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Ministry cuts fees for expatriate students in government schools

DUBAI — The Ministry of Education has announced a substantial reduction in admission fees for children of expatriates in government schools.

''Annual fees for students in grade 1 to 3 will be slashed by 50 per cent from Dh 6000 to Dh 3000 a year while those of grade 4 to 7 will be amended to be Dh 4000. As for grade 8 and 9 fees will be in the range of Dh 5000, according to a resolution endorsed by Minister of Higher Education, and acting Education Minister Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan.

The ministry has set Dh 6000 as fee for each grade at the secondary school level. Earlier the ministry specified fee for grade 1 to 12 at Dh 6000 and despite that it imposes strict requirements for admission.

The ministry has also allowed the acceptance of children of Arab expatriates employed by the federal government at remote areas that are far away by 35 kilometres, instead of 50 kilometres, from the nearest private school.

Only two children, whether studying in public or private schools, will enjoy the education allowance paid by the government.

''Outstanding Arab expatriate students will be allowed to join all grades at government schools. This year will see admission of those students to grade 1 but as of next year they will be welcomed at all classes provided that the number of admitants doesn't exceed 20 per cent of the total population of the school and at the same percentage of the stream in each school. Density should not invite for opening of new classes as a result of admitting expatriate students,'' the resolution explained.

Defining other conditions, the resolution said that the student applying for grade 1 should score 90 per cent at least in the admission exam in the Arabic and English languages and maths. He should also pass the personal interview before the school's technical panel.

Applicants for grade 2 up to 12th should meet the above mention criteria in addition to a pass in the former class with a mark not less than 90 per cent.

The resolution stated that these fees will be added to the school budget and that the Ministry Finance and Administration Department and Educational Zones are demanded to agree on the suitable mechanism for collecting and disbursing of fees.

At the same time, the resolution made it clear that the school fee structure applicable to children of expatriate employees at federal ministries and local departments will remain unchanged.Under this system, the government will pay school fees for two children of the Arab expatriate employees at these institutions at a maximum amount of Dh 6000 a year for each child if they enroll at private school or in line with fees to be introduced at public schools.

Students residing at far-flung areas as mentioned above will be allowed to join government schools and exempted from the criteria stipulated by the resolution.The government will also bear fees of two children only. Children of expatriate private sector employees living in remote areas where there is no near private school at 35 kilometres, will be accepted in government schools at fees determined ny the resolution.

No change in the status qua of the children of the diplomatic corps staff, Arab organisations, holders of diplomatic cards issued by the foreign ministry in the UAE and orphans sponsored by nationals.

The resolution assigned the educational department to devise regulations on admission tests, and criteria for admission and enrolment.

The door for registeration will be opened on 19 August and closed on 30 August.