Does every school in UAE offer zero VAT on tuition?

No. Only government-approved schools or those that follow the right curriculum can charge zero VAT.

Is VAT charged on school bus fees?

No, student transport fees are exempt from VAT.

Do I pay VAT on school uniforms?

Yes, uniforms and similar items always get 5% VAT.

Are all textbooks free from VAT?

Only those textbooks which follow the approved curriculum get zero VAT.

Does VAT apply to food or extra activities at school?

Yes, all extra items like food, drinks, or extra-curricular activities have 5% VAT.

Effects of VAT on Education Sector UAE: Full Guide

🥇Effects of VAT on Education Sector in UAE: Full Guide

VAT on Education in the UAE

Education gives people the skills they need for life. Every country wants to offer the best education to its citizens. In the UAE, the government knows how important education is, so it gives special tax rules for schools and colleges. VAT stands for Value Added Tax, and the UAE applies it with certain rules in the education sector.

Let’s see how VAT affects schools, colleges, and all educational services in the UAE.

How UAE Law Applies VAT to Education

The UAE government made rules for VAT under Federal Law No. 8 of 2017 and Article 45. There are clear rules about VAT for education:

Schools up to high school: If a school is approved by the government and uses the right curriculum, it won’t charge VAT on tuition or main fees. The VAT rate is zero.
Higher education: If a college or university is owned by the government or gets at least 50% funding from the government, it won’t charge VAT on tuition either.
If an educational institution is not recognized, or if courses are not approved, they must charge VAT at the normal rate of 5%.

The Ministry of Education manages education rules at the UAE level, while each Emirate has its own local authority. The UAE law does not explain every detail, but there are two important rules:

The education must come from a qualified and approved institution.
The course must be approved by the government.

If a school or college follows these, it can offer many services at zero VAT.

What Educational Goods and Services Get Zero VAT?

You might wonder which fees or items have zero VAT. Here’s a quick list:

Tuition fees from approved schools or colleges.
Printed or digital books and main study material.
Fees for nursery or pre-school education.
All main school and university education.

What Goods and Services Are Exempt?

Transport fees for students (like school buses).
Accommodation costs for students.

What Gets Standard 5% VAT?

Some items always get charged at the standard VAT rate:

Uniforms for students.
Electronic items (like laptops or tablets).
Food and drinks sold on campus.
Fees for extra activities, like sports or art.
Costs for school trips (not main learning trips).

Key Points about VAT in UAE Education

You should remember these facts when you think about VAT and education in the UAE:

Goods and services sold to anyone not enrolled as a student will get 5% VAT.
Stationery and notebooks are not counted as education material, so they get VAT.
Uniforms and extra clothing for school get VAT at the standard rate.
Textbooks that follow the approved course plan are zero VAT.
Fees for ID cards, art materials, or club memberships get 5% VAT because they’re not part of the main education.

Example: How Does VAT Work in UAE Schools?

Let’s look at two schools:

EMINENT INTERNATIONAL is a registered, approved school. It does not charge VAT on tuition, books, or bus fees. It does charge 5% VAT on uniforms and electronics.
INSPIRE INTERNATIONAL is a college but not recognized as a qualified institution. It must charge 5% VAT on all tuition, books, and related services.

This example shows how schools in the UAE must check if they’re qualified, and which services are zero VAT.

VAT in Education: Important Things to Remember

Only approved schools can offer most services at zero VAT.
Extra goods or services usually get 5% VAT.
Parents should check if their school is qualified for zero VAT.
Schools must keep records to prove they follow government rules.

🥇How Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing Can Help

Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing helps schools, colleges, and parents understand VAT rules. We support our clients with VAT registration, VAT filing, and compliance in education. Our expert team gives simple guidance under one roof, and we always help clients save time and money. If you want advice you can trust, we’re the ones who won’t let you miss the boat when it comes to UAE VAT.