International Schools in UAE are a great choice for both local and expat families as they offer globally recognized curricula, outstanding academics plus a nurturing environment for children. Discover our selection of the best International Schools in UAE, including reviews, fees, and why families choose them.
Why choose an international school in UAE?
Abu Dhabi and Dubai are the two most popular options for expat families in UAE. Abu Dhabi is great for economic security and cultural/entertainment opportunities. Dubai is ideal for a relaxed lifestyle and has high-quality international schools. Both cities are safe and offer high levels of security. Ultimately, the decision depends on each family's unique needs and preferences, including job opportunities, cultural diversity, entertainment options, and lifestyle. Finding the right school for your child is one of the major concerns for many international families when relocating to a new country or city. Families moving to Dubai can be confident to find a wide range private international schools top choose from. These schools typically offer different curricula, with the most popular being the British, American and International Baccalaureate (IB). With more than 500 international schools teaching over 400.000 students, the UAE can be considered as the Mecca of private education. No other country has this many schools offering first class education. And the school market here is still booming with many new international schools opening year after year. The majority of the schools are located in Dubai, followed by Abu Dhabi.
Quality of Education
What many international and local families like here, is that you can find all world curricula, such as the International Baccalaureate, British, American, Canadian, Indian, Swiss, German or French (If you don't know how to choose the best curriculum read this previous article). Almost all schools are day schools, just a few schools offer boarding,.
Tuition fees in UAE
Approximate tuition fees range from:
- Nursery: AED 18,000 - 60,000
- Kindergarten: AED 15,000 - 66,000
- Primary School: AED 30,000 - 70,000
- Secondary School: AED 40,000 - 90,000
Schools may increase their tuition fees based on the quality of education they provide.
<span data-preserver-spaces="true International Schools in Dubai
Inspection Reports
International Schools in Dubai are analyzed by the local authorities and receive an inspection report on a regular basis, rating the schools by the following:
- Outstanding
- Good
- Acceptable
- Unsatisfactory
Popular searches in United Arab Emirates
Top rated International Schools in United Arab Emirates 2025
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2025Swiss International School Dubai
0 reviewsDubai - Emirate of DubaiInternational School - Boarding Schoolfrom 53000 to 99000 aedThe Swiss International Scientific School in Dubai (SISD) is a leading international day and boarding school where future generations are inspired to become confident and enthusiastic lifelong learners, ready to embrace the opportunities and challenges of a global world.Why parents choose this schoolArabic Bilingual English French GermanInternational Baccalaureate Swiss Curriculum -
2025Sharjah English School
0 reviewsSharjah - Emirate of SharjahInternational Schoolfrom 27390 to 70135 aedEstablished in 1974, Sharjah English School is a pioneering not-for-profit educational institution in the UAE, proud of its rich heritage and commitment to providing a world-class education. We reflect on our journey of growth and innovation, guided by the principle of “Rich in History, Future Focused.”Why parents choose this schoolBritish CurriculumADHD Autism Dyslexia -
2025The British International School Abu Dhabi
5 reviewsAbu Dhabi - Emirate of Abu DhabiInternational Schoolfrom 50300 to 71040 aedThe British International School Abu Dhabi offers a welcoming family community with the highest quality learning opportunities as part of our Global Campus.Why parents choose this schoolBritish Curriculum International Baccalaureate
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2025International School of Beijing
4 reviewsBeijing - ChinaInternational Schoolfrom 232800 to 333300 cnyWith a non-profit model, research-based approach to education, and world-class facilities on our beautiful campus, ISB ensures our students can achieve impressive outcomes and discover their passions.Why parents choose this schoolChinese EnglishAmerican Curriculum International BaccalaureateADHD Autism Dyslexia Intellectual Giftedness -
2025Nord Anglia International School Shanghai, Pudong
0 reviewsPudong - ShanghaiInternational Schoolfrom 131193 to 375196 cnyFor over 20 years, NAIS Pudong has welcomed our students into a diverse international community, motivating them to achieve the best academic results and to attend the top universities in the world.Why parents choose this schoolChinese EnglishBritish Curriculum International Baccalaureate -
2025Rugby School Thailand
0 reviewsBang Lamung District - Chon BuriInternational School - Boarding Schoolfrom 14000 to 40000 usdA co-educational international school for day and boarding students aged 2-18 that follows the British curriculum. Students take IGCSE and A Level examinations in preparation for university entry.Why parents choose this schoolBritish Curriculum -
2025The British School of Bahrain (BSB)
2 reviewsHamala - BahrainInternational Schoolfrom 3003 to 7923 bhdThe British School of Bahrain (BSB) has been one of the leading schools in the Kingdom of Bahrain for over 26 years.Why parents choose this schoolBritish Curriculum
How much do International Schools in United Arab Emirates cost?
According to World Schools data, the yearly tuition fee for International Schools in ranges between $7300 and $10300. However, the cost varies significantly depending on various factors such as the school curriculum, extracurricular activities, location, and facilities, and can go up to $55600.
The average yearly cost is $9300, around $1000 per month, and can go up to the maximum monthly cost of $5600.
Additionally, most schools will also charge a one-time registration fee, and you also need to count an extra budget during the year for extracurricular trips, holiday camps, etc.
If you would like to explore International Schools in with yearly fee filters, please use our advanced search filters.
Tips for Choosing an International School in United Arab Emirates
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Parent and Student Reviews of International Schools in United Arab Emirates
- What I’ve seen at BIS Abu Dhabi over the last two years as a parent – Senior Management with a vision, enthusiastic teachers with personalised attention, motivated & ambitious students and lastly, the community feeling that makes it warm and welcoming! I would recommend this school eyes closed.Written February 25, 2023
- The caring approach they have to make students of all abilities feel worthy and welcome is what attracted us 4 years ago and that has continued to follow through. My 3 children feel safe, secure and stimulated and we feel informed and confident that our children are being allowed to grow academically and personally, with their characters being encouraged to grow and not ‘moulded’.Written February 25, 2023
- Great school, amazing experiences and opportunities with teachers that go above and beyond to bring the best out in our children.
Highly recommended!Written February 25, 2023 - My kids just love it here. Such a friendly and welcoming environment. I’ve seen both of my children come on in leaps and bounds since joining the school both socially and academically. Would highly recommend.Written February 25, 2023
- Good infrastructure, teaching and the Head of the school takes an active interest in the day to day functioning of the school. The school constantly strives to better itself and the students seem happy. Good facilities and with the new sports centre, one hopes sport based CCA’s will get a boost.Written February 25, 2023
- What I’ve seen at BIS Abu Dhabi over the last two years as a parent – Senior Management with a vision, enthusiastic teachers with personalised attention, motivated & ambitious students and lastly, the community feeling that makes it warm and welcoming! I would recommend this school eyes closed.Written February 25, 2023
- The caring approach they have to make students of all abilities feel worthy and welcome is what attracted us 4 years ago and that has continued to follow through. My 3 children feel safe, secure and stimulated and we feel informed and confident that our children are being allowed to grow academically and personally, with their characters being encouraged to grow and not ‘moulded’.Written February 25, 2023
- Great school, amazing experiences and opportunities with teachers that go above and beyond to bring the best out in our children.
Highly recommended!Written February 25, 2023 - My kids just love it here. Such a friendly and welcoming environment. I’ve seen both of my children come on in leaps and bounds since joining the school both socially and academically. Would highly recommend.Written February 25, 2023
- Good infrastructure, teaching and the Head of the school takes an active interest in the day to day functioning of the school. The school constantly strives to better itself and the students seem happy. Good facilities and with the new sports centre, one hopes sport based CCA’s will get a boost.Written February 25, 2023