If your family is immigrating to Dubai then one of your main concerns is finding a suitable school for your children. There are many questions surrounding this topic, and it can be daunting to make a decision on schooling, especially if you have not yet arrived in Dubai.
In this article, we will explore some of the important questions, concerns, and solutions when selecting a school for expats in Dubai.
The Dilemma of Education in the UAE for Expats
Relocating to Dubai is an exciting adventure for the entire family; however, it is also a stressful time with much uncertainty, including finding a school for your children.
If you are immigrating, chances are that you or your partner have a business opportunity in the country. This means you will probably find housing close to your new job to make the commute easier and maximise time spent with your family.
When searching for a school, you’ll want to find a school that is close to your new home. This can be challenging, as you will initially have to conduct an online search to determine this. You will probably also want to enrol at an international school if your child is not fluent in Arabic, which will further reduce the number of appropriate schools in your area.
Once you have located the potential schools close to your home, you will have to determine what curriculums they offer and whether or not they are considered a good educational provider. This will include investigating whether the school has good teachers and what teaching methods they utilise.
It is also important to look into the general atmosphere of a school. This will help you decide whether or not a school will be a good fit for your child. If a school’s methodology and attitude don’t suit your child, it could influence how well your child adjusts and whether or not they do well academically and flourish going forward.
It is also important to determine whether you can enrol your child immediately upon arrival or if they are only allowed to enrol at certain times of the year.
All of these questions are best answered when visiting a school in person, which is not always possible when immigrating, as you will often only arrive in Dubai for the first time when you make the big move.
Can Expats Attend Public School in Dubai?
There is nothing that prevents an expatriate from attending a public school in Dubai, provided they meet the necessary entrance requirements and are accepted by the school.
However, Arabic is the language of instruction for all subjects in Dubai public schools. Therefore, if your child is a non-Arabic speaker it could be challenging to adapt. It is recommended that children who attend these schools be fluent in Arabic. If not, they will fall behind and struggle to understand the curriculum.
This could put unnecessary strain on your child’s educational journey and even make the adjustment to life in the UAE more difficult.
It should also be mentioned that while the public schools do provide a decent education in Dubai, the general opinion is that private and international schools do provide a better education with the curriculums and teaching methods on offer.
Is Education Free for Expats in Dubai?
No, education for expats is not free in Dubai. For the Emiratis, the native Arab citizen population in the UAE, education is free at the primary and secondary levels.
If you are immigrating to Dubai your children will not have access to free education, and you will have to pay for their public or private education.
School Fees in Dubai for Expats
School fees in Dubai are pricey and range from AED 12,723 (USD 3,463.84) to AED 64,093 per annum. Fees for international schools in Dubai typically range from AED 20,000 to AED 206,000 annually.
The fluctuation between school fees will depend on a few factors, including curriculum, the quality of the teachers, teaching methodologies utilised, location, amenities available, and infrastructure. School fees will also increase as your child ages and progresses on their education journey.
It’s important to note that tuition fees often exclude additional expenses such as books and materials (around AED 5,000), transportation (between AED 3,000 and AED 5,000 depending on location), and uniforms (ranging from AED 500 to AED 800).
Best Schools in Dubai for Expats
Depending on your location, there should be a variety of international schools at your disposal that will be able to cater to your preferred language of instruction and meet your child's educational needs.
However, this option will still be expensive and will require a lot of investigation prior to moving.
A simpler and better option is to enrol in an online school. This will allow you to enrol your child before leaving for your new home so they may get used to their new schooling method. This will decrease the stress experienced by your child during the move and will make it easier for them to adjust to their new life abroad.
Online schooling is also much cheaper than other schooling options in Dubai while still providing a high level of education and a rigorous curriculum. CambriLearn’s British Curriculum online schooling costs vary by grade and package. For Primary (Grades 1–6), fees start at $870/year for the Standard Package and $2,250/year for Premium. Foundation levels range from $1,900 to $4,000/year, while IGCSE costs between $2,675 and $5,300/year. AS Level ranges from $2,875 to $6,175/year, and A Level from $1,725 to $3,705/year. Prices exclude textbooks and external exam fees, which are paid separately.
Is Online Schooling Legal in Dubai
Yes, online schooling is legal in Dubai and the UAE. Homeschooling, including online schooling, is permitted and recognised by the KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority) in Dubai.
Parents planning to homeschool their children in the UAE have various options to ensure that their children can apply to a KHDA (Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority) accredited university.
These options include the Rahhal Programme, the Ministry Programme, and the option of writing accredited international board exams such as the IGCSE’S through the British Council. In this article, we will discuss how these options work and how to enrol for homeschooling in the UAE.
What sets CambriLearn apart?
Cambrilearn is an innovative, modern solution for families who want the flexibility of homeschooling without compromising on academic quality or support.
CambriLearn is an internationally accredited online school that delivers the British International Curriculum and Pearson Edexcel qualifications from Early Years (age 4+) to A Levels.
- Designed for expat life: With seamless learning across time zones and countries, CambriLearn fits perfectly into the lifestyle of globally mobile families.
- Internationally recognised qualifications: Students are prepared to write British Council board exams, ensuring access to top universities worldwide
- Enrol any time of year: Unlike traditional schools, CambriLearn allows rolling admissions to suit your family's schedule.
- Free admissions consultations: CambriLearn's advisors work closely with families to tailor the ideal learning path for every child.
Whether you're considering a short-term move to Dubai or building a long-term life in the UAE, your child's education doesn't have to be complicated. With CambriLearn, you get the flexibility of homeschooling backed by an international school's structure, support, and recognition.
Speak to a CambriLearn admissions consultant today and discover how we can support your child's future—no matter where life takes you.
