Dubai School Fees: Some Struggle, Others Cope

Tuition Hike in Dubai: Parents Struggle, Others Adapt

Dubai's private schools are imposing further fee hikes on parents after the authorities approved increases for the 2025–2026 period based on the Education Cost Index (ECI). The educational authority (KHDA) has permitted a 2.35 percent increase, depending also on the ratings of the schools – particularly affecting profit-oriented private institutions.

Some are Paying up to 5,000 Dirhams More Annually

While some schools have announced minimal increases of up to 200 dirhams per year, in other cases, fee hikes may reach 5,000 dirhams per child. This particularly impacts the so-called “outstanding” tier schools, where annual tuition already ranges between 87,000 to 92,000 dirhams.

Due to the fee hikes, more parents are searching for alternative solutions: some pay the full annual tuition at once in hopes of a discount, while others are looking for more affordable schools for their children.

Moderate Increase, Planning Ahead

Not everyone is drastically affected by the price rise. More parents anticipated the increase and were pleased to find that the annual additional cost amounted to only a few hundred dirhams. According to some, a manageable fee increase allows for better family budget planning, especially when the increase has been foreseen.

Switching is Difficult, Even with Rising Costs

Many parents feel they have no option to switch schools, especially if their child is already in higher grades, or if switching schools would lead to further expenses and administrative difficulties. Instead, some reduce spending in other areas—such as extracurricular activities or leisurely pursuits—to cover tuition fees.

Those Who Planned Ahead

Some families had already decided to switch schools last year, realizing that the previous school's fee level had exceeded a sustainable framework long-term. In such cases, parents previously paid 55,000 dirhams per year but now keep total education costs under 30,000 dirhams—including books and uniforms. Compared to this, the fee increase at the new school was negligible, and parents confirmed that the switch proved to be a good decision.

Sector Growth Remains Uninterrupted

Dubai currently has 227 private schools accommodating nearly 387,500 students from 185 different nationalities. In the 2023–24 academic year, there was a 12 percent increase in enrollments, clearly indicating the city's population growth and the trust in private education. Demand for education remains strong, and the rising costs have not significantly slowed down the interest in school places.

Conclusion

The fee increases of Dubai's private schools triggered mixed reactions: some parents are content with the moderate changes, while others faced significant financial pressure. School switching is not a viable path for everyone, but more and more are seeking more cost-effective alternatives. The challenge is clear: finding a balance between education quality and financial sustainability.

(The article’s source is based on a statement from Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).)