International Schools in Riyadh Compared: Fees, Curriculum and Admissions at 6 Schools
By Gardener
For families moving to Saudi Arabia, the school question often comes before the housing question. Local schools teach in Arabic, so most expat families choose an international school. These schools are expensive, which is why many expat employment packages include an education allowance.
This guide combines what I learned as a parent in Riyadh with information from the schools themselves.
Fees at a glance
Expat families pay 15% VAT on tuition, while Saudi nationals are exempt. The table therefore shows the amount an expat family would pay, including VAT.
| School | Curriculum | Annual tuition (SAR, incl. VAT) | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| AISR | American, IB | 64,744 – 120,757 | Official, 2026/27 |
| BISR | British | 50,568 – 111,172 | Official, 2026/27 |
| King’s College | British | 55,775 – 83,134 | Official, 2026/27 (Diriyah campus) |
| Ellesmere | IB, American, IGCSE | 55,200 – 78,200 | Official 2024/25 fees plus 15% VAT |
| RGS | British | 52,173 – 92,164 | Official 2026/27 fees plus 15% VAT |
| Al Faris | IB, American | 48,300 – 57,500 | Official 2026/27 fees plus 15% VAT |
The years differ, so treat this as a guide to price bands rather than a like-for-like comparison.
Look beyond tuition
One-time charges for new students can be large, and they are easy to miss. The AISR and BISR one-time figures are published by the schools with VAT included.
- AISR: application, capital and registration fees add about SAR 40,211 for Pre-K to Grade 8 and about SAR 48,379 for Grades 9 to 12.
- BISR: application, assessment, registration and capital development fees total SAR 24,725. Refundable deposits of up to SAR 6,500 (no VAT) are separate, and the SAR 1,500 resource deposit applies to the eldest child only.
- RGS: the non-refundable administration fee is SAR 1,000 before VAT, or SAR 1,150 with VAT. A non-refundable SAR 5,000 holding fee is deducted from the first term’s fees. A book deposit of SAR 500 to 2,000 is refunded when books are returned, and IGCSE and AS/A Level exam fees average about SAR 6,000 on top. The school’s page doesn’t make clear whether VAT applies to the holding fee or exam fees.
- King’s College: the non-refundable application fee (SAR 500) and enrolment administration fee (SAR 5,000) are quoted before VAT. With VAT they are SAR 575 and SAR 5,750, or SAR 6,325 in total. There is no capital fee. Lunches, transport and trips are not included in tuition.
- Also check: transport, uniforms, books and external exam fees are usually extra.
As an example, Grade 1 at AISR costs about SAR 146,708 in the first year. Year 1 at BISR costs about SAR 95,879, excluding refundable deposits.
Calculate with your own numbers: School Cost Comparison Calculator
The six schools
AISR (American International School Riyadh)
An American-curriculum school that also lists IB Diploma course fees. It has the highest tuition of the six. English language or learning support can add about SAR 10,650 at elementary level and about SAR 11,016 at middle and high school.
BISR (British International School Riyadh)
A British-curriculum school with more than 40 years of history and, alongside AISR, one of the best-known premium schools in the city. The school itself says places are limited across year groups.
RGS (Reigate Grammar School Riyadh)
An overseas campus of the UK’s Reigate Grammar School, running from Nursery to Year 13 with IGCSE and A Level pathways and a broad mix of nationalities.
King’s College Riyadh
A British-curriculum school in the Cognita group. The 2026/27 fee table for its Diriyah campus runs from Pre-School to Year 8, and a second campus is planned for Sedra in August 2027. Sedra’s standard fees apply from 2028/29 and run from SAR 68,828 to SAR 108,675 including VAT, passing SAR 100,000 in Years 10 to 13. Founding Family fees, with a 15% reduction for 2027/28 and 2028/29, run from SAR 58,363 to SAR 92,288 including VAT. It offers 5% off for a third or later child and 5% off for paying the full year upfront. Families with older children should check which year groups are open.
Ellesmere College Riyadh
Ellesmere lists IB, American Diploma and IGCSE pathways. It offers sibling discounts of 10% for a second child and 15% for a third, plus 5% for paying in full, with combined discounts capped at 20%.
Al Faris International School
An IB school where Grades 11 and 12 can choose the IB Diploma or the American Diploma. Its top tuition band is the lowest of the six, but the IB Diploma adds SAR 10,000 in each of Grades 11 and 12. The school’s page doesn’t make clear whether VAT applies to this fee, so ask. Second children receive 5% off and third and later children 10%.
How admission usually works
The details vary, but the process is broadly similar.
- Apply online.
- Complete an interview or assessment of English ability.
- Receive approval and register.
The real variable is the wait. In my experience, British schools often have a wait of one to three months and sometimes up to six, and some prioritize British students. AISR and BISR tend to have long waits, and RGS has a bit of a wait too. Younger year groups may still have some places, but places become scarcer in the higher grades. If your move is confirmed, start contacting several schools before you arrive.
What to check first
- Your employer allowance limit and whether it covers one-time fees
- The curriculum that fits where your child may go to university
- Whether a newer school has opened its final years
- The actual commute between home and school
The Riyadh international school map shows these six and 17 more schools by curriculum. Pin your home and they are sorted by distance. To compare the yearly fuel cost and driving time to your shortlisted schools, use the school run time and fuel cost comparison.
Tools for this article
Sources
- AISR tuition and fees, 2026-27
- BISR fees, 2026/27
- Al Faris admission and fees, 2026-27
- King’s College Riyadh fees, 2026/27
- Ellesmere College Riyadh fees, 2024/25
- RGS fees, 2026/27
- King’s College Riyadh review (WhichSchoolAdvisor)
Photo: Youcef Bouzouina, Unsplash License. Chart by Tim and Lily.
