Back to school: Which UAE banks let parents pay fees in instalments?

Dubai: UAE parents facing large school-fee payments this month can choose from a range of credit-card instalment facilities, but the cost, repayment period and eligibility rules differ sharply between banks.

The payment period comes shortly before the 2026–2027 academic year begins. Students at UAE public schools and private schools following the Ministry of Education curriculum return on August 31, while other private schools follow calendars approved by their local education authorities.

Many schools require the first tuition instalment this week, though deadlines vary by institution and emirate. In Dubai, re-enrolment deposits of up to 5% of annual tuition or Dh500, whichever is higher, are deducted from the first-term bill.

An independent Gulf News review identified publicly advertised school-fee facilities from 13 UAE banks as of August 13. However, the list is not exhaustive or a ranking, as other lenders may offer unpublished or personalised payment plans.

ADCB lets credit-card customers divide eligible school-fee payments over three, six or 12 months at zero interest. The bank charges a Dh50 processing fee plus VAT for each converted transaction.

The offer remains valid until October 31, 2026. Parents can pay with an ADCB credit card directly or use the bill-payment facility through the bank’s digital channels, while early settlement of the plan attracts a Dh200 charge.

ADIB allows eligible school and university transactions of at least Dh500 to be divided over three, six or 12 months. It charges no processing fee and waives the Murabaha profit proportionately on the amount converted.

Most retail ADIB Covered Cards qualify, although No Murabaha, Fast, Football, Business and ISIC cards are excluded. The payment must carry an eligible education merchant code and be converted through the bank’s app or contact centre within 30 days.

Ajman Bank offers three- or six-month instalments at selected education providers. Its published list includes City University College of Ajman, City School and Ajman Academy, with a minimum transaction of Dh3,000 at each institution.

This is a participating-merchant facility rather than a general plan covering every UAE school. The bank’s current public page does not clearly state a campaign expiry date or separate processing charge, so customers should confirm both before paying.

Al Hilal Bank’s School Fees Instant Cash facility transfers the requested amount directly from the customer’s credit-card account to the school’s UAE bank account. Customers can access up to 80% of their available card limit at a zero profit rate.

The minimum amount is Dh5,000 and a one-time processing fee is charged upfront. Al Hilal does not publish the current fee or available repayment periods on the offer page, requiring customers to contact the bank for final pricing.

CBD Al Islami permits eligible purchases of Dh1,000 or more to be converted into three, six or 12 monthly instalments. The bank advertises no processing fee and allows customers to convert up to Dh100,000 or 90% of their available credit limit.

The bank also lists selected schools and universities under its participating-merchant programme, where eligible transactions start from Dh500. Parents should check whether their institution appears on the current merchant list or whether the wider purchase-conversion facility applies.

DIB is offering selected Visa Covered Card customers a six-month instalment plan with no profit or processing fee. The promotion applies to school and university payments of at least Dh1,000 made in the UAE or abroad between August 1 and September 15, 2026.