Non-Emirati students from specific categories can now apply for admission to UAE public schools for the upcoming academic year.
Eligible students from Grades 2 to 12 can enroll if they meet certain criteria. The Emirates Foundation for School Education has announced that GCC nationals, children of diplomats, holders of Emirati passports, holders of special decrees, and holders of Comoros passports can apply.
To qualify, a student’s parent must be employed by a government, semi-government, or local entity, and the student must achieve at least an 85 percent grade in Arabic, English, and Maths. Additionally, both the student and their parents must hold valid UAE residence visas. The number of non-citizen students admitted will be capped at 20 percent of the total student population in each classroom.
Regarding school fees, the UAE provides free education to UAE nationals, holders of UAE passports, GCC citizens, and children of those granted nationality by presidential or vice-presidential decree. Expat students are allowed to attend public schools by paying a tuition fee of Dhs6,000 and meeting the aforementioned conditions.
