At The British International School Abu Dhabi, success takes many forms. For some students, it’s excelling in the highly academic International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). For others, it’s thriving in the practical and career-focused BTEC pathway. This year, both routes have led to a remarkable outcome: a number of BIS Abu Dhabi graduates have been awarded the prestigious UAE Golden Visa.
For Isabelle McGlue, completing her BTEC in the UAE has been “an amazing opportunity.” She describes receiving the Golden Visa as a milestone that opens new doors for her future: “I’d encourage anyone considering the BTEC to go for it—it really does open doors internationally.”
Parents share in this sense of pride. One Year 13 parent reflected on their daughter’s success: “Kayla has truly inspired us as her parents. She achieved these merits because of her hard work, focus, and dedication. Watching her succeed fills our hearts with boundless joy. To be recognised and nominated for a UAE Golden Visa is an honour, and we are sincerely proud.”
This recognition comes on the back of a record-breaking year for BIS Abu Dhabi. Six out of seven BTEC graduates received Golden Visas, while nine IBDP students achieved 40 points or above—placing them among the world’s top academic performers.
Principal Alan Cocker believes these achievements show the power of choice in education: “At BISAD, we believe every student’s journey is unique. Seeing so many of our BTEC and IBDP graduates recognised with Golden Visas is an incredible achievement. It reflects not only their hard work and aspirations, but also the strength of the personalised pathways we provide.”
The UAE Golden Visa, a long-term residency programme for individuals demonstrating exceptional talent, allows students to continue living, studying, and working in the Emirates. In Abu Dhabi, it is closely linked to the government’s vision of nurturing future leaders in areas like STEM, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
For BIS Abu Dhabi’s Class of 2025, the award is both a recognition of their past efforts and an investment in their futures. Whether continuing to world-leading universities, exploring careers, or giving back to their communities, these Golden Visa recipients represent the ambition and diversity that define the school.
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