Riyadh has changed faster than almost any expat city in the last few years. Vision 2030, the influx of regional headquarters and the wave of new schools opening their doors mean the international schooling map looks very different from how it did even five years ago. For expat families arriving in 2026, the upside is real choice; the downside is that the best places fill quickly. This guide explains how the system works, which schools are worth shortlisting, and what realistic fees in Saudi riyals look like.
The Riyadh School Market in 2026
Saudi Arabia regulates international schools centrally through the Ministry of Education. Most international schools in Riyadh are licensed under the Private Education sector and follow one of the major global curricula. The main shift in recent years has been mixed-nationality enrolment: it is now standard for international schools to admit Saudi nationals alongside expats, which has lifted the quality bar and increased competition for places.
Curricula on Offer
- British (Cambridge, IGCSE, A-Levels) — the dominant offer in Riyadh.
- American (US High School Diploma, AP) — strong American-accredited schools, especially in the diplomatic quarter.
- IB (PYP, MYP, DP) — growing rapidly, with several new IB World Schools opening.
- Spanish, French, German and Indian streams — embassy schools and community-led options.
- Saudi National Curriculum with English enhancement — for families planning long-term residence.
Top International Schools in Riyadh for 2026
Reigate Grammar School Riyadh
A branch of the highly regarded British school, opened with strong academic credentials and a focus on selective British curriculum delivery from Reception through to A-Levels. See the school profile.
SEK International School Riyadh
Part of the SEK International network, offering the IB Programme from PYP through to the Diploma. Multilingual environment with a Spanish-international heritage. See the school profile.
One World International School
A Singapore-style IB school with a growing reputation for academic results and pastoral care. See the school profile.
Modern Global International Schools
A British-curriculum school with multiple stages and a strong reputation for English-language support for non-native speakers. See the school profile.
International School Fees in Riyadh
Riyadh fees have risen with the influx of premium new schools, but the market still offers significant range. Annual tuition ranges for 2026:
- Kindergarten (KG1-KG3): SAR 25,000-SAR 60,000
- Primary (Grades 1-6): SAR 35,000-SAR 90,000
- Lower secondary (Grades 7-9): SAR 45,000-SAR 110,000
- Upper secondary, IGCSE, A-Levels and IB Diploma: SAR 60,000-SAR 140,000
Add one-off enrolment fees (SAR 3,000-SAR 10,000), refundable deposits (typically one term), bus, lunch, uniform and the usual extras. Many expat packages include an education allowance — confirm the gross cap and whether it covers extras.
Where the Schools Cluster
Riyadh's main schooling districts:
- Diplomatic Quarter (DQ) — concentrated location of embassy-affiliated and premium international schools.
- Al Aqiq and Al Sahafa — newer suburbs hosting many of the most recent school openings.
- Al Olaya and Al Malqa — central districts with several established schools.
- Riyadh North (King Abdullah Financial District side) — convenient for the financial-services workforce.
Traffic in Riyadh is heavy but manageable compared with Jakarta or Manila. A 30-minute commute is acceptable; an hour each way is a quality-of-life problem.
Saudi-Specific Considerations
Some schools historically segregated by gender. The current direction of travel under Vision 2030 has relaxed this in many international schools, but check the policy for each school against your family's preferences.
The Saudi school year runs from August to June. Mid-year transfers (typically January) are possible but more limited at the most popular schools. Apply in November-January for an August start.
Practical Tips
Your iqama (residence permit) needs to be issued before final enrolment can be confirmed. Schools accept conditional offers pending iqama issuance — get the conditional offer in writing.
If your child has additional learning needs, ask each school for the specific provision on offer. Coverage in Riyadh has improved but remains uneven across providers.
Compare All International Schools in Riyadh
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FAQ
Do international schools in Riyadh teach in English?
Yes. British, American and IB schools deliver the academic programme entirely in English. Arabic is taught as a subject and is mandatory for Muslim students.
Is Islamic Studies compulsory for non-Muslim students?
Generally no. Non-Muslim students typically take a non-religious alternative such as ethics or cultural studies during Islamic Studies periods. Confirm with each school.
When does the academic year start?
August. The year runs to mid-June, with the main school holidays in summer and at the end of the second semester.