The UAE Ministry of Education has issued clear guidelines outlining the reasons for withholding student certificates and enforcing tuition fee payments. From unresolved financial dues to strict re-sit exam protocols, the Ministry is urging parents to act promptly to ensure uninterrupted academic progress for their children.
The UAE Ministry of Education (MoE) has released a detailed explanation regarding the withholding of student certificates and the enforcement of tuition fee collection policies, urging parents and guardians to take prompt action to avoid disruptions to students' academic progress.
According to information shared via the Ministry’s official digital platform under the “Frequently Asked Questions” section, there are three primary reasons that may result in a student’s certificate being withheld:
The Ministry has urged parents to directly contact school administrations for clarification and resolution of any such issues. School authorities are expected to assist families in understanding what steps need to be taken to release the student’s academic documents and ensure continuity in their education.
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In further updates, the Ministry also clarified details regarding re-sit exams for the 2024–2025 academic year. These exams apply to students in Grades 3 through 12 at both public and private schools that follow the national curriculum.
The MoE confirmed that all re-sit exams will focus exclusively on third-term syllabus content, providing clarity and allowing students to prepare more effectively. Importantly, there is no restriction on the number of subjects a student may retake — regardless of how many they have failed. This decision is seen as an inclusive approach that aims to provide every student a fair opportunity to improve and succeed.
However, the Ministry emphasized that re-sit exams will be conducted only in electronic format. There will be no option for paper-based exams, and students must appear for the exam as scheduled. Even students who miss the exam due to a valid excuse will not be offered a make-up exam. This strict policy highlights the importance of attendance and timely participation.
In an effort to ensure financial responsibility across the education system, the Ministry reaffirmed that tuition fee collection for resident students follows strict federal regulations. These regulations are part of broader ministerial decisions aimed at ensuring the sustainable delivery of services within Ministry institutions.
To support the enforcement of tuition payments, the Ministry has introduced a series of regulatory measures, including:
While these measures may seem strict, the Ministry has clarified that essential services such as the distribution of textbooks and school transportation will remain unaffected. It also warned parents and students not to believe any information that contradicts these official guidelines, emphasizing that only Ministry sources should be trusted.
All outstanding fees must be settled by the end of the current month, failing which these enforcement actions will take effect starting May 1.
School administrations have already begun implementing the Ministry's policies by issuing detailed notifications to parents. These communications list unpaid balances, available payment methods, and explicitly warn that students will not be able to view their academic results or receive their certificates unless dues are cleared.
If these fees continue to go unpaid, further consequences include complete suspension of access to smart learning platforms and the e-certification system. Students will be unable to carry out any official educational transactions, including transfers or re-enrollments.
The automatic suspension of enrollment for the next academic year could be especially damaging for students at transitional stages—such as moving from primary to middle school or preparing for higher education—causing delays and disruption in their educational journey.
Despite the firm stance, school administrators have reiterated that the objective of these measures is not to pressure families but to promote accountability and protect students’ academic interests. They emphasized that education is a shared responsibility, and financial obligations are a necessary part of maintaining quality services and academic continuity.
Schools are encouraging parents to cooperate and respond quickly to notifications to avoid any negative impact on their child’s progress. The Ministry echoed this sentiment, urging families to treat these responsibilities with the seriousness they deserve.
Ultimately, the Ministry’s message is clear: education is a partnership between institutions and families. By fulfilling financial obligations and staying engaged with school communications, parents can ensure their children continue to receive the support and services they need for a successful academic future.
source : Gulf News
