The Ministry of Education has announced new rules on student admissions and transfers, limiting the number of times a student can change schools in an academic year.

Under the revised regulations, which will take effect from the next academic calendar, students will be permitted to transfer schools twice per academic year without the need for special circumstances.

State Minister for Education Dr Ahmed Mohamed explained that previously students could change schools at any time during the year, but the system has now been restructured to bring greater order and reduce disruptions. He said transfers would only be allowed at two points in the year, in line with international best practices.

According to the Ministry, parents who wish to transfer their children before the start of the academic year must submit requests at least one month before the end of the second term. Similarly, transfers for the second term must be requested one month before the end of the first term.

Dr Ahmed noted that frequent transfers created challenges for both students and schools, and stressed that the new rules were designed to ensure a more systematic and stable learning environment.

While students will generally be restricted to two transfers, the Ministry said applications made under exceptional circumstances would be considered on a case-by-case basis. Parents were also urged to plan ahead when deciding on a transfer for their children.