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Search & filter all 5 schools Compare 5 schools in Malé

International Schools in Malé, Maldives

Compare 5 international schools in Malé, Maldives. Filter by curriculum, fees (average MVR 66,623), location, and more to find the right international school now.

Edited by · B2C Marketing Manager

Schools listed
5
Curricula
10
Average annual fee
MVR 66,623
Fee range
MVR 12,000 – 141,000
More school facts
Most common curriculum
Cambridge IGCSE (3 schools)
Average school size
625 pupils
Largest by enrolment
Billabong High International School Maldives
Oldest
Ahmadhiyya International School (1982)
About international schools in Malé, Maldives

International schools in Malé form a compact, capital-centred sector that serves both expatriate families and Maldivians seeking internationally recognised qualifications, with many providers located on Malé itself or the nearby Hulhumalé development. Most operate in English as the primary medium of instruction while retaining Dhivehi and Islamic/Arabic study within the wider school programme, and the common externally recognised pathways are Cambridge IGCSE and A-levels alongside a few schools using Singaporean or Finnish-inspired approaches at early years and primary levels. Annual tuition varies by school and by age, but many international providers quote fees in the mid-thousands of US dollars with extra charges for registration, examinations, uniforms and transport. Parents should allow time for registration, deposits and records checks and plan around the national academic calendar, which in recent years has been adjusted with a January start and mid-year breaks in line with Ministry guidance.

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FAQs for Maldives

Which curricula are commonly offered in Malé and how do they differ?
Many international schools in Malé offer Cambridge pathways (IGCSE and Cambridge A-levels) which are subject-based, exam-oriented qualifications widely recognised for entry to universities. A number of schools also adopt teaching approaches inspired by Singapore or Finland, particularly in early years and primary education, emphasising structured numeracy, literacy and inquiry-based learning rather than the same high-stakes exam structure of secondary Cambridge programmes.
What language(s) will my child be taught in, and will Dhivehi or Islamic studies be part of the programme?
English is the dominant medium of instruction at international schools in Malé, but most schools include Dhivehi and Islamic or Quranic studies as part of the broader curriculum to meet cultural and national expectations. It is common for teachers to use Dhivehi in early years or to support learners who are less confident in English, and Arabic is usually taught for religious study.
How much should we budget for fees and what extra costs should we expect?
Published tuition varies widely by provider and by year group, but many international schools in the Maldives publish fees that equate to the mid-thousands of US dollars per year, with some providers charging higher rates for older secondary cohorts. In addition to tuition, families should budget for registration or enrolment fees, deposits, examination charges, uniforms, textbooks and optional items such as school transport or after-school clubs.
When do admissions and the school year typically run, and how early should we apply?
Admissions patterns differ by school, but many international schools follow the national academic calendar and publish term dates well in advance; in recent years the Education Ministry has moved the calendar back toward a January start with mid-year breaks. Schools commonly require a registration form, proof of age/identity, prior school records and payment of a registration fee or deposit, so families should contact schools as soon as they know their relocation timing - several months’ notice is advisable for popular year groups.
What should parents look for when choosing an international school in Malé?
Check which curriculum the school offers and whether its assessment style and qualifications match your longer-term plans, confirm the language of instruction and support for English as an additional language, and review published fee schedules and what is included. Also consider practical factors such as location and transport, class sizes, pastoral support for expatriate children, and how the school integrates Dhivehi and religious education if that matters to your family; ask for recent calendars, sample timetables and the school’s admissions checklist.