Special needs course in Abu Dhabi
Yes. You can study special needs (SEN) teacher training online from Abu Dhabi with London College of Teachers and start any day. The 120-hour SEN Certificate costs US$325, and higher levels run up to the 550-hour Master Level. Abu Dhabi's ADEK-regulated schools provide inclusion support.
Abu Dhabi: the local picture
Abu Dhabi's ADEK-regulated schools provide inclusion support for People of Determination, and schools employ learning support staff.
Teachers already in Abu Dhabi often study SEN online to move into learning support roles.
Abu Dhabi at a glance
| Region | Emirate of Abu Dhabi, UAE |
|---|---|
| Languages | Arabic, English and many expatriate languages |
| Schools and curricula | Public and private schools with British, American, IB, Indian and other curricula |
| Education authorities | Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) |
| Usual school year | Late August or September to June or July in most private schools; many Indian-curriculum schools run April to March |
| Nearest LCT office | Kolkata, India (call or WhatsApp +91 96747 42489) |
General guidance, checked October 2026. Calendars and rules change, so confirm with the school or authority.
Special needs education in Abu Dhabi
Teachers in Abu Dhabi study SEN online to move into learning support roles.
Where special needs graduates in Abu Dhabi work
- Learning support roles
- Shadow teacher roles
- Inclusion departments
- Therapy centres (support roles)
- Family-employed support
Practical tips for Abu Dhabi
- Read ADEK requirements for inclusion staff.
- Show IEP and autism experience.
- Assistant roles are a common first step.
Which special needs course should you choose in Abu Dhabi?
- Learning support assistants and shadow teachers: the 120-hour Certificate or 200-hour Diploma
- Graduates applying for inclusion or learning support roles: the PG Diploma or Master Level
- Teachers in mainstream classrooms: the SEN Certificate
Compare every level on the special needs courses page.
What employers in United Arab Emirates look for
Learning support teachers usually need a degree and relevant SEN qualifications; assistants and shadow teachers often need less. Check KHDA, ADEK or Ministry of Education rules and each advert.
Requirements change. Treat this as general guidance (October 2026) and confirm with your employer or the relevant authority.
Course fees for learners in Abu Dhabi
You pay in US dollars (or pounds): the 120-hour SEN Certificate is US$325, and your bank converts from your local currency.
| Course | Hours | Study time | USD | GBP | INR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate in Special Education Needs | 120 | up to 6 months | US$325 | £275 | ₹23,600 incl. GST |
| Diploma in Special Education Needs | 200 | up to 10 months | US$399 | £340 | ₹29,500 incl. GST |
| PG Diploma in Special Education Needs | 240 | up to 12 months | US$475 | £390 | ₹35,400 incl. GST |
| Certificate in Child Psychology | 120 | up to 6 months | US$170 | £140 | ₹11,800 incl. GST |
| Diploma in Child Psychology | 200 | up to 10 months | US$250 | £210 | ₹17,700 incl. GST |
What you will study
Special needs teacher training covers how to spot children who need extra support and how to teach them well: learning disabilities, autism, ADHD, speech and language difficulties, emotional regulation, behaviour support, classroom management and inclusive teaching methods. The Diploma adds cerebral palsy, sensory issues and visual and hearing impairment, and the Master Level is built on a PG Diploma in SEN with IEP, Autism and ADHD plus certificates in learning disability, child psychology and 21st century teaching skills. See the course details.
Why learners in Abu Dhabi choose London College of Teachers
- UK-registered provider: London College of Teachers Limited, UKPRN 10096558
- Fully online and self-paced: start any day from Abu Dhabi
- Clear pathway from a 120-hour Certificate to a 550-hour Master Level
- Certificate verifiable online that employers can check
- Support by WhatsApp, phone and email
How studying online from Abu Dhabi works
- Apply online or send a quick enquiry.
- An adviser confirms your level and sends payment details.
- Get your login and study each module at your own pace.
- Complete quizzes and assignments, then receive your verifiable certificate.
Support is by email, phone and WhatsApp; your local time is GST (UTC+4).
More for United Arab Emirates: Special needs course in United Arab Emirates.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a special needs teacher training course in Abu Dhabi?
Yes. You can take London College of Teachers' special needs courses fully online from Abu Dhabi, from the 120-hour Certificate to the 550-hour Master Level. There is no need to travel to a centre.
How much does a special needs course cost in Abu Dhabi?
You pay in US dollars (or pounds): the 120-hour SEN Certificate is US$325, and your bank converts from your local currency. The 200-hour Diploma is US$399 and the PG Diploma US$475.
Can I work as a shadow teacher or SEN teacher in Abu Dhabi with this certificate?
Teachers in Abu Dhabi study SEN online to move into learning support roles. Learning support teachers usually need a degree and relevant SEN qualifications; assistants and shadow teachers often need less. Check KHDA, ADEK or Ministry of Education rules and each advert.
How long does the special needs course take from Abu Dhabi?
The 120-hour SEN Certificate is designed for up to 6 months of self-paced study, and many learners in Abu Dhabi finish sooner. The Diploma takes up to 10 months, the PG Diploma 12 months and the Master Level 18 months.
Is the London College of Teachers certificate accepted in United Arab Emirates?
The certificate is issued by London College of Teachers Limited, a UK-registered learning provider (UKPRN 10096558), and can be verified online. Private schools, inclusive schools, therapy centres and families hiring shadow teachers set their own rules, while government special educator posts usually need a national qualification and registration, so confirm with your target employer.
Is SEN training useful in Abu Dhabi?
Yes, for learning support roles.
Do Abu Dhabi schools hire shadow teachers?
Many schools and families do.