Dubai Parents Worried – Schools Charge Up to Dh4,000 for Re-enrollment

Dubai parents concerned over schools’ early re-enrollment fees…

In Dubai, schools are asking parents to re-enroll for the next school year. But some parents are worried because they have to decide early, and some schools are asking for up to Dh4,000 per child.

This mainly applies to schools rated ‘Very Good’ to ‘Outstanding’, where the fees change based on the child’s grade level. Schools assert the necessity of this process to manage the extensive waitlist of families seeking admission.

But parents aren’t sure what will happen by September. It’s hard for them to agree to sign up so soon.

The educational regulator of the emirate, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), states that schools have the authority to request a deposit from parents during the re-registration process for their children. This deposit may amount to up to five percent of the total fees or Dh500, whichever is higher. However, refunds will not be issued unless justified by significant reasons, such as the family relocating or unforeseen circumstances arising.

Schools emphasize the importance of early confirmation from parents due to high demand for spots and the need for proper planning for the upcoming school year. Ensuring continuity for current students is also a priority. However, schools assure flexibility in accommodating changes in plans and pledge to refund money to families relocating, provided they furnish valid proof of their circumstances.

Many schools notice that most families (Almost 90 percent) want to keep their children in the same school for the next academic year due to their belief in the quality of education provided.

However, despite this preference, parents commonly encounter concerns when faced with the process of re-enrolling their children. They express worries about the financial commitment involved in paying for re-enrollment, as it ties up funds that could be used for other expenses. Additionally, parents fear losing the money if they move later or if their circumstances change unexpectedly. This pressure to decide quickly, even when unsure about future plans, adds to their stress. Some parents also feel that schools use early re-enrollment deadlines to pressure them into committing before they’ve had a chance to fully evaluate their options. Moreover, the prospect of retrieving re-enrollment fees later, if necessary,  can also pose challenges and require considerable effort.

In simple words, while early re-enrolment notices make things easier for schools, they often make it hard for parents who aren’t sure what will happen later. Families require clear and flexible refund policies to alleviate stress and facilitate informed decision-making.