Fees by curriculum
| Curriculum | Budget | Mid-range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistani | AED 4,000 – 6,000 | AED 6,000 – 9,000 | AED 9,000 – 16,000 |
| Indian (CBSE) | AED 6,000 – 12,000 | AED 12,000 – 20,000 | AED 20,000 – 30,000 |
| British | AED 15,000 – 30,000 | AED 30,000 – 60,000 | AED 60,000 – 110,000 |
| American | AED 18,000 – 35,000 | AED 35,000 – 60,000 | AED 60,000 – 95,000 |
| IB | AED 38,000 – 55,000 | AED 55,000 – 80,000 | AED 80,000 – 108,000 |
Fees are per child, per year, and rise with the grade. The average across all Dubai schools is around AED 42,000 a year, but that average hides a huge range.
The costs not on the fee sheet
| Cost | Typical amount |
|---|---|
| Registration or application | AED 500 – 2,500 |
| Seat or enrolment deposit | AED 2,000 – 10,000 |
| Uniform | AED 800 – 2,000 a year |
| Books and materials | AED 1,000 – 3,500 a year |
| School bus | AED 3,500 – 9,000 a year |
| Exam fees (IGCSE, A-Level, IB) | AED 3,000 – 15,000 in exam years |
For one child, these extras often add AED 7,000 to 15,000 in the first year. The seat deposit is usually taken off the first term’s fees, but you pay it months before term starts.
How fees are regulated
Private school fees in Dubai are regulated by the KHDA. Schools cannot raise fees without approval, and the allowed increase depends on the school’s inspection rating. In recent years approved rises have mostly been between 0% and about 3%. Always ask a school how much its fees went up in each of the last three years.
Which curriculum fits your budget?
For many families, CBSE and Pakistani schools offer good value, with fees a fraction of British or American schools. If you plan for your children to go to university in the UK, US or Canada, a British, American or IB school may be worth the higher cost. Many families choose a mid-range school and spend the difference on tutoring or activities.
Note the timing: most Indian and Pakistani schools in the UAE start their year in April, while British, American and IB schools start in late August.
Questions to ask before you pay
- What is the full fee for my child’s grade, and how is it split across terms?
- Is the seat deposit refundable, and is it taken off the first term?
- What does the bus cost from our area?
- Which books, trips and exam fees are extra?
- Is there a sibling discount?
Waqas runs MoveWise UAE and researches what it really costs to move to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ajman. Figures are checked against official and market sources such as KHDA, ADEK, Dubai Land Department, ICP and the utility companies, and updated regularly.
Waqas is hearing impaired, which is one reason MoveWise UAE puts everything clearly in writing. The best way to reach him is by email or written message at cs@movewiseuae.com.
All figures are typical 2026 estimates, not quotes. Prices vary by area and provider, so always confirm before you pay. See how we calculate.
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