Admissions
Welcome
Admissions at GEMS Al Khaleej International School
Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions you will make for your child. At GEMS Al Khaleej International School, we understand that choosing a school is about more than academics. It is about finding a community where your child feels known, challenged and supported, and where they can grow with confidence.
We are delighted that you are considering AKIS for this important part of your child’s journey. From your first enquiry through to joining our school community, our admissions team is here to make the process clear, welcoming and personal.
Here in the heart of Al Warqa’a, Dubai, we’ve built more than a school. We’ve built a home away from home, where your child’s Emirati identity, values, and heritage are celebrated every day, alongside a world-class American Curriculum education that opens doors globally.
We follow a clear step-by-step admissions process to ensure every child is placed in the right year group, at the right time.
Admission Age
As of December 31
Students must have turned the following ages as of December 31. Applicable for all new Pre-KG – Grade 1 students enrolling from September 2026:
- 3Years old · Pre-KG
- 4Years old · KG1
- 5Years old · KG2
Academic Year 2026–2027
Entry Point by Year Group
Age eligibility follows the KHDA age requirement, based on the Ministry of Education’s updated admission age policy, effective from the 2026–2027 academic year.
| Grade | Birth Date From | Birth Date To | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-KG | 01/01/2023 | 31/12/2023 | 3 years |
| KG1 | 01/01/2022 | 31/12/2022 | 4 years |
| KG2 | 01/01/2021 | 31/12/2021* | 5 years |
| Grade 1 | 01/01/2020 | 31/12/2020 | 6 years |
| Grade 2 | 2019 | As per TC | 7 years |
| Grade 3 | 2018 | As per TC | 8 years |
| Grade 4 | 2017 | As per TC | 9 years |
| Grade 5 | 2016 | As per TC | 10 years |
| Grade 6 | 2015 | As per TC | 11 years |
| Grade 7 | 2014 | As per TC | 12 years |
| Grade 8 | 2013 | As per TC | 13 years |
| Grade 9 | 2012 | As per TC | 14 years |
| Grade 10 | 2011 | As per TC | 15 years |
| Grade 11 | 2010 | As per TC | 16 years |
| Grade 12 | 2009 | As per TC | 17 years |
*Students born between 1 September and 31 December 2021 fall under a special KHDA clarification — see FAQs below.
Documentation
Transfer Certificate Guidelines
Transfer certificate must be on official school letterhead and must contain the below information.
- Full name of student
- Date of birth
- Enrolment date and the year group when the child first started at the current school
- (i) Present class (ii) Year/Grade completed (iii) Year/Grade promoted to
- School curriculum
- Principal signature and school stamp
If transferred from a school within the GCC (GCC Countries: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman) or from another UAE Emirate, transfer certificate must be attested by the Ministry of Education.
Children coming from countries other than USA, Australia, Canada, Western Europe, Japan and New Zealand should have the original Transfer Certificate (TC) attested by: Educational Authorities (from country of TC origin), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (from country of TC origin), UAE Embassy (from country of TC origin).
Talk to us
School Registration Team
Help
FAQs
Students must reach the required age by 31 December of the enrolment year (e.g., 3 years old for Pre-KG, 6 years old for Grade 1).
No. The AED 525 application fee is non-refundable, though it is transferable if your child joins a different GEMS school. It’s also not deducted from tuition fees.
No. A place is only confirmed once all required documents are submitted and the application fee is paid.
Results are shared by email or phone. If successful, the Registrar issues an offer letter, subject to seat availability.
No. The deposit (10% of total tuition) is non-refundable but is deducted from the year’s tuition fees once paid.
The TC must be on official school letterhead and include the student’s full name, date of birth, enrolment date, current class, year completed and promoted to, curriculum followed, and the principal’s signature and school stamp.
From GCC countries or another UAE Emirate: attestation by the Ministry of Education is required. From countries other than the USA, Australia, Canada, Western Europe, Japan, or New Zealand: the TC must be attested by the educational authority, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and UAE Embassy in the country of origin.
Under a special KHDA clarification, children in this birth window (previously ineligible for the 2025–2026 year) may apply to either KG1 or KG2 for 2026–2027, subject to the school’s readiness assessment and seat availability.
Email: registrar_akn@gemsedu.comTel: +971 4 2173804 / 805