Revealed: Average private school fees in Abu Dhabi

Average fees for private schools in Abu Dhabi have risen significantly in the last 10 years, although they vary widely based on the curriculum, according to a new report.

The report by online education guide Edarabia found that school fees in the UAE capital range from Dhs2,200 to Dhs96,333 ($600 to $26,300) per annum, excluding additional fees for admission, transportation, school uniforms, and books.

Several factors including location, curriculum (UK, US, CBSE, IB), academic track record and facilities impact the fee structure.

As of 2016, Abu Dhabi has 186 registered private schools including four SABIS schools, 27 Indian schools, 42 British schools, 45 American school, 49 Ministry of Education (MOE) schools and 19 others.

The schools have 236,000 students of different nationalities – with UAE nationals accounting for 24 per cent – and employ 11,959 teachers.

Overall, around 82 per cent of private school students are enrolled in private schools which offer “affordable” to “medium” fees, Edarabia said.

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The report also found that Abu Dhabi has seen a consistent growth in the number of new private schools, with 11 new institutions added in 2012-2013, 14 in 2013-2014, 11 in 2014-2015, nine in 2015-2016 and 10 in 2016-2017.

Looking ahead, the demand for schools is set to increase further.

Top 10 most expensive schools

(Based on fees for Grade 12/Year 13)

(Stats from Edarabia, based on schools that have publicly announced their fees)

1. Cranleigh Abu Dhabi School

Fees (per annum): Dhs96,333

Curriculum: British

2. American Community School (ACS), Abu Dhabi

Fees (per annum): Dhs78,300

Curriculum: American

3. Brighton College Abu Dhabi (BCAD)

Fees (per annum): Dhs74,100

Curriculum: British

4. Al Mamoura Academy

Fees (per annum): Dhs70,400

Curriculum: British, International Baccalaureate (IB)

5. GEMS American Academy, Abu Dhabi

Fees (per annum): Dhs70,100

Curriculum: American, International Baccalaureate (IB)

6. Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Girls

Fees (per annum): Dhs63,700

Curriculum: American

7. British International School, Abu Dhabi

Fees (per annum): Dhs63,200

Curriculum: British

8. Al Bateen School

Fees (per annum): Dhs62,844

Curriculum: British

9. British School Al Khubairat

Fees (per annum): Dhs62,300

Curriculum: British

10. West Yas Academy

Fees (per annum): Dhs61,500

Curriculum: American

Top 10 least expensive schools in Dubai

(Based on fees for Grade 12/Year 13)

(Stats from Edarabia, based on schools that have publicly announced their fees)

1. Iranian Private School

Fees (per annum): Dhs3,050

Curriculum: Iranian

2. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Bangladish School

Fees (per annum): Dhs5,100

Curriculum: Bangladeshi

3. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Arab Pakistan Private School

Fees (per annum): Dhs5,800

Curriculum: Pakistani

4. The Model School

Fees (per annum): Dhs6,200

Curriculum: CBSE

5. Saint Joseph’s School

Fees (per annum): Dhs9,100

Curriculum: CBSE

6. Abu Dhabi Indian School

Fees (per annum): Dhs10,234

Curriculum: CBSE

7. Beit Al Maqdes International Private School

Fees (per annum): Dhs10,500

Curriculum: MOE

8. Sunrise English Private School

Fees (per annum): Dhs10,700

Curriculum: CBSE

9. Baraem Al Ain Private School

Fees (per annum): Dhs12,000

Curriculum: MOE

10. Al Manara Private School

Fees (per annum): Dhs12,700

Curriculum: Arabic, Islamic

The full list of schools with their tuition fees can be found here.

Also read: Revealed: Most and least expensive schools in Dubai