School Education System in Dubai

Dubai is one of the leading centers of international education. In this article we will look at the features of school education, popular programs and admission requirements.

Dubai education system is one of the fastest growing in the world. Here are some illustrative figures: in the 1970s, the literacy rate of the UAE population was only 31% among women and 54% among men; today, this indicator is rapidly approaching 100% (in 2019, it was 97.6%). Quite impressive, isn’t it?

In this article, we will answer the most pressing questions:

• What are the features and advantages of school education in Dubai?

• What are the most popular educational programs in Dubai?

• How can a child enroll in school (and how much will it cost parents)?

Education in Dubai: Features and Advantages

Secondary education in the United Arab Emirates is a relatively recent phenomenon: it became compulsory only in 1971. Oddly enough, this is its huge advantage. The school system in Dubai (as well as in the country as a whole) combines the best practices, standards and experience of world education leaders such as the USA and Great Britain.

Moreover, the government actively supports (financially as well) the development of education in the country. Thus, from 2017 to 2020, the country annually allocated to the educational sector up to 20% of the state budget*.

*According to the official website of the UAE.

It is not surprising that in 2020, the UAE took 20th place in the ranking of the best countries in the world in terms of education system.

So, the main advantages of studying in Dubai are:

1. Innovation. Local schools use the latest technologies, which makes the learning process not only effective, but also extremely captivating. Online learning, virtual reality technologies, interactive boards — this is not a complete list of what students can expect in international schools in Dubai.

2. Compliance with international standards. The most popular education models are American, British and Swiss, as well as IB schools. In addition, many private schools in Dubai have been accredited by leading international organizations such as CIS (Council for International Schools). This means that graduates will have many more opportunities to continue their studies and find work abroad.

3. High quality of education. Both private and public schools strictly monitor the quality of training. All public schools follow the programs of the Ministry of Education of the Emirates, while the work of private schools is regulated by KHDA (Dubai Knowledge and Human Development Authority).

4. Learning several foreign languages. In public institutions, classes are conducted mainly in Arabic. In private schools, pupils study in English (or in the language of this particular school, if it’s different); Arabic is studied as a separate course. The opportunity to master several languages ​​at the same time develops flexibility and helps students adapt more easily to any environment.

5. Multicultural environment. It is no secret that 80% of the country's population are expats. This means that children will have the opportunity to learn more about other cultures, actively expand their horizons and develop communication skills.

6. Inclusiveness. The education system in Dubai takes into account the needs of different sections of the population. Any child, regardless of their special needs and limitations, has access to education and can count on the necessary social support.

7. Safety. The UAE is one of the safest countries to live in with a very low crime rate. The same applies to school education: schools have video surveillance and security systems, as well as first aid stations ready to provide immediate assistance if necessary.

International Schools in Dubai

As we mentioned above, all private schools are supervised by the KHDA. This ensures that they strictly adhere to educational standards, regardless of the chosen program.

Most private schools in Dubai follow the educational systems of the USA, UK, Switzerland and India. IB schools in Dubai are also extremely popular.

How to Enroll in a School in Dubai

Fluency in English is one of the mandatory requirements for admission. However, for younger students, the requirements may be less strict: many schools provide them with additional language courses.

In most schools, children can apply for admission, take preliminary testing and even entrance exams online. This is very convenient and saves time: if the child passes the exam successfully, he or she will be able to start studying immediately after moving to the UAE.

Here is an approximate list of documents for enrollment in expats school in Dubai (the list may vary in different schools):

• application for enrollment (a standard form can usually be downloaded from the official website of the school),

• Emirates ID of the child and parents (original and copies),

• child's birth certificate,

• copy of the student's residence visa,

• copy of the residence visa of the parent sponsoring the child,

• photos of the child,

• report card with grades for the last year,

• vaccination certificate.

School Tuition in Dubai

There are many factors that affect the cost of English-language education in Dubai: from the age of the child (the older the child, the more expensive the tuition) to the position of the school in the KHDA rating and the educational program (for example, the price of education in an American or British school is higher than, for example, in a German one). According to various sources, the price can vary from AED 6,000 to AED 130,000 per year.

Of course, private education in the Emirates is not cheap. Therefore, before applying for admission, you need to carefully weigh all the pros and cons. The most reasonable option is to consult a professional who knows all the nuances of education in the UAE.

With the right approach to choosing a school, studying in the Emirates will become an invaluable experience for your child — and give an excellent start in his or her life!