As Dubai schools prepare for the new academic year beginning August 31, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has provided a comprehensive framework regarding school fees, registration deposits, and refund procedures. Understanding these regulations is essential for parents as they finalize enrollment and prepare for the upcoming term.
When applying for a school, institutions are permitted to charge a maximum application fee of Dh500. This fee is non-refundable if a place is offered but declined by the parent. However, it must be refunded if the school fails to offer a place after an assessment, or if the school did not disclose that no spots were available or that the child would be placed on a waiting list prior to payment. Notably, any non-refundable application fee cannot be deducted from the student’s tuition fees.
For new enrollments, schools may request a registration deposit of up to 10% of the annual tuition. This amount is not an additional cost; it must be deducted from the total tuition fees once the student begins attending. Parents should only pay this deposit after receiving and formally accepting an offer of admission. For existing students, schools may charge a re-registration deposit of up to 5% of tuition fees or Dh500, whichever is lower. This is the only authorized payment to secure a place for the following year and must also be credited toward tuition.
Timing for these payments is strictly regulated. For schools starting in September, re-registration deposits cannot be collected before May 1 or prior to the spring break. For schools with an April start, the deadline is February 1. If a school fails to request these deposits within the mandated windows, they cannot retroactively demand payment. Conversely, if parents miss these deadlines, their child’s place is not guaranteed.
The KHDA has established two critical notice periods for refunds. First, if a parent provides written notice of withdrawal at least 60 calendar days before the start of the academic year, the registration deposit is fully refundable. Second, if a KHDA-approved fee increase is announced after a parent has already paid, they have a 10-calendar-day window to withdraw their child and receive a full refund of all applicable deposits and fees.
Refund calculations are based on the date the school receives the formal written withdrawal request, not the student’s final day of attendance. If a child withdraws after the school year has commenced, the school may retain a portion of the fees based on the duration of attendance: one month’s fees for attendance of two weeks or less, and two months’ fees for attendance between two weeks and one month. If the student attends for more than one month, no refund is due, and the school may charge the full term’s fees.
In cases where a school cannot provide education due to government-mandated closures or suspensions, parents are entitled to compensation. This may take the form of a credit note valid for six months, a transfer of credit to a sibling, or a full refund. However, if the school continues to provide education through approved distance learning or alternative arrangements, fees remain payable. Parents choosing not to utilize these services do not qualify for a fee reduction.
Finally, regarding other costs, mandatory service fees paid before the academic year begins are refundable. Book fees are only refundable if the student leaves before the school year starts. Costs for optional services, such as transport or extracurricular activities, are governed by the specific written agreements signed at the time of enrollment. The report also notes that parents may be checking uniforms, school bags and fees, dubai: With Dubai schools set to reopen on August 31. The report also notes that it is worth knowing exactly what schools can charge and when you can get your money back, but before the new academic year begins. The report also notes that with notice required 60 days before the next academic year, the same rule applies to re-registration deposits. The report also notes that simply stopping attendance does not stop fees while the child remains enrolled. The report also notes that the amount retained depends on how long the child has attended, if the school year has already started. The report also notes that new schools and universities coming to Dubai in 2026. The report also notes that dubai schools: What changes for 2026-27. The report also notes that dubai school age cut-offs: What parents need to know.
Source: Gulf News
