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International School of Tanganyika

Tanzania, Dar es Salaam

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees TZS 46,890,000 - 97,170,000
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 889
Type Co-educational
Opened 1963
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Taught languages English, Swahili, French, Spanish
Typical class size 8
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, High School, Sixth Form
Introduction

International School of Tanganyika (IST) is an independent, private, not-for-profit day school with campuses in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. It serves ages 3 to 18 and offers the International Baccalaureate programmes in the Elementary and Secondary years: PYP, MYP and DP. IST was authorized as an IB World School in January 2021 and has a history dating to 1963, when it was created by parents with support from Geneva-based International Schools Association. Two campuses—Elementary in Upanga and Secondary on the Masaki/Msasani Peninsula—house facilities, including over 30 air‑conditioned classrooms on the Elementary campus and over 50 on the Secondary site, plus dedicated music and art spaces and Early Childhood rooms renovated in 2021. The Secondary campus features science and design technology labs opened in 2009 and an Athletic Center opened in 2021. IST emphasises co-curriculars—arts, athletics, service learning, and Extended Studies Programme—with clubs such as Model United Nations and service partnerships.

The Essentials

International School of Tanganyika has 889 pupils, typical class sizes of 8, instruction in English.

Location
IST is an independent, private, not-for-profit day school located on two campuses in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The elementary and secondary campuses serve students from Pre-K through Grade 12. The school operates within Dar es Salaam's urban environment.

Stages
IST offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme across the Primary Years Programme for Early Years to Grade 5, the Middle Years Programme (Grades 6–10), and the Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12).

Type
Independent, private, not-for-profit day school governed by parents.

Pupil Nationality Mix
Nationalities represented include Tanzania (22%), United States (15%), United Kingdom (10%), India (8%), Germany (4%), South Africa (4%), Canada (4%), China (3%), Netherlands (3%), Sweden (3%), Denmark (2%), Australia (1%), Italy (1%), Kenya (1%), and Norway (1%), among others.

Additional learning support
Student Services include a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to address academic and social-emotional needs, English as an Additional Language (EAL), Learning Support and Counseling.

Bus service
IST operates a bus system across both campuses, transporting students between the elementary and secondary campuses and from home to school. In the morning, a bus departs from the secondary campus to transport students to the elementary campus and returns in the late afternoon.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Grades 6–10 wear a blue, grey, or yellow IST shirt (or ISSEA black travel shirt) with black, navy or khaki bottoms; a PE uniform is required for PE (sports shorts and IST PE shirt) with athletic shoes and socks; IST polo shirts are available at the Secondary Campus Admissions Office. Grades 11–12 wear a collared shirt or blouse with modest styling, and a PHE uniform is required for PE.

Food Options
DipDip BBQ provides healthy meals at both campuses with daily rotating menus (Tanzanian, Vegetarian & Salad Bar, Continental, International, and Friday Funday). Secondary offers Grab & Go and Hot Lunch Buffet; Elementary offers Grab & Go, Hot Lunch Buffet, and Picnic Lunch for younger children; menus are accessible via the Toddle portal and Boonli, with payments available by mobile money, bank transfer, cash, or card.

House System
IST uses a house system for student life; inter-house athletics are held, with Grades 3–5 taking part in Inter-House Athletics.

Governance and Ownership
The International School of Tanganyika Limited (IST) is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 23 August 1963. Ownership rests with the members of the Company, limited to the Board of Governors who represent the IST community; the Board is the legal representation of IST and governs the School with day-to-day management delegated to the Director.
Fees

Annual tuition at International School of Tanganyika ranges from TZS 46,890,000 to TZS 97,170,000 for 2026/27.

Application fees

- Application fee: TZS 1,300,000.

Tuition fees (annual and per term) — 2025–2026 school year

- Annual tuition (Tanzanian Shillings):
- Early Childhood (EC1–EC2): TZS 46,890,000 per year.
- Kindergarten – Grade 5: TZS 68,510,000 per year.
- Grade 6 – Grade 8: TZS 79,450,000 per year.
- Grade 9 – Grade 10: TZS 84,400,000 per year.
- Grade 11 – Grade 12 (IBDP 1 & 2): TZS 97,170,000 per year.

- Per-term tuition (school year is organised into four terms; per-term = annual ÷ 4):
- Early Childhood (EC1–EC2): TZS 11,722,500 per term.
- Kindergarten – Grade 5: TZS 17,127,500 per term.
- Grade 6 – Grade 8: TZS 19,862,500 per term.
- Grade 9 – Grade 10: TZS 21,100,000 per term.
- Grade 11 – Grade 12: TZS 24,292,500 per term.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- An Annual Tuition Fee is payable for each student for the full school year; fees are invoiced on a termly basis for practical billing. New students joining after the school year begins are invoiced pro rata on a termly basis. If a student begins during the first four weeks of a term, the full term fee is invoiced; from week five onwards, half the term's fee applies. Seat reservation requires the relevant term's Annual Tuition Fee payment.

- Annual Tuition Deposit: TZS 2,610,000 (deductible from the first tuition payment). Family Deposit: TZS 1,300,000 (listed as a required deposit). Annual Capital Fee: TZS 3,130,000.

- Building fees (one‑off for new students):
- Grade 11 & 12 Building Fee: TZS 26,050,000.
- Building Fee for Early Childhood to Grade 10: Option 1 — payable in full TZS 26,050,000; Option 2 — payable in three instalments over three years TZS 10,420,000 (per the published fee schedule).

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not provided. Students must reside with parents/guardians or arrange local accommodation; the school does not provide boarding or transport.

Other costs and routine charges

- Alumni fee (new student): TZS 260,000.

- Uniform (prices from the school uniform shop, inclusive of VAT):
- Polo shirts (Elementary & Secondary): TZS 28,000 each.
- IST hoodie: TZS 55,000.
- Library bag (Elementary only): TZS 20,000.
- Girls swimsuits: TZS 95,000.
- Boys swim trunks: TZS 95,000.
- Soccer socks: TZS 14,000.

- The annual tuition covers operating costs, textbooks (use of textbooks), some extracurricular activities and workbooks. It does not cover uniforms, student transport, lunch/canteen or personal school supplies; these are invoiced or charged separately as appropriate.

Refund information

- Refunds apply only to unattended future terms after written notification of withdrawal is submitted at least four calendar weeks before the start of the new term(s). No refunds are made for partial completion of a term or for capital/portion fees. Refunds are calculated on the basis of school days and apply to tuition fees only. Refund payments are made by crossed cheque or by bank transfer; the school does not accept responsibility for bank charges. The school reserves the right to deny entry to pupils in arrears of fees.

Fee payment options and practical payment notes

- Acceptable payment methods: bank/wire transfer to the school's accounts, cheque (presented to the Fees Office), and credit card (Visa and MasterCard; credit card payments attract an additional surcharge). The school does not accept payment of school fees in hard cash. Credit card surcharges published: Visa 3.5% and MasterCard 4%. When paying by bank transfer, parents should provide a copy of the bank/wire transfer advice so the school can record and receipt the payment. The school is not responsible for incoming bank transfer charges/commissions; such charges, if incurred, are usually debited to the paying family.

- Fees are presented in Tanzanian Shillings (TZS, published in millions) and the school uses an internal exchange rate for payments received in other currencies; parents are advised to contact the Billing department for the exchange‑rate rulings on the date of payment when paying in TZS, GBP, EUR or USD.
Academics

International School of Tanganyika teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
The school teaches the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum programmes in the Elementary and Secondary years, including the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). IST was authorized as an IB World School in January 2021.

Student Teacher Ratio
The student-to-teacher ratio is 8:1.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school supports social and emotional growth through a dedicated Student Support Department that includes a learning support team and a Counseling Department. Life Centered Education is part of IST's approach to student well-being. English as an Additional Language (EAL) and counseling services are provided as needed. The MTSS model is used to adjust supports based on academic, social-emotional and language needs.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
IST has Learning Support and English as an Additional Language (EAL) teams that partner with classroom teachers to support students. Small group interventions are available, and the school explicitly supports neurodiverse learners. EAL services are provided as necessary.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Early Childhood and Kindergarten have no minimum English requirements. Primary Years admissions do not require English proficiency, and EAL services are provided as necessary. For Grades 6-12, some English language proficiency is required for admission, and EAL services are available as needed.

Mental Wellbeing
A Counseling Department is part of IST's Student Support, addressing social-emotional wellbeing. The school emphasizes social-emotional growth and provides dedicated support through the Student Support Department. MTSS underpins supports for student well-being alongside counseling and EAL services.

Safeguarding
IST is committed to protecting students in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and Tanzanian law. All job applicants undergo child-protection screening, police background checks, and reference checks related to safeguarding. The Child Protection Policy is in effect, and the Safeguard Officer is Mr. Riley DuBois; concerns can be emailed to CPO@istafrica.com.
Parent Experience

History
IST was created in 1963 by a group of parents with the help of the Geneva-based International Schools Association. It is an independent, private, not-for-profit day school located on two campuses in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. IST offers rigorous academic programmes with a wide range of extracurricular activities for Pre-K through Grade 12. Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere visited IST in 1988.

Community
IST is a parent-governed, independent, non-profit school. Parents can serve on the Board and volunteer in the Elementary and Secondary Parent Networks, where they can serve as guest speakers, class parents, and grade-level representatives. The alumni network returns for events, speaks to students, and provides mentoring and career guidance. The community also offers resources for families living in Dar es Salaam, including living guides and cultural experiences such as Taste the Culture.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
IST is governed by a parent-led Board of Governors. Parents may serve on the Board and participate in governance. Parent Networks support involvement in both Elementary and Secondary levels, with roles such as guest speakers, class parents, and grade-level representatives. Parent workshops cover topics including IB Programmes, internet safety and awareness, child protection, and technology updates. Other involvement includes becoming a Class Parent and coordinating social functions.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
IST operates two campuses: Elementary in Upanga and Secondary on the Masaki/Msasani Peninsula. The Secondary campus has more than 50 air‑conditioned classrooms and state‑of‑the‑art Science and Design Technology labs opened in 2009. The Athletic Center on the Secondary campus opened in 2021. The Elementary campus has more than 30 air‑conditioned classrooms, with dedicated music and art classrooms. Early Childhood rooms were renovated in 2021. In 2024 IST planned to work with Fielding International to revitalize the Master Site Plan focusing on elementary facilities.

Sports Facilities
The Secondary campus features an Athletic Center opened in 2021. The Elementary campus has an open field, covered courts, and a multipurpose hall for sports and recreation.

Academic Facilities
The Secondary campus has more than 50 air‑conditioned classrooms and state‑of‑the‑art Science and Design Technology labs opened in 2009. The Elementary campus has more than 30 air‑conditioned classrooms, with dedicated music and art classrooms. Early Childhood rooms were renovated in 2021. In 2024 IST planned to work with Fielding International to revitalize the Elementary Master Site Plan.

Extra Curricular Facilities
After School Activities are offered as part of IST's co-curricular program. Arts are offered through the co-curricular program. Athletics are included in the co-curricular program. The Extended Studies Programme provides additional opportunities beyond the standard curriculum. Service Learning is part of IST's co-curricular offerings.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
IST offers a challenging International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme that nurtures a love of learning and inquiry. The IB is delivered across the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme, developing students as inquirers, thinkers, communicators, and global citizens. Following graduation, 95% of IST students gain admission to four-year universities or colleges.

Arts & Creative
Music introduces students to forms, styles, and functions through composition, performance, and analysis, and students develop practical and communicative skills as they grow as musicians both individually and collaboratively. Drama enables students to create theatre, work independently and in groups, and develop personal and cultural perspectives as well as international-mindedness. The arts program also includes band, choir, drama, and visual arts conventions where students can enter competitions and showcase their work.

Cultural & Language
Model United Nations is a prominent IST program that offers rigorous debate and research; IST runs a local inter-school MUN conference called Dar Model United Nations (DARMUN). IST maintains global education networks and is a member of ISSEA, AISA, CIS, MSA, SENIA and other international groups. Roots and Shoots provides leadership opportunities and cultural understanding, reflecting Jane Goodall's program. Students are encouraged to learn languages other than English, with multilingualism embedded in the curriculum. IST also partners with local organizations to provide opportunities beyond the classroom.

Social & Hobbies
After school activities (ASA) are an umbrella term for learning activities outside class hours, including sports, international conferences, clubs and more. Elementary ASAs include Football, Touch Rugby, Karate, African Drumming, Band, Dodge Ball, Tae Kwon Do, Yoga, Hip Hop Dance, Swimming, Tennis, Band, Movie making, Drama, Lego Club and Table Tennis. Secondary ASAs include Football, Volleyball, Tennis, STEM, Music, Robotics, Tae Kwon Do, Table Tennis, Swimming, Track and Field, Hip Hop dance, Skate Boarding, Poets Society and Chess.

Community & Service
Service Learning and CAS are embedded in IST's core values, connecting service actions to curricular learning and promoting global citizenship. The program emphasizes authentic, curriculum-linked service with stages of Investigation, Planning, Action, Reflection and Demonstration, and partnerships with organizations such as Amnesty International, Arts in Action, Karibu Sana, FURAHA, Ecovengers and Buguruni School for the Deaf. Middle and high school students undertake leadership roles in their CAS activities, and Service Learning opportunities connect IST with the wider Dar es Salaam community.

Leadership & Professional
Student Council offers secondary students the chance to lead, plan initiatives, and represent the student body, with presidents, vice-presidents, treasurers and secretaries elected each year. CAS requires leadership within Grades 11–12, including leadership roles in personal CAS projects and documenting learning outcomes. Service Learning and co-curricular leadership opportunities foster project leadership, teamwork and engagement with community partners.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The sports and physical education programs promote a healthy lifestyle through exercise, sport and movement. The program runs from third grade through twelfth grade and includes basketball, soccer, swimming, tennis, and track and field, with varsity teams that compete regionally. IST's ISSEA membership supports regional competition, travel and athletic development, complemented by clubs and extracurricular athletic events.
Admissions

Admissions
Submit online application form. IST has rolling admission throughout the school year. Grades 9–12 must enroll at the start of Semester 1 (August) or Semester 2 (January). If joining after the start of the school year (term 2, 3 or 4) processing may be delayed until August if the Grade level is near capacity. Pay the non-refundable application fee and complete all items on the application checklist. Only completed applications are reviewed for admissions consideration. Submitting the application early improves the chance of admission.

Scholarships
IB Diploma Scholarship: merit- and need-based; two-year full-tuition scholarship covering IB I and II (Grades 11 and 12) for Tanzanian students who completed the Tanzanian national curriculum through NECTA; applications for 2026–2027 are closed. Beacon Scholarship Programme: for financially disadvantaged students with strong leadership qualities; tuition is split three ways between the School, Beacon, and Scholar Parents/Sponsors/Guardians. Learn more about the Beacon scholarship.
School Events
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