Dubai Schools & Education Guide for Expat Families (2025-26)
Sunday, 30 March 2025
Dubai is home to some of the best international schools in the world, offering a variety of curricula to cater to its diverse expatriate population. Whether you are looking for an Indian, British, American, IB, or French curriculum, Dubai has excellent schooling options. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the top 10 international schools, including their curriculum, KHDA ratings, location, admission procedures, and estimated fees for the 2025-26 academic year.
Table of Contents
- GEMS Modern Academy (Indian Curriculum – ICSE & IB)
- The Indian High School, Dubai (Indian Curriculum – CBSE)
- GEMS Education – The Winchester School (British Curriculum)
- Dubai College (British Curriculum)
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS) (British Curriculum)
- Dubai International Academy (DIA) (IB Curriculum)
- Swiss International Scientific School (IB & Swiss Curriculum)
- American School of Dubai (ASD) (American Curriculum)
- Lycée Français International Georges Pompidou (French Curriculum)
- Repton School Dubai (British & IB Curriculum)
- Frequently asked questions
Top 10 International Schools in Dubai (2025-26)
1. GEMS Modern Academy (Indian Curriculum – ICSE & IB)
One of Dubai’s top Indian curriculum schools, GEMS Modern Academy offers the ICSE curriculum up to Grade 10 and the IB Diploma Programme for senior students. With an Outstanding KHDA rating, it provides excellent academic support, extracurricular activities, and a strong focus on student well-being.
- KHDA Rating: Outstanding
- Location: Nad Al Sheba
- Curriculum: Indian (ICSE & IB Diploma)
- Admission Process: Online application, entrance assessment
- Approximate Fees: AED 40,000 – AED 75,000 per year
- Academic Year Start: April 2025
2. The Indian High School, Dubai (Indian Curriculum – CBSE)
A well-established CBSE school, Indian High School is known for its affordable fees and Outstanding KHDA rating. It has a strong focus on academic excellence, sports, and cultural activities, making it a top choice for Indian expatriate families.
- KHDA Rating: Outstanding
- Location: Oud Metha
- Curriculum: Indian (CBSE)
- Admission Process: Online registration, entrance test, document submission
- Approximate Fees: AED 5,500 – AED 15,000 per year
- Academic Year Start: April 2025
3. GEMS Education – The Winchester School (British Curriculum)
A popular British curriculum school, The Winchester School follows the IGCSE and A-Level system, providing students with a balanced academic and extracurricular environment. It is a well-rated and affordable option for British expatriates.
- KHDA Rating: Very Good
- Location: Jebel Ali
- Curriculum: British (IGCSE, A-Levels)
- Admission Process: Online application, assessment, interview
- Approximate Fees: AED 22,000 – AED 42,000 per year
- Academic Year Start: June 2025
4. Dubai College (British Curriculum)
One of the most prestigious British schools in Dubai, Dubai College offers GCSE and A-Level education with a strong emphasis on academic rigor, leadership, and extracurricular achievements. It is highly selective and has one of the highest KHDA ratings.
- KHDA Rating: Outstanding
- Location: Al Sufouh
- Curriculum: British (GCSE & A-Levels)
- Admission Process: Competitive entrance exams and interview
- Approximate Fees: AED 88,000 – AED 98,000 per year
- Academic Year Start: June 2025
5. Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS) (British Curriculum)
JESS is a highly rated British school offering GCSEs and IB Diploma. With a strong reputation for academic excellence and extracurricular activities, it is one of the most sought-after schools for British expatriates.
- KHDA Rating: Outstanding
- Location: Arabian Ranches
- Curriculum: British (IB Diploma available)
- Admission Process: Application with previous school reports, entrance exam
- Approximate Fees: AED 43,000 – AED 97,000 per year
- Academic Year Start: June 2025
6. Dubai International Academy (DIA) (IB Curriculum)
A top-tier IB school, DIA follows the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). It provides an internationally recognized education with a strong emphasis on holistic development.
- KHDA Rating: Outstanding
- Location: Emirates Hills
- Curriculum: IB (PYP, MYP, DP)
- Admission Process: Online application, assessment, interview
- Approximate Fees: AED 40,000 – AED 85,000 per year
- Academic Year Start: June 2025
7. Swiss International Scientific School (IB & Swiss Curriculum)
This bilingual school offers the IB curriculum along with Swiss educational programs, providing students with French, German, and English bilingual options. It is ideal for families looking for a multicultural and diverse education
- KHDA Rating: Very Good
- Location: Al Jaddaf
- Curriculum: IB & Swiss Curriculum
- Admission Process: Online registration, interview, assessment
- Approximate Fees: AED 60,000 – AED 120,000 per year
- Academic Year Start: June 2025
8. American School of Dubai (ASD) (American Curriculum)
A leading American curriculum school, ASD offers a rigorous academic program with Advanced Placement (AP) courses. It is known for its excellent facilities, strong faculty, and diverse student community.
- KHDA Rating: Outstanding
- Location: Al Barsha
- Curriculum: American (AP Courses Available)
- Admission Process: Online application, entrance test, interview
- Approximate Fees: AED 45,000 – AED 100,000 per year
- Academic Year Start: June 2025
9. Lycée Français International Georges Pompidou (French Curriculum)
This French curriculum school follows the Baccalauréat system and is ideal for French-speaking expatriates. It is recognized for its high-quality education, bilingual programs, and strong academic focus.
- KHDA Rating: Outstanding
- Location: Academic City
- Curriculum: French (Baccalauréat)
- Admission Process: Application with academic records, French language test
- Approximate Fees: AED 40,000 – AED 75,000 per year
- Academic Year Start: September 2025
10. Repton School Dubai (British & IB Curriculum)
A prestigious British school, Repton follows the IGCSE and IB Diploma Programme. It offers boarding and day school options, with a strong emphasis on academic achievement and leadership development.
- KHDA Rating: Outstanding
- Location: Nad Al Sheba
- Curriculum: British (IGCSE & IB Diploma)
- Admission Process: Entrance assessment, interview
- Approximate Fees: AED 52,000 – AED 95,000 per year
- Academic Year Start: June 2025
Choosing the right school in Dubai depends on curriculum preference, budget, and location. The KHDA rating serves as an excellent benchmark to determine quality. Whether you prefer CBSE, IB, British, or American education, Dubai offers world-class institutions to cater to your child’s learning journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the best international schools in Dubai for expat families?
Dubai offers top-rated schools such as GEMS Modern Academy, Dubai College, Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS), Dubai International Academy (DIA), and Repton School, catering to British, IB, Indian, and American curricula.
What are the different school curricula available in Dubai?
Dubai offers British (IGCSE/A-Levels), IB (PYP, MYP, DP), Indian (CBSE/ICSE), American (AP), and French (Baccalauréat) curricula, among others.
How much do international schools in Dubai cost?
School fees vary widely, ranging from AED 5,000 to AED 120,000 per year, depending on the curriculum, facilities, and KHDA rating.
When do the school academic years start in Dubai?
Indian curriculum schools start in April, while British, IB, American, and most other international schools begin in June or September.
What documents are required for school admission in Dubai?
Typically, parents need to submit passport copies, Emirates ID, visa, previous school reports, transfer certificates, and vaccination records.
What is the KHDA rating, and why is it important?
The KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority) rating evaluates schools on education quality, leadership, and student outcomes, helping parents choose the best schools.
How competitive is school admission in Dubai?
Top-rated schools have limited seats and require entrance tests or interviews, so early applications are recommended.
Do Dubai schools offer transportation services?
Yes, most schools provide bus transportation with regulated safety measures and varying fees based on distance.
Are there bilingual or language-focused schools in Dubai?
Yes, schools like Swiss International Scientific School and Lycée Français International Georges Pompidou offer bilingual programs in French, German, and Arabic.
Can expat students enroll in public schools in Dubai?
Expat students can enroll in select UAE public schools, but they mainly cater to Emirati students and follow an Arabic-based curriculum.
