Dubai schools set to raise fees by up to 6%

Outstanding schools in Dubai will be allowed to raise fees by six percent for the academic year 2012-13, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) said on Sunday.

It announced details of the School Fees Framework for Dubai’s private schools which it said would be "based on quality of education" and an educational cost index (ECI) calculated by the Dubai Statistics Centre.

It said in a statement that the ECIhad been calculated at three percent, adding that schools rated outstanding would be able to raise fees by double that amount.

Schools with a good rating could increase fees by one and half times, and those rated acceptable and unacceptable can raise fees by no more than three percent, it added.

Mohammed Darwish, chief of Regulations and Compliance Commission said: “The framework prioritises the interests of students and parents and encourages investment in the education sector by allowing schools to develop long term growth plans, as well as motivating existing schools to improve the quality of education they offer.

“The framework is evidence-based work and relies on data about the education landscape in Dubai. It is in line with KHDA’s remit to support schools in providing quality education.”

The framework also regulates registration and admission deposits as well refund policies for new and current students.