Finding the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions any parent makes—especially if you're new to Addis Ababa or navigating the international education system for the first time. With a growing number of international schools in the city, families now have access to a wide range of options offering globally recognized curricula like American, British (Cambridge), IB, German, and French programs. But one of the biggest questions parents often ask is: “How much does it actually cost?”
In this article, we’ve put together an up-to-date overview of tuition fees for some of the most well-known international schools in Addis Ababa for the 2024–2025 school year. Whether you’re an expat relocating for work, a member of the Ethiopian diaspora returning home, or a local family seeking the best education for your child—and looking for housing near top schools Live Ethio can help you explore family-friendly properties in Addis Ababa.
How Tuition Fees Work in International Schools in Ethiopia
Most international schools in Addis follow tiered fee structures typically requiring payment of:
- Application and registration fees on enrollment
- Capital levies or development fees for infrastructure
- Annual tuition, rising with grade level
Be aware: many schools quote in USD or ETB, often subject to exchange rate fluctuations and sometimes capped by local regulatory limits
1. International Community School of Addis Ababa (ICS Addis)
One of the oldest and most prestigious international schools in Ethiopia, ICS offers an American curriculum with the IB Diploma Program. It features world-class facilities, highly qualified staff, and a diverse student body of over 60 nationalities.
Curriculum: American + IB | Grades EC3–12
Application fee: $300
Capital fee: $300 (Early Years), $10,000 (Grades K–12)
2024–2025 Tuition (USD):
- Early Years (half day): $11,760
- Early Years (full day): $19,130
- Kindergarten & Grades 1–5: $29,520
- Grades 6–8: $33,480
- Grades 9–10: $35,120
- Grades 11–12: $36,520
Estimated Tuition in ETB (2025): ~1,528,800 to 5,054,871 ETB/year
🏡 Looking for a home near ICS? Browse houses and apartments near Old Airport and Bisrate Gebriel through Live Ethio.
2. Cambridge Academy Ethiopia
A British-curriculum school offering Cambridge Assessment programs from Early Years through Year 13. It’s known for academic rigor, strong English instruction, and a growing reputation among both expat and local families.
Application fee: $150
Registration fee: $300
Capital Levy: $500–1,800 (varies by grade)
2024–2025 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 Tuition in ETB: ~858,000 to 1,459,000 ETB/year
Discounts: 5% sibling discount; corporate and full-payment discounts available
🏡 Explore rental listings near Summit, popular areas for families attending Cambridge Academy.
3. Lycée Guébré-Mariam (French School of Addis Ababa)
Established in 1947 and backed by the French government, Lycée Guébré-Mariam delivers the French National Curriculum with a focus on trilingual education in French, English, and Amharic. It is fully accredited by AEFE and MLF, and offers optional distance learning in Spanish, German, and Italian.
Admission fee: 160,000 ETB (one-time)
2024–2025 Tuition (ETB - for Ethiopian nationals):
- Pre-K to Elementary: 198,000 ETB/year
- Collège (Middle School): 207,000 ETB/year
- Lycée (High School): 123,000 ETB/year
2024–2025 Tuition (in 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
🏡 See available homes near Sidist Kilo and Arat Kilo, and Piassa ideal for families attending Lycée Guébré-Mariam.
How to Register for International Schools in Addis Ababa
1. Choose a School
Shortlist based on curriculum (IB, British, French, etc.), values, tuition, and location. Our agents at Live Ethio can help you choose a neighborhood that fits your school and family needs.
2. Prepare Documents
Typically required: Passport, birth certificate, past report cards, immunization records, photos.
3. Apply Online
Most schools offer online applications, sometimes through platforms like OpenApply.
4. Assessment & Interview
Entrance exams or interviews are often required, especially for Grades 2+.
5. Pay Fees
Submit application, registration, and capital fees to reserve your child’s seat.
6. Complete Enrollment
Finish any remaining documents, purchase uniforms, and attend orientation sessions.
Key Takeaways for Parents
- Tuition varies widely: ~$3,100 to ~$35,000+ annually
- Additional fees can add up: Capital levies, application and exam fees
- Exchange rates matter: Fees quoted in USD/Euro can impact your cost
- Scholarships are rare but available: ICS and One Planet offer limited spots
- Always confirm directly: School fees may change annually
- Proximity affects property value: Homes near top schools often retain higher value—ideal for families and investors. Explore investment opportunities with Live Ethio.
Looking for property options? If you're searching for a place to stay, there are apartments for rent as well as condominiums for rent, offering modern living spaces. For those looking to invest or own, you can find apartments for sale along with condominiums for sale. For family homes, explore houses for rent, or consider houses for sale. Investors can also find land for sale for future development.