Education is a vital component of the UAE’s societal fabric, making it the top priority of many parents in the Emirates. With an abundance of world-class schools and international standard curriculum, getting an education in the UAE is convenient. However, this convenience and quality come at a cost. That said, understanding the financial aspects of schooling in the UAE is necessary for parents. This not only helps them in budgeting but also aids in selecting an appropriate institute for their child.

Here we have elaborated in detail on the cost of education in the UAE that parents must be aware of. 

Cost of Education in the UAE

To understand the cost incurred on a child’s education in the UAE, it is necessary to comprehend the educational landscape of the country. Let’s first discuss a few essential aspects of the education landscape prior to jumping on the fees. 

Types of Schools

UAE has a wide range of schools, each offering quality education to the students. The fees and cost of education are different in each school. Broadly these schools can be divided into three different categories, mentioned below. 

Public Schools: These schools are backed by the government and teach the MoU curriculum to students. It is free of cost for Emiratis; however, expats have to pay a fee. 

Private Schools: These schools offer different types of curriculum and all the students are required to pay the fee. The fee can vary from curriculum to curriculum. 

International Schools: These schools are globally recognised and teach an international curriculum. The cost of education in international schools is usually higher than in private schools.

Tuition Fees of Schools in the UAE

Tuition fees consume a larger portion of parents’ education budget. On average, the annual tuition fee of international schools in the Emirates ranges between AED 35,000 to AED 120,000. The fees of private schools also fall in the same category but are slightly lower contrary to international schools. The tuition fees of schools depend on the type of curriculum and other factors. However, every school provides a school fees fact sheet to parents to provide an overview of the overall charges. 

Here is an example of a UK curriculum school in Dubai, charging different types of mandatory and optional fees from the parents.

• The total tuition fee for the Year 1 student is AED 58,125/year.

• The required education supplies fees are around AED 60 to 2,000. 

• Optional fees include AED 50 to 2000 for extracurricular activities, up to AED 84,360 for learning support assistance and AED 100 to 500 for summer camp. 

• The re-enrollment fee of existing students is 5% of the tuition fee of AED 500 whichever is higher. 

• For new students, the application fee is AED 500 and the enrolment fee is up to 10% of the tuition fee. 

Summing up all the fees, it will be around AED 153,297 for a year 1 student in a UK curriculum school. 

Factors Affecting School Fees in UAE

The following are some factors that significantly affect the tuition fees of schools in the UAE. 

• Reputation of School: The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) rated every school on different factors. Schools with higher ratings usually charge higher tuition fees from the parents. 

• Technological Inclusion: Additional digital learning resources like virtual classrooms can add additional cost to the basic tuition fee. 

• Curriculum: Schools teaching international curricula like the UK and USA, charge higher fees contrary to others. 

• Location: The location of the school and its distance from the residential area directly affect the tuition fee. 

This was the complete cost of schooling in the UAE that parents should know. Top schools in the UAE offering international curricula charge the most fees. You can browse through Schoolio and find an appropriate school for your child that fits your budget.