How AIS Supports Families Relocating from the Middle East

In This Article

• Why Middle East Families Choose AIS Singapore
• One School for the Whole Family: Infant Care to Year 12
• Curriculum Pathways: IB, HSC, and IGCSE
• Settling In: What Family Life Looks Like
• Boarding and Homestay Options
• How the AIS Admissions Team Supports Relocating Families
• Understanding the Costs
• Frequently Asked Questions

Why Middle East Families Choose AIS Singapore

Middle East families choose AIS for its Australian-international curriculum, English-speaking environment, and a student body representing over 60 nationalities. Singapore shares many lifestyle similarities with Dubai and Abu Dhabi, including personal safety, modern infrastructure, and a well-established expat community.

AIS is part of Cognita, a global education group operating schools across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America. For families already in a Cognita school, the transition is supported at group level.

Singapore is a 7-hour direct flight from Dubai. Families relocating from the Gulf region find familiar rhythms here: a thriving dining scene, year-round warm weather, reliable public services, and strong professional networks in finance, technology, and regional management.

Not sure if AIS is the right fit? Book an online consultation with our admissions team to discuss your family’s needs – particularly helpful for families researching from overseas.

One School for the Whole Family: Infant Care to Year 12

Most families relocating from the Middle East are moving together, with children across a range of ages. AIS is one of the few international schools in Singapore that enrols children from 2 months through to Year 12 on a single campus. This means siblings at different stages can attend the same school, simplifying drop-offs, building a shared school community, and giving families one point of contact.

Age Groups at AIS

• Infant Care (2 months to 3 years) – Infant Care programme
• Early Years (3 to 5 years) – Early Years programme
• Elementary (Prep to Year 6) – Elementary programme
• Secondary (Year 7 to Year 12) – Secondary programme

For families with very young children, AIS provides continuity from the earliest years through to senior school graduation. There is no need to change schools as children grow, and the transition between divisions is managed internally.

Curriculum Pathways: IB, HSC, and IGCSE

AIS is the only school in Singapore offering three internationally recognised senior school pathways. This breadth means students from virtually any curriculum background can find a pathway that maintains their academic trajectory.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

AIS offers the full IB continuum from Primary Years Programme (PYP) through to the IB Diploma Programme. Students already enrolled in IB programmes at schools in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Doha can continue without disruption. AIS has been an IB World School since 2005.

Higher School Certificate (HSC)

The HSC is the NSW senior secondary qualification, recognised by universities worldwide. AIS is the only school in Singapore accredited by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) to deliver this programme. Students receive an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) accepted by universities in Australia, the UK, the US, and across Asia.

Cambridge IGCSE

For students coming from British curriculum schools in the Gulf region (including GEMS, Taaleem, and other UK-curriculum providers), the Cambridge IGCSE pathway at AIS offers direct curriculum alignment. Courses follow the Cambridge Assessment International Education framework.

Curriculum Transition Support

Students switching between curriculum systems receive academic placement assessments to identify the best pathway and year level. The AIS academic team works with each family to plan the transition, including any bridging support needed for students moving between significantly different systems such as CBSE to IB.

Unsure which pathway suits your child? Book an online consult to meet our admissions team and see the learning environment firsthand.

Settling In: What Family Life Looks Like

Families relocating from the Gulf region find that daily life in Singapore shares many familiar patterns. The adjustment period is typically short, and most families report feeling settled within the first few months.

For Working Parents

Both parents can work in Singapore. The primary earner typically holds an Employment Pass (EP), while the accompanying spouse receives a Dependant’s Pass with the option to apply for a Letter of Consent to work. Many multinational companies base their Asia-Pacific headquarters in Singapore, making it a natural career move for professionals in finance, technology, logistics, and regional management.

For Families with Young Children

Families with toddlers and pre-schoolers benefit from AIS accepting children from 2 months. Domestic help is available and regulated in Singapore, similar to the Gulf region, providing continuity for families accustomed to live-in support. Halal food options are widely available, and familiar Western and Middle Eastern grocery brands are stocked at major supermarkets.

Community and Lifestyle

Singapore has established expat communities from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and other Gulf states. Active social groups, cultural organisations, and professional networks help newcomers build connections quickly. The AIS parent community is welcoming and diverse, with families from over 60 nationalities. School events, parent groups, and co-curricular activities provide natural meeting points.

Popular family neighbourhoods near AIS include Serangoon, Bukit Timah, and Holland Village, all offering proximity to the school, green spaces, and a mix of local and international amenities. The school is a 7-minute walk from Lorong Chuan MRT station.

Boarding and Homestay Options

For secondary students (Year 7 to Year 12) whose parents are not relocating to Singapore, AIS offers a boarding and homestay programme through Oldham Hall, the school’s approved boarding facility. Residents must have an approved adult guardian. A counselling team, Designated Safeguarding Lead, and International Student Administrator provide ongoing support. Children under Year 7 must live with a parent or direct family member.

How the AIS Admissions Team Supports Relocating Families

The AIS admissions team provides personalised support for families relocating from the Middle East. The team is familiar with the specific concerns of Gulf-based families, including curriculum alignment, boarding logistics, and the practicalities of an international move.

What you can expect:

• Virtual consultations for families still based in the Middle East
• Guidance on which curriculum pathway suits your child’s academic background
• Support with documentation and placement assessments
• Flexible entry options throughout the academic year, including mid-year enrolment
• Assistance with boarding and homestay arrangements where applicable
• Campus tours available in person or virtually

Families can begin the process remotely, schedule an online consultation here.

Understanding the Costs

AIS school fees vary by year level and curriculum pathway. A full breakdown is available on the AIS fee structure page. Many employers offer relocation packages that cover school fees and housing allowances, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Singapore’s cost of living is comparable to premium Dubai neighbourhoods for housing. Public transport is significantly cheaper and more extensive than in the Gulf. Groceries are similar in price, though imported Western and Middle Eastern products carry higher costs due to import duties. Halal food options are widely available.

For a detailed cost comparison between Singapore and Dubai, including housing, transport, healthcare, and daily expenses, see our guide to moving to Singapore from Dubai.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my child start at AIS mid-year?

Yes. AIS accepts enrolments throughout the academic year, subject to availability. The admissions team can advise on the best entry point based on your child’s current year level and curriculum.

What curriculum should I choose if my child was in a British school in Dubai?

Students from British curriculum schools in the Gulf region typically transition well into the Cambridge IGCSE pathway at AIS. The academic team will assess your child’s current level and recommend the best fit, which may also include the IB Diploma depending on age and academic goals.

Does AIS offer boarding for primary school students?

No. Students in Preparatory to Year 6 must live with a parent or approved direct family member (typically a grandparent). Boarding and homestay enrolment is available for Year 7 to Year 12 students only.

How long does the admissions process take?

Processing times vary depending on documentation completeness and year level availability. The admissions team aims to respond to enquiries promptly and can conduct virtual assessments for families based overseas. Contact the team for a timeline specific to your situation.

Is there a Middle East expat community in Singapore?

Yes. Singapore has established communities of families from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and other Gulf states. Active social groups, cultural organisations, and professional networks support newcomers. Halal dining is widely available across the city.

Does AIS accept students from Indian curriculum (CBSE) schools?

Yes. Students from CBSE backgrounds can transition into the IB, IGCSE, or HSC pathway at AIS. The academic team provides bridging support where needed to help students adjust to the new curriculum framework.

What support is available for students adjusting to a new school and country?

AIS assigns new students a buddy from their first day. The school counselling team and International Student Administrator provide ongoing support. The school’s multicultural environment, with students from over 60 nationalities, helps new arrivals feel welcome quickly.

Start Your Singapore Journey

If you are a parent in the Middle East planning a move to Singapore, the AIS admissions team is ready to help. Whether you need guidance on curriculum pathways, boarding arrangements, or the application process, support is available remotely from wherever you are.