School fees can be paid in three to 10 instalments: Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge

The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) now requirs private schools operating in the emirate to exempt parents from certain components of school fees relating to devices, textbooks, school uniforms and other items when students choose to use second-hand materials — such as resold or donated items — that meet the school’s current requirements, including valid textbook editions and current uniform colours and designs.

According to ADEK’s School Fees Policy, private schools are required to divide their approved fees into six components: tuition fees, educational resources fees, school uniform fees, transportation fees, extracurricular activity fees and other fees. Schools may also charge separate fees for board examinations.

In addition, private schools may impose administrative fees related to board examinations, provided they clearly explain the reasons for such charges, including costs associated with document processing, invigilation, mailing and other related services. Schools must clearly publish separate board examination fees on their websites, along with the applicable grade levels and any additional administrative charges, while complying with VAT regulations.

Schools must announce their ADEK-approved fees and publish them on their websites, together with payment schedules. The approved fee structure must carry the Department’s official stamp.

Schools are required to offer at least three equal instalments for tuition fees, while they may allow parents to pay tuition fees in up to 10 instalments. Schools are also entitled to collect the first instalment up to one month before the start of the academic year.

ADEK said the policy aims to establish a clear, transparent and accurate approach to regulating school fees for both schools and parents. It seeks to ensure that fees are reasonable, provide added value and reflect the quality of education, while remaining accessible to different segments of the community.

The policy also aims to clarify schools’ fee structures and the reasons behind any increases, enable parents to make payments conveniently and regularly, encourage the growth of the private-school market and create an environment conducive to investment.

As school bus fees continue to rise, parents have identified six alternative modes of transport for their children to travel to school, seeking to avoid the high cost of school bus subscriptions, which range from Dh5,000 to Dh8,500 per student.

The alternatives include family cars, ride-sharing services, student scooters, shared taxis, public buses and carpooling services, as families seek to reduce the cost of school transportation.

The private school transportation sector is witnessing a noticeable surge in activity as students prepare to return to classrooms next week. Social media platforms, particularly WhatsApp and Instagram, have seen a proliferation of advertisements and offers for transportation services, with private car owners promoting their carpooling services and prices.

Meanwhile, parents have complained across various platforms about the continued increase in school transportation costs, which can reach Dh8,500 per student at some schools. They said the high fees are forcing some families to seek alternative transportation options that may be less safe, and called for greater price regulation to ensure that school transport services remain affordable for families.