Dubai sets Education Cost Index at 2.35% fee hike for private schools in 2025-26

Dubai: The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has approved an Education Cost Index (ECI) of 2.35% for for-profit private schools in Dubai for the 2025–26 academic year.

The ECI is based on the annual review of audited financial statements submitted by private schools in collaboration with the Digital Dubai Authority. It reflects the operational costs of running a school — such as staff salaries, support services, and rental expenses — while ensuring the delivery of high-quality education.

KHDA has notified all private schools in the emirate of the requirements for submitting fee adjustment requests for the upcoming academic year.

Eligible for-profit schools may apply for a fee increase up to, but not exceeding, the approved ECI. Private schools operating in Dubai for less than three years are not eligible to apply. Each application will be reviewed by KHDA to ensure it aligns with established criteria.

Shamma Al Mansouri, Director of Licensing and Education Services at KHDA, said: “The Education Cost Index for fee adjustments is based on a robust and transparent methodology that supports schools in managing their resources while maintaining educational excellence aligned with the needs of students and parents.”

She added that the approach reflects the Dubai Government’s commitment to transparency and efficiency in education and supports the goals of the Education 33 Strategy, which aims to enhance Dubai’s position as a global hub for quality education.

In the past two academic years, 15 new private schools have opened in Dubai. KHDA is currently reviewing over 20 applications for new schools scheduled to open within the next two years, offering families wide range of choices.

Dubai now has 227 private schools, educating 387,441 students from 185 nationalities. The sector saw a record 12% increase in enrolment in 2023–24, followed by a further 6% growth in 2024–25, aligning with the Education Strategy 33’s goal of opening 100 new schools by 2033.