So here’s the thing. If you’re a parent living in Ajman or planning to move here soon, school fees are likely already causing you stress. I get it—I’ve been there. Choosing the right school for your child is hard enough without worrying about whether you can afford it.
I spent weeks calling schools, reading brochures, and speaking with other parents before enrolling my child. So I figured, why not share what I learned? Maybe it’ll help someone else skip the stress I went through.
First of All, Fees Are All Over the Place
When I first started looking, I thought all schools would be around the same price. Nope. Not even close.
If you’re thinking of going the CBSE route (like we did), you can expect to pay anywhere from AED 5,000 to AED 12,000 per year. Some are a little cheaper, others a bit more—but that’s the general ballpark.
British and American schools? That’s a different story. I saw fees starting from AED 15,000 and going past AED 30,000, especially for older grades. Some schools even go higher if they offer fancy facilities or international accreditations.
But That’s Just Tuition. There’s More… Always More
This is the part that caught me off guard. That fee they show on their website or brochure? That’s just for tuition. You’ve also got to think about:
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Uniforms
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Bus fees
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Books (sometimes ridiculously priced)
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Registration or re-registration
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School trips, events, lab stuff
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Some “tech fee” they randomly add
At the end of the day, that AED 9,000 school might cost you closer to AED 11,000–12,000. It adds up quickly, especially if you’ve got more than one kid.
How to Handle It Without Losing Your Mind
Here’s what worked for me:
Ask for the full breakdown. Don’t just look at the base fee. Ask what’s included and what isn’t. Some schools will give you a full sheet if you ask nicely.
Monthly payments help. Most schools let you pay in parts. We did three terms, but a few offer monthly options too.
Sibling discounts exist. If you’ve got more than one kid, some schools will cut the second child’s fees by a bit. It’s not huge, but it helps.
Talk to other parents. Seriously, I got better info from WhatsApp groups than from websites.
Any Scholarships or Discounts?
A few schools offer scholarships, usually for top scorers or kids who are good at sports or the arts. But here’s the thing: they don’t always advertise it. Just ask. You never know.
Some schools also give discounts if you register early or pay the whole year in advance. Worth asking about if you’ve got the cash flow.
What I’d Tell Another Parent
Ajman schools fees aren’t outrageous, especially when you compare them to what schools in Dubai charge. But you’ve got to be smart about it. Don’t rush. Visit schools. Ask questions. Walk the hallways. Some of the best schools aren’t the most expensive ones.
In the end, it’s not about picking the cheapest school or the fanciest. It’s about finding the right fit for your child and your wallet. And if you feel overwhelmed? That’s normal. Just take it one step at a time.
