Admissions
Thank you for your interest in our school.
Here at CIS we welcome students from all over the world and we pride ourselves on our supportive and inclusive environment. We understand that navigating a new school can often be a stressful experience.
• Please read CIS Student Admissions Policy.
• If your child is currently registered at a school following the British curriculum, it is important to note that grade/year levels do not align between the British system and Alberta Education. Please refer to the below table for Grade/Year Equivalencies.
| 2025/2026 | Grade | Start Date of Birth | End Date of Birth |
| KG1 | 01-SEP-2020 | 31-AUG-2021 | |
| KG2 | 01-SEP-2019 | 31-AUG-2020 | |
| Grade 1 | 01-SEP-2018 | 31-AUG-2019 |
| 2026/2027 | Grade | Age |
| KG1 | 4 years old by 31 December of the admission year. | |
| KG2 | 5 years old by 31 December of the admission year. | |
| Grade 1 | 6 years old by 31 December of the admission year. |
Admissions FAQ
CIS’ curriculum follows the Alberta Program of Studies. Alberta’s Kindergarten to Grade 12 curriculum is designed to help students achieve their individual potential and create a positive future. The provincial programs of study identify what students are expected to learn and do in all subjects and grades.
For more information on our curriculum, please visit the Alberta Education website here https://education.alberta.ca/science-k-6/program-of-studies/?searchMode=3
Our admissions portal is designed to ease the application process with step-by-step instructions at each stage. Go to Application.
If you require any further help you may email our admissions team at admissions@cisabudhabi.com
Registration for the new academic year opens in January of each year, however, applications are welcome throughout the school year.
Students are not required to be fluent in English, but may require an assessment.
Yes. We assess the needs of each student upon receipt of application to ensure we can accommodate any support services that may be required. We currently have a Student Support Services Department offering a range of services such as Speech Therapy, Literacy Support and Counselling.
All students from KG upwards are required to learn Arabic. We offer both Arabic 1 & 2.
We also offer French at Secondary level.
Yes. At CIS we offer art, music, drama and band
Yes. We have a cafeteria which provides hot meals, sandwiches, and healthy snacks.
We offer a subscription for classroom delivery service for our KG1 & KG2 students.
Yes, we provide a bus service.
Please follow the link below for more information on bus registration and fees:
Yes. We have an official CIS school uniform that must be worn by all students. Please visit our uniform page for more information on what is required at each grade level.
We believe that extra-curricular activities are just as important as academic learning for the wellbeing of our students. Please see our schedule here
Students in grades 3, 6, and 9 take provincial achievement tests to evaluate grade-level standards and expectations, and Grade 12 students write provincial examinations in core subject areas to qualify for an Alberta High School Diploma. This internationally recognized diploma permits students’ entry into university programs throughout North America and the world.
Mon – Thu:
KG1: 08:00 AM – 01:00PM
KG2-G12: 08:00 AM – 03:00 PM
Friday:
KG1-G12: 08:00 AM – 11:30 PM
• Due to the high volume of applications CIS receives, the Admissions Department cannot respond to every family regarding their standing in the admissions process. Our admissions process is now fully online therefore, all communication regarding your child’s application will be done via the admissions enrollment system.
• All documents must be in English or Arabic, otherwise an official UAE translation is required.
• The completed Admissions Application is not an offer of admission. A place in only guaranteed and held for the student once an acceptance letter is sent, all documents are received and, payment is made.
• The school reserves the right to place your child in the grade level considered appropriate based on the school’s age acceptance policy, your child’s ability, and Ministry of Education guidelines.
• If your application is successful, you agree to the rules and regulations of the Canadian International School as set out in the Parent/Student Handbook.
We would like to thank all applicants and wish you all a successful year!
We look forward to meeting you in hopes of offering your children places here at CIS!