UAE Changes Age Cut-off Date for Students in Early Education

The UAE has announced a significant update to its school admission policy, extending the age cut‑off date for students entering early education from the 2026–2027 academic year.

Under the revised rule approved by the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council, the official age eligibility deadline will move from August 31 to December 31 of the relevant admission year for children enrolling in pre‑kindergarten through Grade 1 at schools and kindergartens that start their academic year in August or September. 

The change means that children will now be able to start school four months earlier than under the previous system, allowing those born later in the year — particularly between September and December — to begin their education without needing to wait an additional year. Current students are not affected by the new cut‑off; it applies only to new admissions for the 2026–27 school year. 

Schools that operate on an April academic calendar — including many under the Indian curriculum — will continue using a March 31 cut‑off date. For children transferring between curricula or arriving from abroad, placement will be based on the last completed grade and approved equivalency procedures. 

Education authorities say the updated policy is designed to ensure fair access to early education, align admission criteria with international standards and support smoother transitions between different curricula. Research analysed by the Ministry of Education found no major disadvantages for children enrolling earlier; in some cases, younger entrants showed strong academic outcomes.