School Admission in Dubai & UAE (2025): Dates, Process & Parent Guide

The 2025–26 school year in Dubai and across the UAE has already begun in many institutions, and for families still looking to secure admission, it’s important to act fast. Whether you’re a newly relocated family or planning a transfer, understanding the admission process, key dates, required documents, and school guidelines is essential.

In this blog, we simplify the school admission process in Dubai and UAE with clear explanations, updated timelines, and helpful tips, making it easier for parents to navigate their next steps confidently.

Admission Timeline & Dates of School Admission in Dubai & UAE

• Government school registration opened from Feb 10 to March 7, 2025, with free tuition for UAE nationals and eligible GCC families, or fee-paying admission for expats if criteria met.
• Most private schools in Dubai begin accepting applications between October and January, especially for September intake. Mid-year admissions depend on seat availability.

Who Can Apply & Eligibility for School Admission in Dubai & UAE

• Government Schools (UAE nationals, GCC): Free education, automatic eligibility.
• Expat Students(a person who lives outside their native country): Must meet criteria UAE residence visa, parent employed by government/local entity, minimum 85% grade in core subjects, and within classroom capacity.
• Private Schools (all students): Age-based grade placement and past school records/CAT 4 tests as needed.

If you want to know about the Academic Calendar for Indian Schools in UAE: 2025–26 Schedule, checkout the blog given below,

• Attestation rules: Students transferring from outside UAE (e.g., India or other GCC) must have their Transfer Certificate attested by relevant authorities (e.g., the Indian Consulate or the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs) before submission.

Step-by-Step process to Applying for School Admission in Dubai & UAE

1. Online Enquiry/Registration:
   • Complete the school’s online registration/enquiry form on its website.
   • Pay the non-refundable application fee.
2. Document Submission:
   • Student’s and parents’ passport copies with valid UAE residence visa.
   • Emirates IDs (student + parents).
   • Birth certificate (English/Arabic).
   • Most recent school report card/marksheet or transfer certificate (attested if coming from abroad; check attestation steps for India, GCC, or other countries).
   • Vaccination record, passport-size photographs.
3. Assessment / Interview:
   • Kindergarten: Observation or interactive session.
   • Grades: Written test in English, Maths, and sometimes Science.
   • Assessment is friendly, focused on readiness rather than selection.
4. Offer & Confirmation:
   • You receive an admission offer email.
   • Pay the registration deposit (10% of tuition, adjusted against fee bill).
   • Sign KHDA Parent-School contract via the KHDA portal (for Dubai); verify/complete student details.
5. Final Enrollment:
   • Submit remaining documents if required.
   • Pay the first term’s tuition fees to secure the seat.

To stay updated on when schools resume classes, check out our detailed blog on the latest academic calendar and term schedules across Dubai and the UAE.

Tips for Parents & Students

• Apply early before seats fill, especially for popular schools.
• Be ready with all documents and attestations in advance.
• Attend open days or virtual tours to shortlist schools.
• Choose schools with your specific curriculum preference (British, Indian CBSE/ICSE, IB, etc.).
• Consider school inspections and KHDA ratings when selecting.

Are you looking for trusted online tuition in Dubai, UAE, or Qatar for your child? Look no further! Interval Learning offers expert one-on-one academic tuition for students from Classes 1 to 12 across all curriculums.

Our online classes are:

• Flexible and convenient for your time zone
• Taught by experienced and friendly tutors
• Aligned with CBSE, ICSE, and international curriculums
• Focused on building strong subject foundations and boosting confidence

No matter where you are in the UAE or Qatar, your child can now learn from the comfort of home with Interval’s online tuition.
Join today and give your child the academic support they deserve!

Your UAE School Admission Support Starts Here with Interval

Admission season for Dubai and broader UAE schools (2025–26) is underway. Government school registration closed in March. For private schools, most accept registrations from October to January for a September start. 

Detailed documents, attestation protocols, and assessments are part of the process. Early application, clarity on certification, and scholarship/tour queries are key steps to prepare students for a smooth transition.

If you're preparing for required assessments, Interval Learning is here to support you at every step. From academic foundation classes to language support, we make your child’s school journey in Dubai, Qatar, or any Region in UAE stress-free and successful. 

Get in touch with Interval today and start early with confidence!