If a private school in Abu Dhabi wishes to increase tuition fees, it must submit clear and precise requests according to specific deadlines set by ADEK. Here are the requirements they must meet:

– Hold a valid school license at the start of the school year.
– Operate continuously for at least three years.
– Submit financial audit reports from the previous two academic years, prepared and approved according to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
– Apply during the designated fee increase window set by ADEK.

Schools cannot increase tuition by more than 15 percent in exceptional cases and must meet additional conditions before seeking ADEK approval for these requests. To be eligible, schools must:
– Document operating losses for the last two consecutive academic years, confirmed by an auditor.
– Maintain an occupancy rate of at least 80 percent.
– Be operational for at least three academic years.
– Hold a valid school license at the start of the school year.
– Submit audited financial statements from the previous two academic years.

If approved, schools can only implement one exceptional tuition increase per school year.

For embassy-run schools, conditions differ slightly, requiring justification, governing board approval, and embassy or consulate approval. ADEK reserves the right to refuse any standard or exceptional increase in tuition fees if these conditions are not fully met.

Transparent pricing structure for parents

Schools are required to divide their ADEK-approved fees into specific categories for the sake of transparency. These categories include:
– Tuition
– Educational resource fees
– Uniform fees
– Transportation costs
– Extracurricular activity fees

Schools may organize and categorize these fees at their discretion, but must disclose full details to parents during the registration process.

Schools may also charge a justified fee to cover the administration of board exams, including document processing, proctoring, mailing, etc., as applicable. The board’s separate examination fees, applicable grade levels, and any associated administrative fees must be clearly identified on the school’s website.

Schools may waive fees for items such as devices, textbooks and uniforms for students using second-hand items (such as resold or donated) that meet current school requirements, such as editions of Updated books and current uniform designs.

Schools are required to publish a detailed fee payment schedule on their websites and enter into agreements with parents to adhere to this schedule. Schools should offer at least three equal payments (for example, three, four, or 10 payments) each school year. The first payment can be received up to one month before the start of the school year.

Schools may charge up to five percent of ADEK-approved tuition fees as registration fees, applicable only to registered students. These fees can be collected up to four months before the start of the academic year.

Schools must maintain confidentiality regarding late fees or nonpayment of fees to protect students from unnecessary attention and avoid embarrassment. This information should not be disclosed to students, even in the event of suspension.

1. Warning Notice: Schools should issue three consecutive warnings to parents, each spaced at least a week apart.

2. Temporary suspension: Following the issuance of three warning notices, schools may suspend a student for up to three days, no more than once per term, in response to non-payment of tuition fees.

3. Withholding reports or re-registration: Schools may refuse examination reports, transfer certificates or prevent re-registration until all outstanding fees are paid.

If this is a recurring problem, schools must inform parents in writing at least three months before the end of the school year, warning them of the risk that their child will not be able to be re-enrolled if tuition fees go unpaid. are not settled. However, schools cannot prevent students from taking exams for non-payment.