Transfer Regulations
Transferring Schools in Dubai: Official KHDA Rules & Deadlines
By School Compass Editorial Team • Last verified: November 2026 • 6 Min Read
Quick Answer: Transfer Cut-Off Deadlines
For transfers within Dubai between schools with the same academic calendar, the official KHDA cut-off is generally mid-November for Term 1, or late January for Term 2. No mid-year transfers are permitted in Term 3 unless relocating from abroad or under exceptional regulatory approval.
1. Transferring Between Dubai Schools (Local Transfer)
Transferring between two KHDA-licensed schools within Dubai is an electronic process managed via the KHDA School Portal:
- Clear Financial Obligations: Settle all outstanding tuition, transport, and book fees with the current school. The current school cannot issue a clearance or initiate a transfer in the KHDA system until fees are cleared.
- Request Electronic TC: Inform your current school registrar to generate an electronic Transfer Certificate (e-TC) directly to the target school.
- Acceptance by Receiving School: The receiving school pulls the student profile electronically via the KHDA portal and confirms grade placement.
- Parent Contract Update: Both parents sign the updated KHDA Parent-School Contract via the official KHDA smart app using UAE PASS.
2. Relocating to Dubai From Another Country
If your family is moving to Dubai mid-academic year, KHDA allows enrollment provided the required attestation chain is satisfied:
| Transfer Origin | Document Validation Steps |
|---|---|
| Other UAE Emirates (Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, etc.) | Signed TC attested by the local education authority (ADEK, SPEA, or MoE). |
| GCC Nations, Western Europe, USA, Canada, Australia | Official school letterhead TC signed by Principal, stamped with school seal. |
| Asian, African, and South American Nations | Full consular legalization: (1) District Ministry of Education, (2) UAE Embassy in origin country, (3) UAE MoFAIC in Dubai. |
3. Calendar Misalignment Transfers (April to September)
One of the most frequent challenges is moving a student between an April-start school (e.g., Indian CBSE) and a September-start school (e.g., British or IB). Under KHDA rules:
- A student who has completed Grade 1 in an Indian school in March can join Year 3 / Grade 2 of a British/IB school in September.
- Mid-year cross-calendar transfers require special curriculum equivalence verification to ensure the student satisfies minimum instructional hours.
Official Reference: UAE Federal Law on Private Education & KHDA Student Registration and Transfer Regulations.