Parents cannot withhold or reduce fees by choosing to opt out of online classes, authorities say; refunds apply only when services are not provided.
Schools delivering an approved distance learning programme are not required to reduce, discount, or waive any part of KHDA-approved tuition fees simply because education is being provided remotely, according to Dubai’s latest school fee and refund policy.
The clarification falls under a section covering “circumstances beyond the control of either party (parents or schools),” including government-enforced closures that disrupt in-person classroom learning, as seen recently following the Iranian attacks on the UAE.
“Tuition fees remain payable for any period during which the service was available and delivered, including when the service is provided through distance learning or any other alternative method considered appropriate and approved by KHDA,” the guidelines state.
Authorities stressed that a parent’s decision not to participate in remote learning does not justify withholding or reducing fees. Any concerns about the quality or delivery of education must instead be addressed through the school’s internal complaints process, with the policy stating that “fees remain payable in full during the resolution of any such complaint.”
Schools are also allowed to retain all fees for periods when services are delivered, and those payments are considered non-refundable.
When refunds apply
The policy makes a clear distinction for periods when services cannot be delivered. In such cases, parents are entitled to refunds, which must be agreed in writing between the school and the parent.
Three refund options are outlined:
- A credit note applied against future tuition fees, with any remaining balance refunded if the student does not return
- Transfer of the credit to a sibling enrolled, or expected to enrol, in the same school
- A full refund for the period during which services were not provided
Tuition fees are calculated on a day-by-day basis, meaning fees remain payable for each day services are available. Once a school is unable to deliver its services, fees are no longer due.
Obligations for parents
Where services continue — including through distance learning — fees must be paid in full. The policy makes it clear that choosing not to use or engage with the service does not exempt parents from payment.
If parents decide to discontinue, they must formally withdraw their child according to the school’s procedures. Standard refund rules will then apply from the official withdrawal date.
Voluntary suspension of services
If a school temporarily suspends or reduces services for reasons within its own control, it must notify parents in writing as soon as the decision is made, clearly explaining the reason and expected duration.
Tuition fees remain payable for any period during which services continue to be available, including through distance learning or other KHDA-approved alternatives.
For any period when services are not provided, schools must compensate parents. This may be offered as a fee credit, additional sessions once services resume, or a prorated refund for the undelivered period.
The form of compensation must be agreed upon in writing between the school and the parent.
