Which school is cheapest for Filipinos in Dubai?

New Academy School offers the lowest fees, AED 12,200–19,800, while holding a KHDA Good rating.

Do Dubai schools accept Philippine high-school diplomas?

Yes, KHDA recognises the Philippine K–12 diploma for university entry, but schools may ask for equivalency from the UAE Ministry of Education.

Is Arabic compulsory for Filipino students?

Arabic is mandatory from Grade 1–9 in all private schools per KHDA rules, but many offer beginner-level classes for non-Arabs.

Can I pay school fees in instalments?

Most schools accept three or four instalments; a 3 % admin fee may apply. Always verify current fee with the school.

How early should I apply for 2026–2027?

Submit applications between October 2025 and January 2026; popular grades fill by March.

Best Schools for Filipinos in Dubai 2026

Quick answer

The top picks for Filipino families in Dubai are the Philippine School Dubai (FS1–Year 13, KHDA Very Good), New Academy School (KG–Year 13, affordable, KHDA Good), and Al Diyafah International School (FS1–Year 13, KHDA Very Good). These schools blend Filipino values with KHDA standards and cost between AED 12,000–28,000 per year.

Why Filipino families choose Dubai schools

Dubai hosts over 200,000 Filipinos. Parents want schools that combine KHDA oversight, British or American curricula, and respect for Filipino culture. KHDA ratings, teacher quality, and annual fees are the three main filters we use when helping expat families.

Top KHDA-rated schools popular with Filipinos

1. Philippine School Dubai (PSD)

PSD is the only fully Filipino-owned school in Dubai. It follows the Philippine K–12 curriculum and offers Arabic as a second language. KHDA rates it Very Good. Annual fees range from AED 13,500 (KG) to AED 22,500 (Grade 12). Filipino holidays are observed and the canteen serves adobo on Thursdays.

2. New Academy School

Located in Al Quoz, New Academy follows the British curriculum yet keeps fees low (AED 12,200–19,800). KHDA rates it Good. The majority of students are Filipino, and the PTA runs regular karaoke nights and Independence Day events.

3. Al Diyafah International School

Al Diyafah offers the British curriculum from FS1 to Year 13. KHDA rates it Very Good. Fees start at AED 18,000 and peak at AED 27,000. Filipino teachers make up 35 % of staff, easing the transition for new arrivals.

4. Dubai Gem Private School

Established in 1983, Dubai Gem follows the British curriculum and holds a Very Good KHDA rating. Fees range from AED 19,000 to AED 30,000. The school runs an active Filipino club and celebrates Rizal Day every December.

5. The Philippine School – International (PS-Intl)

PS-Intl opened in 2022 and uses a hybrid Philippine–British curriculum. KHDA awarded it Good. Fees are AED 14,500–24,000. It offers distance-learning seats for families who may move mid-year.

Step-by-step: how to enrol your child in 2026

Shortlist three schools using the KHDA School Ratings Report (download free on khda.gov.ae).
Book school tours between October and January; most open houses fall on Saturdays.
Prepare documents: child’s passport, Emirates ID, birth certificate, latest report card, vaccination record from DHA.
Submit an online application via each school’s portal; pay a non-refundable AED 500 assessment fee.
Attend the entrance assessment (English + Math) and parent interview.
Receive an offer letter within 10 working days; pay a 10 % seat reservation fee to secure the place.
Transfer Ejari tenancy contract to the school’s zone if required for GAFE approval.

Common mistakes Filipino parents make

Assuming all “international” schools cost AED 60,000+; many excellent KHDA Good schools stay under AED 25,000.
Skipping the KHDA inspection report and relying only on Google reviews.
Waiting until July to apply—prime seats for Grade 1 and Year 7 are filled by March.
Forgetting to convert Philippine pesos to AED when budgeting; the exchange rate hovers around PHP 10 = AED 0.66.

Fees and hidden costs to budget for

Most schools require a one-time AED 2,000–3,000 registration fee and an annual re-registration fee of AED 1,000. Uniforms cost AED 800–1,200 per child; school transport AED 4,800–7,200 per year. Always verify current fee with the school before paying.

Curriculum comparison table

School	Curriculum	Language support	Annual fee range (AED)
Philippine School Dubai	Philippine K–12	English + Arabic	13,500–22,500
New Academy School	British	English + Arabic	12,200–19,800
Al Diyafah	British	English + Arabic + French	18,000–27,000
Dubai Gem	British	English + Arabic	19,000–30,000

Tips from Filipino parents already in Dubai

Join the “Filipino Parents in Dubai” Facebook group; members share real-time seat availability.
Ask about sibling discounts—most schools give 5–10 % off the second child.
Check if the school participates in the KHDA’s distance-learning programme in case of another lockdown.
Confirm that the school bus passes through your community; Al Quoz traffic can add 40 minutes each way.

Key takeaway

Filipino families in Dubai have strong, affordable options that meet KHDA standards and celebrate Filipino culture. Start your search early, compare total costs (not just tuition), and visit at least three schools before deciding. With the right paperwork and realistic budget, your child can thrive in Dubai’s classrooms in 2026.