For many families across the UAE, school fees remain one of the most significant household commitments. Parents are carefully planning their finances to ensure their children continue receiving quality education, but rising living costs are making the task increasingly complex.

From tuition and transport fees to books and uniforms, education expenses require thoughtful budgeting. While some families say managing costs has become more challenging, many parents are adapting by prioritising essential spending, planning ahead, and appreciating schools that offer flexible and supportive policies. Every family’s experience is different, but one common priority remains unchanged: investing in their children’s future.

■Careful Budgeting and Financial Planning

Deepak Khatri, parent of a Grade 2 student, told Gulf News that rising living expenses have encouraged his family to plan finances more carefully while continuing to prioritise education. "Along with tuition, there are other additional expenses like transportation, books, uniforms, and daily needs, so budgeting everything together requires extra planning," he explained.

To manage expenses smoothly, his family has reduced unnecessary spending, focused on essentials, and started planning monthly budgets in advance. "We also try to save more and look for flexible payment options whenever possible," he added.

■The Role of Understanding and Flexibility

For Sameen Fatima, parent of a Grade 1 student, schools in the UAE continue to provide quality education and safe learning environments. She believes that collaboration between schools and parents can make a meaningful difference for families managing finances carefully.

"During extraordinary situations such as wars, pandemics, or financial crises, schools and parents need to work together with greater understanding and flexibility so that children's education does not suffer," Fatima explained.

She also noted that balancing rent, utility bills, and household expenses on top of school fees can sometimes become difficult for families. "Unfortunately, we had no option but to withdraw our daughter because we were unable to pay her fees," she shared.

According to Fatima, support measures such as flexible payment plans, temporary fee reductions, and scholarships can help families continue their children's education during challenging periods. "These foundation years are extremely important for a child's future, and no child should miss out on education because of circumstances beyond their control," she emphasised.

■Supportive School Policies Make a Difference

Ami Rasheed, parent of children in Grades 10 and 5, highlighted that supportive school policies have helped her family manage education expenses comfortably. "Fortunately, we are not currently facing major challenges in terms of school fee payments. There has never been unnecessary pressure regarding fee payments, which is something we truly appreciate as parents," she shared.

She also noted that her school remained accommodating even during occasional payment delays, helping reduce stress for parents managing multiple financial commitments. Rasheed expressed appreciation for the recent transport fee adjustment introduced by her school, where only around 30 percent of the April transport fee was charged based on actual student attendance on campus. "Such practical and parent-friendly measures reflect the school's understanding of the realities faced by families," she said.

■Planning Ahead Amid Uncertainties

Rakhi PV, parent of children in Grades 11 and 7, observed that many families are becoming more mindful about spending and prioritising important commitments such as education. "At the moment, it is becoming very difficult to manage school fees because of uncertainties affecting many families. School tuition and transportation fees together take up a significant portion of our monthly budget. At the same time, rents are not coming down, and in many cases families are facing rent increases of around 5 to 10 percent," she explained.

To cope, her family has cut down on expenses and prioritised essentials while meticulously handling finances. "We are planning our monthly budget very carefully and trying to prioritise important commitments, especially our children's education," she said.

■Education Remains a Top Priority

Despite financial pressures, parents across the UAE say education continues to be one of the most important investments for their children's future. Many families are adapting through careful financial planning, budgeting, and working closely with schools to ensure their children continue learning in a stable and supportive environment, no matter what circumstances may arise.

The collective message from parents is clear: while costs are rising, the commitment to education remains unwavering. With greater flexibility, understanding, and collaboration between schools and families, the burden can be eased, ensuring that children's learning and development are never compromised.