Key takeaways
International school fees in Riyadh and Jeddah run from SAR 30,000 to over SAR 100,000 per year – and that's before the extras. Primary years sit lower; secondary is where fees climb. VAT adds 15% on top at most private institutions. Registration and admission fees are typically non-refundable. Transportation fees add another SAR 8,000 to SAR 15,000 per year. None of that appears in the headline figure. This article breaks down what the all-in cost actually looks like in 2025–2026 and how it stacks up against a WASC-accredited online alternative.
- Most schools charge a non-refundable admission or application fee at enrollment; re-enrollment fees apply annually at some schools.
- Transportation fees are separate from tuition at most campuses and are payable in addition to annual tuition.
- Legacy Online School's tuition and fees are significantly lower than physical international school fees – with the same WASC accreditation.
Contents
We are a US-accredited private international online school that coexists with local schooling. Families are responsible for ensuring compliance with any local education requirements applicable to their situation.
Fee Structures at International Schools in Saudi Arabia – 2025–2026 Academic Year
Fee data below is provided for general reference only. Confirm current figures directly with each school – annual tuition changes between academic years, and some schools adjust mid-year for new students.
The number of private schools in Saudi Arabia reached 7,337 in 2024 – an increase of 490 schools over 2023, driven partly by Vision 2030 reforms and growing expatriate demand.
British International School Riyadh (BISR) BISR follows the British curriculum. It’s one of the most established international schools in Riyadh, serving students from KG 1 through secondary. Tuition fees at BISR vary by year group, starting from KG 1 through grade 1 and climbing sharply from grade 8 into secondary.
One World International School (OWIS Al Riyadh) OWIS offers an IB program and serves students from KG 1 through grade 12. The fee structure at OWIS Al Riyadh includes annual tuition with a separate non-refundable registration fee. The curriculum follows IB rather than the American framework.
American International School Riyadh An American curriculum school serving the expatriate community with a focus on US university preparation. The fee structure includes tuition from approximately SAR 60,000 to SAR 95,000+ depending on grade level.
Public schools operate in Arabic and include Islamic studies as a compulsory subject – not the framework expat families are working within.
What the Published School Fee Never Includes
This is the part that catches families off-guard. The published annual tuition is almost always the base. On top of it:
VAT. Saudi Arabia charges 15% VAT on most private education services. If a school quotes SAR 80,000 per year and VAT is not included in that figure, the real cost is SAR 92,000. VAT applies to non-Saudi families at most private institutions – confirm before signing.
Transportation fees. Most campuses in Riyadh are not walkable from most residential areas or compounds. Transportation fees add SAR 8,000 to SAR 15,000 per year per child, typically payable per term.
Non-refundable registration. Most schools charge a one-time or annual registration fee ranging from SAR 1,000 to SAR 5,000+. It secures the place. It does not come back if circumstances change. School uniforms, materials, and technology fees are additional at most campuses – standard regardless of nationality.
The all-in cost for one child at a secondary-level international school in Riyadh often lands between SAR 100,000 and SAR 130,000 per year once VAT, transportation, and ancillary fees are added. For two children, that math changes the family budget considerably.
The Online Alternative – Full Tuition Fee Transparency
Legacy Online School is a private online school founded in 2023 and accredited by WASC, operating in 30+ countries. The full tuition and fees are published on the Legacy website.
There are no transportation fees. No campus fees. No VAT on top of a quoted figure. No non-refundable registration surprise – enrollment terms are transparent upfront.
Legacy’s programs span online elementary school, online middle school, and online high school. All three levels offer live instruction from qualified teachers. Live group classes are capped at 15 learners. Smaller class sizes than most Riyadh campuses – and no waiting list. 19 AP courses are available at the high school level. Virtual clubs and extracurricular activities are included in all plans.
A Cost Comparison – One Family’s Numbers
The Thornton family relocated from London to Riyadh in 2024 on a two-year contract. Two children: Mia, age 9 (grade 3), and James, age 15 (grade 10). Their first instinct was British International School Riyadh – the curriculum matched what the children had been in at home.
The fee structure for 2024–2025 at BISR for their two year groups, including transportation fees and the registration fee, came to approximately SAR 145,000 for the academic year. With VAT, the total was closer to SAR 167,000.
They enrolled both children in Legacy instead. Mia in online elementary school. James in online high school, where he added AP World History and AP English Language in grade 10.
The two-year assignment ends in summer 2026. James’s WASC-accredited transcript shows two years of AP coursework. Mia’s credits transfer to their home school in England without issue. The saving over two years ran into tens of thousands of pounds equivalent.
Payment Methods and Practical Details
For Legacy, payment methods and current pricing are detailed at tuition and fees. Annual payment includes a 20% discount; semester payment includes 10%. Monthly is the standard rate.
Contact the Legacy admissions team to discuss enrollment timing, payment options, and whether a trial class makes sense before committing.
Top Tips from Our Expert
Maya Robinson, College Prep Advisor at Legacy Online School
- When comparing international school fees in Riyadh, always ask for the all-in cost including VAT, transportation fees, uniforms, and exam fees. The advertised annual tuition is rarely the number that appears on your first invoice.
- If your assignment is less than two years, consider whether international school enrollment is worth the admission and registration fees upfront. Non-refundable fees don’t come back if the contract ends early or the family relocates.
- AP courses are not always included in the standard curriculum at physical international schools. Before enrolling, confirm the AP courses available at that campus and whether AP exam fees are included or additional.
- Virtual clubs and extracurricular activities are part of the Legacy package – no separate sports fee, no separate activity enrollment. For university applications, the documented participation matters.
We are a US-accredited private international online school that coexists with local schooling. Families are responsible for ensuring compliance with any local education requirements applicable to their situation.
