
German School Sharjah
Founded 1976
Updated July 2026
Accreditations
Languages
Founded in 1976, the German International School Sharjah is the oldest German school in the United Arab Emirates. It provides education from kindergarten through to the GIB-Diploma, following the curricula of the German federal state of Thuringia.
Teaching approach
The school promotes individual learning within a family-oriented and appreciative environment. It aims to support students in unfolding their talents and developing into reflective, independent, and responsible individuals. The educational approach combines German educational traditions with an international curriculum, fostering values of openness to the world, cultural diversity, and a strong sense of community.
Programmes
The school offers a comprehensive educational pathway starting from Kindergarten through Primary and Secondary school, culminating in the Gemischtsprachiges IB-Diploma (GIB). The GIB is a bilingual programme taught in German and English, with core subjects including German (Language A), History, and Biology. The IB programme structure includes the three core components: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). Instruction is conducted in German, with additional support for German as a Foreign Language.
Outcomes
The school has been awarded the "Excellent German School Abroad" quality seal for the 2024/25 academic year, recognizing its high standards in teaching and school development. Graduates of the GIBDP programme earn a qualification recognized as a full university entrance qualification in Germany, preparing them for studies in Germany, Europe, and globally. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, research, and self-organization to ensure students are well-prepared for university and professional life.
Student support
Learning support
The school employs a dedicated school social worker to provide confidential counseling services to students. Additionally, the school provides instruction in German as a Foreign Language (DaF) to support students in developing their language proficiency. A school nurse is also available on-site to attend to student health needs.
Frequently asked questions(3)
- What curriculum does German School Sharjah offer?
- German School Sharjah offers German National Curriculum (Abitur) and IB Diploma.
- What accreditations does German School Sharjah hold?
- German School Sharjah holds accreditations including IB and Deutsche Auslandsschule.
- Where is German School Sharjah located?
- German School Sharjah is an international school in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
Tuition & fees
No published fee schedule was found for this school.
Admissions
The school manages admissions through an online application process, requiring submission of personal details, previous schooling history, and documentation such as residence permits or Emirates ID. Prospective families are encouraged to arrange an individual tour of the campus, either in-person or virtually, to learn more about the school community. Admissions criteria for the GIBDP programme include successful completion of the lower secondary level or equivalent, with specific academic grade requirements or demonstrated proficiency in German and English at a C1 level.
Calendar
The school operates on a weekly schedule from Monday to Thursday, with school hours running from 7:45 to 15:00. On Fridays, the school day concludes earlier at 11:00. The campus is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Facilities
About the campus
Located in the Al Abar (Halwan) area of Sharjah, the campus features a school library and a cafeteria that serves the student body. The school provides bus transportation services for students and maintains a school shop. The facilities are designed to support a range of academic and extracurricular activities, including science instruction and physical education.
Co-curriculars
The school offers a variety of clubs and activities designed to foster personal and social development, creativity, and teamwork. Students participate in CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) projects, which are an integral part of the IB programme. Additionally, the school maintains a partnership with the German School in Izmir for student exchanges and supports a social aid project in Rwanda in collaboration with the SINAPISI NGO.
Sven HertnerPrincipalSven Hertner serves as the Principal of the school and also teaches History and Sports. He welcomes families to the school, emphasizing its commitment to high-quality education based on German standards, cultural diversity, and a strong sense of community.
Viktoria RüfferVice PrincipalViktoria Rüffer serves as the Vice Principal and also teaches German.
Patrick TäuberHead of Secondary SchoolPatrick Täuber is the Head of Secondary School and teaches Mathematics and Biology.
Valentina ZieglowskiHead of Primary SchoolValentina Zieglowski is the Head of Primary School and also serves as a class teacher.
Carolin KreilingHead of KindergartenCarolin Kreiling is the Head of Kindergarten.
Oguz-Han AlkanHead of GIBOguz-Han Alkan is the Head of GIB and teaches German, History, and the Extended Essay.
More international schools in Sharjah
- American Gulf SchoolIB PYP, IB MYP, IB Diploma
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- Sharjah English SchoolNational Curriculum (England), IGCSE, Cambridge A-Level
- Ajman American Private SchoolUS Common Core, NGSS
- Beaconhouse Al Khaleej International SchoolAdvanced Placement
- Hampton Heights International SchoolNational Curriculum (England), British EYFS
German National Curriculum (Abitur)
IB Diploma