Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about BISK.
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Contact our Admissions Team at [email protected] or call +964 750 261 9141
About BISK
What is BISK?
BISK (British International Schools in Kurdistan) is a leading international school in Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Founded in 2011, BISK has been providing internationally recognised British and American curricula to families in Kurdistan for over 15 years. The school serves students from Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) through to Year 12, offering a world-class education in a supportive, multicultural environment.
Where is BISK located?
BISK is located on Mosul Road, Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The school is situated in one of Erbil’s most accessible and well-connected areas, making it easy to reach from across the city.
How long has BISK been operating?
BISK was founded in 2011 and has been educating children in Kurdistan for over 15 years, making it one of the most established international schools in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
Is BISK accredited?
Yes. BISK holds accreditation from Pearson Edexcel and College Board (AP and SAT), and is accredited by the Middle States Association (MSA) and the National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA). These internationally recognised accreditations ensure that BISK’s academic standards are independently verified, and that qualifications earned at BISK are accepted by universities worldwide.
Who founded BISK?
BISK was founded in 2011 with a vision to bring internationally recognised, English-medium education to families in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. From a single school in Erbil, BISK has grown into one of the most established and respected international schools in Kurdistan, serving hundreds of students from both local and international families.
Curriculum & Qualifications
What curriculum does BISK follow?
BISK offers two internationally recognised curricula: the Pearson Edexcel British International Curriculum and the American Curriculum. Students on the British pathway progress from Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) through to IGCSEs, AS Levels, and A Levels. Students on the American pathway prepare for College Board SAT and AP (Advanced Placement) examinations. This dual-curriculum approach gives families the flexibility to align their children’s education with UK, US, or international university pathways.
What qualifications do BISK students graduate with?
Students on the British pathway sit Pearson Edexcel IGCSEs in Years 10 and 11, followed by AS and A-Level examinations in Year 12. Students on the American pathway sit College Board SAT and AP (Advanced Placement) examinations. Both sets of qualifications are internationally recognised and accepted by universities in the Kurdistan, the Middle East, United Kingdom, United States, and across the world.
What age groups does BISK accept?
BISK accepts students from 18 months through to Year 12, covering Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), Primary, and Secondary education. This means families can enrol their children from the earliest years and continue all the way through to university preparation at a single school.
Does BISK teach in English?
Yes. English is the primary language of instruction at BISK across all year groups and both curricula. Arabic and Kurdish are also taught as subjects within the curriculum, ensuring students develop multilingual skills that are valuable both locally and internationally.
How does the British curriculum compare to other curricula in Erbil?
The Pearson Edexcel British curriculum is widely regarded as one of the most rigorous international curricula and is recognised by universities globally. Pearson Edexcel uses a linear assessment structure, meaning students are assessed through examinations at the end of the course rather than in staged modules. This approach builds deep subject knowledge and prepares students well for university-level study. Unlike the Iraqi national curriculum, the British curriculum emphasises critical thinking, independent enquiry, and English-language fluency from the earliest years. BISK’s dual British and American curriculum offering is unique in Erbil: no other school in the Kurdistan Region offers both pathways under one roof.
Can BISK graduates apply to Kurdish and Iraqi universities?
Yes. This is one of the most common concerns among local families considering BISK, and the answer is clear: BISK graduates can and do go on to study at universities in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. BISK qualifications are recognised through the Ministry of Education equivalency (معادلة) process, which allows graduates of international schools to apply to local universities. Many BISK families choose the school precisely because it gives their children the best of both worlds: qualifications that open doors internationally, while remaining a pathway to higher education here at home in Kurdistan. If this is a concern for your family, we encourage you to speak directly with our Admissions Team who can walk you through the process in detail.
Admissions
How do I apply to BISK?
Families can apply to BISK by visiting the admissions page at bisk.edu.krd/admissions or by contacting the Admissions Team directly. The team can be reached by email at [email protected], by telephone at +964 750 261 9141, or by booking a face-to-face meeting at the school. BISK welcomes enquiries from both local and international families at any time of year.
When is BISK open for enrolment?
BISK accepts enrolment enquiries throughout the year. The main academic intake is at the start of the school year, which typically falls in late August, usually around 28–29 August, though the exact date varies by year. Places are offered as they become available and the Admissions Team will advise on the upcoming intake date and current availability for your child’s year group.
What documents are required for admission?
To complete the admissions process at BISK, families are required to provide the following:
- Proof of age and nationality (birth certificate or valid passport)
- Previous school records and academic reports
- A transfer certificate from a previous Kurdish school, or a letter from a previous international school ratified by the Ministry of Education
- Six recent passport-sized photographs
- Medical reports, if applicable
- Vaccination records (required for students enrolling in Nursery, Reception, and Year 1)
The Admissions Team will guide families through each step of the process and confirm any additional requirements at the time of application.
Does BISK offer a waiting list?
Yes. When a year group reaches capacity, BISK maintains a waiting list and families are contacted as soon as a place becomes available. We recommend enquiring as early as possible, particularly for Early Years and popular year groups, to secure your child’s place for the upcoming academic year.
Does BISK accept mid-year enrolments?
Yes. BISK accepts students throughout the academic year, subject to availability. Families relocating to Erbil mid-year are encouraged to contact the Admissions Team as soon as possible so a smooth transition can be arranged.
Fees & Finances
How much are BISK tuition fees?
BISK tuition fees for the academic year 2026–2027 are as follows (all fees in Iraqi Dinar, IQD):
BISKonauts (Early Years)
- Pre-KG: 3,925,000 IQD tuition (meals included)
- KG1 & KG2: 3,925,000 IQD tuition (meals included)
Primary
- Years 1–2: 5,350,000 IQD tuition
- Years 3–4: 5,400,000 IQD tuition
- Years 5–6: 5,450,000 IQD tuition
Secondary
- Years 7–8: 7,150,000 IQD tuition
- Year 9: 7,250,000 IQD tuition
- Year 10: 7,250,000 IQD tuition
- Years 11–12: 7,300,000 IQD tuition
A Resource Fee is charged in addition to tuition and covers uniforms, textbooks, notebooks, student ID card, and Daily Diary (Years 1–12). Resource fees range from 575,500 IQD to 1,967,500 IQD depending on year group.
A 15% early payment discount applies to the annual tuition fee if paid in full by 31 July 2026. Sibling discounts are also available: 5% for a second enrolled sibling, and 10% for a third or additional sibling. Full fee schedule available at bisk.edu.krd or from the Admissions Team at [email protected].
Are there any additional costs beyond tuition?
In addition to tuition and resource fees, families should budget for:
- Registration fee: A non-refundable fee of 1,117,500 IQD applies to new students enrolling in Years 1–12.
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch are available annually at 1,341,000 IQD (Years 1–3), 1,415,500 IQD (Years 4–6), and 1,490,000 IQD (Years 7–12). Meals are included in BISKonauts tuition fees.
- Transport: School bus services are available at an annual cost of 1,275,000–2,000,000 IQD depending on location, payable in two instalments in August and December.
- External examination fees: IGCSE, SAT, AP, AS, and A Level examination fees are not included in tuition and are charged separately.
Does BISK offer an instalment plan?
Yes. Annual fees can be spread across four instalments: upon registration, 5 November 2026, 7 January 2027, and 8 April 2027. The Admissions Team can provide full details of the payment plan at the time of enrolment.
Does BISK offer scholarships or financial assistance?
BISK does consider scholarship and financial assistance applications on a case-by-case basis. Eligibility and criteria are assessed individually. Families wishing to enquire about scholarship opportunities are encouraged to contact the Admissions Team directly at [email protected] or by calling +964 750 261 9141.
School Life
What extracurricular activities does BISK offer?
BISK offers a wide-ranging ECA (Extra-Curricular Activity) programme across all year groups, running on scheduled Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday afternoons.
Activities are tailored by age and include sports, arts, music, drama, coding and robotics, science clubs, language support, and leadership programmes. Younger students enjoy activities like gymnastics, choir, Lego robotics, and dance, while older students can pursue VEX Robotics, Debate and Public Speaking, Business Club, work experience, subject societies, and exam preparation clubs for IGCSE, SAT, AP, and A-Level.
A full list of current ECA offerings is available from the school office.
What sports and arts programmes are available at BISK?
Sport at BISK begins in the Early Years with gymnastics, swimming, and football, progressing through netball, basketball, and athletics in Primary, and into competitive and recreational sports in Secondary. Arts provision includes music (choir, school band, music band), drama (drama club, storytelling, productions), visual art, dance, design, photography, and creative portfolio work. Secondary students can also pursue creative writing and filmmaking through BISK’s ECA programme.
How does BISK support students' wellbeing and pastoral care?
Pastoral care is central to life at BISK. The school has dedicated counsellors and Heads of Student Affairs who support students’ emotional, social, and academic wellbeing throughout their time at school. Every member of staff is committed to ensuring students feel safe, known, and ready to learn, and that families feel informed and supported as partners in their child’s education.
What are BISK's school hours?
The standard school day at BISK runs from 08:15 to 15:00. On days when Extra-Curricular Activities (ECAs) are scheduled, which fall on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays on a rotating basis, the school day extends to 16:00. ECAs are not held every Monday to Wednesday, so families receive advance notice of ECA days through the school calendar. This structure ensures students benefit from a broad range of enrichment activities without impacting the core school day.
New to Erbil?
Is BISK suitable for children who don't speak Arabic or Kurdish?
Yes. BISK’s language of instruction is English and the school warmly welcomes international students from all backgrounds. Students who need additional English language support are supported through BISK’s ESL (English as a Second Language) programme, which includes dedicated ESL classes and extra support sessions to help them build confidence and fluency alongside the main curriculum. The school community is diverse and multilingual, making the transition to an English-medium environment natural and well-supported for new international students.
How does BISK support expat families who are new to Erbil?
BISK has a long history of welcoming families relocating to Erbil for work with international organisations, oil and gas companies, NGOs, and diplomatic missions. The Admissions Team can arrange school visits, answer questions about life in Erbil, and connect new families with the wider BISK parent community. With students from 35 to 40 nationalities represented across the school, BISK’s diverse community is one of its greatest strengths and an excellent support network for families who are new to Kurdistan.
Will my child's UK or international school records be recognised at BISK?
Yes. BISK works with families to assess students joining from other international or British schools and places students in the appropriate year group based on their age and academic level. Previous school reports and assessment results are used to ensure continuity of learning.
Are BISK's qualifications recognised for university entry in the UK and USA?
Yes. BISK’s Pearson Edexcel A-Level and IGCSE qualifications are fully recognised by UK universities and UCAS, and accepted by institutions worldwide. College Board AP and SAT results are recognised by US universities and colleges globally. BISK’s accreditation by MSA and NCPSA further strengthens the international standing of qualifications earned at the school.
