Dubai · Ib · fees published for 2026/27
Dubai International Academy vs Universal American School
Talem publishes every year group’s fee at both schools, so the honest comparison is the whole bill, not a range.
What each costs from KG 1 to Year 13
Difference
AED 80,630
9% more at Universal American School
Compare by
How the gap opens up
Dubai International AcademyUniversal American School
Cumulative tuition, one point per year group.
Year by year
Every figure below is the fee each school publishes for that year group.
| Year group | Dubai International Academy | Universal American School | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| KG 1 | 44,979 | 40,377 | -4,602 |
| KG 2 | 50,726 | 43,745 | -6,981 |
| Year 1 | 51,202 | 49,602 | -1,600 |
| Year 2 | 57,983 | 63,077 | +5,094 |
| Year 3 | 57,983 | 63,077 | +5,094 |
| Year 4 | 57,983 | 66,113 | +8,130 |
| Year 5 | 57,983 | 66,113 | +8,130 |
| Year 6 | 57,983 | 73,419 | +15,436 |
| Year 7 | 65,224 | 73,419 | +8,195 |
| Year 8 | 65,224 | 73,419 | +8,195 |
| Year 9 | 65,224 | 73,419 | +8,195 |
| Year 10 | 72,482 | 82,925 | +10,443 |
| Year 11 | 72,482 | 82,925 | +10,443 |
| Year 12 | 79,696 | 82,925 | +3,229 |
| Year 13 | 79,696 | 82,925 | +3,229 |
Side by side
| Dubai International Academy | Universal American School | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Emirates Hills, Dubai | Dubai Festival City, Dubai |
| Curriculum | IB | American, IB |
| Inspection rating | Outstanding (KHDA) | Very Good (KHDA) |
| Tuition (per year) | AED 44,979 – 79,696 /yr | AED 40,377 – 82,925 /yr |
| Ages / years | 3 - 18 years | 3 - 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed | Mixed |
| Established | 2005 | 2005 |
| Facilities | Networked LibraryScience LaboratoriesComputer LabsRobotics LabDesign & Technology LabsMusic RoomsMusic Technology RoomArt StudiosDance StudioDrama StudioLanguage Learning RoomsSwimming PoolsIndoor GymnasiaBasketball CourtsTennis CourtsOutdoor Playing FieldKG Movement Room | Olympic-Size TrackSwimming PoolMulti-Sport GymnasiumNatural Grass Football PitchScience LaboratoriesICT SuitesDual LibrariesBlack Box TheatreRecording StudioArt & Ceramics StudiosPerforming Arts CentreMusic RoomsLanguage CentreMulti-Purpose HallCafeteriaMedical Clinic |
Dubai International Academy vs Universal American School at a glance
- Dubai International Academy publishes annual fees from AED 44,979 to AED 79,696, against AED 40,377 to AED 82,925 at Universal American School, putting the two schools in a broadly similar fee band.
- For KG 1, Dubai International Academy charges AED 44,979 and Universal American School AED 43,745, so Universal American School saves AED 1,234 a year at that stage.
- Both teach the IB curriculum; Universal American School adds American.
- Both admit children from age 3, running through to 18 at the top end.
- Both schools were established in 2005.
- Location wise, Dubai International Academy sits in Emirates Hills and Universal American School in Dubai Festival City, so the school run may decide it.