Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions for families moving to the UAE. This guide to the top expat schools in Dubai 2025 helps you compare fees, curricula, and admission tips to find the best school for your child. With a wide variety of international schools offering British, IB, American, and Indian curricula, the city caters to almost every educational need and cultural background.
Whether you’re relocating or already living in the UAE, this list of the top expat schools in Dubai 2025 will help you make an informed decision.
Overview: Dubai’s Education Landscape for Expats
Dubai hosts over 200 private schools regulated by the KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority). Expat families can choose from:
- British Curriculum (IGCSE, A-Levels)
- American Curriculum (High School Diploma, AP)
- IB Curriculum UAE (PYP, MYP, DP)
- Indian Curriculum (CBSE, ICSE)
Some schools also offer dual pathways or specialized online courses, including Coursera certificates and electives for senior students.
Top Expat Schools in Dubai 2025: Ranked by Fees & Curriculum
1. Dubai College
- Curriculum: British (GCSE, A-Level)
- Location: Al Sufouh
- Fees: AED 30,000 – 98,000
- Facilities: STEM labs, sports centre, theatre
- Admissions: Selective entry test, waitlists common
Ideal for high-achieving British curriculum students with university ambitions.
2. GEMS World Academy
- Curriculum: Full IB (PYP–DP)
- Location: Al Barsha South
- Fees: AED 45,000 – 114,000
- Facilities: Planetarium, Olympic pool, IB Design labs
- Admissions: Online application, placement assessment
Great for globally mobile families seeking the IB curriculum.
3. Dubai American Academy (DAA)
- Curriculum: American + IB DP
- Location: Al Barsha
- Fees: AED 61,000 – 93,000
- Facilities: Innovation labs, sports dome, theatre
- Admissions: Report cards, MAP test, rolling basis
Strong college-prep school, with a mix of US-style learning and IB diploma option.
4. Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS)
- Curriculum: British + IB DP
- Location: Arabian Ranches / Jumeirah
- Fees: AED 40,000 – 94,000
- Facilities: Eco-campus, sports courts, arts studio
- Admissions: Selective, early application advised
Known for academic balance and strong sports/arts programs.
5. Repton School Dubai
- Curriculum: British + IB
- Location: Nad Al Sheba
- Fees: AED 52,000 – 98,000
- Facilities: Boarding, golf course, swimming academy
- Admissions: Online application, assessment & interview
Offers full boarding; great for expats with irregular schedules.
6. GEMS Wellington International School
- Curriculum: British (IGCSE + A-Levels or IB DP)
- Location: Al Sufouh
- Fees: AED 44,000 – 95,000
- Facilities: Science labs, robotics, music conservatory
- Admissions: Standardized test, interview, report card
Flexible curriculum options for students aiming at UK or global universities.
7. Nord Anglia International School Dubai
- Curriculum: British + IB
- Location: Al Barsha South
- Fees: AED 65,000 – 95,000
- Facilities: Performing arts centre, MIT innovation program
- Admissions: Online application, student observation
Global school network with enrichment opportunities like online courses from Juilliard and MIT.
8. The Indian High School (Oud Metha)
- Curriculum: Indian (CBSE)
- Location: Oud Metha
- Fees: AED 5,000 – 13,000
- Facilities: Cricket grounds, robotics lab, auditorium
- Admissions: Academic reports, availability-based
One of the most affordable and high-performing schools for Indian expat families.
9. Universal American School (UAS)
- Curriculum: American + IB
- Location: Dubai Festival City
- Fees: AED 38,000 – 78,000
- Facilities: MakerSpace, arts wing, competitive sports
- Admissions: MAP test, report card, parent interview
Blends American education with IB focus on inquiry-based learning.
10. Raffles World Academy
- Curriculum: British + IB
- Location: Umm Suqeim
- Fees: AED 28,000 – 80,000
- Facilities: Innovation labs, multilingual classrooms
- Admissions: Report card review, online form
Offers strong support for multilingual learners and newcomers.
School Comparison Table: 2025 Snapshot
| School | Curriculum | Fees (AED) | Location | IB Option | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai College | British | 30k – 98k | Al Sufouh | No | Academic excellence |
| GEMS World Academy | Full IB | 45k – 114k | Al Barsha South | Yes | Tech & design focus |
| Dubai American Academy | US + IB DP | 61k – 93k | Al Barsha | Yes | Strong AP & college prep |
| JESS | British + IB | 40k – 94k | Arabian Ranches | Yes | Balanced academics & sports |
| Repton School | British + IB | 52k – 98k | Nad Al Sheba | Yes | Boarding school option |
| GEMS Wellington Int’l | British + IB | 44k – 95k | Al Sufouh | Yes | Dual curriculum flexibility |
| Nord Anglia Intl. | British + IB | 65k – 95k | Al Barsha South | Yes | MIT/Performing Arts programs |
| Indian High School | Indian (CBSE) | 5k – 13k | Oud Metha | No | Affordable & top ranked CBSE |
| Universal American School | US + IB | 38k – 78k | Dubai Festival City | Yes | Holistic learning approach |
| Raffles World Academy | British + IB | 28k – 80k | Umm Suqeim | Yes | Multilingual support |
Admissions Tips for Dubai’s Best Expat Schools (2025)
- Applications open: Typically in October–December for the following academic year
- Assessments: Most schools require academic reports and entrance tests for Grades 1+
- Interviews: Common for IB and selective schools (Dubai College, JESS)
- Documents needed:
- Previous school reports (2 years)
- Emirates ID (parent & child)
- Passport copies
- Immunization record
Tip: Apply early and prepare to join waitlists for popular schools. Some offer mid-year intake depending on seat availability.
How to Choose Among the Top Expat Schools in Dubai 2025
When evaluating expat school comparisons in Dubai, consider:
- Curriculum Pathway: Align with long-term education goals (A-levels vs. IB vs. AP)
- Child’s Strengths: IB suits independent learners; British system benefits structured achievers
- Language Support: Some schools offer strong ESL programs for non-native speakers
- Commute: Proximity to home can significantly affect family logistics
- Budget: British schools generally sit mid-range, while Dubai British school fees can rise depending on grade
Bonus: For teens exploring MBA without GMAT or online courses, schools like Nord Anglia or UAS offer dual diplomas and Coursera certificate options as part of their enrichment programs.
FAQ for Expat Parents
1. Can expat children attend public schools in Dubai?
Public schools are for UAE nationals. Expats must enroll in private institutions.
2. Is the IB curriculum widely accepted by global universities?
Yes, the IB curriculum UAE prepares students for competitive admissions worldwide, including Ivy League and Oxbridge.
3. How early should we apply for school admissions?
Ideally 6–12 months in advance, especially for KG and Foundation Stage. Some schools have long waitlists.
4. Are school fees paid annually or by term?
Most schools accept term-wise payments (3 terms), though some offer annual or credit card payment plans with fee discounts.
5. Do schools offer support for special needs?
Yes, many top schools have SEN departments. Check school-specific provisions and KHDA ratings.
Final Word
Dubai offers an impressive range of educational options tailored for expats. Whether you’re looking for a British school with A-levels, a full IB pathway, or a cost-effective Indian curriculum, there’s a fit for every family and budget.
Need help selecting the right school or preparing documents? Reach out to a certified education consultant in Dubai for personalized support.
