Understanding Dubai School Fees: KHDA Guidelines

Aug 19, 2026

89 min

Aug 19, 2026 03:30

Dubai school fees: KHDA rules on deposits, refunds and charges parents need to know

## Key Fee Regulations

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai has established guidelines for school fees, including application fees, registration deposits, and re-registration deposits. These rules are crucial for parents as schools prepare to reopen on August 31.

## Application Fees

Schools can charge a maximum of Dh500 for application fees. This fee is refundable if a child is not offered a place or if parents were not informed about the waiting list status before payment. However, if a place is offered and declined, the fee is non-refundable and cannot be deducted from tuition fees.

## Registration and Re-registration Deposits

A registration deposit can be up to 10% of the annual tuition fees and must be deducted from the tuition once the child starts school. This deposit is refundable if parents provide a 60-day notice before the start date. For re-registration, a deposit of up to 5% or Dh500 is allowed, whichever is lower. This deposit secures a place for the next academic year and must be deducted from the following year's fees. Specific deadlines apply for collecting these deposits.

## Refund Policies

Refunds depend on when the school receives a formal withdrawal request. If a child withdraws before the academic year starts, fees are generally refundable, but the deposit may be retained without the required notice. During the school year, the refund amount varies based on attendance duration.

## School Closures and Additional Services

In cases where a school cannot provide education due to closures, parents are entitled to compensation, either through a credit note or a refund. Fees for mandatory services paid before the academic year are refundable, while optional services are subject to agreed terms. Book fees are refundable if the child leaves before the school year begins.

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