Dubai School Fees in 2025: A Complete Guide for Parents
Published on : 10 Apr 2025
Navigating school fees in Dubai can feel overwhelming, especially for new or expat parents. With annual tuition ranging from AED 15,000 to over AED 100,000 depending on the curriculum and grade, education is a major financial decision for families in the UAE.
To make things clearer, this guide explains everything you need to know about school fees in Dubai for 2025 — including regulations, fee categories, and smart budgeting tips.
What Is the School Fees Fact Sheet?
The School Fees Fact Sheet is a one-page document every private school in Dubai must give parents before each academic year. Introduced by Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), it shows all fees clearly and transparently — helping families make informed decisions.
Key Features:
Valid for one academic year only
Comes with a QR code for verification
Part of the Parent-School Contract
Available on school websites and the KHDA Directory
Understanding a Sample Fact Sheet: A Real-Life Example
Let’s say your child is enrolled in Grade 8 at a private school in Dubai that follows the Indian curriculum. The school has a “Good” rating by KHDA. Here’s how the fees might look for the 2025 academic year:
Tuition Fees: AED 15,000 per year
The school offers a 5% discount on tuition if paid early or under certain conditions
In addition to tuition, there are several mandatory fees such as:
Books: AED 5,000
Activity Fee: AED 500
Library Fee: AED 500
Medical Services: AED 100
Science Lab Fee: AED 200
When you add these, the total mandatory fees come to about AED 20,500
You also need to factor in optional services that may apply:
Transportation: Between AED 3,000 and AED 5,000 depending on location
Uniform: AED 500 to AED 800
After-school activities: Can go up to AED 7,000 annually
Field trips: Usually range between AED 500 and AED 2,000
School photography: Around AED 100
This example helps parents understand that fees can go beyond just tuition, and it's important to check the full breakdown before enrolling.
Types of School Fees: What’s Regulated?
School fees in Dubai fall into three main categories, and it’s important for parents to understand what each includes — and what’s regulated by the KHDA.
1. Mandatory Fees
These are the essential costs every parent must pay. They include tuition fees, registration fees, and re-enrollment fees. These charges are strictly regulated by the KHDA, meaning schools cannot change or add to them without approval.
2. Additional Fees
These fees cover things like transportation, school trips, and books (if not already included in tuition). While these are not as tightly controlled as tuition fees, schools are required to clearly disclose them in the Fact Sheet. Transparency is key, and there should be no surprise charges.
3. Optional Fees
These cover non-academic and third-party services, such as after-school activities, photography, or private tutoring. These services are not regulated by KHDA, and parents have the freedom to choose whether or not to use them. Participation is entirely optional, and schools must offer these on a parent opt-in basis.
Tuition Fee Increases: How It Works
KHDA uses a structured School Fees Framework to control tuition fee increases. Any increase depends on:
The school’s most recent inspection rating
The Education Cost Index (ECI)
For 2024–2025, fee increase limits were between 3–4.6%.
This ensures:
Only high-performing schools can raise fees
Parents get advance notice
Fee changes remain fair and predictable
Books and Uniforms: Your Options
Books:
Some schools require you to buy books from them
Others offer it as optional
Some include books in tuition
Uniforms:
Uniforms are required in most schools
Parents can often choose where to buy them
Costs must be listed in the Fact Sheet
How to Access a School’s Fees:
You can easily find the School Fees Fact Sheet through the KHDA Directory:
Visit: web.khda.gov.ae
Search for your child’s school
Click the school’s name
Select “Fees Sheet” on the top right
You’ll also find:
School contact info
Curriculum details
Teacher/student ratios
Inspection reports
Principal’s name and more
Financial Tips for Parents
1. Early Payment Discounts:
Some schools offer 5–10% discounts if you pay the full year upfront.
2. Scholarships & Discounts:
Look for:
Sibling discounts (5–10%)
Academic scholarships (up to 20%)
Corporate discounts (10–20%)
Founding family/teacher children discounts
3. Flexible Payment Plans:
Term-based payments (usually 3 per year)
Monthly instalments
Bank-financed education plans
4. Watch Out for Hidden Costs:
Devices (e.g., laptops)
Graduation fees
Exam registration (for international boards)
Special school events or after-school programs
Key Questions to Ask Schools
Are there any fees not listed in the Fact Sheet?
What’s your history of fee increases?
Are payment plans available?
What’s included in mandatory fees?
Are there expected extra costs next year?
In Summary: Plan Smart, Choose Wisely
Dubai offers a wide range of private school options — but they come at a cost. Thanks to the KHDA’s School Fees Fact Sheet, parents now have a powerful tool to plan and compare schools transparently.
With the right information and planning, you can confidently choose the best education for your child while managing your family’s budget wisely.
This is a comprehensive resource on the education landscape in the UAE, with a focus on schools in Dubai. For more detailed insights and updates, we invite you to explore - Dubai Education Guide: Top Schools Academics and Universities in UAE
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