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Search & filter all 9 schools Compare 9 schools in Zambia

International Schools in Zambia

Compare 9 international schools in Zambia. Filter by curriculum, fees (average ZMW 18,519), location, and more to find the right international school now.

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Schools listed
9
Curricula
18
Average annual fee
ZMW 22,924
Fee range
ZMW 5,535 – 75,000
More school facts
Most common curriculum
Cambridge IGCSE (5 schools)
Average school size
527 pupils
Largest by enrolment
Enko Pestalozzi International School
Oldest
International School of Lusaka (1963)
With boarding
2
About international schools in Zambia

International schools in Zambia are concentrated in Lusaka and a few other urban centres and commonly offer internationally recognised programmes such as the British (Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level), American-style programmes and, at a smaller number of schools, the International Baccalaureate. English is the dominant language of instruction across international schools, though many schools also teach modern languages such as French and may offer support in local languages or incorporate elements of the Zambian syllabus. Annual fees vary widely by school and by age: many primary day places are in the lower-to-mid thousands of US dollars per year while senior-school and international-diploma programmes commonly reach much higher levels once examination and ancillary costs are included. Schools operate on a term system with an academic year that most commonly runs from about August/September to June, so families relocating should start enquiries and applications several months before they want their child to begin; boarding options exist outside the main city hubs for families who need residential provision.

View by curriculum (5)

View by curriculum

British (8) IB (3) International (2) American (1) French (1)

Choosing an international school in Zambia

Curricula

There are 9 international schools in Zambia covering 18 curricula. The most widely offered are Cambridge IGCSE (5), Cambridge (Primary) (4), IB (DP) (3), British Curriculum (3), Cambridge (Secondary) (3). If your child may move countries again, an internationally-portable curriculum (IB, or Cambridge/British) keeps options open; if you're likely to settle, a curriculum matching your home or target university system can be the better fit.

Fees & what they cover

Annual tuition across Zambia runs from about ZMW 5,535 to ZMW 75,000, averaging roughly ZMW 22,924. Budget for one-off costs on top — application and enrolment fees, a refundable deposit, uniform, transport and exams.

Admissions & timing

Sought-after schools in Zambia run waiting lists, so apply early — ideally a term or two ahead. Most admissions involve an application, prior school reports and an assessment or interview, with entry points often tied to the school year. Each school's profile shows term dates, open days and how to enquire.

Boarding

2 of the 9 schools offer boarding — useful if you're relocating or want weekly or full boarding.

How doris stays impartial

doris lists every international school in Zambia we can find — not only those that pay. We take no placement fees and sell no rankings or "top school" spots, so the schools above aren't ordered by who paid most. Details come from the schools' own information and public sources, and you can compare any of them side by side.

Popular comparisons in Zambia

American International School of Lusaka vs International School of Lusaka
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FAQs for Zambia

Which curricula will my child find at international schools in Zambia?
Most international schools in Zambia teach the British Cambridge programmes (IGCSE and A-Level) or American-style curricula, and a smaller number offer the International Baccalaureate. Some schools also combine an international syllabus with parts of the national curriculum to support local accreditation or student transitions.
How much should I expect to pay for international school fees?
Fees vary considerably by school, level and whether the place is day or boarding; many day-school primary fees fall in the lower-to-mid thousands of US dollars per year while secondary and diploma programmes can be substantially higher. Additional charges you should budget for include registration and capital levies, examination and external assessment fees, school transport, meals and extra-curricular trips.
When should we apply and how flexible are start dates?
Schools usually work to a term calendar, so it is normal to enquire and submit applications several months before the intended start (for example before the new academic year in August/September). Mid-year entry is sometimes possible where places exist, but availability, assessment requirements and fee policies vary from school to school so early contact is advisable.
What ages and qualifications do international schools cover?
Many international schools in Zambia offer education from early years or kindergarten through to the end of secondary school (around age 18). Older pupils typically follow recognised external examinations such as Cambridge IGCSEs at about age 16 and A-Levels or the IB Diploma at about age 18, while American-style schools may use a high-school diploma model and standardised tests.
What should a relocating family look for when comparing international schools?
Families should check which curriculum and external examinations a school offers, its language-support provision and pastoral and safeguarding policies, plus accreditation and inspection status. Practical considerations such as fee structure and what is included, transport and proximity to home, medical and special-needs support, and university-placement guidance are also important when comparing options.