Dubai school fees for 2026-27: Your guide to tuition costs and planning

[Editor’s Note: This article is part of Khaleej Times’ Schools and Parents, a dedicated section designed to support families in the UAE as they explore educational choices. The section offers explainers, guidance from education leaders, expert advice and insights from parents to help readers make informed decisions about schools, curricula and communities.]

Dubai parents are getting a clearer picture of their education choices ahead of the 2026-27 academic year, with private school fees frozen and families taking a closer look at what Outstanding-rated schools offer — from learning experiences and facilities to student opportunities and asking: are these ratings worth the price tag?

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The spotlight is on Dubai’s 23 Outstanding-rated private schools, where annual tuition fees range from Dh29,488 for preschool at Lycée Français International Georges Pompidou to Dh111,799 for Year 13 at Dubai British School Jumeirah Park.

Back-to-School Cost Calculator

While the emirate’s highest-rated schools continue to attract strong demand, the wide variation in fees gives families a range of options as they look for schools that match their children’s needs, aspirations and budgets.

For the 2025-26 academic year, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) retained schools’ existing ratings after pausing standard full inspections for the majority of private schools. The authority also confirmed that tuition fees for Dubai private schools will remain unchanged for 2026-27 under directives from Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, offering families greater clarity as they plan for the new academic year.

Fee structure by curriculum

Most affordable Outstanding schools

More expensive Outstanding schools

At a glance: Fees at all 23 Outstanding schools 

*Fees may vary by grade and school.

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Written by

Nandini Sircar

Nandini Sircar has a penchant for education, space, and women's narratives. She views the world through a prism of learning: whether it's the earthly pursuit of wisdom or the unearthly mysteries of space. In her written universe, women and children take centre stage.