Fees at international schools in Saudi Arabia vary enormously depending on the curriculum, city, and year group. At the affordable end, Indian and community-run schools charge SAR 12,000 to SAR 30,000 per year (approximately USD 3,200 to USD 8,000). Mid-range British and American schools typically run SAR 55,000 to SAR 130,000 (approximately USD 14,700 to USD 34,700). At the top end, premium schools in Riyadh can reach SAR 370,000 (approximately USD 98,700). Most families fall somewhere in the middle, with the majority of expat-facing schools sitting in the SAR 80,000 to SAR 180,000 range.
he table below maps the three broad tiers of international schooling in Saudi Arabia for 2026, with representative schools in each range.
| Tier | Annual Fee Range (SAR) | Approx. USD | Example Schools |
|---|---|---|---|
| Affordable | SAR 12,000 – SAR 55,000 | USD 3,200 – USD 14,700 | Al Alia International Indian School, International Indian School Jubail, Pakistan International School Jeddah (English Section) |
| Mid-range | SAR 55,000 – SAR 160,000 | USD 14,700 – USD 42,700 | Dome International Schools, ISG Dammam, International Programs School Al Khobar, Reigate Grammar School Riyadh |
| Premium | SAR 160,000 – SAR 370,000+ | USD 42,700 – USD 98,700+ | Misk Schools, American International School Riyadh, King's College Riyadh |
Schools shown for informational purposes only. doris does not rank or promote any school.
Fees shown are approximate and subject to change. Verify directly with the school.
Tuition is rarely the full picture. Most families find the total annual cost sits 15 to 30 per cent above the headline figure once additional charges are factored in.
What tuition typically includes:
What is usually charged separately:
Schools are not always upfront about the full cost at the admissions stage. Ask specifically for a total cost of attendance document before accepting a place.
Curriculum is one of the strongest predictors of fee level in Saudi Arabia. The table below shows the general pattern.
| Curriculum | Typical Annual Fee Range (SAR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Indian curriculum | SAR 12,000 – SAR 30,000 | Primarily serves South Asian communities; large class sizes |
| American curriculum | SAR 55,000 – SAR 280,000 | Wide range; AP programmes at the higher end |
| British curriculum | SAR 65,000 – SAR 370,000 | Broadest spread; community school to premium |
| IB programmes | SAR 150,000 – SAR 345,000 | Usually co-offered with British or American track |
Schools shown for informational purposes only. doris does not rank or promote any school.
For a fuller comparison of curriculum structures, the doris guide to IB versus British curriculum is a useful starting point. Families weighing cost alongside curriculum should note that IB Diploma fees for external examinations alone can add considerably to the total cost in upper secondary years.
Most international schools in Saudi Arabia apply annual fee increases of between 3 and 7 per cent, though some premium schools have increased fees by more in recent years in line with inflationary pressures and capital investment programmes. There is no regulatory cap on increases.
When speaking with a school's admissions team, it is reasonable to ask:
Schools that are reluctant to share historical increase data are worth approaching with caution, particularly if you are planning to stay in Saudi Arabia for five years or more.
For relocating families, international schooling in Saudi Arabia is largely non-negotiable. The local state system teaches in Arabic and follows the Saudi national curriculum, which makes it inaccessible for most non-Arabic-speaking children. Many employers and packages still include school fee allowances, which can substantially offset the cost, but these allowances are less common than they once were and rarely cover premium school fees in full.
For Saudi families choosing international education, the calculus is different. Research published in academic literature on parents' attitudes towards international schools suggests that quality of curriculum, English-language instruction, and preparation for international university entry are the primary motivators, rather than prestige alone. For families planning university abroad, the investment in an IB or A Level programme often makes clear practical sense.
One parent living in Saudi Arabia put it plainly: "Schooling is probably our biggest expense living here, but as foreigners in Saudi, international schools are really the only option for most families. It's a big investment, but seeing my kids finally happy, settled and thriving again makes it worth it." — @vesnapetrovicx
The honest answer is that value depends heavily on the school, not the fee. A mid-range school with strong pastoral care and consistent teaching may serve a child better than a premium school with high staff turnover and a glossy prospectus.
Q: What is the average international school fee in Saudi Arabia in 2026?
A: For a British or American curriculum school, the most common range for a primary-age child sits between SAR 80,000 and SAR 160,000 per year (approximately USD 21,300 to USD 42,700). Indian curriculum schools are significantly lower, typically SAR 12,000 to SAR 30,000.
Q: Are school fees in Saudi Arabia tax-deductible or subsidised for expats?
A: There is no income tax in Saudi Arabia, so deductibility does not apply in the same way as in other countries. Some employers provide a school fee allowance as part of a relocation package, but this varies by company and is increasingly offered as a fixed sum rather than full reimbursement.
Q: Do Saudi international schools charge separately for the IB Diploma exams?
A: Yes. Most schools pass on IB examination registration and subject fees directly to families. These are set by the International Baccalaureate Organisation and typically amount to SAR 2,500 to SAR 4,500 per student for the full Diploma, depending on the number of subjects.
Q: How much notice do Saudi schools give before raising fees?
A: Practice varies. Many schools announce the following year's fees at the point of re-enrolment, which in some cases gives families only six to eight weeks to plan. Ask about the school's fee communication policy before accepting a place, particularly if you are budgeting over a multi-year horizon.
doris is a free, impartial international school discovery platform designed to help parents find the right international school for their children worldwide. Every school profile includes fees, curriculum, admissions, pupil numbers and more. Parents can compare schools, contact schools directly, access expert parent guides, and connect with a community of parents around the world. Start your search at doris.school.
This guide was written by Aziza F, part of the doris editorial team. doris sources school data from institutions worldwide and speaks directly with parents navigating the school search process. Fee data reflects published and publicly available information for the 2026 to 2027 academic year and is reviewed annually. External sources: International Baccalaureate Organisation, PMC — Parents' attitudes towards international schools.
Schools are listed for informational purposes only. doris does not rank or promote any school.
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