Education is one of the largest expat-family costs
For families with two children at premium schools through Y13, lifetime education cost can exceed AED 3 million per child. That's the second-largest line in any expat family budget after housing — and arguably the most important to plan for. This calculator estimates the all-in total accounting for fee inflation (KHDA caps annual rises but they still compound 4–7%/year) and extras like transport / uniforms / exam fees.
Your situation
Will calculate from this year through to Year 13 graduation. 13 school years remaining per child.
Examples: Dubai British School, Sunmarke, Safa British, Star International
KHDA caps annual fee increases via formula based on inspection rating. Outstanding-rated schools can raise up to ~6%/yr; lower-rated tighter. Historical 3–7% range. Default 5% is realistic.
University adds substantial additional cost. UK undergrad is ~AED 1.4M total (£30K/yr fees + £20K/yr living × 3 yrs); US private undergrad ~AED 2.4M total.
Tier reference
Indian curriculum (CBSE/ICSE)
Y1: AED 12,000 · Y11: AED 27,000 · Y13: AED 32,000
Mid-tier British (KHDA Good/V.Good)
Y1: AED 40,000 · Y11: AED 78,000 · Y13: AED 88,000
Premium British (KHDA Outstanding)
Y1: AED 55,000 · Y11: AED 110,000 · Y13: AED 122,000
IB / American (KHDA Outstanding)
Y1: AED 62,000 · Y11: AED 117,000 · Y13: AED 125,000
Ultra-premium / boarding
Y1: AED 75,000 · Y11: AED 140,000 · Y13: AED 155,000
Total lifetime cost
1 child · Mid-tier British (KHDA Good/V.Good) · From Y1 to graduation
AED 1.43M
All children, all years, all costs
Per child
AED 1.43M
Year-by-year breakdown (per child)
Year 1
Tuition AED 40K + extras AED 10K
Year 2
Tuition AED 42K + extras AED 11K
Year 3
Tuition AED 44K + extras AED 11K
Year 4
Tuition AED 60K + extras AED 15K
Year 5
Tuition AED 63K + extras AED 16K
Year 6
Tuition AED 66K + extras AED 17K
Year 7
Tuition AED 87K + extras AED 22K
Year 8
Tuition AED 91K + extras AED 23K
Year 9
Tuition AED 96K + extras AED 24K
Year 10
Tuition AED 121K + extras AED 30K
Year 11
Tuition AED 127K + extras AED 32K
Year 12
Tuition AED 151K + extras AED 38K
Year 13
Tuition AED 158K + extras AED 40K
Salary needed to support this
Important notes about the calculation
- Fee tiers are typical ranges — actual fees vary by specific school even within tier. Verify with school's published fee schedule. Always confirm before committing.
- Extras are estimated at 20–30% of tuition — covers school transport (AED 4.5K–9.5K/year per child), uniforms, books, supplies, term trips, school lunches, activities, exam fees. Premium-tier schools have higher extras.
- Inflation is modelled at the chosen rate compounded annually. KHDA caps annual fee increases via a formula based on inspection rating + Education Cost Index. Outstanding-rated schools have higher caps. Historical real-world rises are 3–7% per year.
- Year-to-tier mapping: Y1–3 (foundation), Y4–6 (junior), Y7–9 (senior), Y10–11 (IGCSE), Y12–13 (A-Level / IB Diploma). Real schools have varying year-group breakpoints.
- Excludes one-off costs: registration fees (AED 500–2,500 per school), assessment fees (AED 250–750), confirmation deposits (AED 5,000–25,000 deducted from term-1), uniform initial outlay, books / IT devices.
- Tutoring and out-of-school activities can add AED 5,000–25,000 per child per year for premium families. Not included in the base calculation.
- Currency assumption: all figures in AED. AED-USD pegged at 3.6725. UK / US / Australia university fees converted at typical 2026 rates.
School fees — frequently asked questions
For a complete picture of educational costs and the curriculum decision framework, see our full schools guide which covers KHDA ratings, decision criteria, and 35+ specific schools.