International Schools in Lusaka — Fees & Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of Lusaka's international schools with verified tuition fees for the 2025-26 academic year. Covers AISL, LICS, Rhodes Park, Baobab, and more — plus hidden costs that add $1,500-4,000 beyond tuition.
School Fees Comparison — 2025-26 Academic Year
| School | Curriculum | Annual Fee | Grades |
|---|---|---|---|
| American International School of Lusaka (AISL) MSA-accredited · $220 application fee + $3,630 capital fee (new students) · Sibling discount: 10% 2nd child, 20% 3rd child · Year: Aug–Jun | American (AP) | $4,500 – $25,122 | Pre-K – Grade 8 |
| Lusaka International Community School (LICS) Cambridge & IB Diploma · $1,000 holding deposit · BYOD from Year 4 · 5% discount for 3+ children · Year: Aug–Jun | Cambridge / IB | $3,915 – $12,690 | Early Years – A-Level |
| Rhodes Park School K13,000–K27,000 per term (3 terms) · CIE supplementary K3,500–K5,000 · Popular with Zambian middle class | British (Cambridge/CIE) | K39,000 – K81,000 | Reception – Grade 12 |
| French School of Lusaka (Lycée Français) AEFE member · Bilingual French/English program · Small cohorts | French National | $3,500 – $7,000 | Maternelle – Terminale |
| Baobab College Modern campus in Roma area · Holistic approach · Growing reputation | British (IGCSE/A-Level) | $4,000 – $12,000 | Reception – Year 13 |
| Lechwe International School Family-run · Small class sizes (max 20) · Located in Kabulonga | British (IGCSE) | $2,500 – $6,000 | Pre-School – Grade 9 |
| Heritage International School Christian ethos · College prep focus · Located in Ibex Hill | American/IB | $3,500 – $9,000 | Pre-K – Grade 12 |
| Chengelo School (Mkushi) Boarding school · 250 km from Lusaka · Strong community · Outdoor education | British (IGCSE/A-Level) | $5,000 – $10,000 | Year 7 – Year 13 |
* AISL fees shown include both "full educational allowance" and "self-pay" rates. LICS fees are from their official 2025-26 schedule. Rhodes Park fees quoted in Kwacha per year (3 terms). All other fees are estimates based on direct enquiry.
Hidden Costs Beyond Tuition
These additional expenses typically add $1,500–$4,000 per year per child on top of tuition.
Registration / Application Fee
One-time, non-refundable — AISL charges $220
$100 – $500
Capital Development Levy
Building & infrastructure — AISL $3,630 (new), $250/yr (returning)
$250 – $3,630/yr
School Bus Transport
Depends on distance; some schools operate own fleet
$50 – $200/mo
School Lunch Program
Hot lunch and snacks; some schools include in fees
$30 – $100/mo
After-School Activities
Sports, music, drama, robotics — varies by school
$50 – $200/term
School Uniform Set
Full set including PE kit — most schools require branded uniform
$100 – $300
Textbooks & Materials
Some schools include in fees; LICS requires own device from Yr 4
$100 – $500/yr
Examination Fees (IGCSE/IB/AP)
External exam registration — charged separately at LICS and Rhodes Park
$500 – $1,500
Curriculum Guide — Which System Is Right for Your Child?
British Cambridge (IGCSE / A-Level)
The most widely offered curriculum in Lusaka — used by Rhodes Park, Baobab, Lechwe, and LICS (alongside IB). Students take IGCSEs in Year 11 (typically 8-10 subjects) and A-Levels in Year 13 (3-4 subjects). Cambridge qualifications are recognized by virtually all universities worldwide. The system is subject-specialist — students narrow down earlier than in the American or IB systems, which suits students who know their strengths.
International Baccalaureate (IB Diploma)
Offered at LICS. The IB Diploma (Years 12-13) is considered the most rigorous and internationally portable pre-university qualification. Students study six subjects (three at Higher Level, three at Standard Level) plus a core of Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service). The IB is particularly valued by European and Canadian universities and is increasingly recognized in the US and UK. Tuition for IB years at LICS is $12,690/year (2025-26).
American (AP)
Offered at AISL, accredited by the Middle States Association (MSA). The American system uses GPA-based assessment with Advanced Placement (AP) exams in the final years. Best suited for families targeting US universities or those on diplomatic/corporate postings who need seamless transfers between American schools worldwide. AISL is the only fully accredited American school in Zambia.
French National (Baccalauréat)
The Lycée Français de Lusaka follows the French national curriculum, leading to the Baccalauréat. Ideal for French-speaking families or those wanting bilingual education. The school is part of the AEFE network (Agency for French Education Abroad), ensuring consistent standards with schools in France and across French-speaking Africa.
Choosing the Right School — Practical Considerations
Beyond curriculum and fees, these factors significantly affect the day-to-day experience:
- Class size: Ranges from 12-15 (AISL, Lechwe) to 20-25 (Rhodes Park, Baobab). Smaller classes mean more individual attention but fewer peer interactions.
- Location and commute: AISL is in Ibex Hill, LICS in Roma, Rhodes Park in Rhodes Park, Baobab in Roma. Lusaka traffic can turn a 5km commute into 45 minutes during school hours. Factor in bus routes and costs.
- Teacher turnover: International schools with higher salaries (AISL, LICS) tend to retain expatriate teachers longer. Some schools rely heavily on locally-hired teachers — not necessarily worse, but worth asking about.
- University placement: Ask schools for their recent university placement record. LICS and AISL graduates regularly attend universities in the US, UK, Canada, and South Africa. Rhodes Park has strong placement into South African and UK universities.
- Facilities: Premium schools (AISL, LICS, Baobab) have science labs, libraries, sports fields, and swimming pools. Budget schools may share facilities or lack specialist equipment.
Admissions Process & Timeline
Most international schools in Lusaka follow a rolling admissions process, but applying early (6-12 months before the desired start date) is strongly recommended, particularly for AISL and LICS where waiting lists are common for lower grades.
Typical Admissions Timeline
Step 1
Apply Online
Submit application + records + references
Step 2
Assessment
Academic test + interview (1-2 weeks)
Step 3
Offer & Deposit
Pay holding deposit ($500-$1,000)
Step 4
Enrollment
Pay term fees + collect uniform
The academic year runs August/September to June at most international schools — different from the Zambian government school calendar (January–December). Mid-year entry is possible at most schools if places are available.
Parent Questions & Answers
Which is the best international school in Lusaka?
AISL (American) and LICS (Cambridge/IB) are considered the top-tier schools with the strongest reputations and highest fees. LICS tuition runs $3,915–$12,690/year (2025-26 rates). AISL charges up to $25,122/year for K-8. Rhodes Park and Baobab College offer excellent British curriculum at lower cost. The "best" school depends on your priorities: curriculum preference (American/British/IB/French), budget, location, and your child's needs.
How much do international schools cost in Lusaka?
Total annual cost per child ranges from approximately $4,000 to $30,000+. LICS fees are $3,915 (Early Years) to $12,690 (A-Level) per year for 2025-26. AISL charges $4,500–$25,122 depending on grade and fee structure, plus a one-time $3,630 capital fee. Rhodes Park charges K39,000–K81,000/year. Add $1,500–$4,000 for transport, uniforms, activities, devices, and exam fees.
What curriculum do international schools in Lusaka follow?
Schools offer four main curricula: American (AISL — AP exams, accredited by MSA), Cambridge/IB (LICS — both IGCSE and IB Diploma), British Cambridge (Rhodes Park, Baobab — IGCSE/A-Levels), and French (Lycée Français — Baccalauréat). The British IGCSE system is most common in Zambia. The IB Diploma at LICS is recognized globally for university admissions.
Can Zambian children attend international schools?
Yes, international schools in Lusaka accept both expatriate and Zambian students. Rhodes Park and Heritage have significant Zambian enrollment. Some schools offer need-based financial assistance — inquire directly with admissions. Many Zambian families choose international schools for smaller class sizes (15-25 students vs 40+ in government schools) and broader curriculum options.
When should I apply to international schools in Lusaka?
Apply 6–12 months in advance for the best chance of admission, especially at AISL and LICS where waiting lists are common for lower grades. The academic year starts in August/September (unlike January for Zambian government schools). Applications typically require previous academic records, references, and an assessment or interview. LICS requires a $1,000 holding deposit to secure a place.