The Kuwaiti Ministry of Education has submitted a comprehensive proposal to the Cabinet to reprice several services across its departments. Key among the changes is a proposed 25% increase in the price of textbooks for private Arab schools and kindergartens, while foreign schools may face a 30% hike.
Currently, private Arab schools must purchase all textbooks except those for kindergarten, with costs calculated annually based on printing expenses. Although nurseries and kindergartens are not yet mandated to use Ministry-approved materials, discussions are underway to make it compulsory. These kindergarten materials currently cost KD 1,250 per book and include writing samples and teacher guides.
For foreign schools, the Arabic language textbooks alone now cost approximately KD 2, and with customized printing and special committees involved, the ministry has justified the 30% rise. Teacher guides are priced at KD 1,600 per book, with a proposed 25% increase. These are to be bought as full packages, although they are not currently for sale in Arab or foreign institutions.
Additionally, the ministry aims to impose new annual fees on private schools and nurseries for using government-approved curricula, which are currently distributed for free. It also proposed charging for the evaluation of curricula and educational materials, a service now offered at no cost.
The Administrative Affairs Sector has suggested symbolic transport fees of KD 10 per student per academic year. Meanwhile, the Public Education Sector has proposed converting the adult education insurance (KD 40 for Kuwaitis, KD 120 for non-Kuwaitis) into a registration fee. They also recommend introducing a fee for reissuing lost high school completion certificates.
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