KHDA approves a small tuition fee increase for 2025–26, tied to real operating costs
It’s official: Some Dubai private schools can raise tuition fees next year — but there’s a cap.
The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) just gave the green light for eligible private schools in Dubai to increase tuition by up to 2.35 per cent for the 2025–26 academic year.
This change is based on something called the Education Cost Index (ECI), which basically reflects the real-life costs of running a school —think salaries, rent, utilities, and everything in between.
So, if your child’s school has been around for at least three years and meets KHDA’s criteria, you might see a small bump in fees next year.
But don’t worry — it’s not a free-for-all. Every fee adjustment application has to go through KHDA first to make sure it’s fair and within limits.
Why the fee hike?
It’s all about balance.
KHDA’s Director of Licensing and Education Services, Shamma Al Mansouri, said in a report on ARN News site that the move is part of a “sustainable approach” that helps schools manage their budgets without putting too much pressure on parents.
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Basically, it keeps quality up while making sure schools aren’t left scrambling.
The ECI itself is calculated using audited financial data, gathered in partnership with Digital Dubai Authority — so yes, it’s legit and backed by real numbers.
Dubai’s private education boom
This announcement lands at a time when Dubai’s private school scene is growing like crazy.
In just the past two years, 15 new schools have opened — and more than 20 are already under review.
As of now, the city has 227 private schools serving nearly 387,500 students from an impressively diverse 185 nationalities.
Student enrolment alone jumped 12 per cent in 2023–24 and another six per cent this academic year.
All of this ties into the city’s ambitious Education Strategy 33, which aims to open 100 more private schools by 2033.
The goal? More choice, better quality, and world-class education access for families across the emirate.
So, yes, fees might go up a bit, but it’s all part of a bigger plan to give students the best start possible.
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