Falling behind on school fees is more common than many families realise, and the rules around it are often misunderstood. The good news is that a child's right to education in the UAE is protected, and there are clear limits on what a school can do if fees go unpaid. This article explains what schools can and cannot do in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, the support options available, and the steps to take if you find yourself in this position.
For the year ahead, there is also some relief for Dubai families: fees are not rising next year. You can read more in our explainer on Dubai's private school fee freeze for 2026–27.
This article is for general guidance and reflects the published frameworks of KHDA, ADEK and SPEA. The exact terms also depend on the parent contract signed with your school. Parents facing difficulty should speak to their school and, if needed, their emirate's education regulator.
The key principle: a child cannot be removed from education over fees
Across every emirate, the starting point is the same. A school cannot dismiss or permanently remove a child from education during the academic year solely because fees are unpaid, and a school cannot prevent a student from sitting examinations. Schools are also not permitted to discuss a family's payment situation with the child. These protections exist so that a dispute between adults does not disrupt a child's learning or well-being.
Schools do, however, have permitted measures available to them, and these differ by emirate.
What schools cannot do (all emirates)
- Dismiss or permanently remove a child from education during the academic year because of unpaid fees
- Prevent a student from sitting examinations
- Discuss or disclose the family's non-payment situation with the student
What schools can do, by emirate
While the core protections are shared, the specific actions a school may take are set by each emirate's regulator. The table below summarises the main differences.
| Measure | Dubai (KHDA) | Abu Dhabi (ADEK) | Sharjah (SPEA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short suspension | Not permitted for non-payment | Up to 3 days per term, once per term, only after 3 written warnings | Up to 3 days per term |
| Withhold reports and exam results | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted |
| Withhold transfer certificate | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted |
| Refuse re-enrolment next year | Permitted if re-registration is unpaid | Permitted, with 3 months' written notice before year-end | Permitted, with 3 months' written notice before year-end |
| Bar from exams or dismiss mid-year | Not permitted | Not permitted | Not permitted; no expulsion without SPEA approval |
Dubai (KHDA)
In Dubai, a school cannot suspend a student or stop them from sitting examinations because of unpaid fees. KHDA has made clear that a child must be able to complete the academic year. A school may, however, withhold examination results and transfer letters until fees are settled, and it may decline re-enrolment for the following year where re-registration fees are unpaid. KHDA expects schools and parents to agree a payment plan so the child's education is not affected.
Abu Dhabi (ADEK)
Abu Dhabi requires a warning process before any suspension. A school is expected to issue three consecutive written warnings at least one week apart, and only then may it suspend a student for up to three days, no more than once per term. Schools may withhold report cards and transfer certificates and decline re-enrolment, but they must notify parents in writing at least three months before the end of the year if a place will not be offered for non-payment. Schools must respect a parent's right to a reasonable payment plan and cannot disclose the matter to the student.
Sharjah (SPEA)
In Sharjah, a school may suspend a student for up to three days per term for non-payment, but it cannot dismiss the child, bar them from examinations, or expel a student without SPEA approval. Schools may withhold progress reports, examination results and transfer certificates, and may decline re-enrolment for the following year, with at least three months' written notice before year-end. SPEA expects schools to communicate directly with parents and offer flexible rescheduling of dues.
Support options worth asking about
Before any of the above becomes relevant, most schools would rather agree a solution than lose a family. It is worth approaching the school early and asking about:
- Payment plans: fees are normally split into instalments, and many schools can spread them further through monthly or termly payments
- Temporary adjustments: some schools can offer a short-term deferral in cases of genuine hardship
- Hardship or bursary support: a small number of schools hold limited hardship funds, though these are rarely advertised and are assessed case by case
Schools are generally more willing to help when parents raise difficulties early and in good faith, rather than after payments have already been missed without communication.
What to do if you cannot pay
- Contact the school early. Speak to the finance office before the due date if you can. Early contact opens the door to a payment plan and signals good faith.
- Ask for the options in writing. Request any agreed plan, deferral or adjustment in writing so both sides are clear.
- Check your parent contract. The contract you signed sets out the school's specific terms on late payment, notice and re-enrolment.
- Keep your child's attendance steady. Your child should continue attending; the protections above mean a fees dispute should not interrupt their schooling during the year.
- Escalate if treated unfairly. If you believe the school has acted outside the rules, you can raise the matter with your emirate's regulator.
How to raise a complaint
If a school takes action that appears to go beyond what its regulator allows, parents can escalate to the relevant authority: KHDA in Dubai, ADEK in Abu Dhabi, or SPEA in Sharjah. Each regulator has a parent contact and complaints channel. It helps to have your parent contract, fee statements, and any written communication from the school ready when you do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a UAE school expel my child for unpaid fees?
No. A school cannot dismiss or permanently remove a child from education during the academic year solely because of unpaid fees, and it cannot prevent a student from sitting examinations. Schools do, however, have other permitted measures, which vary by emirate.
Can a school withhold my child's report or transfer certificate for unpaid fees?
Yes. In Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, schools are permitted to withhold progress reports, examination results and transfer certificates while fees remain unpaid. Settling the outstanding amount is normally required before these documents are released.
Can a school refuse to re-enrol my child next year over unpaid fees?
Yes. Schools in all three emirates may decline re-enrolment for the following year if fees are unpaid. In Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, the school must give written notice at least three months before the end of the year if a place will not be offered.
Can my child be suspended for unpaid fees?
It depends on the emirate. In Dubai, suspension for non-payment is not permitted. In Abu Dhabi, a suspension of up to three days, once per term, is allowed but only after three written warnings at least one week apart. In Sharjah, a suspension of up to three days per term is permitted. In all cases, a child cannot be barred from sitting examinations.
What should I do if I cannot afford my child's school fees?
Contact the school's finance office as early as possible and ask about payment plans, deferrals, or hardship support. Request any agreement in writing, check your parent contract, and keep your child attending. If you believe the school has acted unfairly, you can escalate to KHDA, ADEK or SPEA.
Can I withhold fees if I am unhappy with the school?
No. Withholding fees is not an effective way to resolve a dispute and can trigger the measures described above. Concerns about service or quality should be raised directly with the school and, if unresolved, with the relevant regulator, while keeping fee payments current where possible.
