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UAE school fees 2026-27
Compare typical yearly fees for Pakistani, Indian, British, American and IB schools in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ajman, plus the extra costs schools do not put on the fee sheet.
Typical ranges, checked September 2026. Always confirm the exact fee with the school.
Tuition per child, per year
Ranges are typical for KG to Grade 12 and rise with the child’s grade. Sharjah and Ajman figures are estimated from Dubai levels. Sources: KHDA and ADEK fee lists, 2026-27 fee guides.
The extra school costs
Most fee sheets show tuition only. Budget for these as well, per child.
| Cost | Typical amount | When |
|---|---|---|
| Registration or application | AED 500 – 2,500 | Once, when you apply |
| Seat or enrolment deposit | AED 2,000 – 10,000 | To hold the place, often taken off the first term |
| Uniform | AED 800 – 2,000 | Every year |
| Books and materials | AED 1,000 – 3,500 | Every year |
| School bus | AED 3,500 – 9,000 | Every year, depends on distance |
| Exam fees (IGCSE, A-Level, IB) | AED 3,000 – 15,000 | In exam years only |
| Trips and activities | AED 500 – 3,000 | Every year |
Fee increases must be approved by the regulator. In recent years allowed rises have mostly been between 0% and about 3%, depending on the school’s rating.
What will school cost your family?
8 questions to ask every school
- 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’s fees?
- What does the bus cost from our area, and how long is the ride?
- Which books, uniforms, trips and exam fees are extra?
- How much has the fee gone up in each of the last three years?
- Is there a sibling discount?
- What is the school’s latest inspection rating?
- Which documents do you need, and do they have to be attested?
When to apply
The UAE school year starts in late August for most curricula and in April for many Indian and Pakistani schools. Popular schools fill up months ahead, so apply as soon as you know your emirate and area, even before you arrive. You will usually need your child’s passport, visa or Emirates ID (or the application), the last two years of school reports, a transfer certificate and vaccination records.