Device, textbook and uniform fees in Abu Dhabi are optional, says education authority.
The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) now requires private schools in the emirate to exempt parents from certain school fees for devices, textbooks, uniforms and other items when students use second-hand materials, including resold or donated items, provided they meet the school’s current requirements. These include using valid textbook editions and the current uniform colours and designs.
Under ADEK’s School Fees Policy, private schools must divide approved fees into six categories: tuition, educational resources, school uniforms, transportation, extracurricular activities and other fees. Schools may also charge separate fees for board examinations.
In addition, private schools may charge administrative fees for board examinations, provided they clearly explain the reasons for these charges, including costs related to document processing, invigilation, mailing and other associated services. Schools must publish board examination fees separately on their websites, along with the applicable grade levels and any additional administrative charges, while ensuring compliance with VAT regulations.
Details online
Schools are required to publish their ADEK-approved fees and payment schedules on their websites. The approved fee structure must also carry the Department’s official stamp.
Schools must offer parents a minimum of three equal instalments for tuition fees, while allowing them the option to pay in up to 10 instalments. Schools may also collect the first instalment up to one month before the start of the academic year.
ADEK said the policy is designed to establish a clear, transparent and consistent framework for regulating school fees, benefiting both schools and parents. It aims to ensure that fees remain reasonable, offer value for money and reflect the quality of education, while remaining accessible to different sections of the community.
The policy also seeks to provide greater clarity around schools’ fee structures and the reasons for any increases, make it easier for parents to pay fees conveniently and regularly, support the growth of the private-school sector and foster an environment conducive to investment.
School bus fees
As school bus fees continue to rise, parents are exploring six alternative ways to transport their children to school, seeking to avoid annual bus subscription costs of between Dh5,000 and Dh8,500 per student.
The alternatives include family cars, ride-sharing services, student scooters, shared taxis, public buses and carpooling, as families look for more affordable school transportation options.
The private school transport sector is also seeing increased activity as students prepare to return to classrooms next week. Social media platforms, particularly WhatsApp and Instagram, are filled with advertisements and offers for private transport services, with car owners promoting carpooling options and fares.
Parents, meanwhile, have voiced concerns on various platforms over the continued rise in school transportation costs, which can reach Dh8,500 per student at some schools. They said the high fees are pushing some families to consider alternative modes of transport that may be less safe, and called for stronger price regulation to keep school transport services affordable.
