A-Level in Dubai 2026 - 14 yo

There are several A-level schools in Dubai that are known for their high academic standards and opportunities for students. What makes these schools special and how will studying in them help you succeed in the future?

Best International Universities

Dubai offers many prestigious international universities. Here you can find campuses of well-known educational institutions that are at the top of world rankings, including QS World University Rankings and GBS Dubai.

International atmosphere

Studying at an A-level school in Dubai will not only strengthen your CV, but also give you a unique experience of living in the city with the most modern architectural structures, a variety of festivals, fairs and many other unusual events that will make student life rich and interesting.

Plenty of career opportunities

Dubai is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, so studying in Dubai offers excellent career prospects and helps you develop important professional skills. Diplomas and qualifications from local schools are valued around the world and will help expand career horizons both in the UAE and beyond.

Simplified admission conditions

Dubai offers simple and convenient conditions for admission to educational institutions. Here you can worry less about high competitive scores, and the admission conditions are usually more loyal than in other countries, which makes Dubai an excellent choice for education.

Combining study, internship and work

Studying in Dubai gives you the opportunity to work part-time: you can work up to 15 hours a week during the school year and up to 40 hours a week during the holidays. On-campus and off-campus internships are also available, which is highly likely to increase the chance of gaining work experience and improving your career prospects.

Safe environment

Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world with a very low crime rate and a high standard of living and comfort.

What is A-level?

A-level is a sought-after qualification recognised by the best universities in the world. Students aged 16 to 19 have the opportunity to study the A-level programme in Dubai. Typically, this programme lasts 1-2 years, during which students study three or four subjects from the list of available disciplines and at their own discretion (lowest score). A-level has a very high value, and scores from A to C are likely to be sufficient to be considered for admission to a university anywhere in the world.

Variety of courses

Students can choose from about 55 subjects, although most schools offer 12 to 20 options. Core disciplines include:

• English language;
• Math;
• Chemistry;
• Physics;
• Biology;
• Sociology;
• Geography;
• History;
• Media Studies;
• Psychology;
• Policy;
• Information Technology;
• Business;
• Design and Technology;
• Music, Travel and Tourism;
• Any number of modern and ancient languages.

What is the average class size of A-level schools in Dubai?

Class sizes vary, but many top A-level schools in Dubai are aiming for smaller class sizes to ensure individual attention and better learning outcomes.

The cost of studying at an A-level school in Dubai typically falls between AED 80,000 and AED 160,000 per year, with the exact amount depending on the institution and any extra charges.

For comparison, tuition for bachelor’s programs in Dubai — the UAE’s most expensive city in terms of education — usually starts at AED 100,000 annually and can reach up to AED 250,000.

Dubai attracts students from all over the world due to its warm climate, innovative projects, and opportunities for further employment in one of the most prosperous and luxurious cities in the world. According to the Department of Education, the number of students in Dubai's higher education institutions is increasing by 3.6% annually, with more than 30,000 students studying in the city last year.

There are several schools in Dubai that offer A-level courses for international students. More often than not, students seek to earn an A-level qualification before going to university for undergraduate studies.

Every student has individual preferences when it comes to accommodation, and the Admissions and Student Support team can suggest several options that balance comfort, expectations, and budget. In Dubai, depending on the institution and its location, students usually choose from three main housing formats:

• Shared Room – a bedroom for two or more students. The bathroom and kitchen are communal and used together with residents of other rooms.
• Private Room – a single bedroom, sometimes with an en-suite bathroom. Other facilities, such as the kitchen or lounge areas, are typically shared with fellow students.
• Entire Unit – a self-contained studio or apartment with a private bedroom, bathroom, and small kitchen. This option is normally offered to students aged 18 and above and is rarely accessible for younger school students.

A-level schools in Dubai offer a variety of extracurricular activities to enrich the educational experience and personal development of students:

• Sports: Students can engage in team (football, basketball, cricket, and swimming) or individual sports (tennis and athletics),
• Art and drama: participation in drama clubs, theatrical performances, musical ensembles and master classes in fine arts,
• Academic clubs: participation in debates, scientific and mathematical communities,
• Cultural and international events: participation in festivals, exhibitions and language exchange programs,
• Master classes and seminars on career guidance and preparation for university admission,
• Technology and Innovation: Robotics, coding, and digital media-related clubs and events that prepare students for future technological advancements.

Extracurricular activities at A-level schools in Dubai play an important role in the educational process, helping students develop new skills and contribute to their personal growth. These activities go beyond the regular curriculum and provide students with unique opportunities to express themselves and gain practical experience.