Abu Dhabi orders schools to refund registration fees if students are denied admission

Abu Dhabi: Schools in the capital will be required to refund registration fees in full if they are unable to admit students due to limited capacity or after issuing a formal “no capacity” notice, according to new regulations announced by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK).

The policy, which takes effect at the start of the 2025–26 academic year, is part of a framework aimed at increasing transparency and fairness in school fees. 

ADEK said all schools must publish approved fee schedules, stamped by the department, on their websites along with payment plans and detailed procedures for parents. Schools may only charge within the fee levels officially approved by ADEK.

Under the new rules, parents are entitled to a full refund of registration fees if a school cannot accommodate their child or if the parent submits written notice of withdrawal at least two weeks before the start of the academic year. 

However, schools are permitted to retain registration fees for returning students who fail to attend in the following year.

Schools will also be required to offer clear installment options, typically three, four, or up to ten equal payments, and are authorised to collect the first installment one month before classes begin. 

They may keep a portion of tuition if a student attends briefly before withdrawing: up to 5 percent of annual fees for attendance during the first week, one month’s fees if the child attends up to three weeks, two months’ fees for up to six weeks, and a full term’s fees if attendance exceeds six weeks.

In addition, ADEK mandated that transportation fees must be refunded if students do not use school buses. 

Schools are prohibited from demanding deposits, advance payments, or registration fees before enrollment is confirmed, and cannot request any form of financial guarantee from parents in lieu of fee payment.

For schools offering staff discounts, all details regarding amounts, timelines, and refund mechanisms must be clearly stated in contracts.

In a statement, ADEK said the aim of the policy is to ensure school fees are “reasonable, transparent, and aligned with the quality of education provided,” while supporting continued investment in the sector and accommodating families across different income levels.