School Fees in Dubai

School fees in Dubai range from approximately AED 10,000 to over AED 100,000 per year. KHDA regulates fee increases, but the range is wide. Understanding the fee structure before shortlisting schools is essential.

Fee Tiers

Budget tier (under AED 30k): Primarily CBSE and some UAE MOE schools. Mid-range (AED 30k–60k): Many British, American, and Good-rated schools. Premium (AED 60k–100k): Outstanding and Very Good British/IB schools. Ultra-premium (over AED 100k): Top-tier schools such as GEMS Wellington International, Repton, and Kings School.

KHDA Fee Regulation

KHDA controls fee increases through a structured approval process. Schools must apply to KHDA before raising fees. The permitted increase is linked to the school's inspection rating — Outstanding schools may increase fees by a higher percentage than Good or Acceptable schools. This creates a direct financial incentive for school improvement.

Additional Costs

Annual fees are rarely the full picture. Budget additionally for: registration/enrolment fees (AED 500–2,000), uniforms (AED 500–1,500), school transport (AED 3,000–8,000 per year), textbooks and stationery (AED 500–2,000), extracurricular activities and trips (highly variable), and exam fees (particularly for IB and A-Level students).

Employer Contributions

Many Dubai employers include school fee allowances in expatriate packages. Typical allowances range from AED 30,000 to AED 80,000 per child per year. If your employer provides a fee allowance, clarify whether it covers one or multiple children, and whether it is paid directly to the school or reimbursed.

Sibling Discounts

Most schools offer sibling discounts of 5–15% for second and subsequent children. This can be significant for families with multiple children. Always ask about sibling discount policies during the admissions process.