Attending high school in the United Arab Emirates gives students the opportunity to earn an international diploma, with a wide choice of curricula, in one of the world's most international school environments. Hundreds of private schools across the country, especially in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, teach British, American, International Baccalaureate (IB) and other international curricula.
Because most of the UAE's population is made up of expatriates, high school education is largely delivered through international private schools. This makes it easy for students from Turkey to adapt to a multicultural environment. The UAE is a strong high school option, especially for families who move there for work or to live.
Attending high school in the UAE offers students important academic and personal advantages.
The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates on the eastern side of the Arabian Peninsula: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. The capital is Abu Dhabi. The official language is Arabic, but English is widely used in daily life and business. The currency is the UAE dirham.
The UAE is known for its modern cities, strong economy, advanced infrastructure and multicultural population drawn from all over the world. The country has a hot desert climate, and summers are very hot; for this reason, most schools take a long summer break.
In the UAE, public schools mainly serve Emirati citizens. Most international students attend private schools that follow the curricula of different countries. As a result, the structure of high school education depends on the curriculum the school follows.
Private schools fall under the education authority of the emirate they are located in. These authorities regularly inspect and rate schools. In private schools across the country, Arabic is compulsory for all students, and Islamic Studies is compulsory for Muslim students.
The main types of high schools international students can choose from in the UAE are:
There are different high school programs in the UAE depending on the student's goals:
Application requirements for high schools in the UAE vary depending on the school and curriculum. Schools usually ask for report cards from recent years, a transcript, a transfer certificate from the previous school and teacher references. Many schools also hold an English proficiency assessment, an entrance exam and an interview with the student and family.
Students coming from another country may need to have their previous school documents attested and go through an equivalency process for them to be recognized in the UAE. The student must also hold a valid UAE residence permit.
The school year in the UAE usually starts in late August and ends in late June or early July. The school year is divided into three terms, with winter and spring breaks in between.
Schools usually accept applications throughout the year. However, since places at popular schools fill up quickly and some schools have waiting lists, it is advisable to apply a few months before the school year begins, ideally during the previous academic year.
The emirate to choose for high school in the UAE depends on where the family will live, its budget and the curriculum it is aiming for.
Free education at public schools in the UAE applies only to Emirati citizens. Admission of international students to public schools is limited and fee-paying. For this reason, there is no tuition-free high school option in the UAE for students from Turkey.
Most international students attend fee-paying international private schools. Some schools may offer scholarships based on academic, sporting or artistic achievement, as well as sibling discounts.
High school fees in the UAE vary widely depending on the emirate, the curriculum, the school's inspection rating and the facilities it offers. Fee increases at private schools are regulated by the education authorities of each emirate.
When planning your budget, you should account for registration fees, school transport, uniforms, books, school trips, health insurance, residence permit costs and accommodation in addition to tuition.
At NGGlobal, we keep you informed about current school fees and work with you to choose the school that best fits your budget and goals.
High school students in the UAE usually live with their families. Most schools in the country are day schools, and students are expected to live with their parents or legal guardians.
For students whose families will stay in Turkey, attending high school in the UAE alone is very limited because of visa and accommodation requirements. For this reason, it is important to assess the options that suit the family's situation before starting to plan.
Students who want to attend high school in the UAE must hold a valid residence permit. The residence permit for minor students is usually issued under the sponsorship of their parents, who must be legally resident in the UAE.
Options for students whose parents do not live in the country are very limited and depend on whether the school can sponsor the student. The application usually requires documents such as a passport, a school acceptance letter, a parental consent form, health insurance and a medical check.
Since visa and residence conditions may change, it is important to plan your application early. At NGGlobal, we support our students and their families at every step of this process.
Students who complete part of their high school education in the UAE must obtain recognition (denklik) from the Turkish Ministry of National Education to continue their education where they left off when they return to Turkey. Students who earn A-Levels, the IB Diploma or an American high school diploma must also obtain recognition of their diploma to apply to universities in Turkey.
For the recognition process to run smoothly, the courses taken and grades earned in the UAE must be documented, and the documents must be certified and translated. It is advisable to speak with the Provincial Directorate of National Education before choosing a school to learn the recognition requirements.
At NGGlobal, we offer free consultation to students who want to attend high school in the UAE and to their families. By assessing the student's age, academic background, university goals and the family's budget, we identify the most suitable school.
Contact us to build your plan for high school in the UAE together.
Most of the international private schools chosen by international students teach in English. Arabic is also compulsory for all students.
You should choose based on your university goals. A-Levels for the UK, the American curriculum for the USA and Canada, and the IB Diploma Program for flexibility across different countries are the leading options.
No. Free education at public schools applies only to Emirati citizens. International students usually attend fee-paying international private schools.
This option is very limited. The residence permit for minor students is usually sponsored by parents living in the country. The conditions at the limited number of schools offering boarding need to be assessed separately.
Yes. If you prepare all the required documents, you can obtain recognition from the Turkish Ministry of National Education and use your diploma in Turkey, including for university applications.
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