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Saudi Arabia's international school sector is large, varied, and genuinely competitive. Whether you are relocating for work, already living here, or a Saudi family seeking an internationally accredited education, there are real choices across curricula and price points. Fees range from around SAR 12,000 per year to well over SAR 350,000. The right school depends on where you live, your child's age, which curriculum fits your onward plans, and how quickly you need a place.
International Schools in Saudi Arabia at a Glance
The table below covers a representative selection of schools across the Kingdom. Fees are shown in SAR with approximate GBP equivalents based on published school data.
| School | City | Curriculum | Annual Fees (SAR) | Approx. (GBP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| British International School Riyadh | Riyadh | British, IB PYP/MYP/DP | SAR 45,000–99,000 | £9,639–21,190 |
| Misk Schools | Riyadh | British | SAR 78,000–115,000 | £16,688–24,540 |
| King's College Riyadh | Riyadh | British | SAR 48,000–73,000 | £10,363–15,544 |
| Reigate Grammar School Riyadh | Riyadh | British | SAR 39,000–69,000 | £8,324–14,705 |
| American International School Riyadh | Riyadh | American, IB PYP/MYP/DP | SAR 58,000–108,000 | £12,401–23,129 |
| ISG Dammam | Dammam | American, AP | SAR 24,000–55,000 | £5,148–11,876 |
| British International School Al Khobar | Al Khobar | British, Cambridge IGCSE/A Levels | SAR 38,000–79,000 | £8,100–16,831 |
| Jeddah Knowledge International School | Jeddah | American, IB PYP/MYP/DP | SAR 20,000–57,000 | £4,329–12,280 |
| Dome International Schools | Riyadh | British, American | SAR 23,000–37,000 | £4,933–7,877 |
| Pakistan International School Jeddah (English Section) | Jeddah | British, Cambridge | SAR 9,500–21,000 | £2,032–4,515 |
Fees shown are approximate and subject to change. Verify directly with the school. Schools shown for informational purposes only. doris does not rank or promote any school.
Curricula Available in Saudi Arabia
British Curriculum
The British pathway is the most widely offered in the Kingdom. Schools follow the English National Curriculum through to Cambridge IGCSE and A Levels, regulated in the UK by Ofsted and internationally overseen by Cambridge Assessment International Education. British International School Riyadh, King's College Riyadh, Reigate Grammar School Riyadh, and British International School Al Khobar are among the prominent British-curriculum providers. Families heading back to the UK or to other Commonwealth countries often prefer this route for continuity. If you are weighing British against IB, the doris guide on IB versus British curriculum is a useful starting point.
IB (International Baccalaureate)
Several schools offer the full IB continuum: PYP (ages 3–12), MYP (ages 11–16), and Diploma Programme for secondary. The International Baccalaureate Organisation authorises and inspects all IB World Schools. American International School Riyadh and Jeddah Knowledge International School both offer the full three-stage IB programme alongside an American base curriculum.
American Curriculum and AP
The American curriculum follows a Grade K–12 structure, with Advanced Placement (AP) courses available at senior level for university credit. ISG Dammam and International Programs School Al Khobar are established American-curriculum providers in the Eastern Province. Families targeting US university admissions often favour this pathway.
Indian Curriculum (CBSE)
A significant Indian expatriate and resident community means CBSE-affiliated schools are well established, particularly in Riyadh and Dammam. Al Alia International Indian School and International Indian School Jubail are among the more affordable options, with fees often a fraction of British or IB school costs. These schools are governed by the Central Board of Secondary Education in India and serve families planning to return to India or continue within the CBSE network internationally.
Living and Schooling Context
Saudi Arabia's major cities each have distinct school ecosystems. Riyadh has the largest concentration, with options spanning every curriculum and budget. The Eastern Province (Dammam, Al Khobar, Jubail) has long served a large corporate and energy-sector population, and schools there reflect that heritage. Jeddah tends to attract a more diverse mix, including families connected to trade, healthcare, and the expanding tourism sector.
School places in the most sought-after institutions fill quickly, particularly at primary level. Many families begin enquiries six to twelve months ahead of the intended start date.
Research published in PMC found that Saudi parents choose international schools primarily for high-quality curricula (cited by 80% of respondents), strong English language provision (85%), and science education outcomes (72.4%). This reflects a parent base that is not simply seeking an English-medium environment, but one with a genuine focus on outcomes and university preparation.
"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." — Source: Instagram @vesnapetrovicx
School Profiles
British International School Riyadh
Curriculum: British, IB (PYP, MYP, DP) | Fees: approx. SAR 45,000–99,000 (£9,639–21,190)
One of the longest-established international schools in the capital, with a broad age range and dual British/IB offering that suits families uncertain about their next posting. The school has a strong pastoral reputation and a large, diverse community. Places at secondary level can be competitive. View British International School Riyadh on doris.
Misk Schools
Curriculum: British | Fees: approx. SAR 78,000–115,000 (£16,688–24,540)
Misk is a newer, Saudi-founded institution with an ambitious academic programme and significant investment in facilities. It sits at the higher end of the fee range and positions itself as a premium offering for both Saudi and international families. Community feedback points to strong teaching and an innovative ethos, though its newer status means it has less of a long-term track record than some peers. View Misk Schools on doris.
King's College Riyadh
Curriculum: British | Fees: approx. SAR 48,000–73,000 (£10,363–15,544)
Part of the King's College Schools group, this school carries a well-regarded name and follows the English National Curriculum through to A Levels. Parents note a structured, academically focused environment with good university guidance. Worth verifying current accreditation status and staffing directly with the school before applying. View King's College Riyadh on doris.
Schools shown for informational purposes only. doris does not rank or promote any school.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many international schools are there in Saudi Arabia?
A: Saudi Arabia has over 200 international schools, with the largest concentrations in Riyadh, Jeddah, and the Eastern Province. The sector has grown considerably in recent years as the country expands its education and economic development programmes.
Q: Can Saudi families attend international schools, or are they only for expatriates?
A: Saudi nationals can and do attend international schools, and this has become more common over the past decade. Many higher-fee schools actively enrol both Saudi and international families. Some CBSE-affiliated schools, by contrast, primarily serve the South Asian expatriate community.
Q: What is the cheapest international school option in Saudi Arabia?
A: Indian-curriculum schools tend to offer the lowest fees, with some starting from around SAR 4,000–7,000 per year. Cambridge-affiliated schools such as Pakistan International School Jeddah (English Section) offer mid-range Cambridge qualifications at considerably lower cost than premium British or IB schools. For a broader look at affordable options across the region, the doris guide on affordable international schools in Southeast Asia offers useful comparison context.
Q: How far in advance should I apply to an international school in Saudi Arabia?
A: For the most popular schools, particularly in Riyadh, families should aim to apply at least six to twelve months before their intended start date. Some schools operate waiting lists at key year groups year-round. It is always worth contacting schools directly to ask about current availability before committing to a neighbourhood or accommodation.
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: Cambridge Assessment International Education, International Baccalaureate Organisation, PMC — Parents' attitudes towards international schools.
Schools are listed for informational purposes only. doris does not rank or promote any school.