Dubai Approves 2.35% School Fee Increase for 2025–26 Academic Year
Only private schools that have been operating in Dubai for more than three years are eligible to apply for the fee adjustment.
Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has approved a 2.35% Education Cost Index (ECI) for the 2025–2026 academic year, allowing eligible for-profit private schools to apply for tuition fee increases up to this limit. The ECI, determined through an annual review of audited financial statements in collaboration with the Digital Dubai Authority, accounts for operational costs such as staff salaries, support services, and rental expenses.
Only private schools that have been operating in Dubai for more than three years are eligible to apply for the fee adjustment. All applications will be reviewed by KHDA to ensure compliance with the set criteria. This approach aims to support schools in managing resources while maintaining high-quality education standards.
Dubai currently hosts 227 private schools serving over 387,000 students from 185 nationalities. The private education sector has seen significant growth, with a 12% increase in student enrolment during the 2023–24 academic year and a further 6% rise in 2024–25. 15 new private schools have opened in the past two years, and more than 20 applications for new schools are under review, aligning with the Education Strategy 33, which aims to open at least 100 new private schools by 2033.
