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Everything you need to know about the school system in Dubai — curricula, KHDA inspections, fees, admission, and practical information for families relocating to Dubai.
Dubai has 227 private schools offering 17 curricula to approximately 387,000 students. All expatriate children attend private schools. The most popular curricula by enrolment are British (37%), Indian (26%), American (14%), and IB (7%). Schools are regulated and inspected by the KHDA. Fees range from AED 12,000 to over AED 110,000 per year.
Source: KHDA and official sources, March 2026
This guide provides factual information to help families relocating to Dubai understand the education system. GetYourTutors is an independent private tutoring company — we do not recommend, rank, or endorse any school. All information is compiled from publicly available sources including KHDA data.
Unlike many countries, Dubai does not offer public schooling to expatriate families. All expat children attend private schools, which are regulated by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). Dubai's private school sector is one of the most diverse in the world, with 17 different curricula available across 227 schools.
The academic year typically runs from late August or early September to early July, with breaks in December-January (winter) and March-April (spring). Schools follow the curriculum framework of their home country, with locally mandated subjects such as Arabic language, Islamic studies (for Muslim students), and UAE Social Studies.
The main curricula available to expat families in Dubai include:
| Curriculum | % of Students | Key Qualifications | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| British (UK) | 37% | IGCSE, GCSE, A-Levels | Families planning UK/EU university pathway |
| Indian (CBSE/ICSE) | 26% | CBSE or ICSE board exams | Families with Indian educational background |
| American (US) | 14% | US High School Diploma, AP | Families planning US/Canadian university pathway |
| IB | 7% | IB Diploma (max 45 points) | Families seeking international flexibility |
| Other | 16% | Various (French, German, etc.) | Families wanting home-country continuity |
Source: KHDA enrolment data. GetYourTutors does not recommend any specific curriculum.
The KHDA inspects private schools in Dubai and assigns ratings on a five-point scale: Outstanding, Very Good, Good, Acceptable, and Weak. As of the 2023-2024 inspection cycle, 23 schools are rated Outstanding and 48 are rated Very Good.
KHDA ratings affect how much a school can increase its fees. Inspection reports are publicly available on the KHDA website and provide detailed assessments of student achievement, teaching quality, curriculum delivery, and school governance. They are a valuable resource for parents researching schools.
Note: Full KHDA inspections were paused for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 academic years. The 2023-2024 ratings are the most current available.
Browse 40+ schools with KHDA ratings and fees.
Understand how KHDA inspections and ratings work.
Side-by-side comparison of British, IB, and American.
Step-by-step guide to school admission.
Foundation Stage admission and age cutoffs.
Academic calendar, exam periods, and deadlines.
Transitioning to a new curriculum can be challenging. GetYourTutors provides full-time, in-home private tutors across Dubai who can help your child bridge curriculum gaps, build confidence, and achieve their academic potential in their new school.
Contact GetYourTutors — Dubai Education Guide for Expat Parents
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Last verified: March 2026
This guide is for informational purposes only. GetYourTutors is an independent private tutoring company and does not recommend schools or curricula. All information is from publicly available sources. Verify details directly with schools and the KHDA.
Everything you need to know about our private tutoring services in Dubai.
Dubai has 227 private schools offering 17 different curricula. The private education sector is regulated by the KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority), which conducts regular inspections and publishes school ratings. There are no public schools available to expatriate children — all expat families must enrol their children in private schools. The academic year typically runs from late August/September to early July.
The choice of curriculum depends on your family's plans and your child's needs. British curriculum (37% of students) offers IGCSE and A-Levels. IB curriculum (7%) emphasises inquiry-based learning and the IB Diploma. American curriculum (14%) follows US state standards with AP courses. Consider factors like university destination, your child's previous curriculum, length of stay in Dubai, and the child's learning style. GetYourTutors does not recommend specific curricula.
School fees in Dubai range from approximately AED 12,000 to over AED 110,000 per year depending on the curriculum, grade level, and school. Additional costs include registration fees, uniforms, transport, books, and extracurricular activities. The KHDA regulates fee increases through the Education Cost Index (ECI), currently set at 2.35%. Fees are typically paid in instalments.
The KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority) is the Dubai government authority that regulates private education. It inspects schools and assigns ratings: Outstanding, Very Good, Good, Acceptable, or Weak. KHDA ratings also affect how much schools can increase their fees. Parents can access full inspection reports on the KHDA website to help research schools.
Ideally, start researching schools 6-12 months before your move. Popular and oversubscribed schools may have waiting lists. The main admission cycle opens January-March for September start. However, most schools accept applications year-round subject to availability. Mid-year admission is common in Dubai given the transient expat population.
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