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:

1. Cambridge Academy Ethiopia

A 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

2. 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

3. 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.