Education and student mobility
The right school, the right university, on either side.
Education is often what decides a family's move, and one of the strongest bridges between two countries. IBC helps families choose schools in the UAE and in France, supports students moving between systems, and connects institutions on both sides.
The landscape
Education in the UAE
Most expatriate families in the UAE choose private schools, which follow international curricula and are regulated by the education authority of each emirate: the KHDA in Dubai, ADEK in Abu Dhabi and SPEA in Sharjah. In Dubai, the KHDA inspects private schools and publishes their ratings, a useful first filter for parents.
French curriculum
Schools following the French national programme, many within the AEFE network, from nursery to the baccalauréat.
British
The English National Curriculum, leading to IGCSE and A levels.
American
US-style programmes leading to a high-school diploma, often with Advanced Placement courses.
International Baccalaureate
IB programmes from the primary years to the IB Diploma, recognised by universities worldwide.
Other national curricula
Indian (CBSE), German, Canadian and other national programmes for international families.
Public schools
Government schools teaching mainly in Arabic, primarily for Emirati students.
Higher education combines UAE universities with international branch campuses, including French institutions such as Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and INSEAD's Abu Dhabi campus.
Scope
What we do
Help families compare curricula, schools and neighbourhoods before a move
Introduce school admissions teams and trusted education consultants
Support transfers between systems, including school records, equivalency and placement, with specialists
University pathways in the UAE and in France, including Bordeaux's university and business schools
Partnerships between institutions: exchanges, joint programmes, executive education and campus projects
Who it is for
French families relocating to the UAE. Gulf and Asian families and students looking at France. Schools, universities and training providers on both sides that want partners.
How we help
Education decisions are personal and time-sensitive. We listen first, then introduce the right schools, consultants and institutions, and stay in touch through the move.
IBC is not a school or a licensed education agent. Admission and equivalency decisions belong to schools and the education authorities.
In practice
Situations we help with
A French family relocating to Dubai
Choosing between French and international schools, understanding waiting lists and paperwork, and timing the move with the school year.
A Gulf student heading to Bordeaux
University and business-school options, the application, accommodation and a local contact on arrival.
An institution looking for a partner
A French school or university seeking a Gulf partner, or a Gulf institution looking for French programmes and exchanges.
Questions
Questions we often hear
Can our children continue the French curriculum in the UAE?
Yes. Dubai and Abu Dhabi have schools following the French programme through to the baccalauréat. Places can be limited, so early contact helps.
What is needed to transfer into a UAE school?
Usually previous school reports, a transfer certificate and, for some grades, an equivalency certificate from the UAE education authorities. Requirements vary by emirate and grade; schools and specialists confirm them.
How do Gulf students apply to French universities?
Most international students apply through Campus France, which also handles the student-visa procedure. Bordeaux has a large public university, a Sciences Po institute and several business schools.
Do you work with institutions as well as families?
Yes. We connect schools, universities and training providers in France and the UAE that want exchanges, joint programmes or a presence on the other side.
Planning a move or a study project?
Tell us about your family or your institution. We will tell you honestly whether and how IBC can help.
Get in touch