Picture used illustrative purpose only.

Amir Al Sonny, Staff Reporter

The Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) has approved the annual increase of tuition fees for private schools operating in the Emirate of Sharjah by maximum 5 per cent for the academic year 2023-2024.

The increase proportion depends on the school’s rating, the SPEA said, noting that schools with rating below “acceptable” are not eligible to increase their tuition fees.

“The increase is decided based on the factors that affect tuition fees, such as global inflation rates, utilities prices, the operational cost and the economic growth rate in the emirate,” the SPEA added.

It also pointed out that the educational output is also taken into account, along with the indicators and standards of quality of life, school performance, academic achievement, extent of the school’s academic commitment, and the efficiency of school premises.

Private schools with an “excellent” rating are entitled to increase their fees by maximum 5 per cent, while schools with a “very good” rating can increase their fees by 3.75 per cent, and schools with a “good” rating can increase their fees by 2.5% per cent, and schools with an “acceptable” rating can increase their fees by 1.25 per cent.

"While the schools that are rated as weak or very weak, they are not entitled to increase their fees,” SPEA said. It also stated that schools, which meet the conditions, are entitled to increase their tuition fees every two years.

They can submit a request via the “Tamam” platform, where it is checked to decide and approve the increase proportion.