This service enables private schools to obtain KHDA approval for changing their name on the Educational Services Permit.

Private Schools

AED 5,000

6 working days
The processing period of 6 working days begins once KHDA has received all required documents.

• Approvals from relevant authorities if the name includes a country, city, town, or geographical area.
• Accreditation evidence if the name refers to a specific educational curriculum.
• Trade Name Reservation Certificate from the licensing authority.
• Initial Approval from the licensing authority.
• Approval of the School Board of Trustees (for non-profit schools).

• The KHDA Educational Services Permit and the Commercial Licence must be valid at the time of submitting the application for this service.
• The school should provide three name options when submitting a name change application.
• The private school's name must not be registered or previously registered by any other school in the UAE, nor should it be similar to the name of any other school in the UAE.
• The name of the private school should not include words that directly or indirectly suggest sponsorship by any personalities who have no real connection to the school.
• The private school's name should not include words that could mislead the public.
• The name of the private school should not include the names of God or any government agencies.
• The name of the private school should not include the names or logos of government or non-governmental entities outside the country, nor should it imply that the school is a branch of these organisations, unless prior approval is obtained from KHDA.
• The name of the private school does not violate any laws in force in the UAE, nor does it infringe on public order, morals, or intellectual property rights.
• The private school must obtain prior approval from the relevant authorities when using the name of a city, county, country, specific geographic area, existing school, or educational curriculum.
• The name of the branch school must be identical to the name of the existing school, with evidence that it is a branch, whether by referring to the word branch or the geographical area on which the school will be built after approval from the concerned authorities.
• The school's name shall be displayed prominently in both Arabic and English, and the name mentioned must match the name approved by the KHDA.
• If the application is approved, it will be effective at the start of the new academic year. The name should avoid using terms that relate to the school's evaluation.
• For branches of international schools, an official request must be sent from the parent school to amend the school's name.

• Apply via the KHDA portal, including three proposed names.
• The application undergoes an review, and a decision is subsequently issued.
• Pay the service fee once the school has met all the requirements. 
• Parents and students are informed of the name change once KHDA approval is received.
• The school fulfils all name change requirements with the licensing authority.
• The school’s name is officially amended in the Educational Services Permit.
• All signage, advertising materials, school uniforms, stationery, and service names must display the new name by the beginning of the new academic year.