In May 2026 the KHDA confirmed there would be no increase in private school tuition for the 2026–27 academic year. For the tens of thousands of families budgeting for the year ahead, that is welcome news — but “frozen fees” does not mean “no surprises.” Tuition is only one line on the bill.
This guide breaks down what Dubai school fees actually look like in 2026–27: what the freeze covers, what it does not, how tuition varies by curriculum, and how to find an excellent school that fits your budget.
The 2026–27 fee freeze, in plain English
Under directives from Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, the KHDA confirmed on 22 May 2026 that private schools in Dubai may not raise tuition for the 2026–27 academic year. In short: the headline tuition figure at your chosen school should be the same as the previous year.
What the freeze does not cover
The freeze applies to tuition only. Several other costs can still change from year to year:
- Registration fee — a one-time charge, typically AED 500–1,500.
- Refundable deposit — often AED 2,000–15,000, credited to later fees or returned.
- Books and resources — roughly AED 1,000–3,000 per year.
- Uniform — around AED 500–1,500 per year.
- Transport — commonly AED 6,000–12,000 per year.
Two more things the freeze cannot stop: a child moving up into a higher grade usually pays more, and a sibling or early-payment discount may expire. Always confirm every figure against the school’s official KHDA Fee Fact Sheet.
Typical annual tuition by curriculum
Fees vary enormously by curriculum and school tier. As a rough guide for 2026–27 (verify per school):
| Curriculum | Typical annual tuition range |
|---|---|
| Indian / CBSE | AED 4,000 – 25,000 |
| UAE MOE | AED 3,000 – 20,000 |
| British | AED 12,000 – 110,000 |
| American | AED 15,000 – 95,000 |
| IB | AED 30,000 – 120,000 |
Within every curriculum the range is wide, so the curriculum alone will not tell you the price — the individual school does.
How to read a KHDA Fee Fact Sheet
Every Dubai private school publishes a one-page KHDA Fee Fact Sheet that separates mandatory, optional and additional fees. Read it before you commit: it is the single most reliable source for what you will actually pay, grade by grade.
Finding a great school within your budget
On UAESchool.ae you can filter every school by tuition, curriculum and emirate. If budget is the priority, start with our guide to the best affordable schools in Dubai under AED 20,000, then narrow by area and curriculum. Not sure which system fits your child? See our curriculum comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Dubai school fees go up in 2026–27?
No. The KHDA confirmed a tuition freeze for 2026–27, so schools cannot raise their published tuition. Other costs such as transport and uniforms can still change.
What extra costs should I budget for beyond tuition?
Typically registration (AED 500–1,500), a refundable deposit (AED 2,000–15,000), books (AED 1,000–3,000), uniform (AED 500–1,500) and transport (AED 6,000–12,000) per year.
Why might my child’s fees still rise despite the freeze?
Moving up to a higher grade usually carries higher tuition, and any sibling or early-payment discount you held may expire.