There are many international schools in Kuwait catering to the expatriate community, offering curricula from the International Baccalaureate to American, British and Canadian programmes.

Waiting lists for these schools can be long, so it's best to start the admissions process as early as possible. Entry requirements differ between schools, and we advise parents to contact their school of choice directly for specific details. Generally, the following is required:

  • Completed application form
  • Copy of previous school reports
  • Copies of birth certificate, passport, visa stamp and Civil ID
  • Medical card and proof of vaccinations

An admissions test may also be required, usually testing for proficiency in English and Mathematics.

Below is a list of some of the most popular schools offering an international curriculum in the country.

International schools in Kuwait

American Baccalaureate School

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: American
Ages: 3 to 18
Website: www.abs.edu.kw

American International School of Kuwait

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate
Ages: 3 to 18
Website: www.aiskuwait.org

American School of Kuwait

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: American
Ages: 3 to 18
Website: www.ask.edu.kw

British School of Kuwait

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and A-levels
Ages: 4 to 18
Website: www.bsk.edu.kw

Canadian Bilingual School

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: Canadian (Ontario, adapted)
Ages: 3 to 18
Website: www.cbskuwait.com

English Academy Kuwait

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and A-levels
Ages: 3 to 18
Website: www.tea.edu.kw

Gulf English School

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and A-levels
Ages: 3 to 19
Website: www.ges.edu.kw

International Academy of Kuwait

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and A-levels
Ages: 3 to 18
Website: www.iak.edu.kw

International British School

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and A-levels
Ages: 3 to 18
Website: www.ibskuwait.com

Kuwait National English School

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate, English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and A-levels
Ages: 1.5 to 18
Website: www.knes.edu.kw

Universal American School

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: American
Ages: 3 to 18
Website: www.uas.edu.kw

Further reading

►Learn more about the Kuwaiti education system in Education and Schools in Kuwait

Expat Interviews

"Schools tend to fill up quickly and will have a waiting list so it is best to get in touch early." Get more advice and recommendations on selecting a Kuwaiti international school in our interview with Gemma.

"The public schools are not recommended, however there are many private schools to choose from. Do your homework carefully. Even the American and British schools vary in the quality of education they offer. Typically the company you work for will be able to offer suggestions as to which schools are best." For more on international schools, read our interview with Allyson.

Are you an expat living in Kuwait?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Kuwait. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.