🎂 Age Criteria Guide
Dubai School Age Cut-Off Guidelines: Exact Birthdate Rules
Published by School Compass Dubai • 4 Min Read
One of the most frequent points of confusion for expat parents in Dubai is determining which academic year or grade their child is legally eligible to enter. In the UAE, the Ministry of Education and KHDA enforce strict, standardized age cut-off criteria.
1. September-Starting Schools (British, American, IB, French)
For schools whose academic year commences in September, the child must have turned the required age by August 31st of the admission year:
| UK Phase | US / IB Equivalent | Age by August 31st |
|---|---|---|
| FS1 (Foundation Stage 1) | Pre-KG / Pre-K | 3 Years Old |
| FS2 (Foundation Stage 2) | KG1 (Kindergarten 1) | 4 Years Old |
| Year 1 | KG2 | 5 Years Old |
| Year 2 | Grade 1 | 6 Years Old |
2. April-Starting Schools (Indian CBSE/ICSE & Pakistani)
For schools that begin their academic year in April, the cut-off date is March 31st:
- Pre-KG: Must be 3 years old by March 31st.
- KG1: Must be 4 years old by March 31st.
- KG2: Must be 5 years old by March 31st.
- Grade 1: Must be 6 years old by March 31st.