Dubai Announces Private School Fees Hike by up to 5.2%

Dubai Announces Private School Fees Hike by up to 5.2%

Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has allowed private schools in Dubai to adjust their fees for the 2024-25 academic year, following the results of the Educational Cost Index (ECI).

Fee adjustments must be approved by the KHDA under the School Fees Framework and are tied to each school’s latest inspection rating.

Dubai private schools improving from “Weak to Acceptable” or “Acceptable to Good” can raise fees up to 5.2 percent, double the 2.6 percent ECI.

Those moving from “Good to Very Good” may hike fees up to 4.5 percent, while schools improving from “Very Good to Outstanding” can increase fees up to 3.9 percent, or 1.5 times the ECI.

Schools maintaining their inspection rating can increase tuition fees by up to 2.6 percent for the 2024-2025 academic year. However, schools that drop in the annual ratings will not be eligible to apply for any fee increase.

“Aligning the fee adjustment with schools’ inspection ratings emphasises the quality offered by schools, while enhancing the competitiveness of the sector,” stated Shamma AlMansouri, Director of Permits at KHDA.

According to KHDA, linking tuition hikes to inspection ratings will motivate schools to satisfy parents and provide high-quality education for all students, including those from diverse backgrounds.

“Furthermore, the application