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How Dubai admissions work
Start with the full picture in our international schools in Dubai directory, which lists schools by curriculum and stage. Unlike state systems with one closing date, Dubai international schools take applications throughout the year and process them as places come up, all within the academic calendar that KHDA sets for the emirate. Because admission is by application and assessment rather than by catchment, the real constraint is supply: each year group has a fixed number of seats, and once they are taken the school moves applicants to a waiting list. That is why the practical deadline differs by school, year group and curriculum, and why an early application genuinely widens your choice.
When to apply for 2026
The academic year follows a British or American shape, late August to early July, with two main entry points. Applications for the August and September intake usually open the previous October or November, and the most in-demand schools accept registrations 12 to 18 months ahead of entry. For a September 2026 start, that means having applications in during late 2025 and the first months of 2026, and earlier still for selective sixth forms and oversubscribed primary year groups.
| Intake | Typical timing |
|---|---|
| Applications open for the next school year | October to November of the preceding year |
| Main intake | September, at the start of the academic year |
| Mid-year intake | January, where places exist |
| In-year admissions | Any point, subject to availability |
| Popular and selective schools | Register 12 to 18 months ahead |
These windows are indicative rather than fixed dates, because each school publishes its own assessment and offer timeline. Treat them as a planning guide and confirm the specific dates with each school on your shortlist.
The application steps and fees
The sequence is similar across schools. You complete an online application on the school's website and pay a registration fee, often in the region of AED 500 to AED 1,000 and usually non-refundable. The child then sits an age-appropriate assessment: a Cognitive Abilities Test such as CAT4, a GL or in-house test for primary and secondary years, or a play-based observation in the Foundation Stage and early years. If a place is offered, you complete enrolment, settle the deposit or first fees, and provide a Transfer Certificate from the previous school plus an Emirates ID, which the school needs to register the child with KHDA before the joining date. Our step-by-step guide to how to apply to international schools in Dubai walks through each stage, and the companion explainer on when applications open in Dubai covers the timing in more depth.
Build your Dubai shortlist first
Knowing which schools to apply to is half the timing battle. The school finder filters Dubai schools by curriculum, area and stage.
Use the school finderPlanning your timing
Three points help families hit the right window. First, anchor your plan to the September intake, the moment with the broadest choice of schools and year groups, and treat January as a fallback. Second, apply to more than one school, since rolling admissions reward a portfolio rather than a single bet, and registration fees being non-refundable means you should still sequence offers carefully. Third, align the timing with fee planning, because the larger invoice usually falls around the August restart; our guide to international school fees in Dubai sets out the bands and billing rhythm. Families planning around term breaks should also see our Dubai school holidays 2026 calendar, and those visiting campuses our Dubai open days 2026 page.
Dubai admissions deadlines 2026: FAQ
No. Dubai international schools admit on a rolling basis rather than to one citywide deadline. Applications are accepted through the year, with the main intake in September and a smaller intake in January. The practical deadline is when a year group fills, which for popular schools can be many months ahead of the start date.
Apply as early as you can. Applications for the August and September intake usually open the previous October or November, and the most in-demand schools take registrations 12 to 18 months ahead. For a September 2026 start, aim to have applications in during late 2025 and early 2026, and earlier still for selective sixth forms.
The main intake is September, at the start of the academic year, and there is a smaller January intake mid-year. Some schools accept in-year admissions at other points where a place exists, but the broadest choice of schools and year groups is at the September intake.
You complete the school's online application and pay a registration fee, then the child usually sits an age-appropriate assessment such as CAT4 or a school test, or a play-based observation in the early years. Once a place is offered you provide a Transfer Certificate from the previous school and an Emirates ID so the school can register the child with KHDA before the joining date.
Usually not. Most Dubai schools charge a registration fee, often in the region of AED 500 to AED 1,000, that is non-refundable once paid. Because of this, sequence your applications carefully and confirm each school's fee and refund policy before paying.