As Dubai schools prepare for the upcoming academic year starting August 31, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has reinforced its regulatory framework regarding school fees, registration deposits, and refund protocols. Understanding these policies is essential for parents to navigate financial commitments and ensure they are aware of their rights before the term begins.
When applying for a place, schools are permitted to charge a maximum application fee of Dh500. This fee is non-refundable if a parent chooses not to accept an offered spot, but it must be returned if the school fails to offer a place after an assessment or if the school did not disclose that the child was being 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 extra cost; it must be credited toward the child’s tuition once they begin attending. Parents are only obligated to pay this deposit after they have formally accepted an offer of admission. For existing students, schools may charge a re-registration deposit capped at 5% of tuition fees or Dh500, whichever is lower. This deposit must also be deducted from the subsequent year’s tuition.
Timing for these payments is strictly regulated. For schools operating on a September start, re-registration deposits cannot be collected before May 1, following the spring break. For schools starting in April, the deadline is February 1. If a school fails to request these deposits within the designated windows, they lose the right to demand them later. Conversely, if a parent misses the payment deadline, the child’s enrollment spot is no longer guaranteed.
Parents should be aware of two critical deadlines regarding refunds. First, the 60-day rule: to receive a full refund of a registration or re-registration deposit, written notice of withdrawal must be submitted at least 60 calendar days before the start of the academic year. Second, if a KHDA-approved fee increase is announced after a deposit has already been paid, parents have a 10-calendar-day window to withdraw their child and claim a full refund of all paid deposits and fees.
Refund calculations are based on the date the school receives a formal written withdrawal request, rather than the student’s final day of attendance. Once the academic year has commenced, the amount a school may retain depends on the duration of attendance: if a student attends for two weeks or less, the school may charge one month’s fees; for attendance between two weeks and one month, two months’ fees may be charged; and if the student attends for more than one month, the school is entitled to the full term’s fees.
In cases where a school is unable to provide education due to government-mandated closures or suspensions, parents are entitled to compensation. This can be issued as a full refund, a credit note valid for six months, or a credit transferable to a sibling at the same institution. However, if the school continues to provide education through approved distance learning or alternative arrangements, fees remain payable, and choosing not to utilize these services does not entitle parents to a reduction.
Other financial obligations are handled differently. Mandatory service fees paid prior to the start of the year are refundable. Book fees are only refundable if the student withdraws before the school year begins. Optional services, such as transportation, field trips, and extracurricular activities, are governed by the specific written agreements signed between the parents and the school 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 simply stopping attendance does not stop fees while the child remains enrolled. 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. The report also notes that uAE back to school: Traffic fines drivers should know. The report also notes that dubai schools under Dh45,000 with top KHDA ratings. The report also notes that what is a parent-school contract in the UAE.