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The primary fee range in Doha
Doha's primary market is broad. At the premium tier, schools such as the American School of Doha, the Qatar Academy campuses, Doha College and Sherborne Qatar charge QAR 80,000 to QAR 110,000 a year. Established British and Cambridge schools sit in the upper-mid and mid bands at QAR 35,000 to QAR 80,000, and a wide range of Indian and Asian-curriculum community schools provide value places from QAR 18,000. Most expat families on a Western curriculum pay QAR 60,000 to QAR 80,000 a year at primary. Tuition typically sits a little below the same school's secondary fees. For the full whole-school context see our Doha international school fees guide.
2026 primary fee table by tier
The bands below are tied to our Doha international school fees analysis. They show each school's overall annual tuition band; at primary level fees sit toward the lower end of each band, with secondary higher. Treat the figures as bands. exact fees vary by school and year group.
| Tier | Annual tuition (QAR) | Annual tuition (USD) | Example schools (illustrative) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium | QAR 80,000 - 110,000 | USD 22,000 - 30,200 | American School of Doha, Qatar Academy, Doha College, Sherborne Qatar |
| Upper-mid | QAR 60,000 - 80,000 | USD 16,500 - 22,000 | Doha British School, Park House English, Compass International, Newton British Academy |
| Mid | QAR 35,000 - 60,000 | USD 9,600 - 16,500 | Various Cambridge schools, smaller IB schools, Indian-curriculum internationals |
| Value | QAR 18,000 - 35,000 | USD 4,950 - 9,600 | Indian and Asian-curriculum community schools |
Named schools are illustrative of each tier and do not imply a published primary fee. Always confirm current figures with the school.
Registration, deposit, bus and other primary costs
Total cost-of-place adds 12 to 18 per cent to headline fees in Doha. The bands below are 2026 figures from our Doha fees analysis.
| Cost item | Typical band (QAR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Registration and re-registration deposit | QAR 2,000 - 5,000 | Part often offsets tuition; check refund terms |
| School bus | QAR 6,000 - 12,000 | Per year. material given Doha distances |
| Uniform | QAR 1,500 - 3,500 | Initial outfit |
| Device programme (iPad / laptop) | QAR 3,500 - 7,000 | Per year at many schools |
| Residential trips and activity funds | QAR 3,000 - 9,000 | Varies by year group; termly building or activity contributions may apply |
Most Doha school groups offer a 5 to 10 per cent sibling discount, though some Education City schools offer none.
What drives the cost
Three things move Doha primary fees. First, curriculum and brand: a Western-curriculum place at a premium American or British school is priced well above an Indian or Asian-curriculum community school. Second, the employer allowance: a large share of expat places are part-funded, so the practical question for many families is whether the allowance covers the premium tier and whether it is indexed to inflation. Third, fee inflation: Doha fees rose around 4.8 per cent on average in 2025-26, modest by Gulf standards, with premium schools tracking 5.0 to 5.5 per cent, so budget at least 5 per cent annual increases.
Hidden costs beyond tuition
Beyond tuition, total cost typically adds 12 to 18 per cent. For primary the largest line items are the school bus, which is material given how spread out Doha is, registration and re-registration deposits, uniform, the device programme and trips. Where an employer allowance is involved, families should confirm whether these extras are inside or outside the allowance, since transport and deposits are often excluded. Build a margin for the roughly 5 per cent annual fee inflation into any multi-year budget.
Compare Doha with other cities
Primary tuition is only the entry point. Before you commit, model the full multi-year cost and compare Doha against the other cities on your shortlist with our international school fees comparison tool. You can also size up the wider relocation budget with the relocation cost calculator or narrow your options with the school finder quiz.
Compare Doha primary fees side by side
See how Doha stacks up against every other city for primary, with all-in costs not just headline tuition.
Open the fees comparison toolDoha primary fees: FAQ
Banded annual primary tuition runs from roughly QAR 18,000 (USD 4,950) at value providers to QAR 110,000 (USD 30,200) at the premium end, with most expat families paying QAR 60,000 to QAR 80,000 (USD 16,500 to 22,000) a year. Primary fees usually sit a little below the same school's secondary fees. Figures are 2026 bands; confirm exact fees with each school.
The premium tier, charging QAR 80,000 to QAR 110,000 a year, includes the American School of Doha, the Qatar Academy campuses, Doha College and Sherborne Qatar. These are typically the most sought-after and run waiting lists at popular year groups.
Yes, modestly. Primary tuition typically sits at the lower end of each school's tier band, with secondary fees rising into the upper end and exam-year costs adding more later. Many families also benefit from an employer education allowance that should be checked for an inflation indexation clause.
Beyond tuition, expect registration and re-registration deposits (QAR 2,000 to 5,000), the school bus (QAR 6,000 to 12,000, material given Doha distances), uniform (QAR 1,500 to 3,500) and a device programme (QAR 3,500 to 7,000). These add roughly 12 to 18 per cent on top of tuition.