If you're planning to enroll your child in an international school in Addis Ababa, one of the first things you'll want to understand is the cost. With dozens of schools offering international curricula—such as American, British, IB, and more—tuition fees can vary widely. This article provides a detailed look at what you can expect to pay for the 2024–2025 school year, helping you make an informed decision based on your family's needs and budget.
Understanding How Tuition Fees Are Structured in International Schools
International schools in Addis Ababa typically follow a multi-layered fee system. Here's what parents can expect when budgeting for enrollment:
Annual tuition fees, which increase with grade level
One-time application and registration fees
Capital or development fees to support facilities
USD or ETB pricing, often affected by exchange rates and local caps
Always check how fees are structured and whether they’re fixed or variable, especially if quoted in foreign currency.
2024–2025 Tuition Fees at Top International Schools in Addis Ababa:
Cambridge Academy EthiopiaA British-curriculum school offering Cambridge programs from nursery through Year 13. Known for strong academics, English instruction, and growing popularity among expats and local families.
Application Fee: $150
Registration Fee: $300
Capital Levy: $500–1,800
Tuition (USD):
Nursery–FS2: $6,231
Years 1–3: $6,798
Years 4–6: $7,364
Years 7–9: $8,497
Years 10–13: $10,593.54
Estimated in ETB: ~858,000 to 1,459,000/year
Discounts: 5% sibling, early payment, and corporate options
Lycée -Mariam (French School of Addis Ababa)A French government-backed school offering trilingual instruction and accredited by AEFE and MLF. Optional distance learning for German, Spanish, and Italian.
Admission Fee: 160,000 ETB
Tuition (ETB – for Ethiopians):
Pre-K to Elementary: 198,000
Middle School: 207,000
High School: 123,000
Tuition (Euros):
French Nationals: €6,230 – €6,750
Other Nationals: €8,320 – €9,200
Exam Fees:
DNB: 1,500 ETB | EAF: 3,500 ETB | BAC: 4,000 ETB
International Community School of Addis Ababa (ICS Addis)One of the most established international schools in Ethiopia, ICS offers an American curriculum with the IB Diploma. It has a strong international community and excellent facilities.
Application Fee: $300
Capital Fee: $300–$10,000 (varies by grade)
Tuition (USD):
Early Years (half day): $11,760
Early Years (full day): $19,130
Grades 1–5: $29,520
Grades 6–8: $33,480
Grades 9–10: $35,120
Grades 11–12: $36,520
Estimated in ETB: ~1.5M to 5M/year
Step-by-Step Guide to Registering at International Schools in Addis Ababa:
Select a School
Narrow down your options by considering the curriculum offered (IB, British, French, etc.), school values, tuition costs, and location. Live Ethio agents can assist you in finding a neighborhood that suits both your school choice and family lifestyle.
Gather Required Documents
Commonly needed documents include your child’s passport, birth certificate, previous report cards, immunization records, and passport-sized photos.
Submit Your Application Online
Many schools accept applications through their websites or platforms like OpenApply.
Prepare for Assessment and Interview
For most schools, especially from Grade 2 onwards, entrance exams and interviews are part of the admission process.
Pay Necessary Fees
To secure a spot for your child, you’ll need to pay the application fee, registration fee, and any capital fees required.
Finalize Enrollment
Complete any outstanding paperwork, purchase uniforms, and attend orientation sessions to wrap up the enrollment process.
Tuition fees vary significantly, ranging from approximately $3,100 to over $35,000 per year. Additional costs like capital levies, application fees, and exam charges can increase the overall expense. Since many schools quote fees in USD or Euros, exchange rate fluctuations may affect your final cost. Scholarships are limited but available at select schools such as ICS and One Planet. Always verify current fees directly with the school, as prices may change annually. Additionally, properties near top international schools tend to maintain higher value, making them ideal for families and real estate investors. Discover investment opportunities near these schools with Live Ethio.
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