Parents across the UAE have only a few days left to secure places for their children in government schools for the 2026-2027 academic year, with authorities clarifying that late applications will not be accepted once the window closes.According to the UAE Ministry of Education, registration for Emirati students and those treated as such will remain open until March 6, 2026. The Ministry urged families to complete the process early to avoid delays or missing out on enrollment altogether.The registration campaign, which began on February 9, applies to new students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. It also includes students transferring from private schools or institutes to government schools, students coming from abroad, and those transferring between government schools within the country.Applications must be submitted through the Ministry’s official website or through its smart application UAE MOE. The Ministry of Education has advised parents to ensure that the personal details associated with their digital identity are fully updated in line with their marital status to facilitate a smooth registration process.Transportation arrangements are also part of the registration process. The Ministry stressed the importance of choosing school transportation services during registration, noting that early requests will help ensure their availability at the beginning of the school year.
Admissions for 2026-2027 will follow the updated age eligibility policy.Children born between January 1 and December 31, 2022 and who turn four years old by December 31 of the year of enrollment will be accepted into Kindergarten 1. Children born between January 1 and December 31, 2021 who turn five years old on the same date will qualify for Kindergarten 2.The first class will be open to children born between January 1 and December 31, 2020, provided they turn six by December 31 of the year of registration.The Ministry also addressed a specific group affected by last year’s standards. For children who are not eligible to enroll in the 2025-2026 school year because their birth dates fall between September 1 and December 31, 2021, parents will have the option to enroll them in either Kindergarten 1 or Kindergarten 2.As the March 6 deadline approaches, education authorities have confirmed that once the registration window closes, new applications will not be accepted, making timely applications crucial for families planning ahead for the upcoming academic year.
