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 1.4% 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.

All relocation guides Best schools in Dubai →

Relocation guide

Moving to Dubai with kids

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

For a realistic annual budget, assume roughly $18,000 per child in fees, with most families landing somewhere between about $15,000 and $23,000; at senior level that is AED 88,618 at the median, with a quartile spread from AED 73,437 to AED 101,204. If you are budgeting for a five-year posting, Dubai’s citywide median fee inflation of 1.4% a year suggests a gentle rather than punishing upward drift, but still enough to compound meaningfully over time. In practice, choice is broad but uneven: British dominates with 35 schools, followed by 22 offering IB, while American, Indian National and French Baccalaureate are much thinner on the ground, and German Abitur is effectively singular. Admission pressure is severe: 31 of 38 assessed schools are constrained, 30 report waitlists, and 12 schools are waitlist-only.

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

+1.4%/yr

median fee growth across 22 Dubai schools with verified fee history — budget for it over a multi-year posting

Curriculum mix

British

American

Indian National

French Baccalaureate