No fee hike in some Dubai schools despite KHDA-approved increase
Although private schools in the emirate have been allowed to increase tuition fees by up to 2.35% for the year 2025-2026, a school group in Dubai has decided to maintain the current tuition fees for the upcoming academic year.
As part of the most recent update, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has correlated fee increments to each school’s performance during the annual inspection and has permitted fee increments to be made for each school.
"KHDA has supported and made forward-thinking decisions which enable strengthening the education landscape in Dubai,” appreciated Deepika Thapar Singh, CEO Principal of Credence High School.
“Despite our efforts to obtain KHDA’s approval for the fee increase in alignment with the 2.35% Education Cost Index ECI, we will bear the cost of not increasing the tuition fee for parents this academic session," she remarked.
Supporting the team
Singh expressed that the school improvement plans which are not associated with the fee freeze, are still a priority. “Upgrading infrastructure continues to be a priority,” she said. “We regularly invest in campus improvements to ensure our students benefit from the best possible campus experience.”
Even so, the school has not shifted their focus on staff development and wellbeing. “Even without a fee hike, we are dedicated to supporting our team. We will continue to explore meaningful ways to recognize and support our educators."
While many private schools in Dubai plan to make use of the KHDA approved increase, Credence High School has opted out of increasing fees. Other Dubai based private schools plan to reinvest in strategically important areas such as teaching, modern infrastructure, and well-rounded learning programs.
Also noteworthy is the ECI which, based on the annual review of audited financial statements in coordination with the Digital Dubai Authority, captures the real operating cost of a school.
Staff wages, rental costs incurred, and other support services are included without compromise on world-class education for students.
Maintaining quality education
GEMS Education has ecstatically accepted the KHDA decision and regards it as critical for investment in schoolexcellence.
“GEMS Education welcomes the recent announcement from KHDA regarding the ECI and approved increase in school fees for the 2025-26 academic year,” expressed the Group Chief Executive Officer GEMS Education, Dino Varkey.
“Upon receiving approval from each school, the increment will assist us in investing even more into our teachers, curriculum, and facilities, which are essential for providing high-quality education." “We will be communicating changes to fee structures to our families in due course and appreciate their continued trust,” he elaborated.
Likewise, Ambassador School Dubai views this development as an increase to offset budgetary constraints associated with other costs while simultaneously maintaining quality education.
Sheela Menon, Principal at the Ambassador School Dubai, stated that, “The recently announced 2.35 percent ECI…provides schools with a modest adjustment to cover rising operational expenses.” Further, “this increase will be used primarily to support three critical areas: enhancements to learning environments, upgrades to technology, and competitive compensation for staff.”
“No institution can deliver a world-class educational experience without investment. Strategic excellence cannot be achieved without accommodating the ever-increasing expenses of salaries, infrastructure, and educational tools,” recalls Menon.
Comments