Education Ministry rejects private schools’ request to raise tuition fees for 2025/2026
The Ministry of Education’s Special Education Sector has formally rejected requests by private schools to increase tuition fees for the 2025/2026 academic year, affirming its continued adherence to existing regulatory frameworks.
According to Al-Rai, the decision was based on Ministerial Resolution No. (10) of 2018, which prohibits any increase in tuition fees unless a new ministerial resolution is issued, Such a resolution would need to establish clear, measurable standards for any fee adjustments, ensuring alignment with both economic conditions and educational goals.
The following are the key points:
- The General Administration of Private Education remains legally bound by the 2018 resolution.
- Private schools had cited rising operating costs as justification for a 10–15% fee increase, depending on the type of school.
However, the Ministry emphasized that these justifications do not override the current legal framework. Any future changes in fees must align with national policies focused on educational stability and cost control for families.
Proposed Increases (now rejected):
- 10% increase requested by American, British, French, and bilingual schools.
- 15% increase requested by Indian, Pakistani, Arab, and model schools.
Current Tuition Fee Ranges:
- American, British, bilingual, French schools: KD 2,700–3,700 annually per student.
- Arabic, Indian, Pakistani, Filipino schools: KD 430–770 annually per student.
Officials stressed the need to balance educational advancement in private institutions with financial stability for families, urging that any fee revisions must be part of a comprehensive and carefully planned strategy that ensures quality without placing undue financial burdens on parents.
