Saudi Ministry of Education proposes new private school regulations

The Saudi Ministry of Education has issued new proposed regulations for private educational institutions aimed at enhancing transparency, governance, and the protection of student and guardian rights.

Under the new rules, schools are prohibited from involving students in financial disputes or withholding educational resources due to unpaid fees. To ensure financial clarity, institutions must announce tuition fees and service details on the Ministry’s electronic platform at least 180 days before the start of the academic year. Additionally, schools must obtain explicit parental consent before charging for optional services, such as field trips or extracurricular activities.

The regulations also grant the Ministry authority to intervene directly if a school faces financial or educational instability. Possible measures include temporary direct supervision, appointing an alternative operator, or transferring students to other schools, with costs borne by the institution's owner. The framework establishes a formal complaint mechanism through the Ministry's platform and mandates the immediate reporting of any suspected student abuse to the relevant authorities.