Education in Dubai: Schools and Universities
Dubai is a modern and attractive city, attracting thousands of expatriates every year to settle for professional or personal reasons.
Education in Dubai: Schools and Universities
Dubai is a top destination for expatriates, thanks in particular to its dynamic and cosmopolitan lifestyle. One of the most important aspects for families moving to Dubai is finding quality schools for their children. Dubai's education system is diverse and offers a wide range of options. This article presents the best schools and universities for expatriates in Dubai, as well as an overview of the education system.
The Education System in Dubai
The education system in Dubai is characterized by its diversity and international openness. It is mainly divided into two sections: public schools, which follow the Emirati curriculum in Arabic, and private schools, which represent about 90% of institutions and offer programs based on various international curricula such as the British, American, IB (International Baccalaureate), and others.
Public schools: Mainly accessible to Emirati citizens. Public schools follow the national curriculum in Arabic with a strong emphasis on Islamic studies.
Private schools: Expatriates generally opt for private schools, which offer international curricula. These schools are regulated by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).
The KHDA evaluates and rates institutions based on quality criteria.
Language of instruction: English is the predominant language of instruction in private schools, which facilitates the integration of expatriate children.
The Best Schools for Expatriates in Dubai
1. Dubai College (British System): Renowned for its excellent academic results, Dubai College is one of the most prestigious schools in the city, offering the British curriculum from Year 7 to A-Level. The school also places a strong emphasis on extracurricular activities, making it a popular choice among expatriate families.
2. GEMS World Academy (IB): This school is known for its high-quality IB (International Baccalaureate) program, from kindergarten to the IB diploma. GEMS World Academy is recognized for its inclusive environment and commitment to the holistic development of students.
3. American School of Dubai (American System): Offering the American curriculum, this school is one of the oldest and most respected in Dubai. It provides a comprehensive program from kindergarten to high school, with a focus on college preparation and a wide range of sports and arts activities.
4. Swiss International Scientific School (French/English Bilingual and IB): This school is unique in Dubai for its bilingual offering in French and English, as well as its IB program. The school emphasizes scientific learning and language skills, ideal for French-speaking or multilingual families.
5. King's School Dubai (British System): Renowned for its innovative teaching approach, King's School Dubai offers the British curriculum from kindergarten to Year 6. It is regularly ranked among the best primary schools in Dubai by the KHDA.
The Best Universities for Expatriates in Dubai
Dubai is also home to campuses of some of the best international universities, offering world-class education without leaving the Emirates.
1. University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD): This Australian university offers undergraduate and master's programs in various fields such as business, engineering, and information sciences.
2. American University in Dubai (AUD): With its modern campus and US-accredited programs, AUD is a popular option among international students. It offers programs in liberal arts, business, communication, engineering, and more.
3. Heriot-Watt University Dubai (UK): Known for its excellence in engineering, management, and social sciences, Heriot-Watt University is an extension of its UK campus, offering identical and internationally recognized degrees.
4. Middlesex University Dubai (UK): Offering a range of UK-accredited programs, this university attracts students seeking high-quality British education with an international perspective.
Tips for Choosing a School or University in Dubai
– Check the KHDA reports: Before choosing a school, consult the reports and ratings from the KHDA which assess the quality of teaching and other important aspects such as management and the school environment.
– Visit the institutions: If possible, visit the schools or universities to talk with staff, see the facilities, and better understand the learning environment.
– Consider the curriculum: Make sure the proposed curriculum matches your child's academic needs and your future plans, especially if you plan to return to your home country.
– Fees and associated costs: Tuition fees can vary considerably. Make sure you fully understand the associated costs, including uniforms, textbooks, and extracurricular activities.
Overview of Tuition Fees in Major Dubai Schools in 2024:
Lycée Français International AFLEC : Fees range between 27,000 AED and 58,600 AED per year. Fees vary depending on the school level.
GEMS Jumeirah Primary School (UK curriculum): Fees start at 42,000 AED per year.
Safa British School (UK curriculum): Annual fees start at 43,000 AED. There are French course options for French-speaking students.
Nord Anglia International School : Offers an English program with a strong offering for French-speaking students. Annual fees start at 66,800 AED.
Collegiate International School (IB curriculum): Fees vary by level, going up to about 100,000 AED annually.
Dubai College : Les frais de scolarité annuels sont de 92,865 AED pour les étudiants de 7 à 13 ans.
GEMS World Academy : Les frais varient entre 73,800 AED (niveau Pre-KG) et 114,128 AED (12e année).
American School of Dubai : Les frais sont de 87,268 AED pour les classes de Grade 1 à 12. Comptez un frais supplémentaire pour les installations de 12,984 AED. Il y a également un frais unique de 22,000 AED pour les nouveaux élèves (appelé « frais de capital »)
Swiss International Scientific School : Les frais vont de 62,484 AED (niveau Pre-KG) à 120,598 AED (12e année).
Kings School Dubai : Voici les frais de scolarité pour Kings' School Dubai pour l'année scolaire 2024-2025 :
Foundation Stage 1 et 2 (Maternelle) : 44,928 AED par an.
1ère année à 4ème année (CP à CE2) : 56,652 AED par an.
5ème année et 6ème année (CM1 et CM2) : 68,374 AED par an.
Ces montants n'incluent généralement pas les frais supplémentaires comme les uniformes, le transport ou d'autres services spéciaux.
Pour conclure,
Dubaï offre une vaste gamme d'options éducatives pour les expatriés. Cela répond aux besoins d'élèves et d'étudiants de tous horizons.
Vous garantirez à vos enfants une éducation de qualité dans un environnement stimulant et multiculturel.
Pour une assistance dans le choix d'une école ou d'une université à Dubai, LATRECHE Associates sera votre partenaire de confiance.