KHDA to align all payment of fees with fixed timeline
The school fee payment system in the UAE will also undergo a revision, with the government announcing that it will soon set in place a timeline that will benefit both parents and educational institutions.
The education regulatory authority - the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has endorsed the decision, claiming it will help plan better.
"As per the current regulations, school fees are due and payable on the first day of the semester or the month," informed Mohammed Darwish, Chief of Regulations and Compliance Commission (RCC) of KHDA.
"However, KHDA will, in line with the requirements and requests from schools and parents, specifically set the timing for fee payment."
The decision comes amid much confusion surrounding the dates of fee payment.
"Timeline for payment is important, as both parents and schools need to know when school fees and other related payments are due," he added.
This announcement comes close on the heels of KHDA's approval for fee hikes, based on the school's grade in the inspection chart.
The KHDA framework allowed schools rated outstanding to increase by 6 per cent, while schools marked good to raise by 4.5 per cent, and those listed as satisfactory and unsatisfactory to mark-up by 3 per cent.
This could become an annual exercise, with schools permitted to apply for a fee increase again next year, but only within the criteria set by the KHDA.
© Emirates 24|7 2012
