Galaxy International School Uganda vs Vienna College Namugongo

	G Galaxy International School Uganda Kampala, Uganda	V Vienna College Namugongo Kampala, Uganda
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year UGX 6,050 - 15,000	Fees / year UGX 4,746 - 8,850
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 11 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels	Curriculum Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils	Pupils 400	Pupils 400
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size 25
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location GISU is located in Lubowa, along the Kampala–Entebbe Road, about 9 km from Kampala. Turn off before Roofings Ltd. and continue along the housing estate, with the school about 500 m from Quality Supermarket on the main road. The address is Plot 1077, Lubowa Estate, Entebbe Road, P.O. Box 11119 Kampala Uganda.	Location Namugongo Road, Kira, Wakiso District, Uganda. Vienna College Namugongo is a Cambridge International (CIE) Centre UG010. It is a private co-educational institution.
Stages	Stages Early Years, Primary, Lower Secondary, IGCSE and Cambridge AS & A Level programmes.	Stages Cambridge International Examinations Curriculum at Junior, IGCSE and GCE “A-levels”.
School type	School type International, co-educational school offering Cambridge International Examinations (Checkpoint, IGCSE, AS & A Level) with boarding facilities.	School type The school is a private co-educational institution.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support GISU takes in children with mild additional needs and supports them accordingly; learners with additional educational needs receive education through addressing their differences and including them in activities, with accommodations such as extra time for assignments or exams, use of technology, or adaptive equipment as appropriate.	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation —
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation No explicit religious affiliation; the school welcomes students of different faiths.	Religious affiliation Interdenominational
School day structure	School day structure Regular school day runs from 08:00 to 15:30. Meals are served centrally in the dining hall.	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details Bus transport is available; transport costs depend on distance.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / Admission fee - A one-time admission (registration) fee is payable for new students. The admission fee is USD 1,000 (non-refundable). Tuition fees (per term and annual totals, by year group) - Kindergarten (KG2 & KG3) - Term 1: USD 2,650 - Term 2: USD 1,750 - Term 3: USD 1,650 - Annual total: USD 6,050. - Reception - Term 1: USD 2,850 - Term 2: USD 1,850 - Term 3: USD 1,750 - Annual total: USD 6,450. - Key Stage 1 (Years 1 & 2) - Term 1: USD 3,450 - Term 2: USD 2,400 - Term 3: USD 2,250 - Annual total: USD 8,100. - Key Stage 2 (Years 3–6) - Term 1: USD 4,400 - Term 2: USD 3,050 - Term 3: USD 2,750 - Annual total: USD 10,200. - Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9) - Term 1: USD 5,000 - Term 2: USD 3,450 - Term 3: USD 3,150 - Annual total: USD 11,600. - IGCSE (Years 10 & 11) - Term 1: USD 5,450 - Term 2: USD 3,850 - Term 3: USD 3,500 - Annual total: USD 12,800. - AS / A Level (Years 12 & 13) - Term 1: USD 6,450 - Term 2: USD 4,450 - Term 3: USD 4,100 - Annual total: USD 15,000. Book, exam and other recurring academic charges - Book fees (annual, paid at registration): - KG2 – Year 2: USD 250 - Years 3 – 9: USD 350 - Years 10 & 11: USD 450 - Years 12 & 13: USD 350. - Cambridge examination fees are charged in the relevant exam year and are payable in addition to tuition and book fees. Lunch and other facility charges are included within tuition. Transport is provided by a third-party operator with separate charges that vary by route and distance. School uniform costs vary by grade. Boarding fees (where applicable) - Boarding is offered from Year 7 to Year 13. Boarding fees per boarding student are: - Term 1: USD 2,450 - Term 2: USD 1,750 - Term 3: USD 1,600 - Total (boarding for the full year): USD 5,800. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is billed by term (three terms). Book fees are charged annually and are payable at registration. Lunch and facility charges are included in the tuition amounts. Transport and other optional services are billed separately. An upfront payment discount of 5% is offered where parents pay the full year in advance. A sibling discount of 5% applies for families with two or more children enrolled. The admission fee is payable once on registration and is non-refundable. Other costs and optional charges - Uniform: prices vary depending on grade; uniform purchase is an additional cost. - Transport: charged separately by a third-party transport provider; cost depends on route and distance. - Extracurricular activities fees (termly): - Early Years: Term 1 USD 100; Terms 2 & 3 USD 100 each. - Years 1–6: Term 1 USD 150; Terms 2 & 3 USD 150 each. - Years 7–13: Term 1 USD 150; Terms 2 & 3 USD 150 each. Refund information - The admission (registration) fee is non-refundable. Other refund or cancellation rules are governed by the school's financial agreement; full details should be confirmed with the admissions office. Fee payment options and practical note - The publicly available fee schedule and registration materials specify amounts, term billing and discounts but do not list specific payment channels (for example, specific bank account details, credit-card acceptance, mobile-money or online payment provider names) in the published fee schedule documents reviewed. Confirmed channels commonly used by schools in the region include bank transfer and school-approved electronic payment platforms, but the school's admissions or finance office should be contacted to confirm accepted methods and any transaction details or payment references to use. Contact options: +256 781 468 000 or admissions@gisu.ac.ug. Summary of the most important items for parents - Plan for a one-time, non-refundable admission fee of USD 1,000 at registration. - Budget tuition by year group on a per-term basis (three terms); annual totals are shown above. - Include book fees, examination fees and optional transport or boarding charges where applicable. Boarding fees for Years 7–13 are billed per term and total USD 5,800 for the year.	Fee details Application and one‑off fees - Application fee (new students): UGX 50,000 (one‑off). - Admission fee: USD 100 (one‑off). - Caution fee (security/deposit): USD 50 (one‑off). Tuition and accommodation fees (per term) — listed by year group - Year 07: USD 1,582 per term. - Year 08: USD 1,836 per term. - Year 09: USD 2,109 per term. - Year 10: USD 2,505 per term. - Year 11: USD 2,611 per term. - Year 12 & 13 (Humanities/Arts): USD 2,837 per term. - Year 12 & 13 (Sciences): USD 2,950 per term. - Day students receive a reduction of USD 150 from the listed boarding/tuition amount per term. Tuition — annual calculation (three terms) - Annual fee is calculated as three terms. Example calculations: - Year 07 annual (3 terms): USD 4,746 (3 × USD 1,582). - Year 12 & 13 Sciences annual (3 terms): USD 8,850 (3 × USD 2,950). - Payment of fees in advance for a full academic year attracts a 5% discount on the term's fees applied to the payment. Billing schedule and payment terms - Fees are due on or before the start of the first week of each term. - Payment in advance for the full year qualifies for a 5% discount on the term's fees. - A sibling discount of 3% per child applies where more than one child is enrolled at the same time. - All fee‑related queries must be submitted in writing to the Head of Finance; decisions on fee matters rest with the Credit Committee. Boarding / accommodation - The listed tuition figures are published under “Tuition and Accommodation Fees,” indicating the amounts include boarding accommodation for resident students; day students pay USD 150 less per term. - The college operates multiple boarding houses for resident students. Other recurring costs and mandatory extras - Medical insurance: UGX 100,000 per annum. - Sports fee (games kit): UGX 50,000 per annum. - School meals (boarding): three compulsory meals are provided for resident students; catering is managed by the college (additional optional canteen purchases may apply). Refunds and penalties - Fees paid are non‑refundable. - Any exceptional refund or fee dispute must be raised in writing with the Head of Finance and may be considered by the Credit Committee; the Credit Committee's decision is final. Fee payment options and bank details - Bank transfer payments are accepted in multiple currencies via the college accounts: - Absa Bank of Uganda Ltd – Dollar A/c, Account Number: 0344248397, Swift: BARCUGKX. - Absa Bank of Uganda Ltd – UGX A/c, Account Number: 0341399475. - Stanbic Bank – Pound A/c, Account Number: 9030008662583, Swift: SBICUGKX. - For account enquiries use accounts@vienna.ug or the college finance office phone numbers. Administrative notes on discounts and conditions - A 5% discount applies when paying the full year in advance (applied to the term fees). - A 3% sibling discount applies per child when more than one child is enrolled concurrently. - The bursar's office may not vary fee decisions without Credit Committee consent.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements Full, 24/7 boarding is provided in separate Boys Dormitory and Girls Dormitory. Dorm-masters and supervisors oversee the boarding houses and maintain open communication between House and parents, with students selected for leadership roles within the boarding community. Most meals are served centrally in the dining hall, and dorms have common rooms plus kitchen facilities (kettle, toaster, conventional ovens, microwave and a fridge); bed sheets and pillowcases are changed weekly, and basic provisions such as fruits, coffee, tea, sugar, milk, margarine, honey, jam, peanut butter, salt and pepper, and cups and cutlery are supplied to boarders.	Boarding arrangements The majority of Vienna College students are resident. Each student is attached to one of six boarding houses for residence and for sporting and social activities. The houses are Jaguar, Lion, Panther, Leopard, Cheetah and Tiger. The domestic department oversees boarding facilities, headed by a Senior Man with a deputy for the boys wing and a Senior Woman with a deputy for the girls wing, supported by two caretakers to ensure student welfare.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement Students must have at least two sets of the school uniform bought from the school. Formal wear for special occasions is also required.
Food options	Food options Most meals are served centrally in the dining hall for boarders. Dorms include kitchen facilities, and the school provides pantry items such as fruits, coffee, tea, sugar, milk, margarine, honey, jam, peanut butter, salt and pepper, plus cups and cutlery for boarders.	Food options Dining serves three compulsory meals: breakfast, lunch and supper, with tea optional at break time. The on-campus canteen provides drinks and bites with a regulated selection.
House system	House system Pupils are organized into dormitories: Boys Dormitory and Girls Dormitory. Each dorm has a common room, dorm meetings, and organized activities (birthdays, picnics, football, and other games) under the supervision of dorm-masters, with leadership roles for students within the boarding community.	House system Pupils are grouped into six boarding houses—Jaguar, Lion, Panther, Leopard, Cheetah and Tiger—and these houses share in sporting and social activities as part of house life.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is privately owned with a Board of Governors, and day-to-day operations are managed by the Principal.	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details GISU delivers the Cambridge International Curriculum from Early Years to Upper Secondary. Early Years uses the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum. In Primary and Secondary, GISU follows Cambridge Primary, Cambridge Lower Secondary, Cambridge Upper Secondary, Cambridge International IGCSE, and Cambridge AS & A Levels.	Curriculum details Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) curriculum for Junior, IGCSE and GCE A-levels.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results In October/November 2024, 139 students sat Cambridge GCE AS & A-level examinations; 19 attained four A's.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Students are prepared for university study and are sent to universities and colleges in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, Europe and South Africa.	Higher education progression Guidance and counselling supports personal, social, educational and career development.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The school provides School Counselling as part of School Life to support students' social and emotional development. Home Visits strengthen personal connections between staff, students and families to support wellbeing and engagement. Our teachers undergo professional development to align with curriculum standards and contemporary practices.	Social & emotional learning Guidance & Counselling is an integral part of the school mission and promotes personal, social, educational and career development for all students. A student mentoring system assigns 6-10 students to a tutor who oversees welfare and academic progress. Twice per term, parents receive tutorial reports detailing areas such as academic effort, class participation, innovation and research, self-drive, conduct, hygiene, dress code, co-curricular and sports, and goals.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Gifted and Talented Education is described as part of GISU's learning support.	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing School Counselling supports student mental wellbeing as part of GISU's wellbeing provision.	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported through Guidance & Counselling and the mentoring system, which monitors welfare and academic progress.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The school is committed to safe recruitment and promoting a safe environment and wellbeing of children and young people.	Safeguarding A code of conduct is issued and signed upon admission; discipline and social etiquette are part of all-round training. Boarding Houses are managed by a domestic department. Sick Bay is managed by a health service provider (IAA) with two resident nurses and a visiting doctor, with referrals to a major hospital.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview All classrooms are equipped with Smart boards and a sound-field system. Facilities include dedicated spaces for science, ICT and the arts: Science Laboratories, Chemistry Laboratory, Biology Laboratory, Physics Laboratory, ICT Laboratories, an IPAD Room, a MACBOOK Laboratory, a Design and Technology Room, a Music Room, and Libraries. The campus is located at Plot 1077 Lubowa Estate, Entebbe Road, Kampala (500 m after Quality Shopping Village). A campus video offers a virtual tour to learn more about the facilities.	Facilities overview Vienna College is a Cambridge International (CIE) Centre UG010, preparing students for IGCSE and GCE A-level courses. The campus has 18 modern classrooms designed for ICT-supported instruction. An Electronic Resource Centre with over 40 computers enables ICT and related subjects. A well-stocked print library seats over 80 and provides some computers for research. Science is taught in specialist laboratories for Biology, Chemistry and Physics, and Art & Design has dedicated teaching facilities.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities GISU offers Early Years, Primary, Lower Secondary, Upper Secondary, AS & A Level and IGCSE programmes. The Cambridge International Curriculum is followed in Primary and Secondary. The school provides Science Laboratories, Chemistry Laboratory, Biology Laboratory, Physics Laboratory. ICT Laboratories, IPAD Room, MACBOOK Laboratory, Design and Technology Room, Music Room, and Libraries support a broad range of learning.	Academic facilities Academic facilities include 18 ICT-equipped classrooms. An Electronic Resource Centre with over 40 computers supports ICT and related subjects. A print library seats over 80 and provides some computers for research. Science is taught in specialist laboratories for Biology, Chemistry and Physics, and Art & Design facilities are available.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities Six boarding houses—Jaguar, Lion, Panther, Leopard, Cheetah and Tiger—house resident students and support sporting and social activities.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History Vienna College Namugongo is a private co-educational institution offering the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) Curriculum at Junior, IGCSE, and GCE A-levels. It is Cambridge International Centre UG010 and focuses on student academic education in preparation and participation in IGCSE and A-level courses. The curriculum is tailored to meet the contemporary needs of society. The school has 25 years in the industry with 100% Cambridge-certified staff and over 100 candidates per sitting.
Community	Community GISU is located in Lubowa, 9 km from Kampala, along the Kampala-Entebbe Road. The school provides Cambridge International Education and has a Student Council – STUCO and a Parents & Teachers structure, including a PTA. Recent and upcoming community events include GISU STEAM EXPO, GISU SPORTS DAY 2026, GISU Blood Donation, and IFCD2025; an upcoming GISU Parents' Workshop is scheduled for March 7–8, 2026, and the Mathemania – National Round will take place on March 15, 2026.	Community Vienna College hosts events that reflect cultural diversity, including the Inter-House Cultural Gala and Archbishop Janani Luwum Day activities. It lists Leadership Campaigns, Year 11 Study Tour to Botanical Gardens and UWEC, Guild Elections, and Visitation Day as part of its ongoing activities. These events foster student involvement, leadership development, and parent engagement within the Vienna College community.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The Parent Teacher Association provides a structure through which the parents, caregivers, and guardians of Galaxy International School Uganda students can work together with teaching staff. The PTA will work with the Principal and teaching staff members to build partnerships between home and school. The Parent Teacher Association undertakes a programme of activities which promotes the involvement of parents and which supports students, parents and school staff. In planning its activities, the PTA consults with the Principal and teaching staff members. Email: pta@gisu.ac.ug.	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual GISU hosts Mathemania – National Round. GISU hosts the GISU STEAM Expo. These events promote mathematics and STEM through competition and demonstration of projects. They provide opportunities for students to apply their knowledge beyond the classroom.	Academic & intellectual The school offers the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) curriculum, including IGCSE and GCE A-levels. A student mentoring system assigns 6-10 students to a tutor who oversees welfare and academic progress, with termly tutorial reports covering academic effort, class participation, innovation and research, self-drive, conduct, hygiene, dress code, cocurricular activities and sports, and goals and targets. Guidance and counselling are integral to the school mission, supporting the personal, social, educational and career development of all students. The Year 11 Study Tour for Biology and Environmental Management includes trips to Botanical Gardens and UWEC.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative IFCD2025, the International Festival of Cultural Diversity, features music recitals, art exhibitions, and cultural performances. The festival includes traditional dance performances, a fashion show, and a food festival. Students, parents, and staff participate in the cultural showcases and celebrations of creative expression.	Arts & creative Art & Design has its own teaching facilities. Music, Dance & Drama are part of school life through activities and performances. The school hosts Art Exhibitions and a Music, Dance & Drama program as part of its events. Inter-House Cultural Gala and Cultural Day celebrate cultural expression through the arts.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language International Festival of Cultural Diversity (IFCD) highlights language, music, and culture. The festival brings together students, parents, and staff to celebrate diverse cultural heritage. The event features language displays, music performances, traditional dance, art exhibitions, and a fashion show. It demonstrates GISU's commitment to intercultural understanding.	Cultural & language Inter-House Cultural Gala celebrates cultural diversity. Cultural Day is held as part of school activities. Arts events such as Art Exhibition and Music, Dance & Drama showcase cultural expression.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies The Student Council (STUCO) is the student government and provides a voice for students to influence school decisions. Boarding life includes sport, outdoor and indoor activities, and dormitory football matches. Evening and weekend activities in boarding life include group games, movie nights, and other social gatherings.	Social & hobbies The majority of students are resident and attached to one of six boarding houses for residence and social activities: Jaguar, Lion, Panther, Leopard, Cheetah and Tiger. The domestic department is headed by a senior teacher with deputies in charge of the boys' and girls' wings, overseeing well-being. Boarding houses support sporting and social activities and provide a community for resident students.
Community & service	Community & service GISU Blood Donation Drive brings together students, parents, staff, partners and well-wishers to support healthcare. The event reflects GISU's commitment to community service and collective action. Participants are publicly acknowledged for their generosity and contribution.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional STUDENT COUNCIL – STUCO is the student government and provides a voice for students to influence school decisions. The PTA (Parent Teacher Association) exists to engage families in GISU life. Parent Teacher Conferences (PTC) and Parent Workshops are part of GISU's family engagement. GISU also maintains alumni connections as part of its community.	Leadership & professional Student leadership is exercised through Guild Elections. Leadership Campaigns initiate the electoral process for student government. Professions Day presents alumni careers' insights and opportunities for career development.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The Boarding program provides an environment for personal and interpersonal development, emphasizing integrity, creativity, self-reliance, respect, empathy, leadership and service. Dorm-masters and supervisors maintain open lines of communication with parents to support student wellbeing. Boarding life features sport, outdoor and indoor activities, with evenings and weekends filled by social and recreational events such as dormitory football matches, games, and social gatherings. Most meals are served centrally in the dining hall as part of dormitory life.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Guidance and Counselling is integrated into the school mission, supporting personal, social, educational and career development. Sick Bay is managed by a health service provider with two resident nurses and a visiting doctor, with referrals to major hospitals when needed. The majority of students are resident and belong to one of six boarding houses that provide housing and social activities; a domestic team oversees the well‑being of boarding students.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English is taught across the curriculum. English-First Language is offered in IGCSE, English Literature and English as a Native Language are available at AS/A Level. French is taught as a Modern Foreign Language from Early Years through IGCSE and AS/A Level.	Language provision The school teaches First Language English and Literature in English at IGCSE, and Foreign Language French at IGCSE. English and French are available as A' Level subjects.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards null
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations null
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions GISU admits students from all over the world and follows the Cambridge International Curriculum in both Primary and Secondary. Placement is dependent on the child's age, with other factors considered on a case-by-case basis. The Admission Package includes the following documents and forms: Application Form; Admission Form; Student Health Record Form; Report Cards from the past two years; Placement and Enrolment Policy and Procedure; Financial Agreement; Rules and Regulations; two passport-size photographs; School Calendar; Copy of Birth Certificate; Copy of Passport (for foreign students); and Payment of Admission Fee. Vacancies are available in Early Years, Years 1–6, Years 7–13. Plot 1077, Lubowa Estate, Entebbe Road (500 m after Quality Shopping Village).	Admissions —
Scholarships	Scholarships GISU Merit & Needs Based Scholarship Programme provides partial or full scholarships to academically and socially gifted students commencing IGCSE or AS/A Level. Scholarships are awarded for an academic year and aim to identify students who would thrive in an international setting and would not be able to attend GISU without financial support. Scholarships may cover up to 100% of school fees for self-funding or partial self-payers; boarding fees are not waived; admission and caution fees may be waived for full scholarship recipients applying from outside GISU; tuition is covered for the grade studied, while uniforms and transport/extra-curricular fees are the student's responsibility. Selection is open to all nationalities and targets students entering Grades 10–13 who are candidates for full IGCSE or AS/A Level programmes; Sports Scholarships are one example of scholarship categories with criteria including demonstrated sporting talent, leadership, and English proficiency. The applicant review process includes a Scholarship Application Pack, site assessments, interviews, and the Financial Assistance form; University placements are assisted from Grade 10, but no university scholarship is guaranteed. GISU reserves the right to withdraw scholarships or to adjust criteria and the number of scholarships awarded.	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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