When selecting an international education for your child, understanding the fee structure and curriculum offerings of the institution is essential. One of the premier international schools in Uganda, the International School of Uganda (ISU), has released its fee structure for the academic year 2024-2025. Located on the outskirts of Kampala, ISU offers a globally recognized curriculum under the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework and has served the expatriate and Ugandan community since its establishment in 1967.
ISU’s curriculum and diverse student body—hosting over 600 students from more than 50 countries—make it a top choice for international education in Uganda. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of ISU’s tuition fees, additional charges, and the extensive curriculum it offers.
Overview of the International School of Uganda (ISU)
Since its inception, ISU has been committed to fostering a multicultural and high-quality learning environment. The school campus, nestled in Lubowa along Entebbe Road, provides an ideal learning atmosphere with a broad selection of academic, artistic, and athletic facilities. ISU follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, which is divided into the following stages:
- Primary Years Program (PYP): For students aged 3-11, focusing on inquiry-based learning to nurture creativity and critical thinking.
- Middle Years Program (MYP): For students aged 11-16, preparing them with essential skills and knowledge.
- IB Diploma Program (DP): For students aged 16-19, culminating in an internationally recognized diploma ideal for university admission worldwide.
Detailed Fee Structure for 2024-2025
1. Registration Fee
- Amount: $500
- Description: A non-refundable one-time fee payable by all students upon application to the school. This covers the cost of processing and assessing applications.
2. Annual Tuition Fees (2024-2025)
The annual tuition fees vary based on grade level, reflecting the resources and curriculum demands for each educational stage.
| Grade Level | Annual Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Playgroup | $6,600 |
| Early Childhood 1 (EC1) to EC2 | $8,100 |
| Afternoon Supervision (Optional) | $1,500 |
| Kindergarten | $22,600 |
| Grades 1-5 | $24,300 |
| Grades 6-8 | $28,200 |
| Grades 9-10 | $29,300 |
| Grades 11-12 | $34,100 |
The fees listed here include all core tuition costs for the academic year. However, additional fees apply for optional services like afternoon supervision for Early Childhood classes.
3. Transportation Fees (Annual)
The school offers an optional bus service for students, with the annual bus fee structured as follows:
| Number of Children | Annual Bus Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| One Child | $2,185 |
| Two Children | $2,135 |
| Three Children | $2,085 |
| Four Children | $2,035 |
Families with multiple children enrolled at ISU benefit from a reduced bus fee per child, making the transport service more affordable.
4. Capital Levy Fees
The capital levy fees at ISU help maintain and upgrade the school’s infrastructure to provide high-quality educational facilities.
- One-Time Capital Levy: $10,000 (charged once per family upon a child’s entry to Grade 1 or higher).
- Alumni Capital Levy: $2,000 (discounted one-time levy for ISU alumni families).
- Annual Capital Levy: $500 (charged to all students in Grade 1 or above each year).
Additional Costs and Services
The fee structure above covers the core educational program, but additional services and optional activities may incur extra costs. These include:
- Extracurricular Activities: ISU offers a range of extracurricular activities in sports, arts, and academics, with some activities attracting an additional fee depending on the resources required.
- Lunch and Meal Plans: While meals are not included in the tuition fees, ISU has an on-campus dining facility where students can purchase meals, or parents may opt for meal plans.
Payment Options and Policies
ISU offers flexible payment options to accommodate various financial needs. Parents may choose to pay annually or in installments, provided they meet specific deadlines. It’s important to note that late payments may incur additional charges.
Why Choose the International School of Uganda?
- Accredited International Baccalaureate (IB) Program: ISU is an IB-accredited institution, which ensures a globally standardized education, particularly beneficial for students planning to pursue higher education abroad.
- Experienced Faculty: The school boasts highly qualified educators from diverse backgrounds, equipped to handle various learning needs.
- Multicultural Environment: With over 50 nationalities represented, ISU provides a multicultural atmosphere that fosters inclusivity and respect for diversity.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: The ISU campus includes science labs, libraries, art studios, and sports fields, offering students an all-rounded experience beyond academics.
- Pathway to Global Opportunities: The IB diploma opens doors to international universities, making ISU ideal for students aiming for global careers.
Academic Programs and Curriculum
Primary Years Program (PYP): The PYP at ISU focuses on developing the whole child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and in the world outside. The curriculum is built around six transdisciplinary themes: Who We Are, Where We Are in Place and Time, How We Express Ourselves, How the World Works, How We Organize Ourselves, and Sharing the Planet.
Middle Years Program (MYP): The MYP encourages students to make practical connections between their studies and the real world. It comprises eight subject groups integrated with a unique pedagogical approach that promotes critical thinking and intercultural understanding.
Diploma Program (DP): This is a rigorous two-year curriculum designed to prepare students for the demands of university and life beyond. Students undertake core components like the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), which foster a well-rounded approach to learning.
Admission Process
The admission process at ISU is competitive, and prospective students are encouraged to apply well before the academic year begins. Here is a summary of the process:
- Application Submission: Applicants must fill out the online application form and submit the registration fee.
- Review and Testing: The admissions team assesses each application, with students in certain grades required to complete academic assessments.
- Interview and School Visit: In many cases, prospective students and families are invited for an interview and a campus tour.
- Acceptance and Enrollment: Once accepted, parents complete the necessary paperwork and pay the admission and capital levy fees.
Contact Information for ISU
For more information on admissions, fee policies, or curriculum, interested parents and students may contact the International School of Uganda through the following channels:
- Phone: +256 414 200374
- Email: admin@isumail.ac.ug
- Address: 272/3 Lubowa Terrace, off Entebbe Road, Kampala, Uganda
The International School of Uganda stands out as one of Uganda’s top choices for international education. Its comprehensive curriculum, seasoned faculty, and diverse student body contribute to a nurturing and intellectually stimulating environment. Additionally, the IB program equips students with skills that are highly valued in global academic circles, making ISU an excellent investment for parents seeking a solid educational foundation for their children.
With a fee structure reflecting the quality of resources and services provided, ISU ensures that students receive a world-class education in a setting that fosters academic, social, and personal growth.
