How to Apply to an International School in Riyadh: Step-by-Step Guide
Securing a place at a good international school in Riyadh is one of the most time-sensitive tasks any relocating family faces. Unlike many Western cities where school places are allocated by catchment area, Riyadh's international schools operate on an open-admissions, first-come basis — meaning early action and complete documentation are the primary determinants of success.
This guide walks you through the admissions process from initial contact to first day, covering documentation, assessments, Iqama requirements, and what to do if your preferred school cannot offer a place.
Step 1: Research and Shortlist Schools
Before submitting a single application, invest time in researching the schools available and narrowing your list to two or three realistic choices. Key questions:
- Curriculum: Does the school's curriculum align with your child's current school and your longer-term plans (UK university, US university, Indian university)?
- Year-group availability: Some schools are consistently over-subscribed at certain year groups — check whether a place is realistically available at your child's year before investing time in an application.
- Location: Is the school accessible from your planned area of residence? Riyadh traffic can be significant; a school that appears close on a map can take 45 minutes to reach at peak times. See /guides/best-areas-riyadh-near-schools.
- Fees: Confirm that the fees align with your employer's school allowance (if applicable) and your overall budget. See /guides/international-school-fees-riyadh.
Step 2: Make Initial Contact and Register Interest
Contact the admissions office of each shortlisted school by email or through the school's online enquiry portal. At this stage you are:
- Confirming your child's intended year group and start date
- Checking whether spaces are available or whether there is a waiting list
- Requesting an application pack or access to the online application system
Many schools allow — and encourage — you to register your interest before your employment contract in Saudi Arabia is finalised. Early registration places your child in the queue for the relevant year group.
Step 3: Gather the Required Documents
Most Riyadh international schools require a similar set of documents at the formal application stage. Prepare these in advance:
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Completed application form | Online or paper; includes child's learning needs declaration |
| Application fee | Typically SAR 500–2,000; non-refundable |
| Child's passport (copy) | All pages; must be valid |
| Child's Iqama or proof of pending Iqama | See Step 4 below |
| Most recent school reports | Usually last two academic years |
| Teacher or head teacher reference | From current school; often on a school letterhead |
| Birth certificate | Certified copy; may need apostille if non-English |
| Immunisation records | Against Saudi MoH requirements |
| Parent's proof of employment in Saudi Arabia | Employment contract or letter from employer |
| Passport photographs | Usually two or four; white background |
For secondary applications, schools may also request:
- National/standardised test scores (if applicable)
- A pupil personal statement (Year 12 / Sixth Form)
- Subject teacher references (Sixth Form)
Step 4: The Iqama Requirement
The Iqama is the Saudi residency permit issued to all foreign nationals living and working in the Kingdom. It is the fundamental legal document that establishes your right to reside in Saudi Arabia, and your children are added as dependants on the sponsoring parent's Iqama.
The practical reality: Most international schools in Riyadh will issue a conditional offer of a place before the Iqama is finalised, provided the parent can demonstrate active employment in Saudi Arabia. However, the school cannot issue a formal enrolment contract, accept full fee payment, or formally register the child without a valid Iqama number.
What to do: Provide a copy of your employment contract and, where available, evidence that the Iqama application has been submitted (the employer's HR department should be able to provide a status letter). Ask the school explicitly what they accept as interim proof — responses vary by school.
For more on the Iqama and settling in generally, see /guides/settling-child-school-riyadh.
Step 5: Submit the Application
Submit the completed application form together with all required documents. Many schools now use online admissions portals that track document uploads. For paper applications, retain copies of everything submitted.
Pay the application fee at this stage. Fees are almost universally non-refundable, so ensure you are genuinely interested in the school before paying.
Step 6: Assessment and Interview
Primary (Years 1–6 / Grades K–5) Most primary assessments are informal and observational. Schools may invite the child for a half-day or full-day settling-in visit during which teachers assess readiness, language ability, and social development without formal testing. Some schools do use short reading and maths tasks but these are presented in a child-friendly way. There is no preparation required beyond ensuring your child is rested and comfortable.
Secondary (Years 7–11 / Grades 6–10) Secondary admissions typically involve written assessments in English and Mathematics, conducted either in person (if you are already in Riyadh) or online (if you are still overseas). Scores are used to identify the right set or stream for the child, not to exclude candidates wholesale — though at highly competitive schools, minimum competency thresholds apply.
Sixth Form / Year 12 (A-levels or IB Diploma) Entry to Sixth Form is the most selective stage. Applicants typically need strong IGCSE or equivalent results (often a minimum of five IGCSEs at grade C/4 or above, with higher grades required for specific A-level subjects). Schools may conduct subject interviews. IB schools will also assess motivation and suitability for the Diploma Programme's workload.
Step 7: Offer and Acceptance
On a successful application the school issues a formal offer of a place. You typically have a limited window (often two to four weeks) to accept. Acceptance requires:
- Signing the enrolment agreement
- Paying the one-off registration or enrolment fee (SAR 5,000–20,000 depending on the school)
- Providing final Iqama documentation
Once accepted, the school will confirm the child's class, starting date, uniform requirements, and induction schedule.
Step 8: First Day Preparation
Most Riyadh international schools run a phased induction for new pupils, especially at primary level. Arrive at school on the first day with:
- Uniform and PE kit
- Completed medical/emergency contact forms (if not already submitted)
- Any prescribed medication with the school nurse consent form
- Packed lunch or lunch account set up (if no school canteen)
British schools in Riyadh typically have a structured pastoral programme for new pupils, including a 'buddy' system pairing new arrivals with established students. Do not underestimate the value of this — social integration is often the fastest route to academic confidence for children who have relocated.
If Your School of Choice Is Full
Waiting lists are a reality at Riyadh's most popular international schools, particularly at Year 7 and Sixth Form. If the school you want cannot offer a place:
- Accept a place on the waiting list and ask the admissions office to keep you informed of movement
- Simultaneously accept a place at an alternative school — you are not obligated to remain if your preferred school later offers a place
- Keep your child's paperwork and assessments up to date so that if a place arises at short notice, you can respond immediately
For detailed waiting list strategy, see /guides/international-school-waiting-lists-riyadh.
How Global Investments Can Help
Relocating internationally with children is one of the most complex financial and logistical challenges a family can navigate. Global Investments has over 32 years of experience advising internationally mobile families on the wealth, property, and planning dimensions of international moves.
Whether you need to think through the financial structure of an overseas assignment, explore residency options, or understand how a Riyadh posting fits into a broader international wealth strategy, our team is here to help. Visit /residency-citizenship for more, or explore /guides for our full resource library.
This guide is for general information purposes only. Admissions policies, document requirements, and timelines vary by school and may change. Always verify requirements directly with your chosen school. Investment values can fall as well as rise.
Frequently asked questions
When should I apply to a Riyadh international school?
As early as possible — ideally 12 months before the intended start date. The most competitive schools at key entry points (Reception, Year 7, Year 12) can have waiting lists stretching six to twelve months. Schools typically open applications for the following September intake from November or January.
Can I apply before I have an Iqama?
Yes. Most schools will accept an application and issue a conditional offer before the Iqama is in hand, provided you can show proof of your employment in Saudi Arabia. The Iqama must normally be in place before formal enrolment and fee payment are completed.
Do Riyadh international schools assess children on entry?
Approaches vary. Primary schools (Years 1–6) typically assess children informally — sometimes through a settling-in visit rather than a formal test. Secondary schools (Year 7 and above) generally require written assessments in English and Maths, and sometimes a subject interview at Sixth Form level.
What happens if my preferred school is full?
You will be offered a place on the waiting list. Maintain applications at two or three schools simultaneously. Many families also use a bridge school — a school they can transfer from quickly — while waiting for a preferred place to arise. See our waiting list guide at /guides/international-school-waiting-lists-riyadh.
This guide is for general information only and does not constitute financial, legal or tax advice. Rules, fees and regulations change frequently; verify current requirements with a qualified adviser before acting.