Best International Schools in Riyadh: Fees & Curriculum

If you're moving to Riyadh with children — or already here and rethinking schools — the two questions that matter most are simple: how much will it cost, and which curriculum fits your child's future? Riyadh has one of the widest ranges of international schools in the Gulf, from IB and British to American, German and blended national-international programmes. Annual tuition typically ranges from around SAR 22,500 at the more affordable end to over SAR 120,000 at the premium American schools, before VAT and registration fees.

This guide covers the best international schools in Riyadh — with fees, curriculum and enrollment steps — giving you real 2026/27 fee figures and walking you through exactly how admissions work, from Absher and Iqama requirements to seat-reservation deposits.

The short answer: choosing an international school in Riyadh

Start with your child's long-term destination. Heading back to the UK or a Commonwealth university? A British-curriculum school with IGCSE and A levels makes transfers painless. Aiming for US colleges? An American school with AP or a US high-school diploma is the natural fit. Want maximum flexibility across any country? The International Baccalaureate (IB) is recognised almost everywhere.

After curriculum, weigh three practical things: total annual cost (tuition plus registration, capital and assessment fees), location relative to where you'll live and work (the Diplomatic Quarter, Al-Malqa, Hittin and northern Riyadh cluster many top schools), and seat availability — the best schools maintain waiting lists, so apply early.

How to verify a school's accreditation

Before you commit, check who accredits the school. Reputable international schools are usually accredited by bodies such as the Council of International Schools (CIS), the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), or — for the IB — authorised as an International Baccalaureate World School by the IBO. Ask admissions directly which accreditations they hold, and confirm the school is licensed by the Ministry of Education in Saudi Arabia. It's also worth speaking to current parents where you can, to get an honest read on day-to-day experience.

How much do international schools in Riyadh cost?

Fees vary enormously by curriculum and grade. A rough guide for 2026/27:

• Value/national-international schools — typically around SAR 22,500–50,000 per year (KAF Academy, Al-Farouq).
• Mid-to-premium IB and British — typically around SAR 31,500–111,000 per year (SEK, BISR), rising with year group.
• Premium American — typically around SAR 106,000–121,000 per year (AIS-R).

Almost all schools add 15% VAT for non-Saudi families, plus one-off application, assessment, registration and capital-development fees. Budget for these separately — they can add several thousand riyals in your first year.

Top international schools in Riyadh: IB, British, American and German options

SEK International School Riyadh (IB)

SEK runs the full International Baccalaureate pathway — the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme. Annual tuition for 2026/27 ranges from SAR 31,500 to SAR 73,500 before VAT; for non-Saudi nationals, VAT-inclusive totals run from SAR 36,225 to SAR 84,525. Expect a SAR 250 non-refundable online application and assessment fee, and a seat reservation of SAR 9,000 (SAR 10,350 including VAT for non-Saudis). Apply through the school's official admissions portal.

British International School Riyadh (BISR)

BISR follows the British curriculum, including IGCSE and A levels, and is one of the most established international schools in the city. VAT-inclusive annual tuition for 2026/27 is approximately SAR 50,568 to SAR 111,172, depending on year group. Listed one-off charges include roughly SAR 575 application, SAR 1,150 assessment, SAR 11,500 registration, and a SAR 11,500 capital-development fee where applicable. Apply through BISR's official admissions portal.

American International School–Riyadh (AIS-R)

AIS-R offers an American curriculum with an internationally oriented high-school programme and strong US-college placement. It sits at the premium end: 2026/27 listed annual fees run approximately SAR 106,497 to SAR 120,757, depending on grade. Additional listed charges include around SAR 5,027 application, SAR 18,221 capital fee, and SAR 16,964 registration fee. Apply through the school's admissions office.

German International School Riyadh (DISR)

DISR delivers a German curriculum with international education pathways — ideal for German-speaking families or those planning a move to Germany. The 2026/27 schedule includes a one-time admission fee payable within 14 days of the invoice. Exact grade-by-grade amounts aren't reliably published and change year to year, so request the current official fee schedule directly from admissions before you commit.

Al-Farouq International School Riyadh

Al-Farouq is a more affordable international option with transparent, flat annual tuition:

• Preschool/KG — SAR 42,000
• Grades 1–5 — SAR 44,000
• Grade 6 — SAR 45,000
• Grades 7–9 — SAR 46,000
• Grades 10–12 — SAR 50,000

Grades 11 and 12 carry an additional listed programme charge of SAR 10,000 per year. Apply via the school's admissions page.

KAF Academy International Schools Riyadh

KAF Academy is among the most budget-friendly international choices in Riyadh. Listed tuition excluding VAT:

• Kindergarten — SAR 22,500
• Grades 1–6 — SAR 25,000
• Grades 7–9 — SAR 28,000
• Grades 10–12 — SAR 28,500

Note the published listing is for 2025/26; confirm 2026/27 figures with admissions, as fees are usually adjusted annually.

Which curriculum should you choose?

Here's a quick decision guide:

• Choose British (IGCSE / A levels) if you're likely to return to the UK, Ireland, or Commonwealth systems, or want globally respected exam qualifications.
• Choose American (AP / US diploma) if you're aiming for US universities or want a broad, continuous-assessment style.
• Choose IB (PYP/MYP/DP) if you want the widest international recognition and may move again before graduation.
• Choose German if your family is German-speaking or planning a move to a German-speaking country.
• Choose national-international (KAF, Al-Farouq) if you want an English-medium international environment at a lower cost, often with an Arabic and Islamic-studies component.

How to enroll: the step-by-step process

The process is broadly similar across schools:

1. Shortlist and check availability — email or call admissions to confirm your child's grade has open seats for 2026/27.
2. Submit the online application — pay the application fee (from around SAR 250 to SAR 5,027 depending on the school). This is usually non-refundable.
3. Assessment / entrance evaluation — most schools assess English, maths and, for older students, subject readiness. Some charge a separate assessment fee.
4. Provide documents — passport and Iqama copies for the child and parents, previous school reports and transfer certificate, vaccination records, and passport photos.
5. Receive an offer and reserve the seat — pay the registration and/or seat-reservation deposit to confirm the place.
6. Complete enrollment and pay tuition — settle first-term fees

Keep your family's Iqama details current in Absher and Muqeem, as schools verify residency status and often need matching official documents.

Fees beyond tuition: what to budget for

Tuition is only part of the picture. Plan for:

• Application fee — typically around SAR 250–5,027, non-refundable.
• Assessment fee — a separate one-off charge at some schools.
• Registration / seat reservation — often SAR 9,000–17,000, usually deducted from or added to tuition.
• Capital-development fee — a one-off building-fund charge (e.g. around SAR 11,500 at BISR, SAR 18,221 at AIS-R).
• 15% VAT — added for non-Saudi families on most charges.
• Extras — uniforms, textbooks, transport, exam entry (IGCSE/AP/IB) and school trips.

FAQs

What is the cheapest international school in Riyadh?

Among well-known options, KAF Academy is one of the most affordable, with tuition from around SAR 22,500 for kindergarten excluding VAT. Al-Farouq is another lower-cost choice, starting near SAR 42,000

Do international schools in Riyadh charge VAT?

Yes. Non-Saudi families are typically charged 15% VAT on tuition and most fees. Saudi nationals are usually exempt on tuition, so always ask whether a quoted figure is before or after VAT.

When should I apply for the 2026/27 school year?

As early as possible — ideally several months ahead. Popular schools operate waiting lists, so applying early improves your chances of securing a seat in your child's grade.

What documents do I need to enroll my child?

Usually passport and Iqama copies for the child and both parents, previous school reports, a transfer certificate, vaccination records and passport photos. Some schools also require an entrance assessment.

Which curriculum is best for university admission?

All four major curricula (British, American, IB, German) are accepted by universities worldwide. Choose based on where your child is most likely to study — British for the UK/Commonwealth, American for the US, and IB for maximum flexibility.

Are these fees confirmed for 2026/27?

Most figures here reflect 2026/27 schedules, but some schools (such as KAF Academy) still list 2025/26 fees. Always confirm the latest amounts directly with each school's admissions office before you budget.

Planning your move? Read more practical relocation guides on Saudi Living, including our guides on expat healthcare insurance and setting up utilities. And when you're ready to settle in, browse family-friendly homes near top schools in our Saudi Arabia properties listings.

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