Below, you'll find below a list of the most popular international and bilingual schools for expats in the Maldives with fee information. The list includes nursery schools, primary and secondary (high) schools for you to find the right school to prepare for an eucation in the Maldives.

Education in the Maldives

Traditionally, children in the Maldives were educated in Islamic Makthab classes, along with math, Dhivehi, the Qur'an and some Arabic. There are also Kiyavaage and Madhrasaa schools. English language is the primary language of instruction. Primary school is from one to five, with the next level from six to ten years, and secondary education from class six to ten. Higher education continues into class eleven and twelve.

Private schools have slowly been moving to western-style schools with international accreditation and testing.

International Schools

International schools can be the perfect solution for an expat student (multinational corporation executives, children of diplomats, NGO staff) in the Maldives. International schools provide similar standards of schooling around the globe, providing for an easy transition between schools whether they are in France or Vietnam.

There is usually local population, as well as an international student body. Schools may follow a curriculum model from the US, UK, France, etc. Primary instruction may be any language (and multiple languages are usually taught), but it is usually in English. Schools also provide internationally accepted accreditation such as the international baccalaureate.

Admission and enrollment procedures vary from school to school. Space is often limited and preference may be given to students based on nationality. Tuition tends to be expensive based on local standards, but offers high standards of learning, boast smaller class sizes, first-rate facilities, and extracurricular. Boarding facilities are available at some schools, but most only provide day classes.

Accreditation & Membership

• Council of International Schools (CoIS) is a non-profit association of international schools and post-secondary institutions which provides educational accreditation, teacher and leadership recruitment services, links to higher education, governance assistance and help with founding new schools.

International Schools in Malé

Billabong High International School Maldives
Address: EPSS Building Ameenee Magu, Malé 20371 Republic of Maldives
Tel: 960 3309005
Tuition Rates: USD 2,580 - 4,380 per year

A day school with an international curriculum and focus on foreign language. There is Islam and Dhivehi instruction in Secondary level and teachings of the Qur'an to Grade 5. Upper level students follow the Cambridge IGCSE syllabus and A levels.

Ghiyasuddin International School (GIS)
Address: Ameenee Magu, Malé Maldives
Tel: 960 333 2500
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Funded and constructed with Japanese aid as a government school, it has since been privatized and caters to students between the ages of 6 and 16 years. Uniforms are required.

Lale Youth International School (LYIS )
Address: Reethigas Hingun, Malé , Maldives
Tel: 960 335-0029
Tuition Rates: 135 - 175 USD per month

An English-medium school for students of all nationalities from Nursery to Grade 12. UK National and Cambridge curriculums are followed in all grades and follow the teachings of Dhivehi, Islam and the Qur'an . SAT tests are also offered. Uniforms are required.

MAPS International High
Address: H. Vaifilaa-aage, Janavaree Magu, Malé, Maldives
Tel: 960 3314621
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

MAPS International High is a senior high school that accepts students in grades 11 and 12, and offers GCE Advanced Level training and Edexcel Alevel and Edexcel International Diplomas.

Villa International High School (VIHS)
Address: Rahdhebai Magu, Machangolhi, Malé, Maldives
Tel: 960 3303224
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Students are prepared for the Edexcel A level Examination and Higher Secondary Certificate examination. The school features high quality facilities like rooms with multimedia, air-conditioning and WiFi.