German School Sharjah logo

German School Sharjah

Founded 1976

Updated July 2026

Languages

German flagGermanEnglish flagEnglishArabic flagArabicFrench flagFrench

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

EAL support
Unknown
Learning support
Unknown

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

LibraryDining hall

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 Hertner
    Sven HertnerPrincipal

    Sven 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 Rüffer
    Viktoria RüfferVice Principal

    Viktoria Rüffer serves as the Vice Principal and also teaches German.

  • Patrick Täuber
    Patrick TäuberHead of Secondary School

    Patrick Täuber is the Head of Secondary School and teaches Mathematics and Biology.

  • Valentina Zieglowski
    Valentina ZieglowskiHead of Primary School

    Valentina Zieglowski is the Head of Primary School and also serves as a class teacher.

  • Carolin Kreiling
    Carolin KreilingHead of Kindergarten

    Carolin Kreiling is the Head of Kindergarten.

  • Oguz-Han Alkan
    Oguz-Han AlkanHead of GIB

    Oguz-Han Alkan is the Head of GIB and teaches German, History, and the Extended Essay.