What “total to join” really costs: a school fee checklist
Monthly tuition is only part of the cost. Use this checklist to ask every school about admission, security, annual and other charges before you decide.
Why the monthly fee isn’t the full story
Two schools can have the same monthly fee and very different costs in the first month. The difference is the one-time and yearly charges. Ask every school the same questions so you compare like with like.
One-time charges
- Admission fee — paid once when the seat is confirmed.
- Security deposit — often refundable when your child leaves.
- Registration or test fee — paid when you apply, even if the child isn’t admitted.
Yearly and recurring charges
- Annual fund or development charges
- Examination fee
- Transport, if you use the school van — usually monthly
Things bought separately
Uniform, books and stationery are often bought from the school or a named shop. Ask for an estimate per class.
Comparing two schools fairly
Add up the first month (total to join) and the first year (12 × tuition + annual charges). The cheaper monthly fee isn’t always the cheaper school. In the app you can save schools and compare two side by side.
Frequently asked
Is the security deposit refundable?
At most schools it is refundable when the child leaves, sometimes after deducting dues. Ask the school to confirm in writing.
What is the annual fund?
A yearly charge some schools add for activities, maintenance or development. It is usually paid once a year on top of monthly tuition.
Compare fees and apply in the free IQRA app.
