Moyen
Families
Enrolling children in school in Medina
All the steps to enroll your children in private or international schools in Medina.
Enrolling children in school in Medina (2025-2026)
A complete guide to educating your children in Medina: international, Arabic, French schools, tuition fees, procedures on Noor, equivalencies and Saudi school calendar.
🎓 Education⏱ 12 min read👨👩👧 Families🗓 Updated April 2026
August
Back to school
6 years
Primary school entry age
Noor
Official platform
3 cycles
Ibtida'iyya, Mutawassita, Thanawiyya
1. The Saudi education system in brief
The Saudi school system is structured by the Ministry of Education (MoE) and consists of three compulsory cycles after kindergarten:
- Rawdah (preschool) — ages 3 to 6, not compulsory
- Ibtida'iyya (primary) — 6 to 12 years old, 6 years
- Mutawassita (middle school) — 12 to 15 years old, 3 years
- Thanawiyya (high school) — 15 to 18 years old, 3 years, with science or humanities tracks
Instruction is in Arabic, with English as a second language from the 4th year of primary school. Religious (Islamic) education is part of the core curriculum.
2. Types of schools available in Medina
| Kind | Language | Curriculum | Expatriate access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saudi public schools | Arab | MoE Program | Limited (subject to conditions) |
| Arab private schools | Arabic + EN | Enhanced MoE Program | Open |
| International Schools | English / French / Urdu | British, American, IB, FR, PK | Open (depending on nationality) |
| Community schools | According to nationality | Country of Origin Program | Open (nationals) |
| Tahfiz (memorization of the Quran) | Arab | Specific program | Open |
💡 Specifically in Medina: The international offering is more limited than in Riyadh or Jeddah. However, there are several quality private Arabic schools and Pakistani, Indian, and Turkish community schools.
3. School calendar 2025-2026
Since 2021, Saudi Arabia has adopted a timetable to 3 quarters (instead of 2 previously), with intermediate breaks:
- Term 1 Mid-August to mid-November
- Term 2 : early December to mid-March
- Term 3 : early April to late June
- Summer holidays July to mid-August
- Breaks Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, National Day (September 23), Foundation Day (February 22)
The school weekend is the Friday-Saturday. Classes take place from Sunday to Thursday, from approximately 6:45/7am to 1pm/2pm.
⚠️ Anticipate: Registration for international schools opens as early as January-February for the August intake. The best schools often have waiting lists.
4. Required documents
Parent documents
- Iqama of the sponsoring parent + copy of passport
- Employment contract or salary certificate
- Proof of residence (Ejar)
Children's documents
- Passport + Iqama of the child (dependent)
- Legalized birth certificate translated into Arabic
- Up-to-date vaccination certificate (booklet or extract)
- School reports from the last 2-3 years (translated/certified if not Arabic/English)
- Certificate of completion of the academic year or of schooling from the previous school
- 4 to 8 recent passport photos
For Saudi public schools
- Letter of authorization from the Ministry of Education (according to expatriate quota)
- Parent's employer's letter of affiliation
5. Registration Steps
- Choosing a school
Ideally, visit several establishments, ask for the timetable, programs, language policy and additional fees (uniform, transport, canteen). - Online pre-registration
Most private schools have a form on their website. For public schools, the application is made via Noor (noor.moe.gov.sa). - Placement test
For newcomers, an assessment test (language level + main subjects) is often required, especially from middle school onwards. - Family Interview
Some international schools hold an interview with the parents and child to assess compatibility. - Submission of the complete file
Submission of translated and legalized documents. Payment of registration fees (non-refundable). - Tuition payment
Often in 2 to 4 installments. Method: bank transfer, SADAD, or certified check. - Recording on Noor
The school registers the child on the national platform — essential for official report cards and class progression.
6. Indicative tuition fees 2025-2026
| Type of school | Primary (/year) | Middle School / High School (/year) |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi public school | Free (if access is granted) | Free |
| Standard Arabic private school | 8,000 – 18,000 SAR | 12,000 – 25,000 SAR |
| High-end private Arabic school | 20,000 – 35,000 SAR | 25,000 – 45,000 SAR |
| International School (UK/US/IB) | 30,000 – 60,000 SAR | 40,000 – 80,000 SAR |
| Community School (PK, IN, TR) | 6,000 – 15,000 SAR | 10,000 – 20,000 SAR |
💡 Additional costs to expect: uniform (300–1,000 SAR), books and supplies (500–2,500 SAR), school transport (3,000–8,000 SAR/year), canteen, extracurricular activities.
✅ Possible assistance: Many employers (including Aramco, NEOM, universities, and hospitals) offer an education allowance that can cover 50 to 100% of the costs. Negotiate this point in your contract.
7. Recommended Schools in Medina
Here is a non-exhaustive selection of establishments frequented by expatriate families in Medina. We advise you to check directly for available places and the admission policies in effect:
International and private bilingual schools
- Madinah International School — British curriculum (IGCSE / A-Levels)
- Manarat Al-Madinah International Schools — recognized Arabic/English bilingual program
- Al-Faisaliah Islamic Schools — double degree
- Dar Al Fikr (national network) — recognized quality, enhanced Saudi curriculum
Community schools
- Pakistan International School Madinah — Pakistani curriculum (FBISE)
- International Indian School Madinah — CBSE curriculum
- Turkish School Madinah — Turkish curriculum
Tahfiz and religious institutes
- Many majma' tahfiz (memory centers) attached to neighborhood mosques, with or without a parallel school curriculum
- Islamic University of Medina for students from the higher education level onwards
⚠️ No French school in Medina: the accredited French establishment The nearest one is in Jeddah or Riyadh (Al-Kindi High School). For schooling in French, the solution is the CNED regulated in addition to a local school, or a move to Jeddah/Riyadh.
8. Equivalencies and return to France / Europe
To ensure continuity of education in the event of a return to France, several options are available:
- CNED regulated (National Centre for Distance Education): registration from kindergarten, recognized report cards, helps prevent educational disruption
- AEFE in Saudi Arabia The Al-Kindi French International School is located in Riyadh, and there is also an accredited school in Jeddah. Relocation may be considered to maintain a French curriculum.
- MEN Equivalencies Saudi school transcripts are accepted by the French Ministry of National Education on a case-by-case basis, sometimes with a placement test upon return.
- Saudi Baccalaureate (Thanawiyya) : recognized for university registration in France via the DAP or Campus France procedures
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Can a non-Muslim child attend a Saudi school?
Yes, in private and international schools. Islamic education is taught there, but may sometimes be adapted (alternative ethics courses) depending on the international school.
My child doesn't speak Arabic, what can I do?
Choose an international (English) or community (depending on nationality) school. Several private bilingual schools offer Arabic as a Second Language (ALP) courses.
Is it possible to change schools mid-year?
Yes, but under certain conditions: obtaining a transfer certificate ("school transfer") issued by the current school, validation on Noor, and availability of places at the new school. Private schools often require full payment for the current term.
Are the girls and boys in the same school?
In public schools and most private Arab schools, coeducation is prohibited from primary school onwards. International schools practice coeducation until the end of high school.
What level of English is expected?
In international schools: level equivalent to the reference country (UK/US). In private bilingual schools: English is taught extensively from kindergarten, with 5 to 10 hours/week in primary school.
What is the Noor platform?
Noor (noor.moe.gov.sa) is the national education information system. Parents log in via Absher/Nafath to view report cards, attendance records, assessments, and school payments. Essential.
Can parents be active in the school?
Yes, through the parents' association ("Majlis al-Aabaa'"). International schools are particularly open to parental involvement (events, outings, educational committees).
10. Official Links
Need help choosing a school for your children?
We can guide you towards establishments that suit your family profile and budget.
Related guides
📄 Update : April 2026 · The information in this guide is for guidance purposes only. Saudi procedures, prices, and regulations are subject to change. Always verify up-to-date information with official sources. (Absher, Jawazat, SAMA, MoE, CCHI, MOFA) before any action.
Mis à jour le 19/04/2026