Dubai’s education authority has confirmed that schools are not required to reduce tuition fees during distance learning, as online education is considered a valid mode of instruction. Fees remain payable as long as learning services are provided, with refunds only applicable if no education is delivered.
Dubai’s education regulator, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), has reaffirmed that schools are not obligated to reduce or waive tuition fees when education is delivered through distance learning. The clarification comes as part of comprehensive guidelines aimed at addressing how fees should be handled during disruptions that prevent in-person classes, such as emergencies or government-mandated closures.
According to KHDA, tuition fees approved for each academic year remain fully applicable as long as schools continue to provide educational services, even if those services are delivered remotely. Distance learning, whether conducted through virtual classrooms, digital platforms, or other online tools, is officially recognised as a legitimate mode of instruction. Therefore, parents are expected to pay the full approved fees during such periods without expecting reductions solely due to the shift from physical to virtual learning environments.
The authority emphasised that the continuity of education is the key factor in determining fee obligations. As long as students are receiving lessons, assignments, assessments, and academic support, the school is considered to be fulfilling its responsibilities. This applies regardless of whether teaching is happening inside a classroom or through an online platform. KHDA highlighted that schools invest resources, infrastructure, and staff efforts to maintain the quality of education during distance learning, which justifies the continuation of full tuition charges.
In addition, the regulator made it clear that parents cannot unilaterally decide to withhold or reduce payments if they are dissatisfied with remote learning or if their child does not attend online classes. Any concerns about the quality, delivery, or effectiveness of distance education should be formally raised with the school administration. Schools are required to have complaint resolution mechanisms in place, and parents are encouraged to use these channels to address their issues. However, fee payments must continue while such concerns are being reviewed and resolved.
KHDA also clarified that tuition fees paid during periods when education services are actively delivered are considered non-refundable. This means that if a school is providing continuous learning through approved methods, parents are not entitled to claim refunds for that time. The regulator stressed that refunds are only applicable in situations where educational services are not provided at all.
The guidelines further outline the circumstances under which parents may be eligible for compensation or refunds. If a school fails to deliver any form of education whether in-person or online parents have the right to be compensated for the affected period. In such cases, schools must reach a written agreement with parents on how the compensation will be handled. Options may include issuing a credit note that can be applied to future tuition fees, transferring the credit to another child within the same school, or providing a direct refund for the days when no services were delivered.
Another important aspect highlighted by KHDA is that tuition fees are calculated on a daily basis. This means that parents are required to pay for each day that educational services are available to their child. From the moment a school is unable to provide any form of instruction, fees for that specific period are no longer applicable. This approach ensures a fair and transparent system where payments are directly linked to the availability of educational services.
For parents who choose to withdraw their children from school during periods of distance learning, the standard withdrawal and refund policies will continue to apply. Schools will calculate any eligible refunds based on the official date of withdrawal and the terms outlined in their fee policies. This ensures consistency and clarity in how such cases are handled.
KHDA also addressed situations where schools may voluntarily reduce or suspend their services. In such cases, schools are required to communicate clearly with parents, providing written notice that explains the reasons for the change and its expected duration. If services are reduced or interrupted, schools must offer appropriate compensation, which could include fee adjustments, additional classes, extended learning support, or partial refunds, depending on the circumstances.
The updated guidelines aim to strike a balance between protecting the interests of parents and ensuring the sustainability of schools. By clearly defining when fees are payable and when refunds are applicable, KHDA seeks to eliminate confusion and disputes between schools and families. The policy reinforces the principle that payment is tied to service delivery, not the format in which education is provided.
Overall, the regulator’s position highlights the importance of maintaining continuity in education, even during challenging times. While the shift to distance learning may change the way students interact with their teachers and classrooms, it does not diminish the value of the education being delivered. As a result, tuition fees remain an essential component in supporting the ongoing operation of schools and ensuring that students continue to receive uninterrupted learning opportunities.
Source: khaleejtimes
