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Choosing the Right School for Your Children in the UAE as a UK Expat
21st April 2025
Moving to a new country can be an exciting adventure, but as parents, one of the most crucial decisions to make is selecting the right school for your children. As a UK expat in the UAE, there are plenty of schooling options, each offering different curricula and fees. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the process of choosing the best school for your children in the UAE, covering everything from school types and locations to visa requirements and tuition fees.
Types of schools in the UAE
The UAE offers a variety of school types, catering to both local and international students. Schools are divided into three levels: public schools, private schools, and higher education institutions. Each one has a unique set-up, which can affect your choice based on your family’s needs.
Public Schools
Public schools in the UAE are managed by the government and are available to both Emirati nationals and expatriates. However, expatriates must pay tuition fees to attend. Education in public schools is provided in Arabic, so it is important your child can speak the language. Public schools are split into several levels:
- Early Childhood Education
- Basic Levels
- Intermediate Levels
- Secondary Levels
It is also important to note that the school week runs from Sunday to Thursday, which may be a cultural adjustment if you are a UK expat used to a Monday-to-Friday schedule.
Private Schools
Private schools in the UAE are more popular among expat families as they typically follow international curricula. UK expats will likely find many schools that follow the British curriculum, offering GCSEs and A-Levels. Some schools also include US and European curricula, as well as the International Baccalaureate (IB) program.
Private schools are great for expats as they offer a broad range of support and teaching styles to cater to different student needs, including teaching in English. However, tuition fees at private schools can be very expensive, ranging from 6,000 AED per year for some schools, to 70,000 AED annually for more prestigious schools. It’s worth noting that some schools offer discounts or scholarships, and some employers can even help cover the costs.
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Higher Education
The UAE is home to several top international universities that offer courses in various subjects. Around 95% of girls and 80% of boys in the UAE apply to universities, and Emirati students can attend for free. For expat families, there are numerous options to choose from, many of which offer degrees recognised across the world.
Choosing the Right School Location
Choosing the right school is not only about the curriculum but also about location. The two main cities where expats typically settle in the UAE are Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Both cities have excellent educational options, but it’s important to choose one that fits your family’s needs including aspects like commuting and lifestyle.
Dubai
Dubai boasts a wide range of international schools catering to different curricula. Some popular choices include Brighton College Dubai, and the Dubai British School Emirates Hills. Dubai is home to many international schools, and due to its status as a global city, it’s possible to find schools that follow the UK, US, French, German, and Canadian curricula.
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi also has many excellent international schools, including Abu Dhabi International School, Amity International School, Lycee Francais Louis Massignon
As with Dubai, Abu Dhabi has a broad selection of international schools, although the city’s expat population is smaller than Dubai’s, which may influence the range of schooling options available.
Education Costs in the UAE
Tuition fees are one of the biggest factors to consider when choosing a school in the UAE. As mentioned earlier, public school fees for expatriates are lower than those of private schools, but they are still a significant cost. For private schools, fees can be quite high, especially for well-established institutions. In addition to tuition, there may also be additional costs for school uniforms, transportation, extracurricular activities, and exams.
Many expats negotiate with their employers to include education allowances in their relocation packages, which can help cover the costs. Some schools offer discounts or financial assistance, so it’s always worth asking.
Understanding Visas and Residency Options for Students
One of the most important aspects of moving to the UAE as an expat is understanding the visa system, especially when it comes to your children’s education.
Student Visas
To study in the UAE, children must have a student visa, which can either be sponsored by a parent or the school. As an expat family, you can sponsor your child’s student visa until the age of 25 (for males) or indefinitely for females. Student visas are typically valid for one year and must be renewed annually with evidence that the studies are continuing.
In addition to the student visa, you will need a range of documentation in order to attend school, including a passport, residence permit, and proof of previous education, such as transcripts or school records.
The UAE Golden Visa
The UAE’s Golden Visa scheme offers long-term residency for investors, skilled professionals, and students. For top-performing students, the Golden Visa provides benefits such as:
- Long-term residence (5 or 10 years)
- The ability to sponsor family members and domestic helpers
- The ability to leave and re-enter the UAE for a long period of time without needing a new visa
- Students with a minimum GPA of 3.5 or above might be eligible for the Golden Visa, provided they meet other criteria.
At Eurogroup, we understand that moving across the world and be stressful. This is why we offer a full removal service from door-to-door to help alleviate some of the stress of moving, leaving you to focus on other elements such as choosing a school for your child/ren. Get in touch with a member of our team today, to find out how we can help you.
