Special needs course in the UAE
Yes. You can take a special needs (SEN) teacher training course online anywhere in the United Arab Emirates with London College of Teachers. The 120-hour SEN Certificate costs US$325, and levels run up to the 550-hour Master Level. The UAE calls people with disabilities People of Determination and promotes inclusive education, and Dubai's inclusive education framework expects private schools to support students with special educational needs. Schools hire learning support teachers, learning support assistants and shadow teachers.
United Arab Emirates at a glance
| Region | Seven emirates |
|---|---|
| Languages | Arabic (official), English widely used |
| Schools and curricula | Public schools and a large private sector with British, American, IB, Indian and other curricula; licensed nurseries |
| Education authorities | Ministry of Education; KHDA (Dubai); ADEK (Abu Dhabi); SPEA (Sharjah) |
| Usual school year | Late August or September to June or July; many Indian-curriculum schools run April to March |
| Nearest LCT office | No UAE office; admissions by WhatsApp +91 96747 42489 and email |
| Regulated route | Learning support teachers usually need a degree and SEN qualifications under KHDA, ADEK or Ministry rules; assistants and shadow teachers vary. |
| Paying for your course | Pay in US dollars (or pounds) by card through Razorpay or PayPal; your bank converts from local currency. |
General guidance, checked October 2026. Calendars and rules change, so confirm with the school or authority.
Special needs education in United Arab Emirates
The UAE calls people with disabilities People of Determination and promotes inclusive education, and Dubai's inclusive education framework expects private schools to support students with special educational needs. Schools hire learning support teachers, learning support assistants and shadow teachers.
Requirements and recognition
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.
Where SEN-trained staff work in the UAE
- Learning support departments in private schools
- Shadow teacher roles
- Therapy and early intervention centres (support roles)
- Families of People of Determination
Preparing for UAE learning support roles
Learning support teachers usually need a degree plus SEN qualifications and experience. The PG Diploma or Master Level, with its focus on IEPs, autism and ADHD, strengthens applications.
Paying from the UAE
Pay in US dollars or pounds by card through Razorpay or PayPal.
Inclusion in the UAE
The UAE uses the term People of Determination and promotes inclusive education. In Dubai, the KHDA's inclusive education framework expects private schools to identify and support students of determination, and most schools run inclusion departments.
Typical learning support roles
- Learning support assistant (LSA): supports students in class; requirements vary.
- Shadow teacher: one-to-one support, employed by the school or family.
- Learning support or inclusion teacher: usually needs a degree and SEN qualifications.
- Inclusion lead: senior role with leadership experience.
Hiring calendar in the UAE
Schools recruit learning support staff mainly from January to May for an August or September start; families hire shadow teachers year-round.
How UAE learners use the course
Learning support assistants and shadow teachers already in the UAE study online to strengthen their skills and progress; graduates choose the PG Diploma for IEP, autism and ADHD expertise.
Common challenges and how learners handle them
Learners in this country often mention these challenges. Planning for them early makes the path smoother:
- Getting visa sponsorship for family-employed roles
- Meeting regulator requirements for lead roles
- High living costs in Dubai
- Our advisers can help you plan around them: contact admissions by WhatsApp or email.
Fees for learners in United Arab Emirates
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 |
| Master Level in Special Education Needs | 550 | up to 18 months | US$750 | £595 | ₹65,000 incl. GST |
| Certificate in Child Psychology | 120 | up to 6 months | US$170 | £140 | ₹11,800 incl. GST |
City guides in United Arab Emirates
Studying online from United Arab Emirates
You study at your own pace, complete module quizzes and assignments online, and contact tutors and admissions by email, phone or WhatsApp. Local time: GST (UTC+4).
Frequently asked questions
Can I do a special needs teacher training course online in United Arab Emirates?
Yes. London College of Teachers' special needs courses are fully online, so you can study anywhere in United Arab Emirates and start any day. You pay in US dollars (or pounds): the 120-hour SEN Certificate is US$325, and your bank converts from your local currency.
Is a special needs certificate useful in United Arab Emirates?
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.
Which special needs course should I take in United Arab Emirates?
Teachers and parents usually start with the 120-hour SEN Certificate. Shadow teachers and inclusive classroom teachers often choose the 200-hour Diploma, and graduates aiming for senior or SEN coordinator roles choose the PG Diploma or Master Level, which covers IEPs, autism and ADHD.
Can I work as a learning support assistant in Dubai with SEN training?
Often yes, depending on the school; teacher roles usually need a degree as well.
Do UAE schools have inclusion departments?
Most private schools in Dubai do, under the KHDA framework.