Jordan – Education and Schools

How good is the education system in Jordan?

Through sustained investment over several decades, Jordan has developed one of the most advanced public education systems anywhere in the Arab world. Successive governments have treated schooling as a foundational national priority, and this commitment shows in near-universal primary attendance: Jordan has come close to achieving full access to primary education, with 97% of children enrolled, and has sustained gender parity in education since 1979.

Jordan leads all 57 member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in the number of research and development researchers per million inhabitants, recording 8,060 researchers per million compared to the global average of 2,532. This points to particularly strong outcomes at the higher education level, especially in research-intensive disciplines.

At the school level, however, international assessments reveal more challenging realities. Jordan placed 75th out of 81 nations in the PISA international evaluation. In the PISA 2022 cycle specifically, Jordanian 15-year-olds achieved 361 points in mathematics (against an OECD average of 472), 342 points in reading (OECD average: 476), and 375 points in science (OECD average: 485). These results place Jordan below OECD benchmarks across all three core areas — a gap broadly consistent with countries at a comparable level of economic development.

The data also highlight persistent shortfalls in learning quality and literacy: just 38% of children are on track in building reading and writing skills, and between 52.5% and 60% of ten-year-olds are unable to read and understand a basic paragraph. Concerted efforts are underway to tackle these issues. In July 2024, the World Bank approved two programmes providing combined financing of US$700 million to strengthen Jordan’s human capital through focused investments spanning education, health, and social assistance.

Jordan’s Education Strategic Plan 2026–2030, developed through an evidence-based and participatory process, charts a clear course for improving quality, equity, inclusion, system resilience, and climate-responsive schooling across the Kingdom. For expat families, the key practical point is that while state schools are free and accessible, quality varies considerably — urban schools in Amman are typically better resourced than those in rural areas, where both facilities and teacher qualifications tend to lag behind. Families are encouraged to consult the latest assessments through the Jordanian Ministry of Education and the OECD’s Education GPS for the most current information.

At what age is education compulsory in Jordan, and how is schooling structured by age?

Schooling is compulsory for all children up to the age of sixteen. The mandatory phase covers children from age 6 to 15 (Grades 1–10), encompassing primary school (Grades 1–6) and preparatory school (Grades 7–10). This ten-year block is often referred to collectively as “basic education” and is provided at no cost in public schools.

The table below sets out the complete structure of the Jordanian school system by stage and age:

Early childhood provision is concentrated primarily within the home environment, with only 13% of children aged 3 to 4 accessing Kindergarten 1 (KG1), and 59% of those aged 5 to 6 attending Kindergarten 2 (KG2). The government has established a target to make KG2 universally compulsory, with 2025 identified as the aim year. Pre-primary education is delivered mainly by the private sector, meaning families with young children should expect to pay fees for nursery and kindergarten regardless of which school pathway they ultimately choose.

Once basic education is complete, students enter a two-year secondary phase consisting of comprehensive secondary education (with academic and vocational streams) and applied secondary education (delivered through training centres and apprenticeship programmes). Students on the academic track sit the Tawjihi examinations at the end of Grade 12, which represent the principal gateway to higher education.

What types of schools are available in Jordan?

Jordan’s educational system encompasses both formal and nonformal provision. Within the formal system, there are several distinct school types that families should understand before reaching a decision:

• Public (government) schools: Basic education is provided free of charge, and secondary education in public schools carries no tuition fees either. Basic education constitutes a compulsory and free ten-year phase covering Grades 1–10. The Ministry of Education holds responsibility for pre-primary, primary, and secondary levels. Jordanian state schools operate on a single-sex basis, with instruction delivered in Arabic and quality and resources varying markedly by region.
• Private schools: Jordan’s private sector is substantial, accounting for more than 30% of all students enrolled in Amman. Private schools are subject to government levies and fees can be considerable. Some follow the Jordanian national curriculum while offering superior facilities; others deliver internationally recognised programmes. Unlike state schools, some private institutions operate mixed-gender classrooms.
• International schools: Found primarily in Amman, these institutions follow British, American, or IB curricula and teach mainly in English. They serve expat families in particular and are covered in greater detail in a later section of this guide.
• Faith-based schools: Both Christian and Islamic faith schools exist within the public and private sectors in Jordan. Islamic studies is a compulsory subject for Muslim students in state schools, while Christian students are generally exempt from this requirement.
• UNRWA schools: The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) runs one of the largest school networks in the Middle East, providing basic and preparatory education to Palestinian refugees. These schools are not accessible to the general expat community but play a significant role in Jordan’s broader education landscape.

Public, private, and charter schools exist throughout the country, serving both local and expat students. For most families relocating to Jordan without Arabic language skills, private or international schooling will be the most practical path forward.

What curriculum and qualifications do schools in Jordan follow?

Textbooks in public schools are standardised materials distributed by the Ministry of Education. The curriculum is designed to give students a broad education encompassing subjects intended to prepare them for both higher study and working life. Core subjects include Arabic, English, mathematics, science, and social studies. At the secondary level, students must study nine subjects: Arabic, English, mathematics, social studies, computer studies, earth science, chemistry, biology, and physics. Islamic studies is compulsory for Muslim students.

The national qualification that students work towards is the Tawjihi (General Secondary Education Certificate Examination). After two years of secondary academic or vocational study, students sit this examination, and their performance on it forms the sole basis for admission to higher education institutions. In terms of function, the Tawjihi is comparable to terminal national examinations in other countries, such as the French Baccalauréat or Germany’s Abitur — a single culminating assessment that determines university entry.

International and private schools offer a considerably broader range of qualifications. Jordan has 21 IB World Schools, of which 20 are authorised to deliver the International Baccalaureate Diploma, and 10 offer all three IB programmes. Many private schools also provide Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level courses, as well as the American Advanced Placement (AP) curriculum. Some institutions offer SAT preparation alongside IGCSE and A-Level programmes. These internationally accepted qualifications enable students to apply to universities across the globe.

English is introduced as a compulsory subject in state schools from the first grade, taught through a curriculum framework devised by the Ministry of Education. Nevertheless, actual English proficiency levels differ considerably between schools and regions. Always confirm which curriculum and qualifications a particular school delivers by contacting the institution directly or consulting the Ministry of Education website.

What are typical school hours and holidays in Jordan?

The Jordanian academic year generally runs from early September through to mid-June, structured around two semesters. The first semester typically spans September to January, while the second runs from February to June, though the Ministry of Education sets exact dates annually and these may shift slightly from year to year. State schools operate on a Sunday-to-Thursday week in keeping with Jordan’s standard working schedule, whereas some international schools follow a Monday-to-Friday timetable that mirrors the calendar of their home country system.

In state schools, the day usually starts at around 7:30am and concludes between 1:00pm and 2:00pm, making it comparatively short against many international systems. Historically, many public schools ran a two-shift model to accommodate high student numbers, particularly in densely populated areas, though this practice has been scaled back over time. Private and international schools tend to run longer days, typically from around 7:30am or 8:00am until 3:00pm or 3:30pm, and usually include a lunch break and a range of after-school activities.

Key holiday periods in Jordan include:

• Summer holiday: Approximately mid-June to early September (around 10–12 weeks)
• Winter break: Typically one to two weeks around the New Year period
• Spring break (mid-year): Typically one week, often coinciding with the end of the first semester
• Public and Islamic holidays: Including Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Islamic New Year, the Prophet’s Birthday, and Jordanian national days — these shift each year in accordance with the Islamic lunar calendar

International schools may operate on a somewhat different calendar, especially if they align with a UK or US academic year. Always confirm the precise school calendar with your chosen institution before making travel plans or organising childcare.

How do you enrol a child in school in Jordan?

The enrolment process differs between public and private schools, but in all cases families should begin as early as possible — particularly for sought-after private and international schools where waiting lists are not uncommon.

1. Determine eligibility and school type: Decide whether you are pursuing a public school place (free, taught in Arabic) or a private or international school (fee-paying, broader curriculum options). Families who do not speak Arabic will generally find private or international schools a more suitable fit.
2. Gather your documentation: Documents typically required include the child’s birth certificate, a valid passport or residency permit, vaccination and immunisation records, and academic transcripts or reports from the previous school. Materials in languages other than Arabic may require official translation.
3. Contact the school or local education directorate: For state schools, reach out to the Ministry of Education directorate serving your area. For private institutions, contact the school’s admissions team directly. The Ministry of Education maintains regional directorates across all of Jordan’s governorates.
4. Submit the application: Complete the required application form and provide all supporting documents. Some schools carry out a placement assessment or entrance test, especially for older children transferring mid-curriculum.
5. Await a placement offer: Admissions at leading international schools in Amman frequently involve waiting lists, so parents are strongly advised to apply well ahead of their intended start date. For popular schools, submitting applications six to twelve months in advance is a sensible approach.
6. Complete registration and pay any fees: Once a place is confirmed, formally accept the offer, sign any required agreements, and pay registration or enrolment fees. These are generally a one-off charge and can range from JOD 300 to JOD 900 or more (as of 2025–2026 — verify the current amount directly with the school).
7. Arrange language support if needed: If your child does not speak Arabic and is joining an Arabic-medium school, raise the question of language support at the point of enrolment. If joining an international school, ask about English as an Additional Language (EAL) provision.

Always verify current documentation requirements and procedures with the individual school or the Ministry of Education of Jordan, as requirements are subject to change. Families moving through an employer may also find that HR departments or relocation specialists can provide valuable assistance with local processes.

What international schools are available in Jordan?

Jordan — and Amman in particular — hosts a varied range of international schools spanning budget through to premium tiers, with British, IB, and American options all represented. The strongest institutions typically follow American, British, or international study programmes, employ well-qualified teaching staff, and offer well-equipped campuses, broad co-curricular programmes, and diverse student bodies drawn from many nationalities.

Co-educational day schools are the predominant model, with most teaching conducted in English and a smaller number offering bilingual instruction in Arabic and English. Many schools operate as through-train institutions, covering all stages from kindergarten through to senior secondary on a single campus. While Amman is by far the primary hub for international education, options are also available in other cities including Aqaba and Irbid.

Fee ranges (as of 2025–2026) differ substantially depending on school tier:

Fees for secondary and examination years are typically higher than those charged at primary level. Families should also budget for additional costs including learning support and EAL provision (frequently charged separately, potentially adding JOD 800–2,200+ per year), and external examination fees for IGCSE, IB, and A-Level sessions, which can add a further JOD 600–1,800+ per sitting. Request the complete fee schedule directly from each school, as figures are updated annually.

Well-regarded schools include Mashrek International School (IB), the Amman Baccalaureate School (IB), Amman Academy (part of the Nord Anglia Education group), the International Community School Amman, and King’s Academy in Madaba (offering boarding and day options with an American AP programme). Mashrek International School delivers the IB Diploma Programme for Grades 11 and 12, the Middle Years Programme for Grades 6 to 10, and the Primary Years Programme from Pre-KG through to Grade 5.

To search for accredited international schools, the following directories are useful starting points:

• Council of International Schools (CIS) — accreditation and school search
• John Catt’s International School Search
• International Schools Database — Amman
• IB World Schools finder — for IB-authorised schools in Jordan

What higher education options are available in Jordan?

Jordan’s higher education sector encompasses 2 universities operating under special legislation, 9 university colleges, 1 regional university, and 39 community colleges. Responsibility for post-secondary education rests with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR), which includes the Higher Education Council and the Accreditation Council.

Students may pursue either a two-year intermediate-level qualification at a community college, or a four-year degree programme at a public or private university. The University of Jordan, established in 1962, is the oldest institution in the country and among the most highly regarded, with a student population of close to 40,000 and a standing as one of the leading universities in the Arab world.

For students who have completed the Jordanian school system, performance in the General Secondary Education Certificate Examination (Tawjihi) serves as the sole basis for admission to higher education. Expat students arriving with foreign credentials — such as the IB Diploma, A-Levels, or comparable school-leaving certificates — should apply directly to individual universities for assessment of their qualifications. The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research is responsible for qualification equivalency; consult the MoHESR website for current guidance.

Since university education is not free of charge, the rate of transition into tertiary study is closely tied to family income levels. Tuition fees differ between public and private universities, and between Jordanian and international students. Public university fees for international students are generally higher than those charged to nationals, though they remain competitive relative to institutions in Western Europe or North America. Contact universities directly for current fee information, as rates change annually and the MoHESR site holds the most up-to-date figures.

Students who prefer a more practical pathway may complete two years of vocational training at a technical secondary school, gaining intensive hands-on exposure including apprenticeship placements. Both the academic and vocational routes can open routes into community college or university study. Vocational and technical training is overseen by the Al-Etvet Authority (formerly the Vocational Training Corporation).

What should expat parents know about language of instruction in Jordan?

State schools provide free education to all residents, with Arabic as the primary medium of instruction and English as a compulsory subject throughout the ten compulsory years of schooling. For non-Arabic-speaking families, this is the most consequential practical consideration: enrolling a child in a public school means that every core subject — mathematics, science, social studies, and more — will be taught entirely in Arabic from the very first day.

The majority of expatriate children from countries outside the Middle East are educated in the private sector precisely because public school teaching takes place in Arabic. For younger children aged seven or under, successful integration into an Arabic-medium state school is possible given strong home support, but for older children joining partway through their education, the language gap can pose a serious impediment to academic progress. International and bilingual schools, where the primary medium of instruction is English or, at some institutions, French, are the more practical choice for most newly arrived families.

English instruction begins as a compulsory subject from Grade 1 in state schools, delivered through a curriculum framework developed by the Ministry of Education. This emphasis on English serves not only to build language proficiency but also to equip students for higher education and international employment. Nevertheless, teaching quality in English varies widely, and the disparity between urban and rural schools — with city schools generally offering better resources and more qualified staff — has resulted in notable differences in English ability among students from different parts of the country.

If a child joins a state school and requires language assistance, it is worth knowing that formal EAL or Arabic as a second language programmes are not systematically available within the public school system. International schools do provide learning support and EAL services, though these are typically charged as extras and can add considerably to annual costs. For families planning an extended stay in Jordan, investing in Arabic tuition for children from an early stage can bring lasting social and academic benefits, regardless of which school type the child attends.

What financial support or subsidies are available for education in Jordan?

Basic education is entirely free, and secondary education in public schools carries no tuition fees. This provision applies to all registered residents of Jordan, including expat families with valid residency status, meaning there are no tuition charges for public school attendance through Grades 1–12. Families should, however, account for incidental expenses such as uniforms, stationery, textbooks at certain year levels, and school transport.

For private and international schooling, no government subsidy or tax relief scheme is available to expat families in Jordan as of 2025. Some employers — particularly multinational corporations, embassies, or international organisations based in Amman — include a school fees allowance as part of their expatriate compensation arrangements. If relocating through an employer, it is advisable to negotiate an education allowance before accepting an offer, as international school fees can represent a substantial share of a family’s overall budget.

Public schools, funded directly by the government, typically carry low or nominal costs. Private schools, recognised for their enhanced facilities and broader curricula, charge higher fees that reflect each institution’s reputation, curriculum offering, and standard of provision. There is no universal voucher system or government bursary scheme available for private school attendance.

Some international schools offer scholarships or sibling discounts to help offset costs. As one example, the International Community School Amman may offer discretionary reductions for the third and subsequent children from the same family, potentially reducing fees by 25% for a third child and 50% for a fourth or subsequent child. Check with individual schools regarding their specific financial assistance policies. For the most current guidance on any government education entitlements, contact the Ministry of Education of Jordan or your local education directorate.

Frequently asked questions about education in Jordan

Can my child attend a Jordanian state school if we are not Jordanian nationals?

Yes. Public schools in Jordan are open to all registered residents, including expat families who hold valid residency permits. Education is free through Grades 1–12 in public schools. However, instruction is in Arabic, so families whose children do not speak Arabic will face significant language barriers. Most non-Arabic-speaking expat families opt for private or international schools instead.

Are there waiting lists for international schools in Amman?

Admissions for the top international schools in Jordan tend to have waiting lists, so it is recommended that parents apply well in advance to secure a spot for their children. For the most popular schools, applying six to twelve months before your planned move is strongly advisable. Contact schools as soon as your relocation is confirmed to begin the process.

Will my child’s foreign qualifications be recognised in Jordan?

Jordan’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research oversees the recognition and equivalency of foreign qualifications. Internationally recognised qualifications such as the IB Diploma, A-Levels, and equivalent school-leaving certificates are generally accepted for entry to Jordanian universities, but individual institutions set their own entry requirements. Contact the MoHESR or the specific university directly for guidance on equivalency.

Can international or expat students access Jordanian universities?

Yes. Both public and private universities in Jordan admit international students. There are a variety of public and private universities in Jordan; students may follow bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate courses, be educated as teachers, or follow non-traditional distance-learning courses. International students typically pay higher tuition fees than Jordanian nationals. Contact individual universities or the MoHESR for current fee schedules and admissions requirements.

How quickly do children tend to adapt to the language in Jordanian schools?

Younger children (under 7 or 8) generally adapt to a new language of instruction more quickly than older ones. In an Arabic-medium state school, full integration typically takes one to two years, and informal language support from parents and tutors can significantly speed up the process. In international schools, English is the medium of instruction, so language adaptation is generally less of a barrier, though Arabic language classes are often offered as part of the curriculum.

Are there childcare or nursery options for children under school age in Jordan?

The nonformal education system includes preschool education, which is run by the private sector and enrolls children as young as age three. A range of private nurseries and kindergartens operate in Amman and other cities, with fees varying by provider. Publicly funded nursery provision is limited. International schools sometimes accept children from age three or four into early years programmes. Always visit and check accreditation before enrolling younger children.

What is the Tawjihi, and is it recognised abroad?

The Tawjihi is the General Certificate of Secondary Education Exam that students sit at the end of two years of secondary education. It is Jordan’s national school-leaving qualification and the primary gateway to Jordanian universities. Recognition abroad varies by country and institution — some universities internationally do accept the Tawjihi, particularly in the Arab world, but for access to universities in Europe, North America, or Australia, students are generally better served by also holding an internationally standardised qualification such as the IB Diploma or Cambridge A-Levels, which many private schools in Jordan offer.

Is vocational training available for young people in Jordan who do not want to follow an academic route?

Students who prefer vocational or practical pathways may attend two years of vocational training at technical secondary school, receiving intensive vocational exposure including apprenticeships. Both the academic and vocational routes may open doors at community colleges and universities. The Al-Etvet Authority oversees technical and vocational education and training in Jordan. This pathway is comparable in structure to vocational programmes such as BTECs or apprenticeship tracks found in other countries, and can lead to skilled employment or further study at community college level.