French Schools in Dubai: What Options for Expatriates in 2025?

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Are you preparing to expatriate to Dubai with your family and wondering how to ensure educational continuity for your children? Dubai has several high-quality French educational institutions, accredited by AEFE (Agency for French Education Abroad).

This comprehensive guide will help you make the right choice among the French schools available in 2025.

Why Choose a French School in Dubai?

Educational Continuity for Expatriate Families

One of the main advantages of French schools in Dubai is the educational continuity they offer to expatriate families.

Your children can continue their French curriculum without interruption, thus facilitating their return to France or their pursuit of studies in other French institutions abroad.

These educational establishments guarantee consistent schooling with French standards.

Compliance with National Education Programs

French institutions in Dubai follow a program that complies with the French Ministry of National Education, guaranteeing the quality and recognition of the education provided. Students benefit from the same academic requirements as in metropolitan France.

This French pedagogy ensures optimal preparation for national examinations.

International Recognition of the French Baccalaureate

The French baccalaureate obtained in these institutions enjoys excellent international recognition, opening doors to French and foreign universities.

These French schools have international sections where French, English, Arabic, and sometimes German or Spanish are taught.

The International Baccalaureate is also offered in some institutions.

List of French Schools in Dubai (2025)

What French schools are available in Dubai? Here's an overview of the main institutions accredited by AEFE, recognized for their educational excellence.

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Lycée Français International Georges Pompidou

The Lycée Français International Georges Pompidou constitutes the reference among French schools in Dubai. Created in 1974, it is the oldest French lycée in the Emirates and welcomes 2,500 students on its campuses in Oud Metha and Academic City.

This premier educational establishment covers all levels of education, from nursery to baccalaureate.

The school has 2,743 students of which 67% are French and offers international sections, sports sections as well as numerous extracurricular activities.

The French curriculum is enriched by English teaching as LV1, German, Spanish or Arabic as LV2, and Latin as an option.

This international school offers a multicultural environment conducive to student development.

Lycée Français Jean Mermoz

Among the most recent French schools, the Jean Mermoz educational establishment stands out for its strategic location in the Al Quoz district, near Jumeirah.

This French school welcomes more than 500 students, from nursery to Year 10, with a class size limited to 26 students to guarantee personalized monitoring.

The establishment offers 4 classes per level and opened a South Campus at the start of the 2024/2025 school year on Hessa Street, welcoming all primary levels.

An extension project for secondary classes is planned for 2025/2026. This nursery and primary school excels in welcoming young students with adapted pedagogy.

Lycée Français International de l'AFLEC

Founded in 2006, the Lycée Français International de l'AFLEC represents one of the most complete French schools in Dubai.

Located in Oud Metha, this accredited establishment offers a complete curriculum from pre-nursery to Year 13 with remarkable educational innovations.

The new asset of this French school is the opening of the Mudon campus at the start of 2025, offering international classes for all students.

Students can join the Bilingual Section from the first year and access the International Section from middle school.

The establishment also offers cultural classes and sports classes to promote the development and fulfillment of each student.

Other Francophone or Bilingual Institutions in Dubai

Beyond the three main French schools, Dubai has other francophone institutions worthy of interest.

The International Concept for Education (ICE), founded in 2013 in the Meydan sector, is part of the institutions accredited by AEFE and constitutes an excellent alternative for French nursery school.

The Swiss International Scientific School, founded in 2015, offers a multilingual academic structure with 1,200 students of different nationalities.

These international schools offer bilingual programs including French as a teaching language or reinforced modern language.

This diversity of institutions is part of Dubai's growing attractiveness for expatriate families. Moreover, even single women in Dubai find in the emirate an environment conducive to professional and personal fulfillment, contributing to the growth of this dynamic francophone community.

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How to Choose the Best French School in Dubai?

Criteria to Consider

To choose the best French school for your child, several essential criteria should guide your reflection:

• Child's academic level: Not all establishments cover all cycles. Some schools stop at middle school while others offer education up to Year 13.

• School location: The city having considerably expanded in recent years, distances between home and educational establishment can be significant. This geographical consideration directly influences travel times and school transport costs.

• Number of students per class: Varies according to establishments and impacts the quality of education. Lycée Jean Mermoz, for example, limits its classes to 26 students to promote personalized monitoring.

• Extracurricular activities offered: Enrich the school experience with sports, music, theater and other cultural disciplines courses.

• School fees: Constitute a determining factor in choosing an establishment, these costs varying significantly from one school to another.

• Languages taught: Deserve particular attention, notably the reinforced learning of English and Arabic, mandatory in the Emirati educational system.

Support for Expatriate Families

Adapting to a new country can prove complex for expatriate families. The best French schools in Dubai offer specific support including personalized welcome, individualized monitoring and integration support for newcomers.

This welcome greatly facilitates the enrollment and adaptation of children in their new school environment.

Beyond school support, many families call upon specialized services to facilitate their installation.

Our support services include precisely help for guidance in administrative procedures and global support to create company in Dubai.

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What is the Cost of a French School in Dubai?

Registration and School Fees in 2025

French education in Dubai represents a considerable investment for expatriate families. The most prestigious establishments can charge up to 100,000 AED (approximately 24,000 €) per year, while other establishments offer more accessible rates around 10,000 AED (2,400 €) annually.

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Additional Fees to Plan

Beyond basic school fees, several additional costs must be anticipated:

• School uniforms: Obligation in all Dubai establishments

• School transport: Between 3,000 AED (€750) and 9,000 AED (€2,300) per year per child

• Books and materials: School books and mandatory iPad from Year 7 in some establishments

• Canteen and meals: Variable costs according to establishment

• Extracurricular activities: Additional fees for clubs and sports

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Available financial aid:

• Study scholarships via the consulate for eligible families

• 10% reduction from the third child in most schools

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What Program is Taught?

The French Curriculum Abroad

French schools in Dubai provide rigorous French education, faithful to the official program of the Ministry of National Education.

This French curriculum guarantees optimal preparation for national examinations, notably the National Diploma of the Brevet at the end of Year 10 and the French baccalaureate in Year 13.

French education also adapts to local specificities with mandatory Arabic learning from Reception and English from Year 2.

This adaptation allows students to integrate harmoniously into their multicultural environment while preserving their French educational references.

Complementary Curricula: IB or Bilingual

Some establishments enrich their educational offer with complementary curricula. International sections offer reinforced teaching in foreign languages, while the International Baccalaureate (IB) offers a globally recognized alternative.

French-English bilingual programs allow students to develop true mastery of both languages. This educational approach effectively prepares students for the challenges of international higher education and the globalized job market.

This educational excellence is part of Dubai's global vision as a preferred destination for international families.

To learn more about the educational ecosystem and opportunities offered to expatriates, Amary.ai accompanies families in all their installation and integration procedures in the emirate.

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Languages Taught in French Schools in Dubai

French as the Main Language

French remains the main teaching language in all fundamental subjects in French schools in Dubai. The objective consists of maintaining the level required by French National Education, this guaranteeing educational continuity for expatriate students. This primacy of the French language ensures optimal preparation for French examinations.

English as a Reinforced Language

English teaching benefits from a particular status in French schools in Dubai. Students obtain excellent performances in English thanks to reinforced teaching from a young age.

This approach prepares students to evolve effectively in the international environment of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates.

Additional Languages Offered

French schools in Dubai offer multilingual teaching adapted to the international environment:

• Arabic: Mandatory from Reception for all expatriates over 6 years old

• Spanish: Offered as LV2 in most establishments

• German: Available according to schools, notably at Lycée Georges Pompidou

• Italian: Offered in some establishments

• Latin: Optional option from Year 8 to Year 10 in several schools

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Extracurricular Activities and Personal Development

Sport, Art, Music and Clubs

French schools in Dubai give paramount importance to personal development and the fulfillment of their students beyond traditional courses.

These establishments offer a varied range of extracurricular activities:

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Sports activities:

• Football, swimming, tennis, basketball

• Individual and collective sports adapted to different ages

• Development of physical capacities and team spirit

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Arts and culture:

• Theater, music, visual arts

• Creative expression and development of general culture

• Regular shows and performances

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Specialized clubs:

• Robotics, chess, debate

• Scientific and technological activities

• Development of skills complementary to the academic curriculum

Importance of Well-being and Cultural Diversity

The particular attention paid to personal development aims to transmit essential values such as citizenship, work and autonomy.

The cultural diversity of students, mixing French and international, considerably enriches the educational experience and prepares children to evolve in a globalized world.

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What Teaching Levels are Available?

French schools in Dubai cover the entire French school journey, from nursery to Year 13:

Cycle 1 - Nursery school:

• Reception, Year 1, Year 2

• Awakening and development of toddlers in a caring environment

• Learning through play and sensory activities

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Cycle 2 - Elementary school:

• Years 3, 4, 5

• Crucial period for acquiring fundamentals

• Learning to read, write and calculate

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Cycle 3 - End of elementary and beginning of middle school:

• Years 6, 7, 8

• Transition between elementary school and middle school

• Educational continuity facilitating adaptation

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Cycle 4 - Middle school:

• Years 9, 10, 11

• Preparation for the National Diploma of the Brevet

• Deepening of subjects and orientation

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Lycée:

• Years 12, 13, 14

• Preparation for the French baccalaureate

• Gateway to higher education

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The establishments also offer personalized support systems for students encountering difficulties or having special educational needs.

This individualized attention guarantees the success of all students, whatever their profiles and levels.

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FAQ - French Schools in Dubai

When should I enroll my child in a French school in Dubai?

Enrollment in French schools in Dubai typically opens from November-December for the following academic year. It's crucial to plan ahead as the best schools fill up quickly, particularly for kindergarten and primary levels. Late applications may result in placement on waiting lists.

How much does a French school cost in Dubai in 2025?

Tuition fees for French schools in Dubai vary significantly depending on the institution chosen. Expect to pay between 38,800 AED and over 100,000 AED per year. Registration fees range from 500 AED (Lycée Jean Mermoz) to 11,000 AED (Lycée Georges Pompidou). A 2.35% increase is expected for 2025-2026.

What are the best French schools in Dubai?

The three main AEFE-accredited French schools in Dubai are Lycée Français International Georges Pompidou (the oldest, established in 1974), Lycée Français Jean Mermoz (opened in 2017), and Lycée Français International de l'AFLEC (founded in 2006). All receive "Very Good" ratings from KHDA.

Are there scholarships available for French schools in Dubai?

Yes, several financial aids are available for expatriate families. Study grants can be obtained through the French consulate for eligible families. Most institutions also offer a 10% discount starting from the third child enrolled in the same school.

Is the French curriculum identical to that in France?

Absolutely. French schools in Dubai strictly follow the official curriculum of the French Ministry of National Education. This compliance ensures educational continuity for expatriate students and provides optimal preparation for French national exams (Brevet, Baccalauréat).

What languages are taught in French schools in Dubai?

French remains the primary language of instruction. English benefits from reinforced teaching from CP level, while Arabic becomes mandatory from Grande Section for all expatriates over 6 years old. Spanish, German, and Latin are offered depending on the institution.

Can students obtain the International Baccalaureate in Dubai?

Yes, some French institutions in Dubai offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) as a complement or alternative to the French baccalaureate. These bilingual French-English programs effectively prepare students for the challenges of international higher education.

What are the additional costs in French schools?

Beyond tuition fees, budget for mandatory school uniforms, school transport (3,000 to 9,000 AED/year), textbooks, mandatory iPads from 6th grade in some schools, cafeteria meals, and extracurricular activities. These additional costs can represent several thousand AED per year.

How to choose between French schools in Dubai?

To choose the best French school, consider your child's academic level (some schools stop at middle school), location (significant distances in Dubai), class sizes, extracurricular activities offered, tuition fees, and languages taught. Visit several institutions before making your decision.

Are diplomas from French schools in Dubai recognized internationally?

Yes, the French baccalaureate obtained from AEFE-accredited institutions in Dubai enjoys excellent international recognition. These diplomas open doors to French and foreign universities, guaranteeing continuity in expatriate students' educational pathways.

Are there extracurricular activities in French schools?

All French schools in Dubai offer a wide range of extracurricular activities for students' personal development. These activities include sports (football, swimming, tennis), arts (theater, music, visual arts), and specialized clubs (robotics, chess, debate).

How does adaptation work in a French school in Dubai?

French schools in Dubai provide specific support to facilitate integration of new arrivals. This support includes personalized welcome, individualized follow-up, and assistance with adaptation to the new multicultural school environment.

What school levels are available in French schools in Dubai?

French schools in Dubai cover the entire French educational pathway from kindergarten to final year. This includes Cycle 1 (kindergarten), Cycle 2 (elementary), Cycle 3 (end of elementary and beginning of middle school), Cycle 4 (middle school), and high school (seconde, première, terminale).

Do French schools in Dubai offer bilingual programs?

Yes, several institutions offer bilingual French-English programs that allow students to develop true mastery of both languages. International sections provide reinforced foreign language teaching, while some schools offer the International Baccalaureate alongside the French curriculum.

What is the application process for French schools in Dubai?

The application process typically begins in November-December for the following academic year. Parents should contact schools directly for specific document requirements, visit campuses, and submit applications early due to limited spaces. It's advisable to apply to multiple schools to maximize admission chances.

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