International schools in the UAE 2026: fees & curricula
One of the world's biggest international-school markets — regulated, rated and pricey.
The UAE, especially Dubai and Abu Dhabi, has one of the world's largest international-school sectors — hundreds of schools offering British, American, IB and Indian (CBSE) curricula, inspected and rated by authorities like Dubai's KHDA. Public schools mainly serve Emiratis, so expat children attend private schools; fees often run AED 30,000–100,000+ a year.
International schools in the UAE
Dubai and Abu Dhabi host hundreds of international schools across British, American, IB and Indian (CBSE/ICSE) curricula — arguably the widest choice anywhere. Regulators such as Dubai's KHDA inspect and publicly rate schools, which helps parents compare. The trade-off is cost: fees commonly run from AED 30,000 to over AED 100,000 a year, plus extras.
Public schools and homeschooling
Public schooling is oriented to Emirati citizens and taught in Arabic, so expat families use private and international schools almost universally. Homeschooling is possible but must generally follow an accredited online curriculum and, in some emirates, be registered — check the local authority's current rules.
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| International schools | Huge choice, KHDA-rated |
| Curricula | British / American / IB / CBSE |
| Typical tuition | ~AED 30k–100k+ / year |
| Public school access | Mainly Emiratis (Arabic) |
| Homeschooling | Accredited online; may need registration |
Where it fits in a borderless plan
Schooling is a major line item in a UAE family budget — factor it in alongside the 0% tax upside. Schools are often the deciding factor in a family move. Weigh them with healthcare, banking and where you are tax-resident. Compare options in our international-schools guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much are international schools in the UAE?
Typical tuition: ~AED 30k–100k+ / year. Curricula include British / American / IB / CBSE. Fees change yearly and vary widely by school and age — request current fee schedules.
Can expat children attend public school in the UAE?
Public school access: Mainly Emiratis (Arabic). Language of instruction and enrolment rules matter — check with the local education authority for your area.
Is homeschooling legal in the UAE?
Homeschooling: Accredited online; may need registration. Rules and recognition differ by country and change, so take local legal advice before relying on it.
Directories & official sources
Providers and rules change — these are the authoritative directories and regulators to check for current, complete listings:
Work with Expectat
Ready to build your borderless plan?
Book a private strategy session — we'll map your residency, capital and Bitcoin setup, and the fastest legal path to it.