As the cost of education in the UAE continues to rise, many parents are finding it increasingly difficult to manage the burden of school fees. Most schools in the country require parents to pay fees on a term basis, which can place a significant financial strain on families. However, some schools offer flexible payment options, such as monthly plans and the use of credit cards, allowing parents to better manage their finances.
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Flexibility in Payment Plans
For many parents, paying school fees on a term basis is not feasible, particularly for single-income households. Umm Ahmed, a single mother, faced this challenge when her son began attending a school in Sharjah. Unable to afford the lump sum payments, she negotiated a monthly payment plan with the school. “We joined the school when my son was in Grade 2, and now he is in Grade 6,” she said. “The school has been very understanding and allowed me to pay the fees monthly, which has been a lifesaver.”
Similarly, other schools, particularly those following the Indian syllabus, also offer parents the option to pay fees on a monthly basis. Hannah K., a parent of a Grade 1 student at Our Own English High School in Dubai, shared her experience. “The school gives me the option to pay fees on a monthly or term basis, which helps us manage our finances without unnecessary stress.”
Manish Khiara, another parent, highlighted that Indian High School in Dubai has had a monthly payment plan in place for decades. “The school has offered this plan since I was a student in the 1990s, and it continues to do so now that my son is studying there.”
Credit Card and Fintech Solutions
In addition to monthly payment plans, some parents turn to credit cards to manage school fees. Several banks and financial platforms, such as Tabby and Payit, offer interest-free installment plans, making it easier for parents to spread out the cost of tuition.
Sharjah resident Mohammed Iqbal shared his experience of using a credit card to pay for his children’s school fees. “I had always paid fees on a quarterly basis, but last year, I faced a financial emergency and couldn’t afford the lump sum payment. The school refused to negotiate a payment plan, so I had to get a credit card. It allowed me to break down the fees into manageable chunks, and I was able to keep my children in school.”
However, not all parents have access to credit cards. Umm Ahmed considered using a credit card but was unable to obtain one due to her financial situation. “The bank requires a minimum salary of Dh5,000 to apply for a credit card, and my salary fell short of that due to deductions. That’s why I had to approach the school for a payment plan,” she explained.
Limited Flexibility in Some Schools
While some schools are willing to accommodate parents’ financial difficulties, others are more rigid in their payment policies. A senior spokesperson from a British-syllabus school in Jumeirah stated that the school generally requires fees to be paid on a quarterly basis. However, in “unique circumstances,” the school has allowed parents to pay on a monthly basis. “We understand that financial difficulties can arise, and we try to be flexible when necessary, but this is not something we advertise widely.”
Sharjah parent Nighat Abbas echoed this sentiment, noting that while her children’s university and institute agreed to a payment plan, the school her daughter attended was less accommodating. “With three children in different educational institutions, the start of the school term is always challenging for us. The institute agreed to a payment plan, but the school refused, which added to our financial strain.”
Conclusion
As school fees in the UAE continue to rise, parents are seeking more flexible payment options to manage their financial commitments. While some schools offer monthly payment plans and interest-free credit card options, others maintain stricter policies. For many parents, the ability to negotiate a payment plan can be the difference between keeping their children in school or facing the difficult decision of withdrawing them. As the cost of education continues to be a significant concern for families, the demand for flexible payment solutions is likely to grow.
