The United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers a wide range of educational institutions, from public and international schools to higher education institutes. This guide covers all the essential information you need to know about the education system in the UAE and how to choose the best institution for your needs. Whether you’re a parent looking for schools for your children, or a student seeking to advance your skills, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Schools in the UAE
The UAE provides education for all students, regardless of nationality, and has both public and private schools to cater to different needs.
Public Schools
Public schools in the UAE use the national curriculum and have Arabic as the language of instruction, with English taught as a second language. The government offers free education to UAE nationals, UAE passport holders, GCC citizens, and the children of those granted nationality by the President or Vice President of the UAE. Ex-pat students are also allowed to attend public schools but are required to pay fees, which are usually more affordable compared to private schools.
Private Schools
Private schools in the UAE offer a wide range of international curriculums, including British, American, IB, and Indian national curriculums. The fees at private schools can vary significantly, with yearly fees ranging from AED 2,643 to AED 114,128, and can also vary depending on the grade level.
Here is a look at the average fees for some of the top schools in the UAE:
- Dubai British School Emirates Hills (British curriculum) – AED 49,026 to AED 66,545
- GEMS Dubai American Academy (American curriculum) – AED 61,190 to AED 86,260
- Emirates Future International Academy (Abu Dhabi) (Indian curriculum) – AED 7,800 to AED 14,600
- Dubai International Academy Emirates Hills (IB curriculum) – AED 40,900 to AED 72,600
For a more in-depth look at private schools in a specific city, check out the links below for lists of the top schools in Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Umm Al Quwain.
School Ratings
Quality is a crucial factor when choosing a school, and the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) are government entities that assess private schools to help you make the best decision. The entities inspect private schools every year or two and evaluate the quality of teaching, curriculum, and student safety, among other criteria. You can check the school directories at KHDA and TAMM to explore individual school profiles in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, respectively, and access their inspection reports to get an in-depth understanding of the school’s strengths and weaknesses.
Higher Education in the UAE
The UAE is now home to some of the best universities in the region, thanks to the significant strides made by the Ministry of Education in recent years. The American University of Sharjah, UAE University, and Khalifa University are ranked among the top 400 universities in the world according to the QS World University Rankings 2022.
In addition to the public universities, the UAE also hosts several well-ranked universities from other countries, such as Middlesex University Dubai, University of Wollongong Dubai, Murdoch University Dubai, Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai, New York University in Abu Dhabi, and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi. Public universities in the UAE, including UAE University, Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), and Khalifa University, are open to UAE citizens and offer free education.
Ranking Systems
The UAE has several ranking systems for schools and universities that help students and their families make informed decisions about where to study. Some of the most notable ranking systems in the UAE include:
- KHDA Rankings: The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) is responsible for the regulation and improvement of education in Dubai. The KHDA releases an annual report that ranks schools in Dubai based on various criteria, including student achievement, teacher quality, and school resources.
- QS World University Rankings: This annual ranking system is based on academic reputation, employer reputation, and research impact. It is considered one of the most comprehensive and widely used university ranking systems in the world.
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings: This annual ranking system is based on 13 performance indicators, including teaching, research, and international outlook.
Conclusion
The UAE is a great place to live and study, with a wealth of educational opportunities for students of all ages. Whether you are a parent looking for the best school for your child, or a student looking to continue your education