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 of a scientific methodology to monitor and analyse the audited financial statements of private schools in Dubai allows for a transparent process that takes into account the interests of all our stakeholders.”
“[IT] ensures continuous improvement in the quality of education offered by schools while also safeguarding the sustainability of the private schools’ sector,” AlMansouri added.
The School Fees Framework was introduced to allow schools to develop long-term growth plans while contributing to a robust and reliable private education sector that offers families a choice of high-quality education.
Last academic year, over 77 percent of students were enrolled in Dubai private schools rated “Good” or better. Enrollment has surged 12 percent compared to the previous year, with over 365,000 students now attending one of the 220 private schools offering 17 different curricula across Dubai.
