By Noor Nazzal Staff Reporter www.gulfnews.com
Dubai: Private schools in Dubai can increase their fees for the academic year 2015/16 by a minimum of 2.92 per cent up to a maximum of 5.84 per cent, depending on their ratings following annual school inspections.
This increase is based on the new Education Cost Index (ECI), which has risen from 1.74 per cent to 2.92 per cent, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) announced.
The ECI is calculated annually by the Dubai Statistic Centre which takes into account the consumer price index and school operation costs including remuneration, rent and utilities.
Based on the new ECI, schools rated ‘outstanding’ in the next inspection results — due on April or May — can increase their fees by 5.84 per cent (double the ECI).
Schools rated ‘good’ can increase their fees by 4.38 per cent (1.5 the ECI), while schools rated acceptable or unacceptable can increase their fees by 2.92 per cent.
“The fees framework balances the needs of schools and parents,” explained Mohammad Darwish, Chief of Regulations and Permits Commission at KHDA. “We are witnessing steady growth within the education sector, leading to increased stability. The ECI is directly linked to inflation and an increased cost in living.” More info
