New Requirements for Expatriate Students in UAE Public Schools
The UAE Ministry of Education has introduced a new commitment form that requires parents of expatriate students enrolled in public schools to pay tuition fees for the 2025–2026 academic year. This initiative is aimed at ensuring financial responsibility and maintaining the quality of educational services provided to students.
Academic Excellence Standards
As outlined in the commitment form published on the Ministry’s official website, parents are expected to support their child’s academic performance in accordance with high standards. The focus is particularly on three core subjects: Arabic, English, and Mathematics. This ensures that students meet the required benchmarks and contribute positively to the learning environment.
Tuition Fees Overview
The annual tuition fee for expatriate students is set at Dh6,000 per student. In cases where payment is not made on time, the Ministry reserves the right to take legal and administrative actions. These measures may include withholding academic transcripts and results, preventing the student from advancing to the next grade, and suspending transfer or withdrawal procedures until all outstanding fees are settled.
Payment Methods Available
Parents have two options for paying the tuition fees:
- Option 1: Full payment of 100% of the fees in a single installment.
- Option 2: Installment payments in three equal parts of Dh2,000 each, to be paid as follows:
- First installment: Before the start of the academic year
- Second installment: Before the end of the first semester
- Third installment: Before the end of the second semester
Mandatory Condition for Enrollment
A non-refundable deposit of Dh2,000 is a mandatory condition for reserving a seat for the new academic year. This deposit is part of the total required fee and must be paid before the enrollment process can be completed.
Administrative Services and Procedures
The commitment form also states that no administrative services—such as requests for transfers or withdrawals—will be processed unless all due tuition fees have been fully paid. This ensures that financial obligations are met before any formal actions are taken.
To finalize enrollment for the upcoming academic year, the form must be signed by the parent or guardian and include basic personal details such as name, Emirates ID number, phone number, and date.
Tuition Fees for Public Schools in the UAE
Public school tuition fees for expatriate students in the UAE amount to Dh6,000 annually. These fees can be paid either in full or in installments at the beginning of each semester. Once paid, the fees are non-refundable.
Key Details
- Fee Amount: Dh6,000 per academic year for expatriate students.
- Payment Method: One-time payment or in installments at the start of each semester.
- Commitment: Parents are required to commit to paying fees on time.
- Consequences of Non-Payment: Year-end results and transfer certificates may be withheld until all dues are settled.
- Non-Refundable: Once paid, tuition fees are non-refundable.
Conditions for Enrollment of Expatriate Children
In 2020, the Ministry indicated that Emirati student registration in public schools across Abu Dhabi and other emirates could be done either online or by visiting schools within the residential area. However, non-citizen students may only register through the Ministry’s official online portal.
Eligibility Conditions for Expatriate Student Enrollment
To enroll an expatriate student in a public school, the following conditions must be met:
- A valid UAE residency visa
- The student must demonstrate academic excellence
- The number of accepted expatriate students must not exceed 20% of the total number of students in a single school or class
For high-achieving non-citizen students applying to public schools, the Ministry requires a minimum score of 85% in Arabic, English, and Mathematics. Additionally, the total number of admitted expatriate students must not exceed 20% of the school’s or class’s capacity.
Considerations for Expatriate Families
Expatriate families should consider several factors before enrolling their children in public schools, especially non-Arabic-speaking families. Arabic is the primary language of instruction, with English taught as a second language. All curricula are developed and supervised by the Ministry of Education.
Required Documents for Student Enrollment
To register a student in a UAE school, the following documents are generally required:
- Student’s Emirates ID
- Student’s birth certificate
- Student’s vaccination record
- Valid passport of the student
- Family book (for UAE citizens)
- Parent’s Emirates ID
- Mother’s family book (for children of Emirati mothers)
- Valid passport of the parent
- Legal documentation if the guardian is not the father
- Recent passport-sized photos of the student
- A copy of the decree issued by the UAE President or Vice President for decree holders
- Proof of residence (title deed, tenancy contract, or utility bill)
