Dubai school fees 2026-27: what changed

What changed for 2026-27

On 22 May 2026 KHDA confirmed that there will be no increase in school fees for private schools in Dubai for the 2026-27 academic year. The decision followed approval of Dubai's second economic incentives package, worth AED 1.5 billion, which also lets private schools defer or pay licence renewal fees in instalments.

In practice, a school's fee for each year group should stay at its 2025-26 level. Your own bill can still rise when your child moves up a year, because many schools charge different fees for different year groups, so compare the fee for the year group your child is entering.

KHDA's fee rules for private schools

From KHDA's parent guide to fees, deposits and refunds.

If you withdraw: how much you pay

The refund is calculated from the date of your written request, not the last day your child attended. Book fees are refundable only if your child leaves before the year begins.

Unpaid fees, disputes and certificates

KHDA sets out a fixed process before a school can act on unpaid fees: at least 30 days after the due date, two written reminders, direct contact, an offer of a meeting, a payment plan considered and a final written notice. A family keeping to an agreed payment plan cannot face any consequence. Any suspension for unpaid fees is capped at three school days, never on exam days, and the school needs KHDA approval before withholding a place for the next year.

To move schools within Dubai you need a transfer or withdrawal certificate, and a school can withhold it until fees are settled, but must then issue it without delay. Disputes start with the school's own complaints process; if that does not resolve it, either side can refer the case to KHDA.

How to check a school's real cost

1. Find the school in the KHDA directory and open its School Fees Fact Sheet; it lists every mandatory and optional fee and is valid for one academic year.
2. Read the fee for each year group your child will pass through, not just the entry year.
3. Add the costs KHDA does not regulate: transport, uniforms if bought outside the school, trips and after-school activities.
4. Check whether books are a mandatory school purchase or can be bought elsewhere.
5. Ask about sibling discounts and payment schedules in writing before paying a deposit.

Fees and ratings

KHDA's guidance says it regulates fees according to the annual Education Cost Index and schools' inspection ratings. For 2025-26, the index was set at 2.35% for for-profit schools, and schools operating in Dubai for less than three years could not apply. The 2026-27 freeze overrides this for the current year. Ratings are worth checking anyway as a guide to quality; our KHDA ratings guide explains how to read them.

Budgeting for extra help

Many families add tutoring or activities on top of school fees, so it helps to know the cost upfront. LiveTutor charges one flat rate for every subject and level, $15 a lesson, on a weekly plan of 1 to 5 lessons billed monthly, and the monthly price for one lesson a week is $60. Lessons are one to one, 60 minutes, online after school in Dubai time.

The first lesson is a free trial, and a 7-day money-back guarantee applies: a full refund of the month within 7 days of paying and before the first paid lesson.