ABA Oman International School

What the school is

IB programmes and graduation pathways

ABA’s IB authorisations date from 1996 for the Diploma Programme, 2002 for the Primary Years Programme and 2004 for the Middle Years Programme. These programmes share an approach to inquiry, but expectations and assessment change as pupils progress. Ask how the school prepares children for each transition.

ABA offers its High School Diploma at a school accredited by the Middle States Association, alongside the IB Diploma pathway. The school reports that more than 90% of pupils choose the full IB Diploma.

A secondary school profile reports a perfect IB score of 45 in both 2020 and 2021. For 2021, it reports an average more than three points above the world average and 34% of the cohort scoring at least 40. These are historical results, not a measure of the current cohort. ABA also offers the Global Citizen Diploma; ask how it fits alongside academic qualifications.

The campus move

The Al Irfan campus

In March 2022, ABA moved from Al Khuwair to a purpose-built, 3.5-hectare campus at Madinat Al Irfan in Airport Heights. The campus inauguration was reported by the Oman Observer. Use the current Al Irfan address when planning a visit or school journey, as older guides may still refer to the previous location.

The campus includes learning and performing arts centres, two full-size football pitches, three rooftop tennis courts, a 25-metre pool and gymnasiums.

Fees and the real cost

2026–27 tuition and first-year charges

For 2026–27, published annual tuition ranges from OMR 5,360 in Kindergarten to OMR 10,210 in Grades 11–12; Grades 6–8 cost OMR 7,650. Pre-KG Family Class options cost OMR 3,790–5,050 depending on hours. The application fee is OMR 75 and is non-refundable. A deposit of 10% of annual tuition is credited against semester fees, so do not add it again to the annual total; the schedule says it is forfeited if the place is not taken.

The KG–Grade 12 enrolment fee is OMR 3,500, payable in full or in two instalments during the first year. A four-year payment option for self-paying families totals OMR 4,000, adding OMR 500 to the cost. Published rebates on the lump-sum option are 5% for the second child and 10% from the third. A separate 10% transfer discount applies where a qualifying non-refundable enrolment fee of at least OMR 2,500 was paid to another Muscat international school.

The schedule offers a 2% discount for full-year payment by 25 August and lists a 5% late-payment charge after invoice due dates. Before discounts and additional services, a new Grade 11 pupil paying the OMR 3,500 enrolment fee would have OMR 13,785 in listed tuition, enrolment and application charges: OMR 10,210 + OMR 3,500 + OMR 75. The credited tuition deposit is part of that total.

Admissions

Admissions, availability and support

ABA describes its admissions approach as non-selective and publishes a CIS commendation of its approach to inclusion. Non-selective does not mean a place or every form of support is always available. Ask about capacity, readiness assessment and the provision proposed for your child before accepting an offer.

Pupils moving from another IB school may recognise the programme framework, but subjects, language pathways and assessment schedules can differ. Joining partway through the two-year Diploma can limit Higher and Standard Level subject combinations. For other transfers, ask how previous coursework and credits will be assessed.

The family experience

Community, diversity and daily life at Al Irfan

ABA describes a community of more than 70 nationalities and publishes its approach to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Enrolment totals alone cannot explain a child’s experience.

For daily logistics, ask which neighbourhoods the Al Irfan bus routes serve, the expected journey time and arrangements after activities. Compare those routes with your work journey before choosing housing in Qurum, Madinat Qaboos, Al Mouj or elsewhere in Muscat.