Finding the right international schools in UAE is a top priority for expat families. With over 240 options across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and beyond, the UAE offers a diverse range of curricula, including British, American, IB, Indian, and European programs. Choosing the right school can be challenging, but understanding each school’s approach, fees, and location makes the process easier.
This guide covers the best international schools in UAE, curriculum options, and practical tips to help families make informed decisions and secure the ideal educational environment for their children.
In this guide you will learn about:
International Education System in the UAE
The UAE has a decentralized education system, with each emirate promoting its own initiatives. This allows for flexibility and innovation in how education is delivered across the country.
The private sector is strong, offering K-12 education with a variety of international curricula, including British, American, IB, Indian, and European programs. At the higher education level, there is a growing network of international university branches.
Government policies support internationalization and a knowledge-based economy. The UAE encourages partnerships with leading global institutions and has specialized educational zones, such as Dubai’s Knowledge and Academic City, to foster innovation and learning.
Oversight is provided by emirate-specific authorities, like the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai, which ensures quality education and standards across schools.
Based on our Global Education Report, the UAE ranks 26th out of 72 countries, placing the UAE within the top 36% of countries for education.
Top 20 International Schools in UAE
01/ Uptown International School – Dubai
- Curriculum: IB
- Language of Instruction: English
- Ages: 1 to 18
- Yearly Fees: AED 31,145 – 78,420
Uptown International School is an IB World School rated “Very Good” by KHDA, promoting curiosity, creativity, and independent learning.
02/ Nord Anglia International School – Dubai
- Curriculum: British, IB
- Language of Instruction: English
- Ages: 3 to 19
- Yearly Fees: AED 69,625 – 105,288
Nord Anglia International School Dubai is a Premium British and IB school offering transformative learning experiences to equip students with 21st-century skills.
03/ Kent College – Dubai
- Curriculum: British, IB
- Language of Instruction: English
- Ages: 3 to 18
- Yearly Fees: AED 55,243 – 100,256
Kent College Dubai is a British and IB school fostering global citizenship, critical thinking, and personalized pathways for each student in a nurturing environment.
04/ Dubai Heights Academy – Al Barsha South
- Curriculum: British
- Language of Instruction: English
- Ages: 3 to 17
- Yearly Fees: AED 30,000 – 98,880
Dubai Heights Academy is a progressive British school with innovative programs (AI, sports partnerships) and strong emphasis on student well-being. The school is ranked “Very Good” with the KDHA.
05/ The British International School – Abu Dhabi
- Curriculum: British, IB
- Language of Instruction: English
- Ages: 3 to 18
- Yearly Fees: AED 54,204 – 76,952
The British International School – Abu Dhabi is a Nord Anglia family school providing a warm, inclusive environment and a transformational British and IB education.
06/ Nord Anglia International School – Abu Dhabi
- Curriculum: British
- Language of Instruction: English
- Ages: 3 to 18
- Yearly Fees: AED 65,000 – 95,000
Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi is a future-focused British school emphasizing academic excellence and holistic student development.
07/ Dubai British School – Jumeira
- Curriculum: British
- Language of Instruction: English
- Ages: 2 to 13
- Yearly Fees: AED 43,500 – 77,217
Dubai British School in Jumeira is a British school emphasizing academic excellence, well-being, and world-class facilities within a supportive community.
08/ Citizens School – Dubai
- Curriculum: British
- Language of Instruction: English
- Ages: 3 to 14
- Yearly Fees: AED 40,500 – 72,000
Citizens School in Dubai is a British school with a personalized, inquiry-based approach that encourages curiosity, innovation, and real-world learning.
09/ Collegiate International School – Dubai
- Curriculum: IB, American
- Language of Instruction: English
- Ages: 3 to 18
- Yearly Fees: AED 39,478 – 70,630
Collegiate International School in Dubai is a community-oriented IB and American school focusing on holistic education and success in a dynamic world.
10/ Newlands School – Dubai
- Curriculum: British
- Language of Instruction: English
- Ages: 3 to 18
- Yearly Fees: AED 21,372 – 40,072
Located in Dubai, Newlands School offers values-based British education promoting opportunity, challenge, and pathways to university and lifelong learning.
11/ The Arbor School – Dubai
- Curriculum: British (National Curriculum for England)
- Language of Instruction: English
- Ages: 3 to 18
- Yearly Fees: AED 49,500 – 90,250
The Arbor School in Dubai offers an ecological British school that combines environmental awareness with a strong National Curriculum for England education.
12/ Ajyal International School – Abu Dhabi
- Curriculum: British
- Language of Instruction: English
- Ages: 3 to 18
- Yearly Fees: AED 24,104 – 43,192
Situated in Abu Dhabi, Ajyal International School is a British school with active, student-centered learning, performance-based assessment, and continuous improvement focus. It is rated “Very Good” by ADEK.
13/ Capital School – Dubai
- Curriculum: British
- Language of Instruction: English
- Ages: 3 to 18
- Yearly Fees: AED 20,500 – 48,000
Capital School Dubai is a British school with robust Arabic & English programs, strong facilities, and focus on international standards.
14/ Lycée Français Bilingue International ICE– Dubai
- Curriculum: French, IB
- Languages of Instruction: English, French
- Ages: 3 to 18
- Yearly Fees: AED 46,350 – 84,460
Lycée Français Bilingue International ICE is a Bilingual French & IB school in Dubai, emphasizing global mindset, internships, and cross-curricular learning opportunities. It is ranked “Very Good” by KDHA.
15/ South View School – Dubai South
- Curriculum: British (UK National Curriculum)
- Language of Instruction: English
- Ages: 3 to 18
- Yearly Fees: AED 46,510 – 66,519
South View School located in Dubai South is a British curriculum school offering inquiry-based learning, specialist languages, and a wide range of extracurriculars.
16/ American Gulf School – Dubai
- Curriculum: American, IB
- Language of Instruction: English
- Ages: 3 to 18
- Yearly Fees: AED 32,000 – 75,440
Located in Sharjah, Dubai, American Gulf School is a holistic American and IB school providing well-rounded education for academic and personal growth.
17/ Star International School – Al Twar
- Curriculum: British
- Language of Instruction: English
- Ages: 3 to 18
- Yearly Fees: AED 21,520 – 46,140
Star International School is located in Al Twar and is family-oriented British school with strong community engagement and a supportive learning environment.
18/ Clarion School – Dubai
- Curriculum: American
- Language of Instruction: English
- Ages: 3 to 14
- Yearly Fees: AED 43,000 – 76,500
Clarion School is a progressive American school preparing students for competitive universities and fostering critical thinking.
19/ Oaktree Primary School – Dubai
- Curriculum: British
- Language of Instruction: English
- Ages: 3 to 11
- Yearly Fees: AED 18,518 – 31,106
Oaktree Primary School is a small British primary school in Dubai with intimate class sizes, strong student-teacher relationships, and community engagement.
20/ The Spanish School – Abu Dhabi
- Curriculum: Spanish
- Language of Instruction: Spanish
- Ages: 3 to 12
- Yearly Fees: AED 26,875 – 29,175
The Spanish School of Abu Dhabi offers a Spanish curriculum fostering cultural relations between Spain and the UAE, currently offering Nursery to Grade 6.
Comparison Table of the Best Schools in the UAE
To make things more convenient, here is a table showing key information for the top 20 international schools in the UAE:
| School Name | Curriculum | Language of Instruction | Ages | Yearly Fees (AED) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uptown International School – Dubai | IB | English | 1–18 | 31,145 – 78,420 |
| Nord Anglia International School – Dubai | British, IB | English | 3–19 | 69,625 – 105,288 |
| Kent College – Dubai | British, IB | English | 3–18 | 55,243 – 100,256 |
| Dubai Heights Academy – Al Barsha South | British | English | 3–17 | 30,000 – 98,880 |
| The British International School – Abu Dhabi | British, IB | English | 3–18 | 54,204 – 76,952 |
| Nord Anglia International School – Abu Dhabi | British | English | 2–13 | 65,000 – 95,000 |
| Dubai British School – Jumeira | British | English | 3–14 | 43,500 – 77,217 |
| Citizens School – Dubai | British | English | 3–18 | 40,500 – 72,000 |
| Collegiate International School – Dubai | IB, American | English | 3–18 | 39,478 – 70,630 |
| Newlands School – Dubai | British | English | 3–18 | 21,372 – 40,072 |
| The Arbor School – Dubai | British | English | 3–18 | 49,500 – 90,250 |
| Ajyal International School – Abu Dhabi | British | English | 3–18 | 24,104 – 43,192 |
| Capital School – Dubai | British | English | 3–18 | 20,500 – 48,000 |
| Lycée Français Bilingue International ICE – Dubai | French, IB | English, French | 3–18 | 46,350 – 84,460 |
| South View School – Dubai South | British | English | 3–18 | 46,510 – 66,519 |
| American Gulf School – Dubai | American, IB | English | 3–18 | 32,000 – 75,440 |
| Star International School – Al Twar | British | English | 3–18 | 21,520 – 46,140 |
| Clarion School – Dubai | American | English | 3–14 | 43,000 – 76,500 |
| Oaktree Primary School – Dubai | British | English | 3–11 | 18,518 – 31,106 |
| The Spanish School – Abu Dhabi | Spanish | Spanish | 3–12 | 26,875 – 29,175 |
International School Curricula in the UAE
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is home to one of the world’s most diverse and competitive international education markets. As programs like the UAE Golden Visa offering residency have increased in popularity, as has the need for a variety of schooling in the UAE.
Luckily, families can choose from a wide range of curricula, including British and American to International Baccalaureate (IB) and European, with each offering unique learning approaches, qualifications, and cultural experiences.
British Curriculum Schools
The British curriculum, or National Curriculum for England, is an internationally respected educational framework designed to develop critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability in students.
Organized into key stages, it covers a wide range of subjects, including English, mathematics, and science. Student progress is assessed through both teacher evaluations and formal examinations, such as GCSEs and A-Levels at the secondary level.
This curriculum equips students with the analytical skills, independence, and academic foundation needed for success at university.
Popular options
- The British International School Abu Dhabi
- Dubai British School Emirates Hills
- British International Private School, Ajman
International Baccalaureate (IB) Schools
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a global educational foundation offering four programs for students aged 3 to 19. These include the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and the two-year Diploma Programme (DP).
The IB focuses on developing critical thinking, personal growth, and a lifelong love of learning. The DP is widely recognized worldwide as a qualification for university entry and is available at IB World Schools in over 140 countries.
IB schools in the UAE provide holistic, well-rounded education of the highest quality, fostering creativity, research skills, and global citizenship, with strong pathways to international universities.
Popular options:
- GEMS World Academy
- Dubai International Academy
- Emirates International School – Meadows
- Greenfield International School
American Curriculum Schools
American curriculum schools in the UAE follow U.S. educational standards, such as the Common Core State Standards or AERO, and often offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses in high school. Students graduate with a U.S. high school diploma.
These schools provide a broad and flexible learning experience, emphasizing continuous assessment, critical thinking, and student participation. Their programs are suitable for families seeking flexible pathways to universities worldwide, particularly in the U.S.
For those immigrating to the UAE from the US, explore the UAE visa for US citizens to find the easiest way for your family to enter the UAE.
Popular options:
- American International School (Dubai)
- American School of Dubai
- American International School (Abu Dhabi)
Indian Curriculum Schools
The Indian curriculum is a structured educational system guided by the National Education Policy (NEP), covering subjects such as science, mathematics, social sciences, and languages.
Administered by boards like CBSE and various state boards, it emphasizes academic achievement and a clear progression through defined learning stages.
Students take board exams at the end of grades 10 and 12, with a strong focus on building foundational knowledge and preparing for higher education.
Popular options:
- Global Indian International School (GIIS) – Dubai
- New Indian Model School – Dubai
- Global Indian International School (GIIS) – Abu Dhabi
French, German, and Other European Schools
European international schools in the UAE follow the national curriculum of their respective countries, such as the French Baccalauréat or German Abitur, with instruction primarily in the native language.
These schools emphasize language immersion and cultural understanding, preparing students for higher education in Europe or in international institutions where their curriculum is recognized.
They also offer well-structured academic progression with clearly defined stages and subjects aligned with European standards.
Popular options:
- Théodore Monod International French School
- German International School Dubai DISD
- Swiss International Scientific School Dubai
International Schools vs Public Schools in the UAE
Public schools in the UAE follow the national curriculum and are government-funded, making them affordable and culturally grounded. They focus on Arabic, Islamic studies, and core subjects like math and science, offering a solid education for local families with UAE citizenship.
International schools in the United Arab Emirates, on the other hand, cater to expat families and globally mobile students. They offer curricula like British, American, IB, and Indian, smaller class sizes, and more individualized attention. Extracurricular opportunities are often broader, allowing students to explore interests beyond academics.
For families relocating to the UAE, international schools provide a smoother transition. Their multicultural environment helps children integrate, make friends, and adapt more easily. If you’re considering immigrating to the UAE, a UAE immigration lawyer can make the process much simpler, so you can focus on what matters—finding your child the best school.
How To Choose an International School in the UAE
Finding the right international schools in the United Arab Emirates can be tricky; spots fill up fast, and tuition isn’t always cheap. Here is a guide on how to choose the right international school in the UAE for your child:
- Assess your child’s needs
- Identify their learning style and preferred teaching methods.
- Consider the school environment, values, and ethos.
- Make a “must-have” vs. “nice-to-have” checklist.
- Research potential schools
- Compare curricula (IB, British, French, etc.) to match long-term goals.
- Check reputation, accreditations, and government ratings (KHDA, ADEK).
- Review teacher and student demographics for diversity and support.
- Evaluate practical factors
- Location and transportation options.
- Tuition fees, deposits, and additional costs.
- Facilities, technology, libraries, and support services.
- Extracurricular programs (sports, arts, cultural activities).
- Visit and observe
- Tour the campus, speak with staff, and check class sizes.
- Ensure the school feels like a good fit for your child’s growth and well-being.
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