UAE Updates School Transfer and Admission Rules for 2026–27 Academic Year

UAE — The UAE Ministry of Education has issued updated registration and transfer guidance for public schools for the 2026–27 academic year, giving parents clearer rules on how students moving between schools, curricula or from overseas will be placed.

The Ministry’s 2026–27 registration framework covers four main categories from kindergarten through Grade 12: new students, pupils transferring from private schools or institutes to public schools, students arriving from schools outside the UAE, and transfers between public schools.

Grade Placement for Transfer Students

For students transferring between schools or moving between different curricula — such as British, American or other international systems — the appropriate grade will be determined based on the last grade successfully completed and the student’s academic progress, in line with approved curriculum-equivalency procedures.

The same approach applies to students coming to the UAE from schools abroad, helping ensure that placement reflects their previous academic record rather than relying only on age.

New Admission Age Cut-Off from 2026–27

A major change taking effect in the 2026–27 academic year is the revised age cut-off for children entering kindergarten and Grade 1. For schools whose academic year begins in August or September, December 31 of the year of admission is now the official date used to calculate eligibility.

Under the updated policy, children must turn four by December 31 to enter KG1, five to enter KG2 and six to enter Grade 1 in the Ministry curriculum. Equivalent age rules apply across other curricula.

Existing Students Are Not Moved Because of the New Age Rule

The revised age cut-off applies to students who were not enrolled in the 2025–26 academic year. Students already enrolled during 2025–26 will continue their academic progression under the rules that applied when they first registered, avoiding disruption to their current grade placement.

Public School Registration Process

Parents seeking admission or an eligible transfer to a public school must complete the required procedures electronically through the Ministry of Education’s official website or the UAE MOE smart application.

The Ministry has advised parents and guardians to keep their UAE Pass information updated and review the official Student Registration Guide, which sets out eligibility categories, documentation, admission criteria, educational streams and procedures for transferred students.

2026–27 School Year Starts August 31

The 2026–27 academic year for students is scheduled to begin on August 31, 2026. The Ministry says early registration and student placement help schools plan staffing, textbooks, transportation and student distribution before classes begin.

What Parents Should Check

Families planning a school move should confirm the student’s eligibility, previous grade completion, academic documentation and any curriculum-equivalency requirements before applying. Placement remains subject to the Ministry’s approved admission rules and, for public schools, applicable geographic and eligibility requirements.