School fees are usually the biggest cost of family life in Dubai, and the rules around deposits, instalments and refunds can be confusing. This guide explains how fees work at Dubai private schools, what KHDA allows schools to charge, and how to protect yourself when you sign up or leave.
How fees are set
Every private school in Dubai must have its tuition fees approved by KHDA, and schools cannot charge more than the approved amount. Normally, KHDA allows yearly increases linked to the Education Cost Index (ECI), with higher-rated schools allowed slightly larger rises. For 2025-26 the ECI was 2.35%.
For 2026-27, tuition fees are frozen: approved fees stay at current levels, so no Dubai private school can raise tuition this year.
Each school's official fee sheet is published on its KHDA listing. Every school page on this site links straight to it, so you can always check the current approved fees.
What schools cost
Fees vary hugely by school, curriculum and year group. Fees almost always rise as children move up, so the price for FS1 or KG1 can be far lower than for the final years. As a reference, here are 2026-27 annual tuition ranges at Dubai's 23 Outstanding schools:
| Curriculum (Outstanding schools) | Schools | Annual tuition range |
|---|---|---|
| British | 15 | AED 43,084 to 111,799 |
| IB | 5 | AED 44,616 to 89,889 |
| American | 1 | AED 66,185 to 93,300 |
| Indian | 1 | AED 38,246 to 73,876 |
| French | 1 | AED 29,488 to 62,363 |
Source: Khaleej Times analysis of KHDA fee data, July 2026. Ranges cover the youngest to the oldest year groups.
Fees at many other Dubai schools are considerably lower. A higher fee does not automatically mean a better rating, so compare fees side by side with each school's KHDA rating.
How and when you pay
- Three term payments are the standard. Term 1 can be up to 40% of annual tuition, and Terms 2 and 3 up to 30% each, each due at the start of the term.
- Monthly payments: some schools offer 10 equal monthly instalments instead. Ask if this suits your budget better.
- Distance learning: if a school moves lessons online with KHDA approval, fees still apply.
Application fees and deposits
- Application (assessment) fee: up to AED 500
- Paid when you apply. You get it back if no place is offered, or if the school did not tell you beforehand that the year group was full or had a waiting list. It is not refunded if you are offered a place and turn it down.
- Registration (seat) deposit: up to 10% of annual tuition
- Can only be requested after you receive and accept a formal offer. It is not an extra charge: it is deducted from your tuition. It is refundable if you give at least 60 days' written notice before your child's start date.
- Re-enrolment deposit: up to 5% of tuition
- Secures your child's place for the next school year and is deducted from next year's fees. For September-start schools it cannot be collected before 1 May; for April-start schools, not before 1 February. If you don't pay it by the deadline, the school does not have to hold the place. Check the exact amount with your school.
Leaving a school: refunds
Refunds are calculated from the date the school receives your written withdrawal request. Simply stopping attendance does not stop fees, and requests cannot be backdated.
| When you withdraw | What you pay |
|---|---|
| Before the school year starts | Fees are generally refunded. The deposit may be kept if you gave less than 60 days' notice. |
| Up to two weeks after term starts | Up to one month's fees |
| Two weeks to one month after term starts | Up to two months' fees |
| More than one month into the term | The full term's fees, no refund |
If a school closes temporarily and cannot provide education, parents must be compensated with a credit note (valid for six months and transferable to a sibling at the same school) or a refund.
Costs on top of tuition
Tuition is only part of the bill. When comparing schools, ask for a full list of other costs, which can include:
- School transport (often charged per term, depending on distance)
- Uniforms, books and learning devices
- Trips, residential visits and after-school activities
- External exam fees in the final years
- Specialist learning support or a shadow teacher, if needed (see our inclusion guide)
Optional services follow the written terms you agree at enrolment, and book fees are usually only refundable if your child leaves before the school year begins. Get the terms in writing.
Your rights when fees change
If KHDA approves a fee increase after you have paid a deposit or fees, you have 10 days from the announcement to withdraw with a full refund of the applicable deposits or fees. If you think a school is charging more than it should, raise it with the school first, then with KHDA.
Budgeting tips
- Budget for the whole journey, not just this year. Look at the fee for every year group your child will pass through.
- Ask about discounts. Many schools offer sibling discounts, and some offer corporate or early-payment discounts.
- Compare value, not just price. A mid-priced school rated Very good may suit your child better than a pricier school with a similar rating.
- Put notice dates in your calendar (60 days before term) if there is any chance you will move or change schools.
- Keep every receipt and agreement in one folder.
Compare schools, then check fees
Every school page links to its official KHDA fee sheet.
Sources
- Application fees, deposits, refunds and the 10-day rule: Gulf News, August 2026.
- Term payments, monthly instalments and the 2025-26 ECI: WhichSchoolAdvisor, April 2026.
- 2026-27 fee freeze: Gulf News, August 2026.
- Fees at Outstanding schools: Khaleej Times, July 2026.
This guide is general information, not financial or legal advice. KHDA rules can change, so always check your school's written terms and the latest KHDA guidance.