UAE mandates tuition fee commitment for expatriate students in public schools
Commitment specifies the annual tuition fee as Dh6,000 per student
The UAE Ministry of Education has approved an official commitment form requiring the parents of expatriate students enrolled in public schools to pay tuition fees for the 2025–2026 academic year. This measure aims to reinforce financial commitment and ensure the continuity of educational services provided to students.
Academic excellence standards
According to the commitment text published on the Ministry’s official website, the parent pledges to maintain their child’s academic performance in line with standards of excellence, particularly in the three core subjects: Arabic, English, and Mathematics.
Tuition fees
The commitment specifies the annual tuition fee as Dh6,000 per student. It also states that the Ministry reserves the right to take legal and administrative actions in cases of non-payment, including withholding academic transcripts and results, preventing the student from progressing to the next grade, and suspending transfer or withdrawal procedures until all outstanding fees are fully settled.
Payment methods
Parents are given two options for payment:
Option 1: Full payment of 100% of the fees in a single installment.
Option 2: Installment payment in three equal parts of Dh2,000 each, to be paid as follows:
- First installment: Before the start of the academic year
- Second installment: Before the end of the first semester
- Third installment: Before the end of the second semester
Mandatory condition
The Ministry emphasized that the payment of a non-refundable Dh2,000 is a mandatory condition for reserving a seat for the new academic year, as it forms part of the total required fee.
Administrative services
The commitment form also clarifies that no administrative services—including requests for transfers or withdrawal—will be processed unless all due tuition fees have been paid.
Completion of procedures
To finalize enrollment for the upcoming academic year, the form must be signed by the parent/guardian and include their basic personal details: name, Emirates ID number, phone number, and date.
Tuition fees for public schools in the UAE
Public school tuition fees for expatriate students in the UAE amount to Dh6,000 annually and can be paid either in full or in installments at the beginning of each semester, according to a report by Mubasher. These fees are non-refundable once paid.
Key Details:
Fee Amount: Dh6,000 per academic year for expatriate students.
Payment Method: One-time payment or in installments at the start of each semester.
Commitment: Parents are required to commit to paying fees on time.
Consequences of Non-Payment: Year-end results and transfer certificates may be withheld until all dues are settled.
Non-Refundable: Once paid, tuition fees are non-refundable.
Conditions for enrollment of expatriate children in public schools
In 2020, the Ministry indicated that Emirati student registration in public schools across Abu Dhabi and other emirates could be done either online or by visiting schools within the residential area. However, non-citizen students may only register through the Ministry’s official online portal.
Eligibility conditions for expatriate student enrollment:
A valid UAE residency visa
Student must demonstrate academic excellence
The number of accepted expatriate students must not exceed 20% of the total number of students in a single school or class
For high-achieving non-citizen students applying to public schools, the Ministry requires a minimum score of 85% in Arabic, English, and Mathematics. Additionally, the total number of admitted expatriate students must not exceed 20% of the school’s or class’s capacity.
Expatriate families must consider key factors before enrolling their children in public schools—especially non-Arabic-speaking families—as Arabic is the primary language of instruction, with English taught as a second language. All curricula are developed and supervised by the Ministry of Education.
Public school fees for expatriates in the UAE
According to current regulations, the tuition fee for expatriate students in public schools is Dh6,000 per academic year. Parents must sign a formal commitment to pay the full amount on time.
Required documents for student enrollment in UAE schools:
To register a student in a UAE school, the following documents are generally required:
Student’s Emirates ID
Student’s birth certificate
Student’s vaccination record
Valid passport of the student
Family book (for UAE citizens)
Parent’s Emirates ID
Mother’s family book (for children of Emirati mothers)
Valid passport of the parent
Legal documentation if the guardian is not the father
Recent passport-sized photos of the student
A copy of the decree issued by the UAE President or Vice President for decree holders
Proof of residence (title deed, tenancy contract, or utility bill)
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