How to Get School Admission in Dubai

If you are looking to get school admission for your child in Dubai, a plethora of options await you. With over 200 schools and 17 curricula, it all comes down to your choice and school requirements.

Here, we’ve listed the complete process for school admission. Also, if you want to transfer your kid from one school to another, you can find the tips in this article.

• Understanding the Dubai Schooling System
• Age Requirement for School Admission in Dubai
• Steps to Get School Admission in Dubai
• Tips for a Smooth Admission Process
• What If You’re Transferring Within Dubai?
• FAQs

Understanding the Dubai Schooling System

Schools in Dubai are regulated by KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority). Academic calendars and admissions requirements for most schools are tied to their curriculum. Some of the most sought-after curricula in Dubai are:

• British (UK) National Curriculum
• American Curriculum
• International Baccalaureate (IB)
• Indian Curriculum (CBSE/ICSE)
• UAE Ministry of Education Curriculum
• Others (French, Canadian, German, Filipino, etc.)

Age Requirement for School Admission in Dubai

Dubai is home to a wide range of KHDA-rated schools offering various curricula, each with structured entry levels based on age. One of the most important factors when applying for school admission in Dubai is your child’s age. The KHDA has set clear age cut-offs that schools are required to follow strictly to ensure age-appropriate academic development.

Note: For Indian curricula schools in Dubai, the age cut-off is based on March 31 instead of August 31. For example, a child must be 6 years old by March 31 to be eligible for Grade 1.

Steps to Get School Admission in Dubai

Whether you’re applying to one of Dubai’s many KHDA-rated private schools or seeking admission into a government-run public school in Dubai, understanding the step-by-step process can help you secure a spot smoothly and on time.

Step 1: Research and Shortlist Schools

Start by identifying schools that align with your preferred curriculum, location, budget, and values. You can visit KHDA’s official directory to compare schools.

• KHDA rating 
• Annual fees
• Facilities and extracurricular activities
• Distance from home/work
• Language support

Step 2: Visit and Inquire

Once you have a shortlist, contact the schools directly to:

• Check seat availability
• Schedule a school tour or open day
• Understand the admission requirements
• Discuss your child’s specific needs

Step 3: Prepare and Submit Documents

Most schools will require the following documents at the time of application:

• Child’s passport copy
• The child’s UAE residence visa
• The Emirates ID of the child and both parents
• Birth certificate (attested if applicable)
• Passport-size photos
• Immunisation/vaccination records
• Previous school reports (for Grade 1 and above)
• Transfer certificate (if transferring from another school)
• Parents’ passports and Emirates ID copies

Step 4: Fill out the Application & Pay Fees

After choosing the school, begin by filling out the application form, which is usually available online through the school’s website or can be collected in person. Alongside the completed form, you will need to pay a non-refundable application fee, depending on the school. 

Step 5: Assessment or Interview

Once your application is processed, most schools will invite your child for an assessment or interview, depending on the grade level. For younger children, this may involve a play-based session to observe their motor skills, interaction, and basic learning abilities. 

For older students, schools often conduct written tests in subjects like English, Math, or Science to assess academic readiness. Additionally, many schools schedule a brief interview with the child or parents to understand the student’s personality, language skills, and overall fit for the school community.

Step 6: Admission Decision and Offer Letter

If your child passes the assessment and a seat is available, the school will issue an offer letter or confirmation email. To secure the spot, you’ll need to confirm the admission and pay the seat reservation or registration fee as instructed.

Step 7: KHDA Registration and Parent-School Contract

After confirming the seat, the school will proceed to register your child with KHDA. You’ll need to sign the KHDA Parent-School Contract online and submit original documents like your child’s Emirates ID and passport for verification.

Tips for a Smooth Admission Process

• Apply early: Seats fill up fast, especially in high-demand schools.

• Follow up: Don’t hesitate to call and follow up after application submission.

• Stay organised: Keep all documents ready and scanned.

• Be flexible: Consider more than one curriculum or school location.

• Understand the KHDA guidelines, especially when transferring between schools.

What If You’re Transferring Within Dubai?

If your child is already enrolled in a Dubai school and you’re planning to switch to another, the transfer process is relatively straightforward. Start by informing your current school and requesting a KHDA-approved transfer certificate. Once that’s issued, the new school will initiate a KHDA transfer request on your behalf. 

While some steps may be simplified, you’ll still need to complete any required assessments and submit the necessary documents as per the new school’s admission policy.

FAQs

Getting school admission in Dubai involves planning, understanding KHDA regulations, and preparing all required documents. Whether you’re enrolling your child for the first time or transferring from another school or country, the process is structured and manageable.

Furthermore, you can also check out the Dubai schooling guide for a better experience on the Property Finder Blog.

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