Fees are regulated by KHDA (Riyadh) and ADEK (Riyadh) based on the school's inspection rating. Top-tier schools within each curriculum can be 30-50% above the upper band shown.
Tuition varies by curriculum first, then by school within that curriculum. Indian and Pakistani schools occupy the lowest band; British and American occupy the middle; IB and French sit at the upper end. Within each curriculum the variance is huge - a "Good" KHDA-rated British school can be a third the price of an "Outstanding" one.
Worked example
British curriculum, Year 7 (Middle), in Riyadh. Tuition band: SAR 28,000-80,000. Add registration (SAR 1,000-4,000 one-off), transport (SAR 4,000-9,000), uniforms+books (SAR 1,500-4,000). All-in annual: SAR 33,500 - 93,000. Pick the school based on KHDA rating and commute, not just the headline number.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest curriculum in Saudi Arabia?
Pakistani (FBISE) and Indian (CBSE) - often SAR 5,000-25,000 per year. Quality varies; check KHDA / ADEK inspection ratings.
How much do British curriculum schools cost?
SAR 22,000 (primary, mid-tier) to SAR 100,000+ (secondary, elite). KHDA rating tracks closely with price.
Are these the only fees?
No. Add registration (SAR 1,000-8,000 once), uniforms and books (SAR 1,500-4,000/year), transport (SAR 4,000-9,000/year if used), and extracurricular fees.
Can fees increase mid-year?
KHDA approves annual increases based on the Education Cost Index and the school's inspection rating. Higher-rated schools can raise more.