai (WISS) is a forward-looking school that has been inspiring young people from around the world since 2006.Read moreWhy parents choose this schoolInternational Baccalaureate - 2025
ENSR International School
4 reviewsLausanne - VaudInternational School - Boarding Schoolfrom 12200 to 25400 chfENSR International School is a leading, non-for-profit, private educational establishment in Switzerland.Read moreWhy parents choose this schoolInternational Baccalaureate Swiss Curriculum - 2025
École Jeannine Manuel Paris
0 reviewsParis - Ile-de-FranceInternational Schoolfrom 7100 to 24795 eurÉcole Jeannine Manuel is a French, bilingual and international K-12 school founded in 1954. It welcomes over 2400 students of over different 80 nationalities and offers both the IB and BFI.Read moreWhy parents choose this schoolBilingual English FrenchInternational Baccalaureate - 2025
Verita International School, Athens
0 reviewsAthens - Central GreeceInternational Schoolfrom 6500 to 10000 eurThe National Curriculum of England & Wales brought to life through inquiry-based learning and social-emotional curriculum. Kind hearts, creative minds, curious souls.Read moreWhy parents choose this schoolBritish CurriculumADHD Dyslexia Intellectual Giftedness - 2025
Nexus International School, Malaysia
0 reviewsKuala Lumpur - MalaysiaInternational School - Boarding Schoolfrom 44730 to 99570 myrNexus International School, stands as a beacon of innovative learning, offering an outstanding international education for learners aged 3-18 years, whilst providing an international boarding experience for ages 10 years and up.Read moreWhy parents choose this schoolBilingual EnglishBritish Curriculum International BaccalaureateADHD Autism Dyslexia Intellectual Giftedness - 2025
Institut auf dem Rosenberg
6 reviewsSt Gallen - SwitzerlandInternational School - Boarding Schoolfrom 150000 to chfInstitut auf dem Rosenberg, the Artisans of Education®, is a Swiss international boarding school for students between the ages of 5-18.Read moreWhy parents choose this schoolAmerican Curriculum British Curriculum International Baccalaureate Other - 2025
ISSH International School of Schaffhausen
0 reviewsSchaffhausen - SwitzerlandInternational School - Boarding Schoolfrom 24590 to 54090 chfThe International School of Schaffhausen (ISSH) is a place where students feel at home away from home.Read moreWhy parents choose this schoolInternational Baccalaureate - 2025
Korean International School, Hong Kong
0 reviewsHong Kong Island - Hong KongInternational Schoolfrom 93400 to 131700 hkdKorean International School (KIS) is an international school in Hong Kong that offers a British-style, academic education designed for the English-speaking community in Hong Kong.Read moreWhy parents choose this schoolBritish Curriculum Other - 2025
St. Stephen's School Rome
0 reviewsRome - LazioInternational School - Boarding Schoolfrom 28960 to 49413 eurAn IB World School located in the heart of Rome. A connected community driven by our 5 core values of Scholarship, Integrity, Creativity, Independence, and Care.Read moreWhy parents choose this schoolInternational Baccalaureate - 2025
Zurich International School
0 reviewsWadenswil - ZurichInternational Schoolfrom 16300 to 36600 chfZurich International School: A leading non-profit day school for local & expat children aged 3-18 in Switzerland. Instruction in English; additional bilingual English/German pathway for children 3-9.Read moreWhy parents choose this schoolBilingual English GermanAmerican Curriculum International Baccalaureate Swiss CurriculumADHD Autism Dyslexia Intellectual Giftedness - 2025
American School of The Hague
3 reviewsThe Hague - South HollandInternational Schoolfrom 14650 to 22890 eurAmerican School of The Hague (ASH) is an international school located in Wassenaar, the Netherlands.Read moreWhy parents choose this schoolAmerican Curriculum International Baccalaureate - 2025
Brillantmont International School
3 reviewsLausanne - VaudInternational School - Boarding Schoolfrom 31500 to 103500Brillantmont International School is one of the oldest schools in Switzerland. It was founded in 1882 and is still owned by the founding family.Read moreWhy parents choose this schoolAmerican Curriculum British Curriculum - 2025
International Bilingual School of Provence
0 reviewsLuynes - Aix-en-ProvenceInternational School - Boarding Schoolfrom 10250 to 35855 eurThe International Bilingual School of Provence, an independent coeducational school located near Aix-en-Provence in the south of France, owes its international character to the diversity of its student population.Read moreWhy parents choose this schoolBilingual English FrenchBritish Curriculum French Curriculum International Baccalaureate - 2025
American International School Vienna
0 reviewsVienna - AustriaInternational Schoolfrom 12000 to 23000 eurSet within the rich cultural context of Austria and the beauty of the Vienna woods, the American International School Vienna is one of the top international schools in the country.Read moreWhy parents choose this schoolAmerican Curriculum International Baccalaureate - 2025
St. Joseph’s Institution International
7 reviewsSingapore - South-eastern AsiaInternational School - Boarding Schoolfrom 37000 to 46000 sgdSJI International is a Lasallian Catholic school in Singapore that offers a holistic, values-driven, international educational experience to a 2,000-strong student body of over 40 nationalities.Read moreWhy parents choose this schoolCatholic ChristianBritish Curriculum International Baccalaureate - 2025
Hong Kong International School
2 reviewsHong Kong Island - Hong KongInternational Schoolfrom 211400 to 243400 hkdHong Kong International School (HKIS) is a leading private co-educational college preparatory school for students from Reception One (pre-kindergarten) to Grade 12. Since 1966, HKIS has provided an exceptional educational environment grounded in the Christian faith. We know that students learn best when they are in charge of how they learn. Our American-style program permits […]
Read moreWhy parents choose this schoolAmerican Curriculum - 2025
Yago School
1 reviewsSeville - AndalusiaInternational School - Boarding Schoolfrom 7200 to 33000 eurYago School is an innovative IB day school (Ages 0 to 18) and the only Boarding School in Sevilla.Read moreWhy parents choose this schoolBilingual English SpanishInternational Baccalaureate Spanish CurriculumADHD Autism Dyslexia Intellectual Giftedness - 2025
Rugby School Thailand
0 reviewsBang Lamung District - Chon BuriInternational School - Boarding Schoolfrom 14000 to 40000 usdA co-educational international school for day and boarding students aged 2-18 that follows the British curriculum. Students take IGCSE and A Level examinations in preparation for university entry.Read moreWhy parents choose this schoolBritish Curriculum
PYP (Primary Year Programme) in United Arab Emirates
MYP (Middle Years Programme) in United Arab Emirates
DP (Diploma Programme) in United Arab Emirates
Understanding the IB Curriculum
Latest News from IB Schools in United Arab Emirates
Parent and Student Reviews of IB Schools in United Arab Emirates
- As a proud alumni and parent of multiple children at HKIS, the school is more than just an educational institution; it’s a nurturing home for students to thrive and excel. Their mission and vision reflect a commitment to fostering holistic growth and well-being. HKIS prioritizes student development, not just academically but also emotionally and socially. My children have not only excelled in academics but have also become confident, compassionate, and well-rounded individuals.
The emphasis on well-being truly sets HKIS apart. The strong and vibrant community at HKIS is unparalleled. From the faculty welcoming students arriving at school in the early morning to the supportive parent network, it feels like a big family. This sense of belonging makes a significant difference in a child’s educational journey. The student learning experience is dynamic and engaging.
The school’s emphasis on transfer goals ensures that students are well-prepared for the future. My children love going to school every day, which speaks volumes about the quality of the education experience.
The powerful alumni network is a testament to the success of HKIS graduates, something I have experienced first-hand. Knowing that my children will have access to this network in the future provides immense peace of mind.
In conclusion, HKIS isn’t just a school; it’s a community that cares deeply about each child’s growth and well-being. I wholeheartedly recommend HKIS to any family looking for a nurturing and academically enriching environment for their child. It’s not just a school; it’s a home where dreams take flight.Read moreWritten September 14, 2023 - In a world with dizzying choices for international schools, HKIS has exceeded our expectations at every turn. The values, the quality of the teachers, the facilities, all to the highest standard.
When looking for a school, we reviewed all the materials we could get our hands on. Each institution had an impressive mission statement and it seemed that all were well-equipped to provide a quality education. In the end, one line in particular from the HKIS handbook stood out and guided our selection:
“We appreciate childhood as a unique stage of the human life cycle. We value the quality of children’s lives in the present, not just as preparation for the future.”
The application process was straightforward. HKIS grants an assessment to all who submit by the priority deadline. The Admissions team was helpful and easily accessible throughout. No math test here – a group play-date determined if there was a fit.
Our son enrolled in Lower Primary at the Repulse Bay campus, which comes with a series of age-graded playgrounds, a 25 meter pool with a hydraulic floor, and a “wonder lab” for budding scientists. Classrooms flow to open spaces with ocean views and birdsong from the mountains. A truly beautiful setting to help settle young minds.
Education at HKIS is differentiated by a rigorous focus on the science of learning. Guided-play in the early years teaches perseverance and critical thinking, not just memorization. A strong support structure is in place for specialized learning in middle and high school. Teachers provide regular updates to parents, and counsellors are available to children at every grade.
The environment is wonderfully positive. Teachers glow and children speak with confidence. Parents are given ongoing guidance on how to develop a child’s independence in problem solving, and importantly – what to avoid. The Head of School and Principals are easily accessible, each of whom has an uncanny ability to remember names and particulars of individual families.
Negatives? None. Our biggest surprise is just how much we enjoy the HKIS experience as grown-ups, knowing our son is happy and learning. The parent community is humble and non-competitive, and we have yet to meet a family that is not thrilled to be part of the school.
With just one year in school, our son has been influenced by HKIS values and often reminds his parents of the “4 Bees” – be kind, be responsible, be respectful, and be safe.Read moreWritten September 14, 2023 - The school community is very welcoming and all the students are kind and respectful.Read moreWritten February 25, 2023
- ASH is an amazing school for kids of any age. It is really easy to make new friends and all the teachers are very kind and understanding.Read moreWritten February 25, 2023
- ASH emphasizes inquiry-led learning and offers both AP and IB courses plus so many co-curricular opportunities for students to pursue their interests and develop their passions.Read moreWritten February 25, 2023
- Everything’s welcoming.Read moreWritten February 25, 2023
- All five of my children successfully completed their school careers at ENSR and now have embraced adulthood and entrepreneurship.Read moreWritten February 25, 2023
- A School with a wonderful atmosphere where the whole family feels welcome.Read moreWritten February 25, 2023
- ENSR is where my son discovered how to be an independent learner.Read moreWritten February 25, 2023
- Institut auf dem Rosenberg leads the way in re-defining the way children and young adults learn, by embracing the challenges of the 21st centuryRead moreWritten February 25, 2023
- Rosenberg’s facilities are worthy of the best five-star swiss hospitalityRead moreWritten February 25, 2023
- The Rosenberg offer could not be further removed than from your average state School in the UKRead moreWritten February 25, 2023
- As a proud alumni and parent of multiple children at HKIS, the school is more than just an educational institution; it’s a nurturing home for students to thrive and excel. Their mission and vision reflect a commitment to fostering holistic growth and well-being. HKIS prioritizes student development, not just academically but also emotionally and socially. My children have not only excelled in academics but have also become confident, compassionate, and well-rounded individuals.
The emphasis on well-being truly sets HKIS apart. The strong and vibrant community at HKIS is unparalleled. From the faculty welcoming students arriving at school in the early morning to the supportive parent network, it feels like a big family. This sense of belonging makes a significant difference in a child’s educational journey. The student learning experience is dynamic and engaging.
The school’s emphasis on transfer goals ensures that students are well-prepared for the future. My children love going to school every day, which speaks volumes about the quality of the education experience.
The powerful alumni network is a testament to the success of HKIS graduates, something I have experienced first-hand. Knowing that my children will have access to this network in the future provides immense peace of mind.
In conclusion, HKIS isn’t just a school; it’s a community that cares deeply about each child’s growth and well-being. I wholeheartedly recommend HKIS to any family looking for a nurturing and academically enriching environment for their child. It’s not just a school; it’s a home where dreams take flight.Read moreWritten September 14, 2023 - In a world with dizzying choices for international schools, HKIS has exceeded our expectations at every turn. The values, the quality of the teachers, the facilities, all to the highest standard.
When looking for a school, we reviewed all the materials we could get our hands on. Each institution had an impressive mission statement and it seemed that all were well-equipped to provide a quality education. In the end, one line in particular from the HKIS handbook stood out and guided our selection:
“We appreciate childhood as a unique stage of the human life cycle. We value the quality of children’s lives in the present, not just as preparation for the future.”
The application process was straightforward. HKIS grants an assessment to all who submit by the priority deadline. The Admissions team was helpful and easily accessible throughout. No math test here – a group play-date determined if there was a fit.
Our son enrolled in Lower Primary at the Repulse Bay campus, which comes with a series of age-graded playgrounds, a 25 meter pool with a hydraulic floor, and a “wonder lab” for budding scientists. Classrooms flow to open spaces with ocean views and birdsong from the mountains. A truly beautiful setting to help settle young minds.
Education at HKIS is differentiated by a rigorous focus on the science of learning. Guided-play in the early years teaches perseverance and critical thinking, not just memorization. A strong support structure is in place for specialized learning in middle and high school. Teachers provide regular updates to parents, and counsellors are available to children at every grade.
The environment is wonderfully positive. Teachers glow and children speak with confidence. Parents are given ongoing guidance on how to develop a child’s independence in problem solving, and importantly – what to avoid. The Head of School and Principals are easily accessible, each of whom has an uncanny ability to remember names and particulars of individual families.
Negatives? None. Our biggest surprise is just how much we enjoy the HKIS experience as grown-ups, knowing our son is happy and learning. The parent community is humble and non-competitive, and we have yet to meet a family that is not thrilled to be part of the school.
With just one year in school, our son has been influenced by HKIS values and often reminds his parents of the “4 Bees” – be kind, be responsible, be respectful, and be safe.Read moreWritten September 14, 2023 - The school community is very welcoming and all the students are kind and respectful.Read moreWritten February 25, 2023
- ASH is an amazing school for kids of any age. It is really easy to make new friends and all the teachers are very kind and understanding.Read moreWritten February 25, 2023
- ASH emphasizes inquiry-led learning and offers both AP and IB courses plus so many co-curricular opportunities for students to pursue their interests and develop their passions.Read moreWritten February 25, 2023
- Everything’s welcoming.Read moreWritten February 25, 2023
- All five of my children successfully completed their school careers at ENSR and now have embraced adulthood and entrepreneurship.Read moreWritten February 25, 2023
- A School with a wonderful atmosphere where the whole family feels welcome.Read moreWritten February 25, 2023
- ENSR is where my son discovered how to be an independent learner.Read moreWritten February 25, 2023
- Institut auf dem Rosenberg leads the way in re-defining the way children and young adults learn, by embracing the challenges of the 21st centuryRead moreWritten February 25, 2023
- Rosenberg’s facilities are worthy of the best five-star swiss hospitalityRead moreWritten February 25, 2023
- The Rosenberg offer could not be further removed than from your average state School in the UKRead moreWritten February 25, 2023