The UAE Ministry of Education has issued detailed guidelines outlining age eligibility criteria for Kindergarten and Grade 1 admissions for the 2026–2027 academic year, applicable to both public and private schools across different curricula.
According to the Ministry, the age-calculation schedule applies to children not previously enrolled in any education system and is determined based on the approved date of birth relevant to each curriculum. The new directive aims to standardise school admissions while ensuring children are developmentally and psychologically ready for formal education.
For children whose dates of birth fall between September 1 and December 31, 2021, and who were not eligible for admission in the 2025–2026 academic year, parents may choose to enrol them in either KG1 or KG2 for the upcoming academic year. The Ministry clarified that private schools may assess a child’s readiness and availability of seats before confirming admission.
Ministry Curriculum Eligibility
- KG1: Born between January 1 and December 31, 2022
- KG2: Born between January 1 and December 31, 2021
- Grade 1: Born between January 1 and December 31, 2020
British Curriculum
- Pre-Foundation: Born in 2023
- Foundation Stage 2: Born in 2022
- Year 1: Born in 2021
- Year 2: Born in 2020
American, Australian, Canadian & Other Curricula
- Pre-KG/Foundation: Born in 2023
- KG1: Born in 2022
- KG2: Born in 2021
- Grade 1: Born in 2020
For private schools operating on an April academic calendar, age eligibility is calculated using March 31 as the reference date.
The Ministry stressed that the revised policy ensures fairness, smooth academic progression and equal learning opportunities, while confirming that students already enrolled will continue in their current grades without disruption.
