Best International Schools in Dubai

Discover the best International Schools in Dubai in this 2025 guide. Explore top-rated schools, tuition costs, parent reviews, and more.

Best International Schools in Dubai

International Schools in Dubai are a great choice for both local and expat families as they offer globally recognized curricula, outstanding academics plus a nurturing environment for children. Discover our selection of the best International Schools in Dubai, including reviews, fees, and why families choose them.

Table of Contents

Why families choose an international school in Dubai?

The allure of Dubai’s international schools is significant and multifaceted. For many families, the decision to enroll their children in these institutions stems from a desire to provide them with an exemplary education that promises a blend of academic rigor, diverse cultural exposure, and a gateway to global universities.

Academic Excellence and Diverse Curricula

One of the primary reasons families gravitate towards international schools in Dubai is their commitment to academic excellence. These schools often offer a variety of internationally recognized curricula, including the International Baccalaureate (IB), British GCSEs, and American AP programs, which are revered for their robustness and comprehensive approach to education. This diversity in educational programs not only prepares students for global higher education opportunities but also caters to the varied educational backgrounds and preferences of Dubai’s multicultural population.

Cultural Diversity and Inclusion

Another compelling draw is the rich cultural diversity that permeates the classrooms and hallways of these schools. In a city as cosmopolitan as Dubai, international schools serve as melting pots of cultures, ethnicities, and languages, offering students a unique environment where they can learn from each other and develop a genuine appreciation for global cultures. This exposure is invaluable, fostering global citizens equipped with the empathy, respect, and communication skills needed in today’s interconnected world.

State-of-the-Art Facilities and Extracurricular Opportunities

International schools in Dubai are also known for their state-of-the-art facilities which rival those of private schools around the world. From Olympic-sized swimming pools and sprawling sports fields to advanced science labs and art studios, these institutions spare no expense to ensure that their facilities help foster a conducive learning environment. Beyond academics, these schools offer a plethora of extracurricular activities that support all-round development, including sports, arts, debate, and various clubs. These activities are integral for holistic education, allowing students to explore and develop their interests and talents beyond the classroom.

Preparation for Global Universities

Preparing students for admission into top global universities is another crucial aspect of Dubai’s international schools. With comprehensive guidance counseling and support systems in place, students receive tailored advice on choosing the right path for their future academic and career goals. The schools’ strong alumni networks and connections with universities across the globe also play a significant role in opening doors for their graduates.

The choice of an international school in Dubai often reflects a broader desire for quality education that prepares children for the challenges and opportunities of a globalized world. With their unparalleled resources, diverse programs, and commitment to fostering international mindedness, these schools stand out as a premier choice for families looking to give their children a world-class education in a dynamic and supportive setting.

How much does it cost to attend International Schools in Dubai?

The yearly tuition fees for International Schools in Dubai generally range from $8,000 to $25,000 per year. This cost can vary based on factors like the curriculum, the quality of campus facilities, the standard of boarding, and the services – with some top-tier schools exceeding $40,000 annually.
Category
Low Range
High Range
Annual Tuition
$8,000
$25,000
Monthly Tuition Equivalent
$670
$2,085
Registration Fee (one-time)
$500
$1,500
Uniforms & Materials
$200
$500
Extras & Trips
$500
$2,000
Total Est. Annual Cost
$9,200
$30,000

Top International Schools Dubai 2025

Discover top International Schools in Dubai. Use the filters to find the right fit and contact schools directly from their profiles.

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WSGallery The Arbor School Dubai Academics 1

The Arbor School verified

  • Dubai - Middle East
  • Co-Education
  • 3 to 18 years old
no reviews
  • School type:International School
  • Yearly fee: 49,500 - 90,250 eur
  • Curriculum:British Curriculum
  • Foundation:2018
  • Community: 87 students
  • Examinations:A Level, IGCSE
  • Language:English
At Arbor, we believe in the transformative power of education that nurtures both the mind and the spirit. Our school is more than just a place to learn, it’s a vibrant community where students, educators, and families unite in a shared journey of growth, discovery, and purpose.Here, academic rigour goes hand in hand with character development and a deep commitment to sustainability. We challenge our students to reach their highest...
At Arbor School, we strive to deliver an exceptional educational experience through a dynamic and holistic curriculum. Rooted in the National Curriculum of England and enriched by our commitment to sustainability and global citizenship, our approach ensures students are prepared for the challenges of the modern world while nurturing a deep connection to ecological literacy and personal growth through educating for sustainability.
  • Emphasizes eco-literacy and sustainability.
  • Offers forest school and farm programs.
  • Features an innovative, biodome campus.

Annual tuition fees at The Arbor School range from 49,500 eur to 90,250 eur, depending on the student's grade level and program.

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GEMS Dubai American Academy – Dubai Branch

  • Dubai - Middle East
  • Co-Education
  • 3 to 18 years old
no reviews
  • School type:International School
  • Yearly fee: 63,026 - 88,488 aed
  • Curriculum:American Curriculum, IB Curriculum
  • Foundation:1988
  • Examinations:American Diploma, AP, IB Diploma
  • Language:English
Dubai American Academy offers an enriched American curriculum to students of all nationalities. Students graduate with the American High School Diploma and also have the option of concurrently pursuing the International Baccalaureate Diploma in the last two years of high school. A select few Advance Placement (AP) courses are also available to students in high school.
  • U.S. curriculum with global insight.
  • Impressive tech-driven learning.
  • Dedicated to arts and athletics.

Annual tuition fees at GEMS Dubai American Academy – Dubai Branch range from 63,026 aed to 88,488 aed, depending on the student's grade level and program.

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Kings’ School Al Barsha

  • Dubai - Middle East
  • Co-Education
  • 3 to 18 years old
no reviews
  • School type:International School
  • Yearly fee: 55,231 - 99,699 aed
  • Curriculum:British Curriculum
  • Foundation:2014
  • Examinations:A Level, IGCSE
  • Language:English
At Kings’ School Al Barsha we follow the National Curriculum for England as a framework which we then adapt to ensure a conceptual, integrated and enriched learning experience for our young learners. It is important that we contextualise the curriculum so that children understand what they are learning and why, by using the environment around them. It is also influenced by the individual and evolving needs of our children. The...
  • British Curriculum in Multicultural Dubai
  • Personalized Learning for Every Child
  • Empowering Creativity Through Theatre

Annual tuition fees at Kings’ School Al Barsha range from 55,231 aed to 99,699 aed, depending on the student's grade level and program.

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Kings’ School Dubai

  • Dubai - Middle East
  • Co-Education
  • 3 to 11 years old
no reviews
  • School type:International School
  • Yearly fee: 44,928 - 68,374
  • Curriculum:British Curriculum
  • Community: 60 nationalities
  • Language:English
At Kings' School Dubai, we strive to give every child in our care the education and wider learning experiences that they deserve. We are one of the foremost international schools in Dubai and welcome both global and local families into our community. Our academic approach is predominantly based on the British education system, but at Kings' we recognise the importance of bringing successful aspects of international educational culture into our...
  • British curriculum, Dubai innovation
  • Unwavering commitment to student health
  • Diverse extracurriculars, from golf to coding

Annual tuition fees at Kings’ School Dubai range from 44,928 to 68,374 , depending on the student's grade level and program.

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Dubai British School Emirate Hills

  • Dubai - Middle East
  • Co-Education
  • 3 to 18 years old
no reviews
  • School type:International School
  • Yearly fee: 50,496 - 75,746 aed
  • Curriculum:British Curriculum
  • Language:English
Dubai British School Emirates Hills is a safe and happy community where achievement and effort are celebrated. Embracing local and British values, we strive to inspire and challenge young minds in a supportive and tolerant international environment. We believe in supporting all members of the community to develop the necessary life and learning skills to thrive in an ever-changing global world. We provide a curriculum which is based on the...
  • IB curriculum with British tradition
  • Innovative tech-driven learning
  • Proven record of university placement

Annual tuition fees at Dubai British School Emirate Hills range from 50,496 aed to 75,746 aed, depending on the student's grade level and program.

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Dubai International Academy

  • Dubai - Middle East
  • Co-Education
  • 3 to 18 years old
no reviews
  • School type:International School
  • Yearly fee: 42,832 - 75,893 aed
  • Curriculum:IB Curriculum
  • Foundation:2005
  • Community: 2000 students
  • Language:English
Dubai International Academy is an IB School based in Dubai teaching children of all nationalities from ages 3-18. Dubai International Academy offers the Primary Years Program (PYP) for students aged 6–12, the Middle Years Program (MYP) for students aged 11–16, and the Diploma Program (DP) for students aged 16–19.
  • Unrivaled blend of IB and UAE curricula
  • Culturally diverse, fostering global minds
  • Impressive track record in university admissions

Annual tuition fees at Dubai International Academy range from 42,832 aed to 75,893 aed, depending on the student's grade level and program.

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Jumeirah English Speaking School

  • Dubai - Middle East
  • Co-Education
  • 3 to 18 years old
no reviews
  • School type:International School
  • Yearly fee: 44,340 - 96,669 aed
  • Curriculum:British Curriculum, IB Curriculum
  • Foundation:1976
  • Community: 2300 students
  • Language:English
JESS has been educating boys and girls from 3-18 years of age since 1976. Our staff and students from over 70 different countries form a thriving community that builds cultural connections based on respect and a sense of belonging both inside and outside the classroom.Parents choosing Early Years and Primary Learning can choose from two campuses: JESS Jumeirah –the first JESS School built in 1976 in Al Safa, or JESS...
  • First-rate UK curriculum in Dubai
  • Stellar reputation for arts & tech
  • Strong emphasis on global awareness

Annual tuition fees at Jumeirah English Speaking School range from 44,340 aed to 96,669 aed, depending on the student's grade level and program.

Swiss IS Dubai photo 1

Swiss International School Dubai

  • Dubai - Middle East
  • Co-Education
  • 3 to 18 years old
4 reviews
  • School type:Day & Boarding School
  • Yearly fee: 53,000 - 99,000 aed
  • Curriculum:IB Curriculum, Swiss Curriculum
  • Foundation:2015
  • Community: 1550 students • 88 nationalities
  • Examinations:IB Diploma
  • Language:Arabic, Bilingual, English, French, German
The Swiss International Scientific School in Dubai (SISD) is a leading international day and boarding school where future generations are inspired to become confident and enthusiastic lifelong learners, ready to embrace the opportunities and challenges of a global world.SISD provides an inspiring, inclusive and challenging learning environment while celebrating academic excellence. We encourage and support all our students to become successful, global minded, enthusiastic lifelong learners who will confidently take...
IB PYP, IB MYP, IB CP and IB DP
  • Bilingual curriculum for global citizens
  • State-of-the-art campus with tech labs
  • Emphasizes sustainability and wellness

Annual tuition fees at Swiss International School Dubai range from 53,000 aed to 99,000 aed, depending on the student's grade level and program.

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Dubai English Speaking College

  • Dubai - Middle East
  • Co-Education
  • 3 to 18 years old
no reviews
  • School type:International School
  • Curriculum:British Curriculum
  • Foundation:1963
  • Language:English
Dubai English Speaking School and College (DESSC) is the oldest English school in Dubai. Established in 1963, DESS and later DESC have offered a British education in Dubai for over half a century. Over this time, the schools have grown from single classrooms to some of the most advanced educational facilities in Dubai.
  • Diverse extracurricular opportunities
  • Unbeatable pastoral care system
  • Innovative tech integration in learning
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Nord Anglia International School Dubai

  • Dubai - Middle East
  • Co-Education
  • 3 to 19 years old
no reviews
  • School type:International School
  • Yearly fee: 66,302 - 100,265 aed
  • Curriculum:British Curriculum, IB Curriculum
  • Foundation:2014
  • Examinations:A Level, IB Diploma, IGCSE
  • Language:English
At Nord Anglia International School Dubai, we embrace creativity and innovation with our personalised approach to learning. In our warm and supportive community, your child will achieve more than they ever thought possible.Our global learning environment inspires every student to achieve the results they need for success. By gaining an understanding of how each child learns best, we personalise their entire learning experience. We take pride in our excellent results...
  • Global Campus for worldwide learning.
  • STEAM programme with MIT.
  • Unrivalled language immersion.

Annual tuition fees at Nord Anglia International School Dubai range from 66,302 aed to 100,265 aed, depending on the student's grade level and program.

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Victory Heights Primary School

  • Dubai - Middle East
  • Co-Education
  • 3 to 10 years old
no reviews
  • School type:International School
  • Yearly fee: 15,289 - 52,121 aed
  • Curriculum:British Curriculum
  • Language:English
Victory Heights is a British-curriculum primary school in Dubai. The curriculum is modelled on the National Curriculum for England, significantly enhanced by the International Primary Curriculum including studying Arabic and Spanish languages.
  • Innovative Learning through Forest School
  • Eco-friendly Campus Promoting Sustainability
  • Comprehensive Arabic and Islamic Studies

Annual tuition fees at Victory Heights Primary School range from 15,289 aed to 52,121 aed, depending on the student's grade level and program.

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Summary

Families choose international schools in Dubai for their robust academic programs, cultural diversity, and excellent facilities. These schools not only prepare students for global higher education but also foster a deep understanding and appreciation of global cultures, ensuring holistic development and readiness for the world stage.