Deutsche Schule Erbil

Iraq, Erbil

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The school at a glance

Instructs in German, English

Fees IQD 3,500,000 - 4,500,000

Ages 3 - 18 years

Pupil numbers 140

Type Co-educational

Opened 2010

Bus Service No

Academic offering

Curriculum German Curriculum, IB (DP)

Taught languages German, Korean

Strengths Languages, Visual and Creative Arts, Academic Enrichment

Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language

Stages Kindergarten, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form

Introduction

Deutsche Schule Erbil is a German overseas school in Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq. It serves students aged 3 to 18 and combines a German curriculum with the IB Diploma Programme. The school is organised into three levels: a kindergarten/pre‑school for ages 3 to 6, an elementary school (grades 1–4), and a lower secondary school (grades 5–10). The IB Diploma Programme is taught as part of the curriculum, and the IB diploma is recognised for university entrance; graduates complete Hauptschulabschluss after grade 9 or Mittlerer Schulabschluss after grade 10. The school is officially accredited by the Kultusministerkonferenz and funded by the Federal Republic of Germany, reflecting its status as a German overseas school. Founded in 2010, it is part of a worldwide network of German schools abroad and was awarded the Exzellente Deutsche Auslandsschule quality label in 2022. Facilities include a room, a preschool room, foyer and playground; language immersion and Kurdish support.

Postfach 67, Postfach Office Newroz, Erbil, Region Kurdistan, Iraq

Gallery

The school has not added photos

The Essentials

Location

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq. The school is part of the worldwide network of German overseas schools. It was founded in 2010 and is officially accredited by the German Kultusministerkonferenz (KMK) and supported by the Federal Republic of Germany.

Stages

Kindergarten / Pre-school; Elementary school (grades 1-4); Lower secondary school (grades 5-10); IB Diploma Programme

Additional learning support

Children with limited German language skills receive additional support; students who do not speak Kurdish receive additional support.

Country affiliation

Germany (German overseas school, funded by the Federal Republic of Germany)

School day structure

The school day runs from 08:00 to 14:30; Thursdays dismissal is at 13:40.

Diving Deeper

Governance and Ownership

The school is operated by the non-profit association Deutsche Schule Erbil, founded in 2009; all income goes toward operating the school. The school board consists of elected association members and meets about once a month; attendees include the school leadership team, the head of the parents' association, and the consul general of the German consulate in Erbil.

Fees

Application and registration fees
- One‑time registration fee: IQD 420,000.
- Application fee (stated as non‑refundable in the school's admissions policy).

Annual tuition fees (by programme / year group)
- Kindergarten (ages 3–6): IQD 3,500,000 per year.
- Pre‑school and School (Grades 1–10): IQD 4,500,000 per year.
- IB Diploma Programme (upper secondary): IQD 4,500,000 per year.

Per‑term equivalents (calculated examples — not published official instalment schedule)
- If billed over 2 semesters: Kindergarten ≈ IQD 1,750,000 per semester; Pre‑school/Grades 1–10 ≈ IQD 2,250,000 per semester; IB ≈ IQD 2,250,000 per semester. (These figures are simple divisions of the annual fee and are presented only as arithmetic examples.)
- If billed over 3 terms: Kindergarten ≈ IQD 1,166,667 per term; Pre‑school/Grades 1–10 ≈ IQD 1,500,000 per term; IB ≈ IQD 1,500,000 per term. (Calculated example.)

Sibling discount
- 10% discount for the first sibling and 25% discount for additional siblings (applies to tuition).

Other costs and extras
- Textbook and learning‑material costs: charged in addition to tuition.
- Meal vouchers: charged separately.
- Transportation (school bus): charged additionally where used.
- IB examination fees are not covered by the school tuition and must be paid separately at the start of Grade 12; the school has no influence over IBO exam payment amounts or IBO refund deadlines.
- Uniform fees are not listed among the specified additional costs.

Boarding
- The school's published programme descriptions and registration information make no reference to boarding or residential provision; therefore no boarding fees are listed.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- A published annual tuition amount is provided for each programme. No official, detailed public billing schedule (termly/semesterly instalment dates, late‑payment penalties, or precise payment deadlines) is specified in the registration and admissions documents. The admissions policy does note required application documentation and that fees and some examination charges are handled separately.

Refunds and cancellation
- The application fee is described as non‑refundable.
- IB examination fees are subject to the International Baccalaureate Organization's payment and refund rules; the school states it cannot influence those IBO refund deadlines.
- No separate, detailed public tuition‑refund or withdrawal refund schedule is published in the available admissions and registration documents.

Payment methods / options
- Public contact information (phone and administration e‑mail) is provided for the school's administration. No specific online payment channels, accepted card types, or bank‑transfer details are published in the registration or contact information pages.

Brief summary of gaps in published fee detail
- Annual tuition amounts, the one‑time registration fee, sibling discounts, and the list of additional cost categories (books, transport, meal vouchers, IB exam fees) are published. Several operational details commonly used by parents and fee databases are not published in the available admissions and registration documents: an explicit billing schedule with instalment dates, formal payment‑term options (termly/semesterly/monthly instalment plans), accepted payment methods (credit card, bank transfer details), a published uniform fee, a published tuition‑refund/withdrawal policy, and any boarding fees. For those missing items, the school's admissions and registration materials do not provide further numeric or procedural detail.

Academics

Curriculum

The school comprises a kindergarten/pre-school (ages 3 to 6), an elementary school (grades 1–4), and a lower secondary school (grades 5–10) and offers the IB Diploma Programme as part of its curriculum. It is a German school abroad, officially accredited by the Kultusministerkonferenz and supported by the Federal Republic of Germany.

Higher Education Progression

The IB Diploma Programme provides a university entrance qualification that is widely recognized, including in Germany and Kurdistan.

Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

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Special Educational Needs (SEN)

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English as an Additional Language (EAL)

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Mental Wellbeing

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Safeguarding

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Parent Experience

History

Deutsche Schule Erbil was founded in 2010 and is part of a worldwide network of 140 German schools abroad. It is officially accredited by the Kultusministerkonferenz (KMK) and supported by the Federal Republic of Germany. In 2022, the school was awarded the quality label Exzellente Deutsche Auslandsschule. It is an IB World School offering the IB Diploma Programme and comprises a kindergarten/pre-school for children aged 3 to 6, an elementary school (grades 1–4), a lower secondary school (grades 5–10), and the IB Diploma Programme. The IB diploma is recognized for university entrance, with graduates completing Hauptschulabschluss after grade 9 or Mittlerer Schulabschluss after grade 10 (Gymnasium, Realschule).

Community

Students participate in decision-making processes, learn the values of democracy, and contribute to school life. Every class has a representative and a deputy, and class representatives meet regularly in a student board. The student board represents students' interests to teachers and the school leadership team, helps mediate conflicts, and participates in organizing school events. Each school year, students elect a representative (and a deputy) to organize and chair the meetings of the student body, with two teachers elected to support the representatives.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

Educating the students requires cooperation between school staff and parents, with teachers, parents, and the school leadership teams and governing bodies working together. The parents' association serves as mediator between parents and school. Its purpose is to foster efficient communication between the different groups. It represents parents' interests. The chairman of the parents' association regularly participates in meetings of the school board.

Facilities

Facilities Overview

The kindergarten started in September 2010. It has an indoor setting with a meeting room, a creative room, a pre-school room, and a large foyer. The outdoor area features a large playground with a sandbox, a slide, monkey bars, and a seesaw. Staff speak German with the children, and language immersion supports German language learning; staff also speak Kurdish to support children when needed. Children aged three to six can participate, with a year of pre-school support before entering elementary school.

Sports Facilities

The outdoor playground for the kindergarten provides space for active play. It features a large sandbox, a slide, monkey bars, and a seesaw. These play features support physical development and outdoor activity. These features are part of the kindergarten facilities.

Academic Facilities

The indoor spaces include a meeting room, a creative room, a pre-school room, and a large foyer. One year prior to entering elementary school, children receive additional pre-school support. The kindergarten accepts children from age three. Staff speak German with the children; language immersion helps German language acquisition, and staff also speak Kurdish to support children when needed.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Afterschool program is suspended due to Corona regulations. The program runs on Mondays and on Wednesdays from 2:45pm till 4:15pm. The fee is 200 US dollars per child for one semester; it is possible to register for only one day per week (100 US dollars). Siblings receive a 10% discount for the first sibling and 25% for additional siblings. Parents have to cover transportation costs.

Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

The CAS program is part of the core IB Diploma Programme. IB students engage in Creativity, Activity and Service during the Diploma Programme. With CAS coordination and advisory support, the school offers opportunities to plan, implement and reflect on activities in local and regional contexts through a network of partner organizations. Recent CAS activities include mural design, baking waffles for the school community, theme weeks, a chess tournament, and fundraising campaigns.

Arts & Creative

Arts and creative activities are integrated through CAS and school events. The school supports mural design projects and baking events for the school community, and hosts theme weeks and chess tournaments to showcase creativity and collaboration.

Cultural & Language

The German School Erbil is accredited as a German school and is an IB World School. Deutschlernkonzept describes German language teaching for learners of German as a second or foreign language, and the Methodencurriculum outlines teaching methods across classes. The school engages in German cultural events such as the German Christmas Market at ETTC and Goethe Institute.

Social & Hobbies

Every class has a representative and a deputy. Representatives meet regularly in a student body board meeting, and two teachers act as liaison. Each year, students elect a representative (and a deputy) to chair the meetings and represent student interests. The student council helps organize school events.

Community & Service

The CAS program includes community service and charitable activities through the network of partner organizations. Recent activities include fundraising campaigns for Yazidi refugees and campaigns such as 'Christmas in a Shoebox' for an orphanage. The school participates in collaborative development of projects and initiatives related to protection and safety within the school community and beyond.

Leadership & Professional

The school has a student council that enables student participation in decision making and school life. Every year, students elect a representative (and a deputy) to chair meetings and represent student interests. Two teachers are elected as liaison to support the student council. The school leadership team meets with the student representative regularly to discuss current issues and ideas for improvement.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Afterschool program runs on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:45pm to 4:15pm. The fee is 200 USD per child for one semester; registering for one day per week costs 100 USD. Siblings receive a 10% discount for the first sibling and 25% for additional siblings; transportation costs are extra. The program is currently suspended due to Corona regulations. First Aid Course for grades 5 and 6 and an eco-school initiative including an excursion to Zoragvan Valley to collect garbage and protect a rare turtle.

Languages

Language Provision

German curricula drive instruction across the school; under the Kurdish Ministry of Education license, a few subjects are taught in Kurdish (Kurdish language, religion, social studies) and Arabic (language). English is taught as a core subject, and Arabic begins in grade 5, while French is optional from grade 6 onwards (instead of Arabic for some students). Students with limited German language skills receive additional language support.

Bilingual Teaching

German curricula are used across the school. In Kindergarten (ages 3–6), staff speak German with the children, and immersion helps children acquire German; Kurdish is used by staff in appropriate situations. Meetings with parents can take place in German or Kurdish.

Immersion Programs

German immersion is used in the kindergarten to help non-German-speaking children acquire German. Staff speak German with the children as part of this immersion; Kurdish is used by staff in appropriate situations to support language development.

Reputation

Awards

Excellent German Overseas School (Exzellente Deutsche Auslandsschule) in 2022

Accreditations

The German School in Erbil (DSE) was founded in 2010 and is part of a worldwide network of 140 German schools abroad. The DSE is officially accredited by the Kultusministerkonferenz (Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Länder in the Federal Republic of Germany) and is supported by the Federal Republic of Germany. In 2022, the school was awarded the quality label "Excellent German Overseas School".

Admissions

1. Kindergarten/Pre-school entry requires age 5 by September 30 (October 31 in special cases). Elementary entry (Grade 1) requires age 6 by September 30 (October 31 in special cases). The elementary curriculum follows German curricula and includes Kurdish language, religion, and social studies; Arabic language begins in grade 4. Children with limited German language skills receive additional support. 2. For the IB Diploma Programme, admission after lower secondary (Grade 10) requires the Year 10 leaving certificate (and any Year 11 certificates) to be submitted to the school administration. Admission is decided based on GPA and a personal interview. During the interview with the student, their parents, the school administration, and the IB coordinator, the IB admissions agreement is presented and must be signed and submitted no later than the beginning of the school year. 3. The IB Diploma Programme runs over two years (Grades 11-12) in bilingual form, with some subjects taught in German and others in English.

School Events

The school has not added events

FAQs

Where is Deutsche Schule Erbil located and what ages does it serve?

Deutsche Schule Erbil is in Erbil in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and serves students aged 3 to 18, from kindergarten through the IB Diploma Programme.

What school levels and curriculum does the school offer?

The school comprises a kindergarten/pre‑school (ages 3–6), an elementary school (grades 1–4), a lower secondary school (grades 5–10) and the IB Diploma Programme for upper secondary. It follows German curricula and integrates the bilingual IB Diploma Programme.

Is the school co-educational and how large is the student body?

The school is co‑educational and has approximately 140 pupils. It was founded in 2010 and is led by Head of School Karin Louanzi‑Bißbort.

How do I apply for kindergarten or elementary entry and what are the age cutoffs?

Kindergarten/pre‑school entry requires children to be aged 5 by 30 September (31 October in special cases); Grade 1 entry requires age 6 by 30 September (31 October in special cases). The admissions process requires submission of the relevant documents and payment of the one‑time registration and application fees as set out in the registration materials.

What are the registration and application fee rules?

There is a one‑time registration fee of IQD 420,000. The application fee is stated as non‑refundable in the school's admissions policy.

Are there sibling discounts on tuition?

Yes, a 10% discount applies for the first sibling and a 25% discount applies for additional siblings; these discounts apply to tuition charges.

How are fees billed and what payment information is published?

The school publishes annual tuition amounts for each programme but does not publish a detailed billing schedule or specific payment channels. Textbook, meal vouchers, transportation and IB exam fees are listed as additional costs and further payment details are handled by the administration.

What leaving qualifications do students receive at the end of lower secondary and upper secondary?

Students complete the Hauptschulabschluss after Grade 9 or the Mittlerer Schulabschluss after Grade 10. The school also offers the bilingual IB Diploma Programme, which is recognised for university entrance.

How is the IB Diploma Programme organised and what are the admission requirements?

The IB Diploma runs over two years (Grades 11–12) in a bilingual form with some subjects taught in German and others in English. Admission requires submission of the Year 10 leaving certificate (and any Year 11 certificates), evaluation based on GPA and a personal interview, and signing the IB admissions agreement before the school year begins.

What teaching approach and curriculum frameworks guide classroom practice?

The school follows German curricula across levels and uses a Methodencurriculum to outline teaching methods. German is the instructional language in many subjects while some subjects are taught under the Kurdish Ministry of Education licence.

What facilities does the kindergarten have indoors and outdoors?

The kindergarten includes indoor spaces such as a meeting room, a creative room, a pre‑school room and a large foyer. The outdoor area features a large playground with a sandbox, a slide, monkey bars and a seesaw.

What sports and outdoor play facilities are available for young children?

Outdoor play facilities are provided in the kindergarten playground, including a large sandbox, a slide, monkey bars and a seesaw to support physical development and active play.

What afterschool and extracurricular activities does the school offer and how are they charged?

The school runs an afterschool programme that normally operates on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:45pm to 4:15pm; the fee is 200 US dollars per child for one semester, or 100 US dollars to register for one day per week. Sibling discounts (10% first sibling, 25% additional siblings) apply and parents cover transportation costs; the programme is currently suspended due to Corona regulations.

What opportunities does the school offer under the IB CAS programme?

IB students participate in CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) with coordination and advisory support; activities are planned and implemented in local and regional contexts through partner organisations. Recent CAS activities have included mural design, baking for the school community, theme weeks, a chess tournament and fundraising campaigns.

How can students get involved in leadership and student representation?

Every class elects a representative and deputy who meet regularly in a student body board, and each year students elect a chair and deputy to lead these meetings. Two teachers act as liaisons and the student representative meets regularly with the school leadership team to discuss issues and school initiatives.

How does the school support children with limited German language skills?

The school uses German immersion in the kindergarten with staff speaking German to children and provides additional language support for those with limited German. Staff also use Kurdish when appropriate to support understanding and language development.

What other wellbeing or community‑focused activities does the school run?

The school offers wellbeing and community initiatives such as First Aid courses for Grades 5 and 6 and eco‑school activities, including an excursion to Zoragvan Valley for environmental cleanup and conservation. CAS and community service projects also engage students in charitable and protection‑related initiatives.

What are the school day hours and is there a different schedule on any day?

The regular school day runs from 08:00 to 14:30, with dismissal at 13:40 on Thursdays.

Who governs and operates Deutsche Schule Erbil?

The school is operated by the non‑profit association Deutsche Schule Erbil, founded in 2009, and all income is used to operate the school. The school board is elected from association members and meets about once a month; participants include the school leadership team, the head of the parents' association and the consul general of the German consulate in Erbil.

Does the school hold any formal German accreditations or recognitions?

Yes, Deutsche Schule Erbil is officially accredited by the Kultusministerkonferenz (KMK) and is supported by the Federal Republic of Germany. It is part of the worldwide network of German schools abroad.

What are the tuition fees at Deutsche Schule Erbil?

Annual tuition at Deutsche Schule Erbil ranges from IQD 3,500,000 to IQD 4,500,000 depending on year group. Fees are reviewed each year, so check the school's current fee schedule before applying.

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