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UAE school fees 2026-27
UAE school fees: 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 October 2026. Always confirm the exact fee with the school.
See KHDA for official Dubai school fee regulations.
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.
Dubai school fees 2026-27 by curriculum
| Curriculum | Typical tuition per year (AED) | Full guide |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistani (FBISE) | about 6,500 – 9,200 (dual-curriculum schools more) | Pakistani school fees in the UAE |
| Indian (CBSE / ICSE) | 5,000 – 74,000 | Indian school fees in Dubai |
| British | 15,000 – 110,000+ | British school fees in Dubai |
| American | 9,000 – 102,000 | American school fees in Dubai |
| IB | 29,000 – 118,000 | IB school fees in Dubai |
| GEMS schools (all curricula) | 7,200 – 103,400 | GEMS school fees in Dubai |
Tuition only, lowest to highest grade. Dubai private-school tuition is frozen for 2026-27 (KHDA).
UAE school fees: the extra costs
Most fee sheets show tuition only. Budget for these as well, per child.
| Cost | Typical amount | When |
|---|---|---|
| Registration or application | Up to AED 500 in Dubai (KHDA cap, refunded if no place is offered); other emirates vary | 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. For 2026-27, KHDA has frozen tuition at all Dubai private schools.
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. In Dubai, from 2026-27 a new pupil’s age on 31 December decides the year group at September-start schools (31 March at April-start schools); see our Dubai school admissions timeline. 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.
You may also find our guides on the best Indian schools in Dubai, the top British schools in Dubai and the best American schools in Dubai useful.