DXB

frequently asked questions (FAQs)

We understand that families often have questions when exploring a new school or managing day-to-day life at AIS Dubai. To help, we’ve organised answers under four key themes: General Information, Tuition and Fees, School Life, and Inclusion and Student Support. Browse these sections here to find clear, practical answers to the questions we are most frequently asked.

Ask a question here!

  • Q: What are the school’s opening hours and term dates?
    A: The school is open from 8:00am to 3:00pm Monday to Thursday, and from 8:00am to 11:00am on Fridays. For term dates and key events, please refer to the school calendar.
  • Q: How can I arrange a visit or tour of the school?
    A: You can arrange a visit or school tour by booking through this link (Book a tour link) . Alternatively, you are welcome to contact us directly on 0425 822 222 to discuss your visit or ask any questions.
  • Q: What curriculum does AIS Dubai follow?
    A: AIS follows the Australian Curriculum. The Australian Curriculum provides a rigorous, future-focused framework that builds strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, and digital skills, while developing critical thinking, creativity, and independence. At AIS, learning is delivered through engaging, inquiry-based approaches that respond to individual student needs and prepare students to be confident, adaptable, lifelong learners in a changing world.

  • Q: How much is the tuition and what payment options are available?
    A: Tuition fees can be paid securely through our partner Zenda, as well as via direct bank transfer, cheque, or at the school accounts office. Visit our Payments page to learn more.
  • Q: Are there any additional fees for extracurricular activities or resources?
    A:Most ECAs are free of charge, although some paid options are also available. As for additional fees, families are required to pay a one-time fee at the start of the year, which covers resources, health services, and excursions. Students are not asked to make additional payments for excursions throughout the year.
  • Q: Does the school offer sibling discounts or financial support?
    A: 2025–26 Discount for new enrolments* - 5% per child
    • Early payment** – 5% per child
    • Sibling discount*:
      • 5% for second and third child
      • 10% for fourth child
      • 15% for fifth child

    *only one discount will apply per family either the New Enrolments Discount or Sibling Discount

  • Q: What extracurricular activities and clubs are available for students?
    A: AIS offers a range of sporting, cultural, and academic extracurricular opportunities that complement the Australian Curriculum. Sporting options include basketball, netball, football, and swimming. Cultural activities include art and drama, with music lessons available by arrangement for families who wish to encourage musical development. Academic enrichment opportunities include robotics and chess, supporting problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking skills.
  • Q: How does the school handle homework and assessments?
    A: Homework at AIS is purposeful and age-appropriate, designed to reinforce learning and develop independent study habits without overwhelming students. Assessment follows the Australian Curriculum and includes a balance of formative and summative assessments. Teachers use ongoing assessment to monitor progress, provide feedback, and inform teaching, ensuring each student is supported and challenged appropriately.
  • Q: What Universities can AIS graduates gain admission to?
    A: AIS graduates have the opportunity to gain admission and attend universities in the UK, Canada, Australia, USA, Europe, Asia, and the UAE. Our new ATAR senior curriculum will enable students to gain admission to many of the top universities worldwide.
  • Q: What Universities can AIS graduates gain admission to?
    A: AIS graduates have the opportunity to gain admission and attend universities in the UK, Canada, Australia, USA, Europe, Asia, and the UAE. Our new ATAR senior curriculum will enable students to gain admission to many of the top universities worldwide.
    UNIVERSITY DESTINATIONS INCLUDE
    • University of Cambridge
    • King’s College London
    • University College London
    • University of Edinburgh
    • University of Amsterdam
    • University of New South Wales
    • University of Sydney
    • University of Melbourne
    • New York University
    • University of Maryland
    • Penn State University
    • McGill University
    • Bond University
    • Griffith University
    • University of Toronto

  • Q: What support is available for students with learning differences or special educational needs?
    A: Support starts with early identification. AIS Dubai’s Inclusion Policy welcomes Students of Determination (those with diagnosed or identified learning needs), Gifted and Talented students, and students for whom English is an Additional Language and for English Language Learners (EAL/ELL).

    Our Inclusion Team and teaching staff collaboratively identify students requiring support.

    Following identification, AIS has a comprehensive and collaborative process for delivering support for students with learning needs. Support is tailored to the individual student, and may include:

    · focused interventions
    · classroom adjustments
    · instructional adaptations
    · progress monitoring
    · liaising with parents and external professionals

    Aiming to really understand the child’s strengths, challenges, motivations and aspirations so that they can thrive.

    Progress is monitored and reviewed on a by-term basis to track the attainment of individual goals, assess the effectiveness of strategies, and to celebrate student successes.
  • Q: How does AIS Dubai support students’ emotional and social development?
    A: AIS Dubai’s Wellbeing Policy, developed alongside the vision of the school, promotes positive mental health through:

    · early identification of concerns
    · support systems for emotional challenges
    · resilience-building at all levels of schooling
    · structured guidance for staff responding to students emotional or behavioural needs
    · providing a safe and inclusive community
    · access to on-site counselling services
    · access to wellbeing spaces, including sensory rooms and dedicated classrooms

    It is core to our school’s ethos that students thrive socially and emotionally, not just academically.

    Open communication between teachers, in-school counselling, inclusion staff, and parents provides consistent support for actively promoting and monitoring student wellbeing and personal development.
  • Q: Are there programs for gifted or talented students?
    A: Staff at AIS are trained to recognise and support diverse learning styles.

    Students are identified as gifted or talented through triangulating external assessments, internal assessment, and observations.

    For these students an Accelerate Learning Plan is created, and progress is tracked using the same collaborative steps used for all students with additional learning needs:

    · an educational plan is created in conjunction with teachers, parents, and inclusion staff
    · strategies in the plan are implemented
    · student progress is reviewed periodically

    The goal of the Accelerated Learning Plan is to provide specialised support and enriched activities to help them achieve their full potential.