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Dubai approves private school fee hike for next academic year

by Prerna

March 10, 2023 1

Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has approved a new fee increase for private schools for the next academic year. The announcement was made recently, and it has been met with mixed reactions from parents and educators in the city.

Private schools in Dubai are a popular choice for many parents, offering high-quality education and a range of extracurricular activities. However, the cost of private education in the city has been a source of concern for some families, and the fee increase is likely to exacerbate this issue.

According to the KHDA, the new fee increase is in line with the Education Cost Index (ECI), which is a measure of the cost of goods and services in the education sector. The exact percentage of the increase has not been announced, but it is expected to be around 2-4%.

The KHDA has stated that the fee increase will be applied fairly and transparently, and that schools will need to justify any increases to parents. Schools will also be required to provide a detailed breakdown of their fees and expenses, to ensure that parents understand where their money is going.

The fee increase has been met with mixed reactions from parents and educators in the city. Some have expressed concern that the cost of private education is already high, and that the fee increase will make it even more difficult for some families to afford. Others have argued that the fee increase is necessary to ensure that schools can continue to provide high-quality education and resources for their students.

It is worth noting that Dubai’s private schools are subject to strict regulatory oversight from the KHDA. Schools are required to meet high standards of quality and performance, and they are regularly inspected and evaluated by the authority. The KHDA also has a complaints mechanism in place, to ensure that parents can raise concerns about school fees and other issues.

The KHDA has emphasized that the fee increase is necessary to maintain the high standards of education that private schools in Dubai are known for. Private schools are expected to continue investing in facilities, resources, and teaching staff to ensure that students receive a quality education that prepares them for the future.

However, the fee increase comes at a time when many families are already facing financial difficulties due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many parents have lost their jobs or have had their salaries reduced, making it even more difficult for them to afford private education for their children.

To address these concerns, the KHDA has encouraged schools to be flexible and understanding with families who are facing financial difficulties. Schools are expected to offer payment plans and other support to help families manage the cost of education during these challenging times.

Overall, the fee increase for private schools in Dubai highlights the complex issues surrounding the cost of education in the city. While private schools are a popular choice for many parents, the high cost of education can make it difficult for some families to access the quality education that their children deserve. It remains to be seen how the fee increase will be implemented and how it will affect the private education landscape in Dubai, but it is clear that the KHDA will continue to monitor the situation closely and work to ensure that all students have access to a quality education.