Dubai Sets 2.35% Fee Hike for Private Schools in 2025-26
KHDA approves 2.35% fee hike for private schools to support sustainability and quality education
Dubai Sets 2.35% Education Cost Index for Private Schools in 2025–2026 Academic Year
The Education Cost Index (ECI) for private schools in the emirate will be 2.35% for the 2025–2026 academic year, according to confirmation from Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). With the aid of the Digital Dubai Authority, a comprehensive examination of the financial operations of private, non-profit schools led to the determination of this new fee adjustment rate. The ECI seeks to ensure that educational institutions can continue to provide high-quality instruction while maintaining their financial sustainability by addressing issues including teacher salaries, operating costs and school services.
The steps required to submit requests for fee adjustments for the upcoming academic year have been communicated by KHDA to all private schools. Schools that qualify for the increase will be allowed to request fee hikes up to the approved ECI limit, but schools that have been in operation for less than three years are excluded from this process. All applications will be assessed to ensure they meet established guidelines.
The ECI was developed with operational efficiency and transparency in mind to ensure that schools can maintain their ability to deliver high-quality instruction while simultaneously managing their financial resources. This move is in line with Dubai’s Education 33 strategy, which aims to establish the city as a leading global hub for high-quality education.
KHDA’s initiatives represent a major commitment to establishing a high-quality, sustainable learning environment that meets regional demands and global norms.
