Getting into the right school in Dubai is mostly about timing. Popular schools can fill a year in advance, deposits have strict deadlines, and Indian and some other curriculum schools start in April, not September. This calendar shows what to do and when.
Key school dates 2026-27 and 2027-28
The UAE has set a unified academic calendar for 2026-27 to 2028-29. Most Dubai private schools follow these dates, with small variations, so always check your school's own calendar.
| 2026-27 | 2027-28 | |
|---|---|---|
| First day (September-start schools) | Monday 31 August 2026 | Monday 30 August 2027 |
| Autumn half term | 12 to 18 or 19 to 23 October 2026 (varies by school) | Check school calendar |
| Winter break | 14 December 2026 to 3 January 2027 | 13 December 2027 to 2 January 2028 |
| Spring break | 5 to 11 April 2027 | 27 March to 2 April 2028 |
| Last day | Friday 2 July 2027 | 30 June 2028 |
April-start schools follow the same winter break; their year runs from early April to late March.
Month-by-month: September-start schools
This is the typical cycle for joining a British, American, IB, French or UAE curriculum school in September. Dates vary by school, so treat it as a planning guide.
- September to November
Research and visit
Shortlist schools by rating, curriculum and area. This is peak season for tours and open days, and many schools open applications for the following September around now. Popular year groups can fill early.
Book tours and see open days → - October to January
Apply and assess
Submit applications (application fee up to AED 500) and book assessments. Have passports, birth certificate, school reports and any learning support reports ready.
Documents checklist → - January to March
Offers and seat deposits
Offers usually arrive after assessments. Once you accept a formal offer, the school can ask for a registration deposit of up to 10% of annual tuition, which is deducted from your fees.
Deposit rules → - April to June
Waiting lists move
From 1 May, current families pay re-enrolment deposits to keep their places. Places can open up afterwards as families move on, so stay in touch with schools if you are on a waiting list.
- By late June
Notice deadline
If you might not take up a place, give written notice at least 60 days before the start date (around the end of June for a late-August start) to protect your deposit.
Refund rules → - Late August
New school year
The 2027-28 year starts on 30 August 2027 for September-start schools. Book uniforms, transport and any after-school activities early.
Check the age rule first: for September-start schools, your child's year group is based on their age on 31 December of the school year. Our year groups guide has the full table.
April-start schools
Many Indian, and some Pakistani, curriculum schools in Dubai start their academic year in April. The 2026-27 April-start year began on 6 April 2026 and ends between 15 and 31 March 2027. Key differences:
- Age cut-off: your child's age on 31 March decides the year group.
- Applications usually open in the autumn and winter before an April start.
- Re-enrolment deposits cannot be collected before 1 February.
- These schools also return on 31 August after a two-month summer break, so the April-start year includes a summer holiday in the middle.
Moving mid-year
Families relocate to Dubai all year round, and schools admit students mid-year whenever they have space. Contact schools as soon as you know your moving date, ask about waiting lists, and check how fees are calculated if you join part-way through a term. If you are leaving a school, see the refund rules first.
Deadlines that protect your money
| Deadline | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| 60 days before the start date | Written notice by then means your registration deposit is refundable if you change your mind. |
| Re-enrolment deposit window (from 1 May, or 1 February for April-start schools) | Paying on time secures your child's place for next year. |
| 10 days after a fee increase is announced | You can withdraw with a full refund of deposits or fees paid. Note that tuition is frozen for 2026-27. |
Plan your school visits
Confirmed open days and direct tour booking links for top-rated schools.
Sources
- 2026-27 and 2027-28 term dates: WhichSchoolAdvisor, June 2026 and Khaleej Times, August 2026.
- Deposits, notice periods and refunds: Gulf News, August 2026.
- Age cut-off dates and fee freeze: Gulf News, August 2026.
Dates can change and individual schools may differ. Always confirm with the school and KHDA.