KHDA sets new rules on school deposits, refunds and maximum charges

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has issued a new Policy for Private Schools in Dubai that establishes clear rules on what schools can charge parents and when refunds apply.

Application fees are capped at Dh500 and must be refunded if the child is not offered a place or if the school failed to disclose lack of availability before payment.

Registration deposits cannot exceed 10% of annual tuition fees and must be deducted from fees once the child starts school. These are refundable if parents provide 60 days' written notice.

For existing students, re-registration deposits are capped at 5% of tuition fees or Dh500, whichever is lower. Schools can only collect these deposits starting May 1 (for September-start schools) or February 1 (for April-start schools).

Parents have a 10-day window to withdraw their child and receive a full refund if a KHDA-approved fee increase is announced after they have paid.

Refunds are calculated based on when the school receives a formal written withdrawal request. If a school year has begun, charges depend on attendance duration: up to two weeks costs one month's fees; more than two weeks but up to one month costs two months' fees; more than one month results in no refund.

Mandatory service fees paid before the academic year are refundable, but optional services like transport and trips are governed by written terms. Book fees are refundable only if the child leaves before the school year begins.