# Online tutors in the UAE

> GradeUp International teaches students in the UAE live online, one-to-one or in small groups, in Gulf Standard Time (GST, UTC+4), with fees in AED.

Source: https://www.gradeupinternational.com/online-tuition/uae
Last updated: 2026-10-21
Publisher: GradeUp International (https://www.gradeupinternational.com/)

| Fact | Detail |
| --- | --- |
| Class timezone | Gulf Standard Time (GST, UTC+4) |
| School weekend | Saturday–Sunday, with a shorter school day on Friday (Sharjah private schools: Friday–Sunday) |
| Fees | 1:1 from AED 110 per class; group from AED 220 per subject per month |
| Curricula | IGCSE, A Level, GCSE, IB, AP, Matric (SSC), O Level |

Most expatriate children in the UAE attend private schools, which teach a wide range of curricula. British-curriculum schools lead to GCSE or IGCSE and then A Level; American-curriculum schools award a high school diploma, often with Advanced Placement (AP) courses; and IB World Schools offer the Diploma Programme. There are also many Indian-curriculum (CBSE and CISCE) and Pakistani-curriculum schools serving South Asian families.

Private schools are regulated by each emirate: the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai, the Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) in Abu Dhabi and the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) in Sharjah. The Ministry of Education oversees the federal system and schools in the northern emirates. Each regulator publishes school information and inspection outcomes on its website.

Because families move between emirates and between countries, students often change curriculum mid-way, for example from CBSE to IGCSE, or from a British school to an American one. We tutor online only, matching each student with a tutor who knows the specific board and syllabus, so lessons continue unchanged if the family moves.

## Sitting exams

Students at British-curriculum and IB schools normally sit exams at their own school. Private candidates can register for Cambridge and Pearson Edexcel exams through the British Council in the UAE, which accepts private entries for the May/June and October/November series. Exam arrangements can change at short notice: in the May/June 2026 series, Cambridge awarded grades in the UAE through a portfolio of evidence instead of written exams. Always confirm the current arrangements with your school or the British Council.

## School calendar

British, American and IB schools usually run from late August to early July in three terms, with a winter break in December and a spring break around March or April. Indian-curriculum schools typically start their academic year in April. During Ramadan, the regulators set shorter school days, and many families prefer tutoring later in the evening. Sharjah private schools teach Monday to Thursday, which leaves Fridays free for extra study.

## Cities

- [Dubai](https://www.gradeupinternational.com/online-tuition/uae/dubai)
- [Abu Dhabi](https://www.gradeupinternational.com/online-tuition/uae/abu-dhabi)
- [Sharjah](https://www.gradeupinternational.com/online-tuition/uae/sharjah)

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does a private tutor cost in the UAE?

Private tutor costs in the UAE vary with the curriculum, the level, the tutor's experience and whether lessons are one-to-one or in a group, so there is no single market rate. Our own fees are listed in AED on our pricing page, and they cover live online lessons with no travel charges. A Level and IB lessons are priced higher than GCSE or IGCSE.

### Who are the best online tutors in the UAE?

The best online tutor for a UAE student has taught the exact board and syllabus code your child sits, such as Cambridge IGCSE 0580, Edexcel 4MA1, the IB Diploma or FBISE Matric, teaches in Gulf Standard Time, publishes fees in AED and offers a trial class. Compare two or three tutors on the same topic. We offer all of this, with a free first class.

### Do you teach FBISE Matric and FSc for Pakistani schools in the UAE?

Yes, we teach Federal Board (FBISE) Matric and FSc online for students at Pakistani schools in Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and the other emirates, following the FBISE syllabus and paper pattern. FBISE runs exam centres at overseas institutions in the UAE. Tutors can explain in Urdu when it helps, and Pakistan is only one hour ahead.

### Are online tutors as good as home tutors in the UAE?

Online tutors can be as effective as home tutors when the tutor knows the syllabus well and the student has a good connection and a quiet space. Online lessons give a wider choice of specialists and no travel time. In-person tutoring suits some younger children better. We teach online only and do not provide home visits anywhere in the UAE.

### Do you offer IGCSE and A Level tutoring for British curriculum schools in the UAE?

Yes, we tutor IGCSE, GCSE and A Level students from British-curriculum schools across the UAE, for Cambridge, Pearson Edexcel, AQA and OCR. Tell us the board and syllabus code your school uses, because content and paper styles differ between boards. We then match a tutor who has taught that specification and its past papers.

### What times are classes available in UAE time?

Classes run in Gulf Standard Time, typically from about 3pm to 9pm on school days and from morning to early evening at weekends. Many families use Friday afternoons, when school finishes early, and Saturdays for longer sessions. During Ramadan we can move lessons to after iftar. Exact slots depend on tutor availability for your subject.

### Can my child sit IGCSE exams as a private candidate in the UAE?

Yes, private candidates can register for IGCSE, International GCSE and A Level exams through the British Council in the UAE, usually for the May/June and October/November series. Registration closes months before each series, and arrangements can change at short notice, as in 2026. Check the British Council UAE website for current deadlines, fees and venues before you plan revision.

### Do you have Pakistani or Indian tutors for UAE expat families?

We match tutors mainly on subject expertise and experience with your child's curriculum, rather than nationality. If you would like a tutor who can also explain things in Urdu or Hindi, or who knows Pakistani or Indian school systems, tell us when you enquire and we will do our best to match one.

## Sources

- [Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Dubai](https://www.khda.gov.ae/)
- [Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), Abu Dhabi](https://www.adek.gov.ae/)
- [Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA)](https://www.spea.shj.ae/)
- [UAE Ministry of Education](https://www.moe.gov.ae/)
- [British Council UAE](https://www.britishcouncil.ae/)
- [Cambridge: June 2026 examinations in the Middle East](https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/recognition-and-acceptance/guidance-for-universities/J26-exams-middle-east-for-universities-and-recognising-organisations/)