Affordable IB Schools in Dubai 2026: Fees & Ratings
Read ArticleTop Schools in Dubai 2026
IB (13 Y)
British
IB (13 Y)British
Indian
IBBritish
British
IB (13 Y)British
British
French
IB
British
IB
British
UAE Ministry of Education
No ratings yet
Annual fees
8,989 - 19,290 AED
British
IB (13 Y)British
Annual fees
54,130 - 105,607 AED
British
British
Pakistani
British
Indian
British
American
IB
French
British
American
British
UAE Ministry of Education
IB
American
American
UAE Ministry of Education
UAE Ministry of Education
No ratings yet
Annual fees
Contact school
British
UAE Ministry of Education
No ratings yet
Annual fees
Contact school
French
UAE Ministry of Education
UAE Ministry of Education
American
British
Dubai International Academy Town Square
Not inspected yetNo ratings yet
Annual fees
49,000 - 70,500 AED
American
British
PACE Springfield International School
Not inspected yetNo ratings yet
Annual fees
25,000 - 35,000 AED
UAE Ministry of Education
Philippine
UAE Ministry of Education
No ratings yet
Annual fees
Contact school
UAE Ministry of Education
No ratings yet
Annual fees
Contact school
IB (13 Y)
British
IB (13 Y)British
Average Tuition Fees by Area
Average published annual tuition for 2026-2027, by area
Each calculation uses the schools with fees explicitly dated 2026-2027, out of all schools listed for that area. Areas with fewer than five such schools are omitted. Averages cover grade fees, so schools with more grades carry more weight. These figures describe our available data; they are not estimates of the whole market. Missing, undated and older fees are excluded.
| Area | Average annual fee | Basis of calculation |
|---|---|---|
| Sports City & Motor City | AED 80,013 | Based on 6 schools, out of 6 listed |
| Meydan & Creek Harbour | AED 65,919 | Based on 13 schools, out of 13 listed |
| Dubailand & Ranches | AED 62,236 | Based on 12 schools, out of 12 listed |
| Umm Suqeim & Sufouh | AED 58,467 | Based on 10 schools, out of 10 listed |
| Barsha & Quoz | AED 56,691 | Based on 37 schools, out of 38 listed |
| Jebel Ali & Furjan | AED 50,735 | Based on 13 schools, out of 13 listed |
| Jumeirah & Umm Suqeim | AED 50,087 | Based on 9 schools, out of 9 listed |
| Silicon Oasis & Academic | AED 46,591 | Based on 7 schools, out of 8 listed |
| Jumeirah & Wasl | AED 42,952 | Based on 5 schools, out of 5 listed |
| Oud Metha & Zabeel | AED 36,692 | Based on 10 schools, out of 11 listed |
Average Tuition (AED)
Latest from Dubai schools
New principals, campuses, inspection ratings and awards, as announced by the schools themselves.
- Award
Regent's Arabic and Islamic Department receives ABT International Benchmark Progress Award
The school's weekly update celebrates the ABT International Benchmark Progress Award received by its Arabic and Islamic Department. It also reports that Team SOAR represented the UAE at the STEM Racing World Finals in Singapore.
- Accreditation
Arcadia achieves PSQM Outreach Award, top accolade from the Primary Science Quality Mark
Arcadia has achieved the PSQM Outreach Award, described as the highest accolade granted by the Primary Science Quality Mark at the University of Hertfordshire, recognising its excellence in science education and curriculum strength.
- Award
Raffles International School receives Leeds Beckett mental health and wellbeing award
Raffles International School was recently presented with the Leeds Beckett University School Mental Health and Wellbeing Award. The school is holding a session to discuss the actions behind the award and what it means for its community.
- Exam results
Indian High School reports students performed well above OECD average in PISA 2025
The Indian High School says its students performed well above the OECD average in Reading, Math and Science in PISA 2025. The school credits its learning culture, dedicated teachers and motivated learners for the result.
- Award
Students earn the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh's International Award
The school recognised a group of students who successfully achieved the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, citing their personal growth, community service, skill development, physical recreation and adventurous exploration as evidence of resilience and commitment beyond the classroom.
- Award
GLS U14 girls table tennis team take 1st runner-up at CBSE UAE Cluster 2026
The school's U14 girls table tennis team finished 1st runner-up at the CBSE UAE Cluster 2026, earning the programme's first-ever silver medal and qualifying for the CBSE Nationals, where the team advanced to the second round of the team event.
Browse Schools by Curriculum
Browse Schools by Area
Schools in Airport & Festival CitySchools in Barsha & QuozSchools in Bur Dubai & MankhoolSchools in Deira CentralSchools in Deira CornicheSchools in Dubailand & RanchesSchools in Emirates Hills, JLT & ParksSchools in Jebel Ali & FurjanSchools in Jumeirah & Umm SuqeimSchools in Jumeirah & WaslSchools in Marina & BeachfrontSchools in Meydan & Creek HarbourSchools in Mirdif & Eastern SuburbsSchools in Oud Metha & ZabeelSchools in Qusais & NahdaSchools in Silicon Oasis & AcademicSchools in Sports City & Motor CitySchools in Umm Suqeim & Sufouh
FAQ Dubai Schools
Find answers to the most common questions about schools in Dubai.
How does the school system work in Dubai?
The school system in Dubai is regulated by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), which oversees licensing, inspections, and quality standards. Unlike many countries, Dubai's education system is almost entirely composed of private and international schools. Schools operate independently but are subject to regular KHDA inspections, ratings, and compliance with local education policies.
Is school free in Dubai?
No. All schools in Dubai charge tuition fees. There is no free public school system available for expatriates, and the vast majority of families enroll their children in private or international schools. Education in Dubai is therefore a fully fee-based system.
How much does school cost in Dubai?
School fees in Dubai vary significantly depending on the curriculum, grade level, school reputation, and facilities. Tuition can range from more affordable private schools to premium international institutions. In addition to tuition, families should budget for uniforms, transportation, school meals, learning resources, and extracurricular activities.
What age do children start school in Dubai?
Children in Dubai typically start school at age 3 or 4 in early years programmes such as Foundation Stage (FS1/FS2) or Kindergarten. Compulsory education usually begins around age 5 or 6, depending on the curriculum followed.
What types of schools are available in Dubai?
Dubai offers a wide variety of schools, including British, American, International Baccalaureate (IB), Indian (CBSE/ICSE), French, German, and other international curriculum schools. There are also private schools offering hybrid or adapted programmes aligned with international standards.
What curricula are available in Dubai schools?
Dubai has one of the most diverse curriculum offerings in the world. Available curricula include British (UK), American, IB, Indian (CBSE/ICSE), French, German, Canadian, Australian, and other international education systems, all regulated by KHDA.
Where are schools located in Dubai?
Schools in Dubai are spread across many residential and education-focused areas, including Jumeirah, Al Barsha, Al Quoz, Mirdif, Dubailand, Arabian Ranches, Academic City, and surrounding communities. This wide distribution allows families to choose schools close to home.
Are international schools common in Dubai?
Yes. International schools are extremely common in Dubai and represent the majority of the education market. They are particularly popular among expatriate families and parents seeking internationally recognised qualifications and global university pathways.
How long is the summer break in Dubai schools?
The summer break in Dubai typically lasts between 8 and 10 weeks, depending on the curriculum and academic calendar. British and IB schools often follow international or UK-aligned schedules, while other curricula may vary slightly.
Are schools in Dubai regulated by the government?
Yes. All schools in Dubai are regulated by KHDA, which ensures compliance with education standards, conducts inspections, publishes school ratings, and oversees tuition fee frameworks.
