Tuition and Fees

Since 1978, the American International School of Nouakchott (AISN) has provided high-quality American international education in West Africa, offering competitive tuition and fee rates relative to the local and regional market. Tuition is structured across three divisions: PreK, Grades K–5, and Grades 6–12. In addition to tuition, a one-time campus development fee is required for new students, while returning students are charged a digital learning platform fee supporting critical technology infrastructure such as subscriptions, SIS, bandwidth, and devices.

AISN offers an exceptional academic and social experience rooted in high standards. Families who choose AISN are investing in quality—rigorous academics, individualized support, and a diverse international community. Beginning in the 2025–2026 school year, families paying 100% out-of-pocket may apply for need- and merit-based scholarships (see Section 4). AISN is also proud to extend greater access to its highly valued and dedicated local employees.

Embassy, NGO-, and company-sponsored families must submit annual documentation aligned with their organizational agreements. AISN will also begin negotiating directly with these partners through their designated representatives.

Tuition must be paid in USD or MRU, and accounts must remain current for continued enrollment. The AISN School Board aims to balance affordability with excellence, responsibility, and sustainability. While tuition policies generally apply for the academic year, adjustments may occur due to cost of living changes or regional trends.

Please consult the full AISN Tuition and Fees Policy for more details in the following pages.

1.1 All Grade 4 through Grade 12 students are required to have their own laptop.  

1.2 AISN highly recommends a Macbook Air with a USB C Adapter with HDMI, Air Mouse and charger for everyday usage at AISN. 

1.3 If needed, a MacBook Air is available on a limited basis for purchase from the school.  

1.4 iPads stored in charging carts are provided for PreK, Grade K1 and Grade ⅔ classrooms.

2.1 All invoices are payable in USD or MRU at the prevailing exchange rate determined by the school.

2.2 Payment due dates are established annually and published in the school calendar and newsletter.

2.3 Invoices are issued by semester unless full-year payment arrangements are made.

2.4 Mauritanian Studies Field Trips and WAISAL Activities are additional costs beyond  Tuition and Fees.

3.1Embassy/NGO/Company Sponsorships:

3.1.1Accepted students (family) must submit proof of sponsorship before officially enrolled.

3.1.2Payment terms will follow agreements established with each sponsor and apply to all families for the sponsoring agency. AISN will not negotiate individually with parents of the sponsoring agency, except in cases of hardship (see 3.3 below).  Agreed upon terms may be different for each Embassy, NGOs’ and Companies based on their financial mission to support children abroad and number of families attending.  Negotiated agreements will not follow refund policies. AISN Finance Committee, School Director and Board Chair will review all agreements for approval.

3.1.3Any tuition not covered by a sponsor remains the family's responsibility, unless a scholarship application is approved (see #4 scholarships below).

3.2 Out-of-Pocket Payers:

3.2.1 Full payment is due according to the school's published invoice schedule unless a scholarship application has been approved. (see #4 scholarships below)

3.3 Hardship Cases:

3.3.1Families experiencing temporary financial hardship between semesters may apply for a Hardship Assistance Plan through the Director’s Office.

3.3.2 Hardship plans must be formally requested each academic year and may include adjusted payment schedules, but DO NOT reduce tuition or fees.

3.3.3 Hardship discounts are extremely limited and considered on a case-by-case basis, subject to AISN Finance Committee, Director and full School Board approval.

3.4 Local AISN Staff:

3.4.1Local and offshore AISN staff children are eligible for internal tuition reductions as defined by their employment contracts or Human Resource agreements.

3.4.2 Local AISN Employees now qualify for enrollment of their children based on years of service.  See internal staff benefits.

4.1 Families enrolling one or more children AND paying 100% out of pocket MAY apply for a scholarship of up to 25% off tuition only per child. Scholarships apply to tuition only; fees are not eligible for a scholarship. Please note the following:

4.1.1Out of pocket payers please ask yourself, am I truly in need of help with financing my children's education?

4.1.2 This is not for everyone!  We are looking to assist only those in need financially.

4.1.3 Interviews and applications will be analyzed for income levels, property owned, history with the school, businesses owned, homes and extended family support.

4.1.4 Reference checks will be applied.

4.2 Deadline for Scholarship applications is August 15th.

4.3 Returning families may request an appointment with the School Director to discuss Scholarship opportunities, but returning families having demonstrated a positive history of managing the tuition and fees payments may be denied or accepted.

4.4 New families must first complete an application at aisn.openapply.com before meeting with the Director on formal discussions regarding scholarships.

4.5 Families (new or returning) upon meeting with the School Director to determine scholarship options will be asked questions related to the need. 

4.6 All scholarship terms are reviewed by the AISN Finance Committee, School Director and School Board Chair prior to approval.

5.1 Parents and sponsors are responsible for ensuring that tuition and fee payments are completed in a timely manner. 

5.2 The school reserves the right to withhold report cards, transcripts, and re-enrollment eligibility for accounts in arrears or in poor standing with the school.

1. All parents/guardians will be notified of details of the tuition and other fees due for the next school year at the end of  the current school year. The tuition would be paid fully through US dollar bank draft or direct transfer, payable to the American International School of Nouakchott. Written proof of wire transfer of funds to  the AISN TD Bank account from the sending or receiving bank is required before payment is considered made.  Parents are responsible for any related bank fees. 
2. National Mauritanians and long-term residents whose primary income is in local currency may pay in local currency.  Payment must be made at the School Board set rate of exchange for the day the payment is made. Other requests for  payment in local currency must be made in writing to the Board. 
3. For tuition purposes, the school year is divided into two semesters. Students enrolling anytime during the first  semester will pay the full year’s tuition. Students enrolling during the second semester will be charged 50% of the  annual tuition. Tuition may be paid for the full year or in two equal payments.  
   1. For returning students the following payment dates apply: 
   2. 1st payment: ½ tuition no later than June 11^th ;
   3. 2nd payment: ½ tuition no later than January 15^th 
4. Families without scholarships will receive a 5% discount on their total invoice if full year tuition is paid by May 31st. Families without scholarships will receive a  2.5% discount on their total first semester invoice if the first semester tuition is paid by May 31st. Newly arrived students must pay all fees for the respective semester before being admitted to class.  
5. If tuition payment is more than 30 days past the invoice due date, the Director has the authority to remove the  student from school. The Director, in consultation with the Board Chair, may grant exceptions. 
6. Students enrolling late in school will be required to pay the entire tuition for the semester being enrolled and for the subsequent semester.  
7. Embassies, NGOs and parents who wish to assure their children a place must reserve by paying a non-refundable $500  deposit (deductible for their invoice) payment in advance. Places will not be held until payment is made. The Director  will inform parents of potential students and other interested parties of the status of available slots. 
8. Tuition and fees are non-refundable if a student is expelled or if a student or family leaves the school in poor standing due to behavior, attendance, or disputes over school actions or policies. See the Expulsion Policy for further details.
9. Should a student leave the school for reasons not including expulsion, tuition, if paid in full, is refundable only for all  unused semesters. Students leaving the school after spending any part of one semester will not receive a refund for the  remainder of the semester. Any early payment discount previously given will be deducted from the refund. Capital  development and first time enrollment fees are non-refundable. 
10. AISN does not support any tuition credit transfer. 
11. In the event that the school is required to close and does not reopen in time to meet the minimum instructional requirement of 135 days in the academic year, the school will issue a tuition refund for any full, unused semester(s) that were paid in advance. Refunds will be processed at the school’s discretion either by U.S. dollar check or in Mauritanian Ouguiya (MRU), based on prevailing exchange practices.
12. Tuition fees are established by the Board annually based on projected costs, annual cost of living increases may be applied yearly by School Board motion prior to the end of the proceeding school year.  
13. Families with three or more children in their immediate family enrolled at AISN, who do not receive 100% tuition paid  by a sponsor organization, and pay out of pocket will receive a discount of 5% on the total annual invoice.
14. All parents/guardians will be notified of details of the tuition and other fees due for the next school year at the end of  the current school year. The tuition would be paid fully through US dollar bank draft or direct transfer, payable to the American International School of Nouakchott. Written proof of wire transfer of funds to  the AISN TD Bank account from the sending or receiving bank is required before payment is considered made.  Parents are responsible for any related bank fees. 
15. National Mauritanians and long-term residents whose primary income is in local currency may pay in local currency.  Payment must be made at the School Board set rate of exchange for the day the payment is made. Other requests for  payment in local currency must be made in writing to the Board. 
16. For tuition purposes, the school year is divided into two semesters. Students enrolling anytime during the first  semester will pay the full year’s tuition. Students enrolling during the second semester will be charged 50% of the  annual tuition. Tuition may be paid for the full year or in two equal payments.  
    1. For returning students the following payment dates apply: 
    2. 1st payment: ½ tuition no later than June 11^th ;
    3. 2nd payment: ½ tuition no later than January 15^th 
17. Families without scholarships will receive a 5% discount on their total invoice if full year tuition is paid by May 31st. Families without scholarships will receive a  2.5% discount on their total first semester invoice if the first semester tuition is paid by May 31st. Newly arrived students must pay all fees for the respective semester before being admitted to class.  
18. If tuition payment is more than 30 days past the invoice due date, the Director has the authority to remove the  student from school. The Director, in consultation with the Board Chair, may grant exceptions. 
19. Students enrolling late in school will be required to pay the entire tuition for the semester being enrolled and for the subsequent semester.  
20. Embassies, NGOs and parents who wish to assure their children a place must reserve by paying a non-refundable $500  deposit (deductible for their invoice) payment in advance. Places will not be held until payment is made. The Director  will inform parents of potential students and other interested parties of the status of available slots. 
21. Tuition and fees are non-refundable if a student is expelled or if a student or family leaves the school in poor standing due to behavior, attendance, or disputes over school actions or policies. See the Expulsion Policy for further details.
22. Should a student leave the school for reasons not including expulsion, tuition, if paid in full, is refundable only for all  unused semesters. Students leaving the school after spending any part of one semester will not receive a refund for the  remainder of the semester. Any early payment discount previously given will be deducted from the refund. Capital  development and first time enrollment fees are non-refundable. 
23. AISN does not support any tuition credit transfer. 
24. In the event that the school is required to close and does not reopen in time to meet the minimum instructional requirement of 135 days in the academic year, the school will issue a tuition refund for any full, unused semester(s) that were paid in advance. Refunds will be processed at the school’s discretion either by U.S. dollar check or in Mauritanian Ouguiya (MRU), based on prevailing exchange practices.
25. Tuition fees are established by the Board annually based on projected costs, annual cost of living increases may be applied yearly by School Board motion prior to the end of the proceeding school year.  
26. Families with three or more children in their immediate family enrolled at AISN, who do not receive 100% tuition paid  by a sponsor organization, and pay out of pocket will receive a discount of 5% on the total annual invoice.