Free checklist
Checklist: choosing a school in Dubai without losing your place
10 steps to choose a school calmly and on time — from curriculum and budget to documents and admissions. Leave your contact and we will send the checklist as a PDF.
- Decide on the curriculum: British/IGCSE, IB, American, CBSE, French or Russian — matched to your goals and where your child will go next.
- Check the KHDA rating, but keep in mind: full inspections are paused and the latest ratings are from 2023–24 — confirm the school’s current standing.
- Budget realistically: across Dubai fees run roughly from 3,500 to 108,000 AED per year, plus enrolment fees and transport.
- Confirm availability in the right year group — strong schools keep waiting lists, so apply early.
- Find out the entry assessment format (CAT4, interview) and the deadlines.
- Check the logistics: home district ↔ school, commute time, school bus.
- Account for compulsory Arabic and your child’s adjustment to a new environment.
- Gather documents in advance: passports, visas, vaccination record, report cards/transfer certificate with apostille.
- Plan for transfers between schools: mid-year withdrawal and admission rules differ.
- Final step: don’t choose alone — a short consultation saves weeks and stress.
Rules and figures in the UAE change often; this information is accurate as of the publication date. Confirm with official sources before deciding.
Need help with a specific school? Message us — we will match one to your child.