Choosing a school in Dubai: fees, KHDA ratings and waitlists
How to compare schools, what fees really cost and when to apply.
In short
Private schools educate most expat children. KHDA rates Dubai schools from Outstanding to Weak and controls fee increases. Popular schools have waitlists; apply 6–12 months ahead.
- Fees
- AED 15,000–100,000/yr
- Ratings
- KHDA (Dubai), ADEK (Abu Dhabi)
- Year start
- August/September
- Registration fee
- up to 5% of fees
Step by step
Tick each step as you finish it. Open a step to see what to do.
Filter by curriculum, rating, area.
1 week
Documents checklist
Do’s and don’ts
Do
- Check education allowance in your contract
Don’t
- Don’t wait for visa to start applying
Cost estimator
Untick what doesn't apply to you. These are rough figures and fees change often, so check with the authority.
Watch out
- Transfer certificates from outside the UAE must be attested to enrol.
Common questions
Are public schools open to expats?
Some, with fees, but teaching is largely in Arabic.
Official links
Background and more detail
Private schools educate most expat children. KHDA rates Dubai schools from Outstanding to Weak and controls fee increases. Popular schools have waitlists; apply 6–12 months ahead.
Key facts
- Fees: AED 15,000–100,000/yr
- Ratings: KHDA (Dubai), ADEK (Abu Dhabi)
- Year start: August/September
- Registration fee: up to 5% of fees
Steps
- Shortlist on KHDA – Filter by curriculum, rating, area.
- Visit and assess – Most schools test children.
- Pay seat deposit – Usually deducted from first term.
Watch out
- Transfer certificates from outside the UAE must be attested to enrol.
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