How Much Do Dubai Private Schools Really Cost in 2026?

Quick answer

Dubai private school fees in 2026 start at AED 15,000 for FS1 and rise to AED 100,000+ for IB or British A-Level programmes in Year 13. KHDA publishes the exact fee schedule each April. Fees cover tuition only; transport, meals, uniforms and extracurriculars add 15-25% more. Indian curriculum schools remain the lowest-cost option at AED 18,000-35,000. British and American schools charge AED 45,000-75,000. IB schools exceed AED 80,000. Early registration (October-January) secures both place and 5-10% discount.

What drives the 2026 fee increase

KHDA approved a 3-5% rise across all private schools for the 2026/27 academic year. The increase covers teacher salaries, facility upgrades and inflation. Schools must notify parents by 30 April 2026. Parents who renew by 31 May 2026 keep the current fee level. Late renewals trigger the new rate.

Fee tiers by curriculum

• Indian curriculum (CBSE, ICSE, IB PYP/MYP): AED 15,000-35,000
• British curriculum (IGCSE, A-Level): AED 45,000-75,000
• American curriculum (AP): AED 50,000-80,000

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