55,000 pupils to be affected by fee increase

Dubai: More than 40 of the 137 private schools in Dubai have been allowed to increase fees by up to 16 per cent for the next academic year.

This means that around 55,475 pupils will be affected by the new fee hike. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) on Tuesday said it would continue with the 16 per cent cap on fee hike it announced last year.

"We are continuing the fee cap for the next academic year and schools, which did not increase their fees last year, are allowed to hike the fee but not more 16 per cent," said Dr Abdullah Al Karam, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director General at KHDA.

There were about 92,451 pupils affected by the fee hike last year, most of whom enrolled in schools that implemented the full fee hike.

Currently there are 137 private schools in Dubai with a total strength of 153,000 pupils.

Parents welcome move

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) announced on Tuesday that the decision in consultation with and approved by the Executive Council of the Government of Dubai. The new announcement made by the authority on 16 per cent ceiling on fee hike, however, has not gone down well with many schools in Dubai, but the move has been welcomed by parents.

Are schools focusing more on money rather than education? Does the quality of education justify this increase?

I find the school situation in Dubai very frustrating. If one requires a British or American curriculum, then one is forced into a more expensive private school. With this comes waiting lists, high tuition (often in lump sums) and pre-payment to ensure a spot in the school. If a company is not assisting with tuition, it is almost cost-prohibitive to educate one's children in the UAE. What then happens to the average family? They leave. If officials are trying to attract and keep investment and talent in Dubai, I feel more time should be devoted to this issue.
Jacqueline
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 26, 2008, 12:34

I tend to disagree with the notion that higher fees imply better quality teaching. You will be surprised to note that my daughter attends one of the best schools in Dubai and I spend another 10 per cent of the fees to pay for additional classes at an institute that provides far superior education and learning experiences than what the school offers. The institute is staffed by Indian teachers and the school is staffed by Westerners predominantly of European origin. The institute is in a dark neighbourhood and the modern school is located in the fairer part of Dubai.
Mostafa
DUBAI,UAE
Posted: March 26, 2008, 12:14

Really, it is very difficult for us parents when schools keep raising their fees. I have three children. Already one is in the American University and the other two in private schools. I know education is the most important thing for everybody, but it is costing a lot now to manage with other things in Dubai getting very expensive like accommodation, food and medicines. Salaries aren't raised, and most jobs don't pay for our children's education. We can't keep moving them to another school or keep looking for cheaper schools. I hope at least schools shouldn't be for profit.
Azza
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 26, 2008, 11:39

I want to say that the increase in fees is a total injustice to the parents. Anyways, the fees were increased last year.
Nilesh
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 26, 2008, 11:15

The situation with the school fees increasing every year reminds me of what happened in India a few years ago. Schools and colleges in India started charging a 'capitation fee' apart from the regular yearly fees for children to gain admission. So, if you had the money, you went to a 'good' school. The situation with the schools here is not very different. How do they justify a 16 per cent increase almost every year? The facilities do not change, teachers do not get paid more ... nothing changes. Education is not supposed to be elitist. It is the purpose of life itself. Yet, like everything else in a materialistic world, we connect education to the amount of money you can pay. I wish the authorities here would give this a second thought.
Sudhir
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 26, 2008, 11:00

Most of the schools are only after money. They keep increasing fees as people hardly have a choice when it comes to quality schools. For a British curriculum school, they charge very high fees
Gihan
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: March 26, 2008, 09:59

Like any other business, schools are no different. They built the school not for its original purpose but to earn money. Private schools tend to charge more as they have good facilities and more qualified teachers, but not for the purpose of learning but for earning. As if they pretend to be a high standard school with all the amenities but how they charge is very ridiculous. The ministry should look upon this specially those who are charging exorbitant fees. Mostly these schools are more concerned with profit, not the quality of education. Who wants to build a school without earning nothing?
Roberto
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 26, 2008, 09:58

Sparkling buildings do not necessarily make a good school. If the funds were directed in hiring quality faculty, it would be worth it. Instead, schools in Dubai are more like a spa or a hotel than a school.
Shanti
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 26, 2008, 09:16