Every parent wants the best education for their children. One that will boost their creativity, identify their strengths, and equip them with the ability to realize their every dream, from ballerina to astronaut. The costs, however, are considerable.


The education of a child in the UAE from pre-school to secondary adds up to approximately AED528,000 per child. Throw in uniforms, excursions, books, and technology, and the cost will jump a little higher.


To the average household, this figure is likely quite daunting. After all, the UAE has been named in various studies as one of the most expensive places in the world to educate a child, ranking closely with Hong Kong, Singapore, and the United States.

However, the key to reducing stress levels is breaking the problem down into bite-sized pieces. Even if you’re not a financial whiz, with some solid financial planning and a little guidance, the sum of AED528,000 becomes a lot more manageable. Read on for our expert advice on how to easily afford your child’s education.


Understand your financial commitment
A head-in-the-sand approach to your child’s education expenses will catch up to you eventually, so it’s best to confront the numbers head-on. Map out the schools you anticipate enrolling in and enquire about the fee structures. Once you’re equipped with this information, you can make an accurate assessment of the total costs you’ll incur over the years. If the figure is a shock, be comforted by the fact that you can plan in advance.


A planned, regular approach to saving
A traditional savings schedule is one way to tackle the expenses that will tally up as your child progresses through school. Opening a dedicated savings account separate from household expenses and other financial goals is the first step. Do your research and ensure the account has the highest possible profit rate and be disciplined in only using the funds for education-related costs.


Invest in a tailor-made education investment plan
Handing your finances over to an expert is a simple way of ensuring everything stays on track throughout your child’s education, and you’ll gain from their insight and advice. Tailor-made low-risk investments, such as the National Bonds’ Education Plan, has a proven track record of growth and stability with high expected returns and rewards. The added benefits, including coverage in case of death or unforeseen circumstances, will have you sleeping better at night.

Check-in often on how you’re tracking

A quick health check on how your education savings are progressing is a good way to maintain a realistic picture of where you’re at. Keep an eye on whether schools are increasing their fees too, as it’s not a standard measure in the UAE. For example, in Dubai, increases in school fees are determined by the Education Cost Index and approved by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority. The authority recently announced that private schools in Dubai will not increase tuition fees for the 2021-2022 academic year – a welcome relief for many parents.