Schools in Dubai— Fees and KHDA Ratings.

How School Fees Work in Dubai

The KHDA regulates private school fees in Dubai through the Education Cost Index (ECI). Schools rated higher by KHDA have historically been eligible for larger fee increases. The ECI reflects operational costs including staff salaries, support services, and rent, calculated from audited financial data.

KHDA Fee Increase Rules

• Schools maintaining the same rating may increase fees by up to the ECI percentage.
• Schools that improve their rating may apply for increases up to double the ECI.
• Schools whose rating drops are not eligible for any fee increase.
• Schools operating for less than three years cannot apply for fee adjustments.

Full KHDA inspections were paused for 2024-25 and extended through 2025-26. All schools can only adjust fees based on the ECI during this period. Full inspections are expected to resume in the 2026-2027 academic year.

School fees in Dubai range from approximately AED 12,000 to over AED 110,000 per annum, depending on the curriculum, grade level, and school rating. Fees listed do not include additional costs such as registration, transportation, uniforms, books, or extracurricular activities.