International Schools in Riyadh: Fees & Enrollment

Updated January 2026

If you're moving to Riyadh with children — or already here and thinking about a switch — expect international-school tuition to land somewhere between SAR 20,000 and SAR 120,000 a year, depending on the curriculum, the grade, and how premium the school is. That's the short answer. This guide to international schools in Riyadh: fees, curriculum and the enrollment process covers the longer answer — which curricula are available, the real fees at named Riyadh schools for 2026/27, and the exact steps to secure a seat.

Whether you're a Saudi national or an expat family, Riyadh's international-school market is one of the widest in the Gulf. British, American, IB, Indian, French and Saudi national programmes all operate here, spread across districts from Al-Nakheel and Al-Rabwah to the northern suburbs near King Khalid International Airport. Getting a seat — especially at the popular schools — takes planning, so start early.

What to expect from international schools in Riyadh

Most international schools in Riyadh follow a Western academic calendar, teach primarily in English (French and Indian schools aside), and prepare students for globally recognised exams like Cambridge IGCSE, AS/A Level, Advanced Placement, or the IB Diploma. Class sizes, facilities and reputations vary enormously — and so do the fees.

Non-Saudi students generally need a valid Saudi residence permit (Iqama) to enrol, and Value Added Tax (VAT) at 15% applies to tuition for non-Saudi students at many schools — a detail that surprises a lot of newcomers when the final invoice lands.

Curriculum options in Riyadh

Picking a curriculum is the biggest decision you'll make. Think about where your family is heading next — a British-track student moving to the UK, an American-track family eyeing US universities, or an IB student who wants maximum flexibility.

British curriculum

The most common international offering in Riyadh. Students follow the English National Curriculum through Key Stages, sit IGCSEs around Year 11, and finish with AS/A Levels. Ideal for families with UK or Commonwealth university plans.

American curriculum

Follows US grade levels (KG through Grade 12), typically with a high-school diploma and often Advanced Placement courses. A natural fit for families heading to North American universities.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

The IB Diploma is prized for its breadth and its acceptance at universities worldwide. Some Riyadh schools run the full IB continuum from the primary years upward, while others offer only the Diploma in the final two years.

Indian, French and Saudi national curricula

Riyadh has established Indian schools (CBSE-style), French schools following the French national programme, and international schools that also deliver the Saudi national curriculum. These are usually more affordable than premium British and American schools.

How much do international schools in Riyadh cost in 2026?

Fees rise sharply as your child moves up the school. Here's the realistic picture for the 2026/27 year.

Typical tuition ranges by stage

• Early years / kindergarten — typically around SAR 20,000–45,000 a year
• Primary — typically around SAR 30,000–65,000 a year
• Secondary — typically around SAR 45,000–95,000 a year
• Premium British and IB upper secondary — can reach SAR 110,000 or more

Real fee examples from Riyadh schools

To make this concrete, here are published figures for well-known Riyadh schools for 2026/27. Remember that VAT and one-off charges push the true cost well above the headline tuition.

• American International School–Riyadh (AISR) — for non-Saudi students including 15% VAT: Early Years around SAR 64,744, KG2–Grade 5 around SAR 106,497, Grades 6–8 around SAR 110,159, and Grades 9–12 around SAR 120,757 a year. On top of tuition: an application fee of roughly SAR 5,027, a capital fee of about SAR 18,221, and a registration fee near SAR 16,964.
• British International School Riyadh — annual tuition roughly SAR 50,568–111,172, plus a SAR 575 application fee, SAR 1,150 assessment fee, SAR 11,500 registration and SAR 11,500 capital-development fee. A refundable seat deposit of around SAR 5,000 and a SAR 1,500 resource deposit may also apply.
• Reigate Grammar School Riyadh — base tuition roughly SAR 45,368–80,143. Years 7–9, for example, are listed near SAR 65,538 before VAT (about SAR 75,369 including VAT), with a SAR 1,000 administration fee, a SAR 5,000 holding fee, and a SAR 3,000 assessment fee.

The extra charges nobody tells you about

Tuition is only part of the bill. Budget for:

• Application and assessment fees — usually non-refundable, and paid before your child is even offered a place
• Registration and seat/capital fees — one-off charges commonly from SAR 1,500 to SAR 10,000, and much higher at premium schools
• Transport — school bus service typically around SAR 6,000–12,000 a year
• Uniforms, books and external exam fees — IGCSE, A Level, AP and IB exams are usually charged separately

The enrollment process, step by step

The process is broadly the same across schools, though popular ones move faster and fill up earlier. Here's the standard path:

1. Submit an online application through the school's official admissions portal, and pay the application fee.
2. Upload the required documents — passport or Saudi national ID, birth certificate, photographs, previous report cards, transfer certificate, vaccination records, and parent identification.
3. Provide a valid Iqama for non-Saudi students where the school requires it.
4. Complete an entrance assessment, and for some grades an interview with the child and parents.
5. Receive the offer and pay the registration, seat and capital fees to secure the place.
6. Confirm enrolment and settle the first tuition instalment before the term begins.

Popular schools often keep waiting lists, so applying six to twelve months before your target start date gives you the best shot at your first choice.

Documents you'll need

Have these scanned and ready before you begin:

• Student's passport (with visa/Iqama) or Saudi national ID
• Birth certificate
• Recent passport-sized photographs
• Report cards from the previous two years
• A transfer certificate or leaving certificate from the current school
• Vaccination and health records
• Both parents' ID / Iqama copies

Tips for choosing the right school

Use these five criteria to narrow your shortlist before you commit:

• Match the curriculum to your next move — switching between British, American and IB tracks mid-way is disruptive.
• Visit in person — tour the campus, watch a lesson, and ask about staff turnover and class sizes.
• Check the location and commute — Riyadh traffic is real; a school near your district in Al-Nakheel or the north saves hours every week.
• Add up the total cost, not just tuition — VAT, capital fees and transport can add tens of thousands of riyals.
• Ask about exam results and university destinations to gauge academic strength.

FAQs

How much does an international school in Riyadh cost per year?

Tuition typically ranges from around SAR 20,000 for early years to SAR 120,000 for upper secondary at premium schools, before VAT and one-off fees. Most mid-range families should budget SAR 40,000–90,000

Do international schools in Riyadh charge VAT?

Yes — 15% VAT commonly applies to tuition for non-Saudi students at many schools, which noticeably increases the final invoice. Always ask whether a quoted figure is inclusive or exclusive of VAT.

Do I need an Iqama to enrol my child?

Non-Saudi students generally need a valid Saudi residence permit (Iqama) to enrol, and schools often require a copy during the application stage. Requirements can vary, so confirm directly with the school.

When should I apply for an international school in Riyadh?

Apply six to twelve months ahead of your target start date. Popular schools fill up early and keep waiting lists, so the sooner you submit your application, the better your chances of landing your first choice.

Which curriculum is best for my child?

It depends on where your family is heading next. Choose British for UK/Commonwealth routes, American for North America, and IB for maximum global flexibility — and avoid switching tracks mid-way if you can.

Settling in with the family? Browse more expat and family guides, jobs and services on Saudi Living to make your move to Riyadh easier.

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