It’s nearly time to pay school fees in the UAE, here are ways to save
Let’s face it — schooling in the UAE isn’t exactly budget-friendly.
But there are smart ways to ease the pressure without cutting corners on your child’s education. From discounts to payment hacks, here’s how parents can save on school fees while keeping the kids learning and thriving.
Academic or sports scholarships
If your child excels in a certain subject or sport, they might be eligible for a scholarship — a game-changer when it comes to saving on school fees.
Many scholarships cover part (or even all) of the tuition, and often come with extra perks like access to special programs or mentorship opportunities.
Sibling discounts
Got more than one kid at the same school?
Many schools offer sibling discounts to help ease the fees when multiple children attend. Just check with your school to see what savings you could score.
Rewards programmes
Did you know some UAE schools have their own apps and rewards programs—like GEMS Rewards?
By collecting points through everyday shopping at your usual stores, you can rack up savings on school fees. Just use the app, earn points, and watch those discounts add up.
Ambassador programmes
This depends on your child’s school, but many private schools in the UAE run referral programs where you and the family you refer both score discounts on school fees. Sometimes, instead of a direct discount, you might earn points redeemable for things like groceries or uniforms — a win-win all around.
Credit cards
Another school perk for the larger school groups is a credit card where you can get cash back on school fees.
Fee discount for school staff
Many UAE schools offer hefty discounts on fees for staff kids—especially if one or both parents work as teachers or staff at the school or education center.
Discounts on early or full payments
Here’s a smart move: pay your school fees early or in one go if the school offers a discount for it. Many schools give a small percentage off for upfront payments, which can add up to saving hundreds—or even thousands—of dirhams each year.
Look for corporate discounts
If you or your partner work for a big company in the UAE, see if they’ve partnered with any schools. These deals can slash thousands off your annual fees—definitely worth checking out!
Consider payment plans
Lots of schools now let you pay fees in installments via banks or third-party platforms. Stretching payments over 10 to 12 months makes fees easier to handle and helps you dodge those huge term-time bills.
