Saudi Arabia has hundreds of international schools across Riyadh, Jeddah, and the Eastern Province. Here's how to choose, what to expect, and what it costs.
The choice of curriculum affects university pathways, continuity when you move countries, and the cultural experience at school. Each system has strengths.
The most common choice for expat families, particularly from the UK, Asia, and Middle East. GCSE/IGCSE at 16, A-Levels at 18. Widely recognised globally.
Follows US Grade K-12 structure with SAT preparation and AP courses. Ideal for families returning to North America or planning US university applications.
The IB Diploma Programme (ages 16–19) is highly regarded by top universities globally. More holistic than A-Levels with extended essay and community service requirements.
French lycée schools in Riyadh and Jeddah follow the French national curriculum. Strong academic tradition, typically more affordable than British/American options.
Large South Asian expat population means a well-established Indian/Pakistani school network in all major cities. CBSE curriculum, more affordable fees.
Saudi public schools are free and teach in Arabic. Open to Premium Residency holders' children. Not suitable for most expats due to Arabic language instruction and Saudi national curriculum.
Fee ranges are annual and typically quoted exclusive of registration, uniform, and activity fees. Many employers provide a school allowance — negotiate this into your package.
| School | City | Curriculum | Annual Fees (SAR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| British International School Riyadh (BISR) | Riyadh | British (IGCSE/A-Level) | 55,000–95,000 | Highly regarded; long waitlists |
| American International School Riyadh (AISR) | Riyadh | American (SAT/AP) | 60,000–100,000 | American embassy school |
| International School of Choueifat Riyadh | Riyadh | SABIS proprietary | 40,000–75,000 | Rigorous, SABIS network |
| Manarat Al-Riyadh International School | Riyadh | British + Islamic | 35,000–65,000 | Popular with Muslim expats |
| Lycée Français de Riyad | Riyadh | French (Bac) | 30,000–55,000 | AEFE accredited |
| International School Jeddah (ISJ) | Jeddah | American | 55,000–95,000 | US State Department school |
| British International School Jeddah (BISJ) | Jeddah | British (IGCSE/A-Level) | 50,000–90,000 | Nord Anglia affiliate |
| Jeddah Knowledge International School | Jeddah | British + IB | 35,000–60,000 | Growing IB programme |
| Dhahran Academy (SABIS) | Dhahran/EP | SABIS (Int'l) | 45,000–80,000 | Excellent rep in Eastern Province |
| International School of Choueifat Dammam | Dammam | SABIS proprietary | 35,000–70,000 | Strong academics |
Always negotiate a school allowance in your employment package. Market rate is SAR 30,000–120,000 per child per year depending on employer and seniority. Get the allowance paid directly to the school if possible — easier than claiming expenses later.
We have mapped out the real-time metrics for British, American, and International Baccalaureate tracks across major expat hubs.
Compare British, IB & American Schools by Waitlist Status and City →Every international school in Saudi Arabia operating under Ministry of Education (MoE) licensing must verify a child's prior academic record through an attested document chain before issuing a formal offer of enrollment. The pipeline works as follows: your child's birth certificate and previous two years of school reports must first be notarised by a certified notary public in your home country, then authenticated by your home country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (the Apostille, or its equivalent for non-Hague-Convention countries), and finally counter-stamped by the Saudi Embassy or Consulate in your home country. This dual-layer attestation is not optional — schools cannot legally register a student in the Ministry's student enrollment portal without confirmed attested documentation.
Additionally, most British and IB-pathway schools — and an increasing number of American schools following NWEA benchmarking adoption — require a CAT4 (Cognitive Abilities Test, 4th Edition) or equivalent standardised cognitive assessment before confirming a year-group placement. CAT4 results inform both the school's differentiation planning and, in some cases, whether your child is offered a place at all in oversubscribed year groups. Some schools administer CAT4 on campus during a taster day; others accept results from licensed test centres in your home country, submitted via the GL Education secure portal. Confirm the school's preferred pathway before travelling.
Once in Saudi Arabia, your school will register your child through the MoE's Noor portal — the Kingdom's centralised student enrollment system. Noor requires your child's attested birth certificate, parent Iqama (or employment visa letter), vaccination record (aligned with Saudi Expanded Programme on Immunisation), and the school placement letter. Missing any single item at the Noor stage can delay an enrollment by 4 to 8 weeks. Start attestation at minimum 3 months before your intended first school day.
Browse Verified International School Records — Tuition Fees, CAT4 & Waitlists →Top international schools in Saudi Arabia fill quickly. Applications for the following September typically open in January–February. Apply as early as possible — waiting lists at the most popular schools (BISR, AISR, Dhahran Academy) can be 6–18 months.
The Saudi academic year follows a September–June calendar, aligned with Northern Hemisphere schools. Term dates are adjusted for Saudi public holidays (National Day, Founding Day, Eid Al-Fitr, Eid Al-Adha).
Apply before you arrive
Most schools allow applications from families still overseas. Get on the waiting list the moment your job is confirmed.
Apply to multiple schools
Don't apply to just one — have 2–3 options per city. If your preferred school is full, a good second choice is better than a last-minute scramble.
Ask your employer
Large Saudi employers (Aramco, SABIC, government ministries) often have preferred schools or compound schools. Ask HR before choosing independently.
Curriculum continuity matters
If you've been in a British school system and plan to return to the UK for university, stay in the British system. Switching between A-Level and IB in Year 12 is very disruptive.
School openings, fee changes, and family relocation guides for Saudi Arabia.
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