By Ali Al Hammadi
Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Education (MoE) has identified three main reasons that may result in the withholding of a student鈥檚 certificate, urging parents to contact school administrations for clarification and resolution.According to the Ministry鈥檚 digital platform under the 鈥淔requently Asked Questions鈥 section, a student鈥檚 certificate may be withheld due to:Outstanding financial duesFailure to return a school-issued laptopFailure to update personal informationIn such cases, students or their parents must contact the school administration to understand the issue and complete the necessary procedures.Third-term curriculum focusThe Ministry confirmed that re-sit exams for the 2024鈥2025 academic year 鈥 applicable to students in Grades 3 through 12 at public and private schools following the national curriculum 鈥 will cover content from the third academic term only.No limit on re-sit subjectsThere is no cap on the number of subjects a student may re-sit. Students are eligible to retake exams regardless of how many subjects they failed.Electronic-only examsThe Ministry emphasised that re-sit exams will be administered exclusively in electronic format, with no paper-based options. Absence from the exam 鈥 even with a valid excuse 鈥 will not entitle students to a make-up exam. This highlights the importance of attending exams as scheduled.Tuition fee collectionThe Ministry reaffirmed on its official website that tuition fee collection procedures for resident students align with federal government directives governing Ministry institutions.It stated: 鈥淎s per the approved procedures for collecting tuition fees from resident students, the Ministry of Education reiterates the necessity of fee collection as a financial obligation mandated by ministerial decisions issued by the federal government regarding services offered within Ministry institutions.鈥滿easures to enforce tuition paymentTo ensure fee collection, the Ministry has implemented several regulatory measures, including:Withholding academic results for students with unpaid feesSuspending all digital student services, such as issuing 鈥淭o Whom It May Concern鈥 letters, academic transcripts, transfer certificates, and school leaving certificatesThe Ministry clarified that essential services like textbook distribution and school transportation remain unaffected. It also warned that any contradictory information being shared is inaccurate.All outstanding fees must be settled by the end of the current month, or the above measures will be applied in accordance with regulations.School notifications issued to parentsPublic school administrations have already begun implementing these measures by sending detailed notifications to parents. These communications outline outstanding balances, available payment options, and inform families that academic results will be withheld if fees are not cleared 鈥 preventing students from viewing their grades or receiving final certificates.If unpaid fees persist, all digital services will be suspended, including access to smart learning platforms, the e-certification system, and transfer-related services. Students will be unable to conduct any official educational transactions until their financial obligations are resolved.Additionally, students鈥 enrollment for the next academic year will be suspended automatically, and their school seat forfeited. Re-enrollment will only be possible once all dues are cleared鈥攑otentially disrupting academic progress, especially for students transitioning between educational stages.Schools emphasise partnership, not pressureSchool administrators stressed that these measures are not designed to pressure families but to support a structured education system and maintain uninterrupted student services. They noted that financial responsibility is a crucial part of the partnership between families and schools.Parents are urged to cooperate and respond promptly to school notifications. The primary goal, administrators emphasized, is to protect students鈥 academic future and ensure continuity in their education.All enforcement actions will take effect automatically starting May 1 for students with unresolved financial obligations. The Ministry reiterated that settling fees is a family responsibility, reflecting a shared commitment to education and student success.