School Name
Swiss International Scientific School Dubai
Category
Middle East Schools
Types
Pre-Prep to Senior School
Pupil type
Co-ed
Boarding-Day
Day
Boarding
Curriculums
IB
BTEC
Pupil age range
3-18
Location
Dubai
Swiss International Scientific School Dubai
Focus
Academic excellence with intercultural understanding
Day fees 2025/26
$16,600-$31,100
Boarding fees 2025/26
$64,700-$69,500
Term dates
- Term 1: 25 August to 5 December 2025
- Term 2: 5 January to 13 March 2026
- Term 3: 30 March to 3 July 2026
Ages
3-18
Pupil count
2,930
Parent company
Spear’s Review
Swiss International Scientific School Dubai (SISD) offers a comprehensive education from pre-kindergarten to Year 12, following the International Baccalaureate curriculum. The school is one of the only bilingual institutions in the region, offering classes in English, French and German.
SISD also stands out for its unique extracurriculars, including robotics, coding and outdoor adventure programmes, encouraging students to explore and develop their personal talents.
The school has a strong commitment to sustainability and, in 2024, hosted the International Education and Sustainability Leadership Conference, bringing together diverse schools to collaborate on building a sustainable future.
Academics
In 2025:
- Average IB score was 34.0
School Profile
Swiss International Scientific School Dubai (SISD) is a leading international day and boarding school offering a
distinctive blend of Swiss educational values, bilingual learning and a global outlook, firmly rooted in the Dubai
community. Opened in 2015, SISD is the largest Swiss school outside Switzerland, educating more than 2,900 students
from over 103 nationalities.

SISD provides a unique bilingual International Baccalaureate (IB) education for students aged 3 to 18. As an IB Continuum World School, SISD is authorised to deliver the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (IBDP) and Careers-related Programme (IBCP). Through this holistic and future-focused curriculum, students develop the knowledge, skills and adaptability needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.

With students, teachers and staff representing more than 103 nationalities, SISD is a truly international learning community where diversity is both lived and celebrated. This rich mix of cultures and perspectives fosters intercultural understanding, academic excellence and a strong sense of global citizenship, both inside and outside the classroom.

SISD also offers an exceptional boarding experience for secondary school students, providing a safe, supportive home-from-home environment on campus. Boarding combines strong pastoral care with academic support, co-curricular opportunities and a vibrant residential life that encourages independence, responsibility and personal growth.
Graduates of SISD go on to leading universities worldwide, including King’s College London, University of St Andrews,
Durham University, University of Manchester, UCL, LSE, Georgetown University, UC San Diego, EDHEC Business
School, EHL Hospitality Business School, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and the University of Pennsylvania.
Head teacher
Ruth Burke has been the principal of SISD since 2021. With over three decades of experience in education, she has served as principal at several Dubai schools, including Jumeirah English Speaking School, GEMS Wellington International School and Deira International School.
University and college destinations
In 2025, graduates received offers from a wide range of top universities, including King’s College London, University of St Andrews and New York University.
Admissions
The admissions process at SISD begins with submitting an online application, including documents such as academic records, identification and previous school reports. For certain year groups, students may be required to take an entrance assessment or participate in an interview.
Accessibility
Dubai International Airport: 15 minutes
Location
Click for more information about the research process and expert insight behind the Spear’s Schools Index.
Rank: Top Recommended
Top Recommended Spear’s Schools Index 2026, Middle East Schools
Address
Swiss International School, Dubai, 00000, United Arab Emirates