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International Schools in Maldives

Edited by · B2C Marketing Manager

About international schools in Maldives

International schools in the Maldives are a compact, largely Malé- and Hulhumalé-centred sector that serves expatriate families and Maldivians seeking internationally recognised qualifications; most operate in English while preserving Dhivehi and Islamic studies within the wider school programme. The dominant offer is UK-style curricula - Cambridge IGCSEs and GCE A-Levels - though a smaller number of schools promote IB or other international programmes alongside national options. Annual tuition varies considerably by provider and age, but many international schools quote fees in the mid-thousands of US dollars per year, with additional charges for registration, examinations, uniforms and transport. The academic rhythm follows the local school calendar (the school week is typically Sunday - Thursday) and families are advised to contact schools several months before the intended start date because places - especially in key year groups - can be limited.

Compare 8 international schools in Maldives. Filter by curriculum, fees (average MVR 60,389), location, and more to find the right international school now.

At a glance 8 schools · avg fee MVR 60,389
Schools listed
8
Curricula
14
Average annual fee
MVR 60,389
Fee range
MVR 12,000 – 141,000
Most common curriculum
Cambridge IGCSE (5 schools)
Average school size
783 pupils
Largest by enrolment
Brightway International School
Oldest
Ahmadhiyya International School (1982)
View by curriculum (3)

5 international schools in Malé

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2 international schools in Hulhumalé

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1 international school in Fuvahmulah

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Choosing an international school in Maldives

Curricula

There are 8 international schools in Maldives covering 14 curricula. The most widely offered are Cambridge IGCSE (5), Bespoke Curriculum (3), Singapore Curriculum (2), Cambridge International AS Levels (2), Cambridge A Levels (2). If your child may move countries again, an internationally-portable curriculum (IB, or Cambridge/British) keeps options open; if you're likely to settle, a curriculum matching your home or target university system can be the better fit.

Fees & what they cover

Annual tuition across Maldives runs from about MVR 12,000 to MVR 141,000, averaging roughly MVR 60,389. Budget for one-off costs on top — application and enrolment fees, a refundable deposit, uniform, transport and exams.

Admissions & timing

Sought-after schools in Maldives run waiting lists, so apply early — ideally a term or two ahead. Most admissions involve an application, prior school reports and an assessment or interview, with entry points often tied to the school year. Each school's profile shows term dates, open days and how to enquire.

Boarding

Most schools here are day schools; check individual profiles for any boarding options.

How doris stays impartial

doris lists every international school in Maldives we can find — not only those that pay. We take no placement fees and sell no rankings or "top school" spots, so the schools above aren't ordered by who paid most. Details come from the schools' own information and public sources, and you can compare any of them side by side.

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FAQs for Maldives

Which curricula will my child typically encounter at international schools in the Maldives?
Most international schools follow UK-based curricula such as Cambridge IGCSE for lower secondary and GCE A-Levels for upper secondary; a smaller number offer the International Baccalaureate or other international frameworks, while public schools use the Maldivian national curriculum. The practical difference is that British/IGCSE and A-Level routes are exam-focused with subject specialisation in later years, whereas IB programmes emphasise a broader, inquiry-led syllabus across subjects.
What language(s) are used for teaching and school life?
English is the primary medium of instruction in most international schools, but Dhivehi remains part of the taught programme and Islamic studies and Arabic are usually required components of the curriculum. Families should expect school communications and classroom teaching to be mainly in English, with Dhivehi and religious subjects taught according to national requirements.
How much should I budget for school fees and extra costs?
Published guides and local school information show wide variation, but many international schools in Malé/Hulhumalé charge tuition in the mid-thousands of US dollars per year; lower-cost alternatives and higher-end providers both exist. On top of base tuition, budget for registration/enrolment fees, exam and resource charges, uniforms, school meals, extracurricular activities and any transport or bus services, which together can add substantially to the annual cost.
When should we apply and what are common admissions steps?
Admissions typically require several months' lead time: parents should contact schools well before the intended start term to check availability, required documents and any entry assessments. Schools usually ask for previous school reports, identification (birth certificate/passport) and may require placement testing or interviews for older children, with enrolment cycles aligning to the local academic year.
Are there international school options outside Malé and Hulhumalé, or boarding choices?
International, English-medium schools are concentrated in the capital and nearby Hulhumalé; options in the outer atolls are limited and boarding provision is uncommon, so families living on other islands often consider relocation, daily travel arrangements, or schooling alternatives such as blended or overseas placement. Regional disparities in school provision are well documented, so verify a school’s catchment, transport services and any residential arrangements before committing.
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