📚

🇯🇴 Jordan

Education

Jordan has a well-developed education system with over 40 international schools in Amman offering British, American, IB, and French curricula. Fees are significantly lower than Gulf alternatives — ranging from $3,500 to $21,000/year — making it an attractive option for expat families.

40+

International Schools

In Amman alone

JOD 2,500–4,500/yr

Budget School Fees

$3,500–$6,350 — smaller schools

JOD 10,000–15,000/yr

Premium School Fees

$14,100–$21,150 — top tier

September–June

School Year

First semester starts September

English or Arabic

Language of Instruction

Most international schools in English

Overview

Jordan has a well-developed education system with over 40 international schools in Amman offering British, American, IB, and French curricula. Fees are significantly lower than Gulf alternatives — ranging from $3,500 to $21,000/year — making it an attractive option for expat families. Higher education is strong, with the University of Jordan and JUST among the region's top universities.

Key Takeaways

  • American Community School (ACS): American curriculum, strong reputation, fees JOD 8,000–13,000/year
  • Application timeline: apply 3–6 months before the September start; mid-year entry possible at some schools
  • Structure: KG1–KG2 (ages 4–6), Basic (grades 1–10, ages 6–16), Secondary (grades 11–12, ages 16–18)
  • University of Jordan: the country's flagship, strong in engineering, medicine, and humanities
1

International Schools in Amman

Amman hosts a diverse range of international schools serving the large diplomatic, NGO, and business expat community. Most schools follow British (IGCSE/A-Level), American (AP), or International Baccalaureate (IB) curricula.

  • American Community School (ACS): American curriculum, strong reputation, fees JOD 8,000–13,000/year
  • King's Academy: Jordan's most prestigious, IB and AP curricula, boarding option, fees JOD 10,000–15,000/year
  • Amman Baccalaureate School (ABS): IB programme, excellent results, fees JOD 6,000–11,500/year
  • International School of Choueifat: British-influenced, structured approach, fees JOD 5,000–8,500/year
  • British International School Amman: follows UK National Curriculum, fees JOD 5,000–10,000/year
  • German School Amman (Deutsche Schule): German and bilingual programmes, fees JOD 4,000–7,000/year
  • French schools: Lycée Français, Alliance Française programmes available
2

Admissions and Registration

International school admissions in Jordan are generally less competitive than Gulf countries, though the top schools have waiting lists. Apply 3–6 months in advance for the best options.

  • Application timeline: apply 3–6 months before the September start; mid-year entry possible at some schools
  • Registration fees: JOD 300–900 ($423–$1,270) — one-off, non-refundable
  • Required documents: previous school records, passport, birth certificate, medical records, recommendation letters
  • Entrance assessments: common for mid-year and upper-school entry; typically English and maths
  • Additional costs: uniforms JOD 100–200, textbooks JOD 150–400, school bus JOD 500–1,500/year, exam fees JOD 600–1,800
  • School day: typically 7:30am–2:30pm; some schools offer after-school activities until 4pm
3

Jordanian Education System

Jordan's national education system consists of 2 years of pre-school, 10 years of basic education, and 2 years of secondary (academic or vocational). While not typically chosen by expats, understanding the system helps navigate the local context.

  • Structure: KG1–KG2 (ages 4–6), Basic (grades 1–10, ages 6–16), Secondary (grades 11–12, ages 16–18)
  • Tawjihi: the national secondary school exam — determines university admission; extremely important culturally
  • Language: instruction in Arabic with English taught from grade 1; French offered at some schools from grade 7
  • Public schools: free for Jordanians; generally not an option for expat children due to language and curriculum differences
  • Private Jordanian schools: affordable alternative to international schools, with varying quality; some offer bilingual programmes
  • School year: September to June, with semester break in January and Ramadan adjustments
4

Higher Education and Professional Development

Jordan is a regional education hub with strong universities and growing opportunities for lifelong learning and professional development.

  • University of Jordan: the country's flagship, strong in engineering, medicine, and humanities
  • Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST): top technical university in the region
  • German Jordanian University: dual-degree programmes with German partner universities
  • Princess Sumaya University for Technology (PSUT): focused on IT and engineering, strong industry connections
  • Arabic language courses: popular among expats — Qasid Institute and Shams El Ma'aref offer intensive programmes
  • Professional development: PMI Jordan, CFA study groups, and business workshops through ZINC and Oasis500
FAQs

Common Questions — Education in Jordan

Find Your Perfect City with AI

Describe your lifestyle and our AI matches you to the best expat cities — then simulates a full day there.

Take the Free Quiz

Expat Insights, Weekly

Visa updates, cost-of-living data, and expat stories from Jordan in your inbox.

More Jordan Guides

🇯🇴

Ready to explore Jordan?

Browse our city guides to find the perfect base for your expat life in Jordan.