FAQs
We know that choosing the right school is a big decision, and we’re here to help. Below, you'll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about KIS Admissions, Student Life, and Beyond. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to reach out—we’d love to hear from you!
1. General Admissions Questions
Who can apply to KIS?
We welcome students from Grade 5 to Grade 12 from all around the world! Whether you're looking for a rigorous academic program, an immersive residential life experience, or a school that values creativity and personal growth, KIS could be the right fit for you.
What curriculum does KIS follow?
KIS is an IB Continuum School, offering:
- Primary Years Programme (PYP) – Grades Pre-KG -5 (Please note that residential life begins from Grade 5, and Grades Pre-KG to 4 are currently open only for staff children)
- Middle Years Programme (MYP) – Grades 6-10
- Diploma Programme (DP) & Career-related Programme (CP) – Grades 11-12
We focus on academic excellence, critical thinking, and real-world learning to prepare students for success in universities and careers worldwide.
Is KIS a residential school?
Yes! Residential life begins from Grade 5. Students live in our well-equipped four residential campuses, which are home away from home, fostering independence, friendship, and a true sense of community.
Where is KIS located? Do you have branches in other countries?
KIS is located in the breathtaking hills of Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, India. We do not have branches in other countries—our focus is on making this one campus truly special!
How many campuses does KIS have?
We have two academic campuses and four residential campuses, all nestled in the lush greenery of Kodaikanal.
Where are KIS students and teachers from?
We are proud of our diverse, international community!
- Students come from 18+ nationalities, 33+ international locations, and 24 Indian states.
- Our teachers represent 10+ nationalities, bringing global expertise and perspectives into the classroom.
What is the language of instruction?
English is the primary language of instruction at KIS, though we celebrate multilingualism and offer a range of language courses.
2. Application Process
How do I apply to KIS?
Applying is simple! Here’s how:
- Submit an Online Application – Fill out the form on our Admissions Page.
- Upload Required Documents – These include previous school reports, teacher recommendations, and other relevant documents.
- Admissions Assessment & Interview – Depending on the grade level, students will take an assessment and have two interviews.
- Receive Your Admissions Decision – We’ll guide you through the final steps to enroll!
Do students need to take an entrance exam?
We do not have a traditional entrance exam. However, students in certain grades may be
asked to complete the Cognitive Ability Test (CAT4) to help us understand their learning profile.
Can I visit KIS before applying?
Absolutely! We love welcoming families to our beautiful campus. Visits are by appointment, so please schedule a tour to experience KIS firsthand.
3. School Life at KIS
What time does school start and end?
A typical school day runs from 8:40 AM to 4:40 PM, packed with engaging lessons, hands-on projects, and extracurricular activities.
Are there classes on weekends?
Nope! Weekends are for rest, adventure, and exploration—students can participate in outdoor activities, clubs, or just relax.
What extracurricular activities does KIS offer?
Tons! Whether you’re into sports, music, theatre, art, community service, or outdoor
adventures, there’s something for everyone. Some highlights include:
- Sports: Football, Basketball, Badminton, Tennis, Cricket and more.
- Creative Arts: Theatre, Visual Arts, Music Ensembles and more.
- Outdoor Education: Hiking, Camping, Golf and Sustainability Projects.
- Student Organizations and Special Departments: National Honor Societies (NHS, SNHS, NEHS), Center for Environment and Humanity (CEH) and Social and Environmental Experience Department (SEED).
Learn more about our signature programs.
What kind of meals are provided?
We understand that dietary preferences matter, so we offer vegetarian, non-vegetarian,
and vegan meal options. Our kitchens prioritize healthy, balanced, and culturally diverse
meals for all students.
4. Academics & Career Pathways
Is KIS accredited?
Yes! KIS is accredited by the International Baccalaureate (IB), Council of International
Schools (CIS) and the Middle States Association (MSA).
Learning Support at KIS
At KIS, we recognize that every student learns differently. Our Learning Support Program is
designed to ensure that students with diverse learning needs receive the guidance, accommodations, and encouragement they need to thrive academically and personally.
Our program supports students who may need additional guidance in areas such as:
Mild learning difficulties (e.g., dyslexia, dysgraphia, mild attention challenges)
Academic skill-building (e.g., reading comprehension, writing, and numeracy)
Study and organizational strategies
Social-emotional support to build confidence in learning
We believe in personalized learning and ensure that each student receives tailored academic support while remaining actively engaged in the IB curriculum.
Does KIS provide career counselling?
Yes! Our dedicated College and Career Counseling team helps students navigate their academic and professional futures. From choosing IB subjects to university applications, internships, and career planning, we ensure that every student is well-prepared for their next steps. We are an exam center for SAT, ACT and IELTS. You may learn more about our robust career counselling program and university acceptances here.
5. Admissions Decisions & Fees
How long does it take to get an admissions decision?
Typically, it takes 2-4 weeks after submitting a complete application.
How much are the tuition fees?
For the most up-to-date tuition and residential fees, please visit our Tuition Fees Page or
contact our Admissions Office.
Does KIS offer financial aid and scholarships?
Yes! We believe in making quality education accessible.
Our financial aid program is need-based, and we offer merit scholarships such as which you
can learn about here.
6. International Students & Travel
Do international students need a visa?
Yes, all non-Indian students need a student visa to study at KIS. Our team will guide you
through the process, but visa approvals are at the discretion of the Indian government.
Does KIS provide airport pickup for new students?
Yes! We offer airport transfers from Chennai, Bengaluru, Coimbatore, and Madurai.
What kind of medical facilities does KIS have?
We have a 24/7 on-campus dispensary with trained nurses and an on-call doctor. We also partner with local hospitals for any specialized medical care.\
7. Final Steps – How Can You Reach Us?
We hope this FAQ has given you a quick snippet of KIS! If you’d like to know more, feel free
to connect with our Admissions Office.
Email: admissions@kis.in
Phone/WhatsApp: +91-93423 01123
Want to see KIS in action? Schedule a campus tour!
We can’t wait to welcome you to the KIS community!