International School Fees UAE: Budget to Premium

The UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and other emirates) has a large number of international schools – from lower-cost options to premium British, IB and American curriculum schools. This guide gives fee ranges and example schools so you can compare and make an informed choice.

Quick overview of fee ranges (annual tuition, indicative)

• Budget: Roughly AED 25,000–45,000 per year (primary). Newer or smaller schools, often still offering recognised curricula.
• Mid-tier: Roughly AED 50,000–75,000 per year (primary). Established schools, good facilities, British/IB/American options.
• Premium: Roughly AED 75,000–120,000+ per year (primary). Top facilities, strong curricula, high demand.

Secondary and IGCSE/IBDP years are usually higher than primary.

Budget end: example schools and fees

Raffles International School, Sunrise English Private School and GEMS Founders School are examples that can sit in the budget band. Primary tuition often in the AED 30,000–45,000 range depending on year and campus. Check each school’s current fee schedule.

Mid-tier: example schools and fees

GEMS Wellington International School, Jumeirah College and Repton Abu Dhabi are mid-tier examples. Primary fees often AED 55,000–75,000 per year; secondary and IGCSE/IBDP can be AED 75,000–95,000. Good facilities and curriculum choice.

Premium: example schools and fees

Dubai College, Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS) and Cranleigh Abu Dhabi sit at the premium end. Primary can be AED 80,000–100,000+ and secondary/IBDP AED 95,000–120,000+ per year. Strong academic results and university placement.

What to watch beyond tuition

• Application, assessment and registration / enrolment fees (often non-refundable).
• Learning support and EAL – usually extra; can add AED 10,000–30,000+ per year.
• Board exam fees (IGCSE, IB, A level) – not in tuition; budget AED 5,000–15,000+ per exam session in senior years.
• Fee increases by year group – especially secondary and exam years.

See our Hidden International School Fees – MUST READ for a full checklist.

How to choose

• Set your budget band and preferred curriculum (British, IB, American).
• Get full fee schedules (tuition + one-off and annual extras) from 2–3 schools.
• Compare total cost over several years, including fee progression.
• Clarify what is included vs add-on (support, trips, exams).

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