Most popular international schools in Iraq

Canadian International School Erbil sits on Permam Street in Erbil, delivering Cambridge-based education to students aged 4–18. The Kindergarten uses a bilingual English–Arabic foundation (KG1–KG3) with small classes up to 20 students. Elementary (Grades 1–5) follows the Cambridge Primary curriculum with Arabic, English and French language study, plus STEM, music and sport. Middle School (Grades 6–8) uses Cambridge Lower Secondary (Checkpoint) with subject-specialist teachers and programmes such as robotics, MUN and service learning. High School (Grades 9–12) offers IGCSE and A-Levels, along with Advanced Placement courses and university guidance & SAT prep. Cambridge International and Lebanese National pathways are offered under one roof; Cognia accreditation ensures global standards. Average class size is 18–22 students and the school belongs to a network of 1,400+ scholars across four campuses in Iraq and Lebanon. Distinctive features include a strong STEM and MUN focus, multilingual education, and university admissions support and global study opportunities.

BBIS, Baghdad British International School, is located in Al Nasim Residential Complex near Baghdad Airport Road. It delivers a British education for ages 3 to 18, from Early Years through to pre-university, using the British National Curriculum with the EYFS framework in the early years. Primary students study English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, ICT, Arabic and Art, with bilingual support where needed; secondary students continue English Language and Literature, Mathematics, Sciences, History, Geography, ICT, robotics and artificial intelligence, and Modern Foreign Languages, with Arabic/Islamic Studies where applicable. The IGCSE Programme (ages 14–16) focuses on core subjects with electives such as Business Studies, ICT, Computer Science and Art. A Sixth Form, offering A‑Levels or international diploma options, is planned to launch soon, complemented by university counseling and internships. The school houses an AI & Robotics Center and emphasizes 21st‑century skills, collaboration and technology-enabled learning through a range of extracurriculars and camps.

Cambridge International School – Kurdistan (CISK) is an independent co-educational day school in Erbil, offering the Cambridge Curriculum Framework for ages 3–18. English is the language of instruction, with Kurdish and Arabic taught as official languages in Iraq. Founded in 2010, CISK was the first Cambridge International School in Kurdistan and is fully accredited by Cambridge International Examinations. The school delivers Cambridge Primary and Secondary programs, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels and Cambridge A Levels. The campus in Waziran provides a stimulating learning environment with facilities including an ICT lab with 31 networked computers, a well-stocked library, a music studio and an art studio, four science laboratories with interactive whiteboards, a multi-purpose sports hall and an astroturf football field. A full-time nurse staff maintains a medical room, and air-conditioned buses support transport. Extracurricular activities emphasize visual and performing arts, a sports program, experiential learning, leadership programs and community service.

The British International School in Kurdistan (BISK) sits on Mosul Road in Erbil, Iraq, offering a U.K.-aligned international education from Early Years through Secondary. The school delivers the Early Years Foundation Stage, followed by the Pearson Edexcel British International Curriculum in Primary and Secondary, with a senior pathway that includes an American Curriculum option. The school's ethos emphasises progress and opportunities, with facilities across the campus. The Early Years building provides open-plan, naturally lit spaces and outdoor learning, while the Primary School houses collaborative classrooms and specialist areas for Art, Music, Computing and Physical Education. Kindergarten is supported by language, music, drama, sports and IT specialists. Extracurriculars feature Performing Arts, and productions such as Around the World in 80 Days (2025) and Jungle Book planned for 2026. A multilingual BISKonauts Programme supports Arabic, Kurdish and English, and the House system underpins leadership, service and community activities for students and families.

English International School – Baghdad delivers instruction in English for learners from Pre-K to Grade 12, following a modified UK international framework that integrates Pearson Edexcel IGCSE, IEYC, IPC and IMYC with tailored components to prepare students for IGCSE and IAL examinations on campus. Located at Qatar Al-Nada Street (End of the Jadriya Bridge), Saidiya, Baghdad, 10017, the school serves ages 3 to 18. The campus features ICT labs with up-to-date computers and reliable internet, interactive smartboards in every classroom, science laboratories, senior and junior libraries, a canteen, a café and a Prayer Room. Extracurriculars include football, swimming and basketball, debate clubs, Model United Nations and reading clubs; the Duke of Edinburgh Award has been offered since 2024. Accreditations include AoBSO, COBIS, BSME, FOBISIA, ISA and Pearson Edexcel; it is recognised by the UK Department for Education via British Schools Overseas, and operates as a licensed UCAS Centre with a comprehensive careers programme.

International School of Choueifat – Erbil sits on a campus along Massif Road in Erbil and operates as a private, English-medium, day school within the SABIS network. Opened in 2006, ISC-Erbil draws on a blended curriculum that combines American, British, and Iraqi educational traditions, preparing students for higher education with AP, SAT, IGCSE, AS/A Levels, and O Levels. The school offers English as the first language with Kurdish and Arabic as second/third languages, and French from Grade 5. The campus features a theatre, indoor pool facilities, a large sports hall, outdoor fields and basketball courts, a science block, computer laboratories, a 324-computer SABIS Integrated Testing and Learning Hall, and a 10,000-book library with a MyOn virtual extension. Extracurricular life is coordinated by the SABIS Student Life Organization, with programs in sports, music, arts, and STEAM; service campaigns and environmental initiatives are integral. Graduates have university progression tracks and exam opportunities.

Cambridge International School – Capital City is part of Cambridge Educational Services in Kurdistan and offers Cambridge Primary and Cambridge Secondary programs. The Capital City campus is located at 100m Avenue, Airport Road, Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq. The school serves students in the Kurdistan Region and provides a structured, academically rigorous program from primary through secondary levels. The campus combines a comprehensive academic curriculum with a broad extracurricular program. Students participate in vibrant visual and performing arts and an extensive sports program with opportunities at intra-mural and varsity levels. The school supports experiential learning opportunities and leadership development through targeted initiatives. Community service is integrated into the extracurricular program, reinforcing social responsibility. The overall approach emphasizes high-quality teaching, student engagement, and opportunities to apply learning beyond the classroom. The environment fosters collaboration, inquiry, and respect for diverse cultures, while maintaining a clear progression pathway within Cambridge Programs for students.

Eastwood International School Erbil is a private international school on Bahrka Road in Erbil, offering an American curriculum integrated with the IB Primary Years Programme and a Middle Years Programme candidate status. The school teaches in English and provides Kurdish and Arabic language immersions alongside English Language Arts, with a focus on global contexts. The Primary Years Programme is IB-aligned and delivered in English, using 21st-century learning tools; early years emphasize a student-centered approach that values curiosity, resilience, and compassion. The Middle Years Programme for ages 11–16 challenges students and prepares them for high school and university, while pursuing IB World School authorization. Eastwood was founded in 1973 and now operates three campuses serving over 1,000 students. Distinctive features include mindfulness, music and movement, performing arts, and trans-disciplinary studies such as Maths + Coding, Science, and Languages within a holistic programme. It emphasizes global awareness, international-mindedness, and social responsibility throughout.

Cambridge International School Hawler is independent, co-educational day school on Koya Road, Beside Hiwa City, Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq. It delivers international education with English as the language of instruction and follows the Cambridge Curriculum Framework, offering Cambridge Primary, Secondary, IGCSE, and Cambridge International AS Levels and A Levels. The school serves local and international families and provides learning from Early Childhood through Grade 6, with a student-centred approach that is appropriately challenging. As part of Cambridge Educational Services – Kurdistan (CESK), it emphasizes inclusive practice and celebrates international diversity, while Kurdish and Arabic are taught as official languages in Iraq. The campus features KG-2 playing area, ICT lab with 31 computers, art and music studios, library, and four science laboratories with interactive whiteboards. There is a sports hall, astroturf football field, a nurse, buses, and cafeteria services under development. Experiential learning, leadership training, and community service underpin the extracurricular program.

CADMUS International School Baghdad – Al Nakheel is a SABIS concept delivering international education on a new, purpose-built campus. The school will welcome students from Pre-KG to Grade 6 in the 2026-2027 academic year, adding a grade level each year to reach Grade 12, with local educators and staff supporting operation. The campus features interactive whiteboards in all KG1–Grade 12 classrooms, modern science laboratories, an independent Kindergarten, outdoor playgrounds, and dedicated sports facilities including a mini-soccer field, outdoor basketball court, and a bright cafeteria. The curriculum blends a Bespoke Curriculum with Cambridge IGCSE and Advanced Placement (AP) examinations. From Kindergarten through Grade 12, students study English, Arabic, Kurdish, and a world language in upper grades. The Student Life Organization coordinates a wide range of activities, including arts and music, leadership roles, peer tutoring, and community service, fostering collaboration, critical thinking, and responsible citizenship. Students grow academically, socially, and ethically prepared.