All expat children attend private schools in Dubai; the only government-funded schools are Arabic-speaking for UAE nationals. School fees are constantly on the up so do try and negotiate an education allowance in your employment package. However, note that these are not as common as they once were.

The year is split into three school terms: autumn (mid September to mid December), spring (early January to early April) and summer (mid April to early July). Most schools operate Sunday to Thursday from 8am to 1pm or 3pm. The schools’ administrative offices are often open until 4pm or 5pm.

One of the biggest challenges to enrolling your child in the school of your choice can be long waiting lists. You should apply as early as possible and follow up with the school regularly — and be sure to apply to a minimum of three schools to keep your options open.

Prerequisites

• Students are aged between three and 18 years old
• UAE resident

• Passport-sized photos of the child (six).
• Each parent/guardian’s passport and residence visa (copies).
• Child’s Resident ID (two copies).
• Child’s passport and residence visa (two copies).
• Child’s birth certificate in English or Arabic; if not, this should be translated and authenticated by your embassy or consulate (copies).
• Diagnostic testing or educational assessment (copy).
• Most recent school report (copy).
• Recent medical record and copy of child’s vaccination card.
• Any psychological assessments (if applicable).

For children aged five and above:

• School transfer certificate in English or Arabic (if not, this should be translated and authenticated by your embassy  or consulate). The transfer certificate must confirm the grade completed and exit date from the current school.
• In the case of a local transfer (from another school in the UAE), the transfer certificate must be attested by Dubai government’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), or other educational authority in the UAE. Attestation of transfer certificates is not required for America, Canada, Europe, Australia or New Zealand.
• For all other countries, the transfer certificate must be attested by the Ministry of Education’s Department of Foreign Affairs and the UAE embassy in the country where the certificate was issued.

• If spaces are available and the waiting list open, apply to the school by completing the application form. Your child may be invited for an assessment or test.
• Pay the required application fee – typically Dhs.500 (non-refundable).
• Submit all required documentation (some may only be required when a place is confirmed).
• If the student is accepted, pay the school registration fee to secure your place; this can be as much as the first term’s fees.