Applying to international schools in Abu Dhabi follows a more structured process than in most other expat capitals because the Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) regulates curricula, fees and intake windows. This 2026 admissions guide walks expat families through ADEK rules, application timelines, required documents and fee bands so you can secure a place at the right school for September entry.
Why admissions in Abu Dhabi are different
Unlike most international school systems, Abu Dhabi has a single regulator — ADEK — that licenses every private and international school, approves curricula and reviews fee increases each year. This means parents can compare schools on a like-for-like basis using ADEK's annual school inspection ratings (Outstanding, Very Good, Good, Acceptable). Top schools fill up quickly, especially Year 7 and Year 12, so the timeline matters.
Curricula on offer
Abu Dhabi hosts British (UK National Curriculum, IGCSE, A-Level), American (US K-12, AP, IB Diploma), International Baccalaureate (PYP/MYP/DP), Indian (CBSE, ICSE) and a handful of French and German schools. Most international families choose between British and IB Continuum schools because of strong university outcomes and the wide spread of campuses across Khalifa City, Saadiyat Island and Reem Island.
Top international schools to apply to
Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi
Located on Saadiyat Island, Nord Anglia delivers the English National Curriculum with the IB Diploma in Years 12–13. It is consistently ADEK-rated as one of the strongest British IB schools in the UAE. View Nord Anglia Abu Dhabi on ISA.
Repton School Abu Dhabi
The UAE outpost of England's historic Repton School, offering UK National Curriculum from Foundation Stage to A-Level. Strong reputation in academics and sport, attracting many British and European families. View Repton School Abu Dhabi.
The British International School Abu Dhabi
A Nord Anglia school running UK Curriculum + IB Diploma in Rabdan, with a long-established expat community and strong ADEK ratings. View The British International School Abu Dhabi.
Brighton College Abu Dhabi
Sister school to England's Brighton College, located in Bloom Gardens. UK National Curriculum to A-Level with high entry standards in upper secondary. View Brighton College Abu Dhabi.
Aspen Heights British School
A growing British school in Mohammed bin Zayed City offering full UK Curriculum from FS1 to Year 13, with competitive fees relative to the Saadiyat-island schools. View Aspen Heights British School.
The 2026 admissions timeline
Most Abu Dhabi schools open applications between September and October the year before entry. The typical sequence is: application + non-refundable fee, in-school assessment or interview (Year 3 onwards), conditional offer, contract signing and the registration deposit. Top schools usually issue offers between January and March for September. Mid-year transfers from existing UAE schools are common but require a Transfer Certificate from the previous ADEK-licensed school.
Documents you must prepare
For a smooth ADEK-compliant application, gather: passport copies and Emirates ID for parents and child, the child's birth certificate (translated and attested if not English), the last two years of academic reports, immunisation records, a recent passport-sized photo, and the parents' tenancy contract or sponsor letter. Schools commonly request the official ADEK Transfer Certificate when moving from another UAE school.
What it costs in 2026
ADEK publishes school-by-school fee caps each year. As a guide, 2026 fee bands across Abu Dhabi international schools are roughly:
- FS1 / FS2: AED 35,000–60,000
- Primary (Years 1–6): AED 45,000–75,000
- Lower Secondary (Years 7–9): AED 55,000–85,000
- A-Level / IB Diploma: AED 75,000–110,000
Add registration (AED 500–1,500), books, uniform, transport (AED 6,000–9,000) and exam fees on top. ADEK requires schools to cap "additional charges" and publish them transparently.
Practical admissions tips
Visit campuses where possible — virtual tours have become common but real visits help you assess commute times. If you cannot travel before applying, ask the school for a parent reference call with current expat parents in your nationality group. Run the ADEK ranking and fee schedules side-by-side for your shortlist before paying any registration fee. Finally, never assume school transport is automatic; many schools sub-contract bus routes and capacity is limited.
Compare every school side by side
Use the ISA UAE ranking to compare every regulated international school in the country: Best International Schools in the United Arab Emirates 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need an Emirates ID before applying?
Most schools allow you to start the application before residency is finalised, but the school cannot complete enrolment until the child has an Emirates ID. Plan for a 6–8 week gap between offer and final enrolment.
Are siblings prioritised in Abu Dhabi admissions?
Yes, almost all international schools in Abu Dhabi operate a sibling priority policy. If you have one child enrolled, the next is generally fast-tracked, although assessment standards still apply.
Can you switch schools mid-year in Abu Dhabi?
Yes, with an ADEK Transfer Certificate from the current school. Mid-year transfers are common for relocations within the UAE, but availability in Year 7 and Year 12 is very limited.