Best International Schools in Abu Dhabi
Compare top Abu Dhabi international schools by curriculum, fees, locations, and admission timelines for expat families in 2026.
Why Abu Dhabi attracts expat families
Abu Dhabi ranks among the safest capitals in the region, with wide roads, clean beaches, and a growing number of English-medium schools. Most international families choose the city for its stable job market and straightforward visa rules through ICP. School fees range from AED 40,000 to AED 95,000 per year, so parents need clear data before they apply.
Top British curriculum options
The British Schools Al Khubairat and Cranleigh Abu Dhabi both follow the National Curriculum for England. Annual fees at British Schools Al Khubairat start at AED 52,000 for Year 1 and reach AED 78,000 for Year 13. Cranleigh charges AED 68,000 to AED 92,000. Both schools sit inside gated compounds with direct bus routes run by RTA-approved operators. Admissions open in October for the following September intake.
American and IB schools worth shortlisting
American International School Abu Dhabi offers an American high-school diploma plus IB Diploma Programme. Fees sit between AED 55,000 and AED 85,000. The school lies near Al Mushrif, with easy access via Sheikh Zayed Bridge. Raha International School follows the full IB continuum from PYP through DP. Fees range from AED 48,000 in KG to AED 82,000 in Grade 12. Both schools accept online applications through their portals and require recent school reports plus a placement test.
Location and transport considerations
Most parents prioritise proximity to work or home. Schools on Abu Dhabi Island such as British Schools Al Khubairat reduce morning commute times. Families living in Khalifa City or Yas Island often choose Raha International or Cranleigh because of dedicated school buses. RTA school-bus permits cost AED 4,200 per year and must be renewed each August. Always confirm current routes on the school website before signing the contract.
Admission steps and required documents
Submit an online form, pay the AED 500 non-refundable assessment fee, and upload passport copies, birth certificate, and last two years of reports. Successful applicants receive an offer letter and must pay a 20 percent seat deposit within seven days. Final enrolment requires Emirates ID for the child and both parents, plus vaccination records approved by DHA. Places fill quickly between January and March, so start the process early.
Scholarships and payment plans
Some schools offer sibling discounts of 5 to 10 percent and early-payment reductions of AED 3,000 if the full year is settled before 31 July. Need-based scholarships cover up to 30 percent of fees and require proof of income submitted to the school finance office. Always request the current fee schedule directly from admissions, because rates are reviewed each academic year.
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Frequently asked questions
When do Abu Dhabi school admissions open?▾
Most international schools open applications in October for the next September intake and close primary places by March.
What documents do I need for enrolment?▾
Passport copies, birth certificate, last two school reports, Emirates ID, and DHA-approved vaccination records.
Are school buses included in fees?▾
No. RTA-approved bus services cost around AED 4,200 per year and are booked separately through the school.
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