How much do international schools in Dubai cost?

Across 50 Dubai schools with independently verified fees, the median annual day fee is about $18,418 (USD), with the middle half of the market between $14,957 and $22,754. At senior level it is AED 88,618. Fees have been rising at a median of 1.2% per year, so budget accordingly for a multi-year posting.

Which curricula do international schools in Dubai offer?

Of the 62 Dubai schools we track, the mix is British (35 schools), IB (22 schools), American (6 schools), Indian National (5 schools), French Baccalaureate (5 schools).

How hard is it to get a school place in Dubai?

Admission pressure in Dubai is currently severe: 31 of 38 tracked schools are waitlist-only or closed at popular entry points (82%).

Which Dubai schools currently have waitlists?

As of our latest availability check: Dubai College, Jumeirah English Speaking School Arabian Ranches, Dubai English Speaking College, American School of Dubai, Jumeirah College, North London Collegiate School Dubai and others. Check each school's profile for year-group specifics.

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Relocation guide

Moving to Dubai with kids

Computed from 62 tracked schools — verified fees, live availability, no brochure numbers. All relocation guides →

In Dubai, a realistic annual budget per child sits around $18,000 at the median, with most families landing between roughly $15,000 and $23,000; by senior years, that translates to about AED 88,600 at the midpoint, with a quartile spread from roughly AED 73,400 to AED 101,200. Fee inflation looks comparatively contained rather than trivial: a citywide median CAGR of 1.2% suggests that over a five-year posting you should expect steady upward drift rather than a dramatic jump. Choice is broad but not limitless: British schools dominate the market, with substantial IB provision, and smaller American, Indian National, French Baccalaureate and single German Abitur options. Admission, however, is genuinely tight: pressure is rated Severe, with 30 schools on waitlist, only 7 open, and 12 schools reporting waitlists.

Fee reality

$18,418

median annual day fee (USD) · middle half $14,957–$22,754 · 50 schools

Senior median: AED 88,618 (~$24,104)

Fee trajectory

+1.2%/yr

median fee growth across 21 Dubai schools with verified fee history — budget for it over a multi-year posting

Curriculum mix

British

American

Indian National

French Baccalaureate