International School of Uganda

Uganda, Kampala

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The school at a glance

Instructs in English

Fees UGX 29,963,427 - 126,473,535

Ages 2 - 18 years

Pupil numbers 615

Type Co-educational

Opened 1967

Bus Service No

Availability Not shared by this school

Academic offering

Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)

Taught languages French, Spanish, English, Swahili

Typical class size 20

Strengths Sport, STEM, Visual and Creative Arts

Clubs Arts and Creative, Academic and Intellectual, Community and Service

Stages Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, Sixth Form

Introduction

ISU is an independent, non-profit day school in Uganda offering IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP) for ages 2 to 18. All instruction is in English. The 33-acre Lubowa campus houses Early Childhood, Junior and Senior Schools on site, with Science Centre (2015) and Arts Centre (2022), vibrant library, dining hall and Early Childhood kitchen with vegetable garden. The school offers four graduation pathways, including the IB Diploma and the ISU High School Diploma options, with all diploma requirements leading to an ISU High School Diploma equivalent to a US high school diploma. ISU is accredited by the Council of International Schools and Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges. Beyond the Classroom program runs through ISSEA and ISSAK leagues, with facilities such as a 25m pool, a 400m track, four football pitches, tennis courts, an indoor climbing wall and a 430-seat auditorium. The school opened in 1967 as Lincoln School.

www.isu.ac.ug

Gallery

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Vibes and Culture

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The Essentials

Location

ISU is located in Lubowa, a Kampala suburb about 10 kilometres south of central Kampala, Uganda. The campus sits on a 33-acre green site that houses Early Childhood, Junior School and Senior School on a single campus. The address is 272 Entebbe Road, Kampala. The campus is described as a green space with indigenous plants and bird-life, and facilities include a Science Centre opened in 2015 and an Arts Centre opened in 2022.

Stages

Early Childhood, Junior School and Senior School on one Lubowa campus.

Type

Independent, non-profit, day school offering the International Baccalaureate continuum (PYP, MYP, DP).

Pupil Nationality Mix

554 students (Whole School) across 56 nationalities; 25% of students are non-native English speakers.

School day structure

ISU arrivals occur around 7:40–7:45 am; the regular school day ends at 3:10 pm (2:20 pm on some Wednesdays). After-school activities extend to 4:10 pm, with a limited 5:00 pm bus service for extended activities or sports.

Bus service

ISU operates a fleet of 17 buses serving Kampala, Entebbe and Lubowa. Bus arrivals at school are around 7:40–7:45 am; end-of-day bus services depart at 3:10 pm, 4:10 pm, or 5:00 pm. Buses feature seat belts, a DriveCam, three-point seat belts on all seats, walkie-talkies linked to the US Embassy, and a driver with an adult bus monitor for student welfare.

Diving Deeper

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Fees

Application / Registration fee

- A non-refundable registration fee of USD 500 is payable by all students at the time of application.

Tuition fees (2026–2027) — amounts by entry year group and payment plan

Payment plans available:
- Plan A — one instalment (single annual payment).
- Plan B — two instalments (each instalment shown; totals include finance charges).
- Plan C — three instalments (each instalment shown; totals include finance charges).

Tuition by year group (figures shown as: Plan A — annual; Plan B — each of 2 instalments (annual total in parentheses); Plan C — each of 3 instalments (annual total in parentheses)):

- Playgroup — Plan A: USD 7,500; Plan B: USD 3,830 (annual total USD 7,660); Plan C: USD 2,560 (annual total USD 7,680).
- EC1–EC2 — Plan A: USD 9,200; Plan B: USD 4,690 (annual total USD 9,380); Plan C: USD 3,140 (annual total USD 9,420).
- Afternoon Supervision — Plan A: USD 1,700; Plan B: USD 870 (annual total USD 1,740); Plan C: USD 590 (annual total USD 1,770).
- Kinder — Plan A: USD 25,700; Plan B: USD 13,110 (annual total USD 26,220); Plan C: USD 8,780 (annual total USD 26,340).
- Grade 1–5 — Plan A: USD 27,600; Plan B: USD 14,080 (annual total USD 28,160); Plan C: USD 9,430 (annual total USD 28,290).
- Grade 6–8 — Plan A: USD 32,000; Plan B: USD 16,320 (annual total USD 32,640); Plan C: USD 10,930 (annual total USD 32,790).
- Grade 9–10 — Plan A: USD 33,200; Plan B: USD 16,930 (annual total USD 33,860); Plan C: USD 11,340 (annual total USD 34,020).
- Grade 11–12 — Plan A: USD 38,700; Plan B: USD 19,740 (annual total USD 39,480); Plan C: USD 13,220 (annual total USD 39,660).

- All Plan B and Plan C instalment amounts shown are inclusive of finance charges.

Optional bus (transport) fees

Optional bus service (figures shown as: Plan A — annual; Plan B — each instalment (annual total in parentheses); Plan C — each instalment (annual total in parentheses)):

- One child — Plan A: USD 2,320; Plan B: USD 1,175 (annual total USD 2,350); Plan C: USD 790 (annual total USD 2,370).
- Two children — Plan A: USD 2,270; Plan B: USD 1,160 (annual total USD 2,320); Plan C: USD 780 (annual total USD 2,340).
- Three children — Plan A: USD 2,220; Plan B: USD 1,130 (annual total USD 2,260); Plan C: USD 760 (annual total USD 2,280).
- Four children — Plan A: USD 2,170; Plan B: USD 1,110 (annual total USD 2,220); Plan C: USD 745 (annual total USD 2,235).

- Bus fee instalments for Plan B and Plan C are inclusive of finance charges.

Capital levy, deposits and continuing-enrolment charges

- Capital levy (one-time, non‑refundable) charged for students entering Grade 1 or higher: USD 10,000. An ISU Alumni rate of USD 2,000 applies for eligible alumni families. Families may apply to pay the capital levy in two instalments: first on entry and second at the start of the next school year.
- Annual capital levy: USD 1,000 for all students in Grade 1 and above. This annual capital levy is reduced pro rata by the same percentage as any financial assistance awarded.
- Re-enrolment deposit: USD 500 per student payable in May each year; this deposit guarantees a place for the following year and is deducted from the next year's tuition. Families who notify in writing by 30 June that they will not be returning will receive a full refund of the re-enrolment deposit.

Other costs and optional charges

- Co-Curricular Activities (CCA): optional seasonal activities may require additional payment for external coaches, equipment or materials.
- ISSEA/MUN and other out-of-country trips: partially subsidised; estimated additional cost per participating student ranges from USD 800 to USD 1,500 depending on group size and destination.
- Uniforms: there is no school uniform; students are required to adhere to the school dress code. Any sports kit or items sold through the school shop may incur separate charges.

Billing schedule and payment terms (dates for the 2026–2027 academic year)

- Plan A (single payment): full payment due by 1 August 2026.
- Plan B (two instalments): instalments due 1 August 2026 and 4 January 2027. Each instalment amount shown under Plan B is payable on those dates; totals include finance charges.
- Plan C (three instalments): instalments due 1 August 2026, 1 November 2026 and 1 February 2027. Each instalment amount shown under Plan C is payable on those dates; totals include finance charges.

Refunds and late-payment consequences

- Refunds: Fees paid in advance are refundable only where at least four weeks' advance written notice of withdrawal is given. Refunds are calculated on a quarterly basis; no refund is given where a student has attended any part of a quarter. The re-enrolment deposit is refundable if written notice of non-return is given by 30 June.
- Late payment: If any part of fees remains unpaid 30 days after the due date, the student may be excluded from classes. A late payment fee of 1% may be applied to overdue amounts. Students with outstanding fees may be excluded from school-sponsored trips, and school reports or transcripts will not be released until fees are up to date.

Payment methods and administrative details

- Currency: all tuition and fees are charged in United States dollars (USD).
- Accepted payment methods: bank transfer or direct deposit to the school's bank accounts, or payment through the school business office by US dollar cheque drawn on Stanbic Bank or ABSA Bank. School banking details are provided for electronic payments.

Boarding

- Boarding is not available; the school operates as a co‑educational day school.

Summary notes on variability

- Some optional items (transport, CCAs, trips, sports kit) involve additional charges beyond tuition and levies. Instalment totals for Plan B and Plan C include finance charges and will be slightly higher than the single-payment amount shown under Plan A.

Academics

Curriculum

ISU offers an International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum: Primary Years Programme (PYP) for ages 3-11, Middle Years Programme (MYP) for ages 11-16, and Diploma Programme (DP) for ages 16-18. ISU implements three IB programmes and provides four graduation pathways: the IB Diploma, the IB-Enriched ISU High School Diploma, the ISU High School Diploma, and the ISU Individualised Diploma. All ISU Diploma Requirements lead to an ISU High School Diploma, equivalent to a US High School Diploma. The IB Diploma Programme comprises six subject groups and three core elements: Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity and Service. ISU is accredited by the Council of International Schools and the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges. All instruction is in English.

Student Teacher Ratio

The Senior School has 212 students and 44 teaching professionals, yielding a student–teacher ratio of about 4.8:1. This ratio reflects the Senior School cohort within ISU's IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP) as reported in the school's recent Senior School Profile.

Exam Results

IB Diploma (DP) outcomes show yearly variations: 2019 had 19 graduates with an 82% pass rate, 2020 had 34 graduates with 97%, 2021 had 28 graduates with 100%, 2022 had 25 graduates with 89%, 2023 had 24 graduates with 92%, and 2024 had 17 graduates with 89%. Average DP scores for ISU graduates hover around the low 30s, with highest DP scores reaching the low-to-mid 40s in certain years. The school's DP pass-rate data and score distributions are listed in the Senior School Profiles. The school presents DP course offerings and pass statistics to illustrate performance relative to global averages.

Higher Education Progression

From Grade 11 onward, ISU provides a College Counseling Team to support university placement planning. University placements 2018-2024 show destinations including the United States (about 46%), Canada (about 20%), Europe (about 14-15%), the United Kingdom (about 12%), with smaller shares to Asia, Australia and Africa/Middle East; Makerere University in Uganda is also among reported destinations. ISU describes university destinations by region and lists individual university examples from various countries. The counseling team guides students toward post-secondary options across global universities.

Gifted and Talented

ISU offers Merit & Needs Based Scholarships for academically gifted Diploma candidates, covering up to 75% of tuition for Grades 11-12 and supporting academic, arts and sports excellence; selection considers academic achievement, specialized talents, English proficiency, and leadership potential, with CAS and enrichment expectations. Scholarships are awarded by a committee, with documented criteria and peer/teacher nominations, and include accompanying ISSEA participation and related requirements. ISU also outlines additional scholarship opportunities and financial assistance programmes, including criteria for eligibility and the application process.

Wellbeing

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Parent Experience

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Facilities

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Extra-Curricular Activities

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Languages

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Reputation

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Admissions

1. Enquire About Enrollment. The Admissions Director handles class availability by online enquiry form, and you may begin the process by making an online enquiry. The school may enrol at any time during the school year, but only after complete applications are received and reviewed.

2. Documentation & Registration Fees. After the admissions team contacts you, provide the required documentation and pay the USD 500 registration fee per child deposited to the school's account.

3. Acceptance. The application paperwork is reviewed by the admissions team, and parents are informed of the decision by the Admissions Director. The admission considerations include the applicant's potential to benefit from the academic programme, the school's capacity to meet the applicant's educational needs, and the family's ability to meet enrolment obligations.

4. Finalising The Enrolment. The business office will contact you to arrange fee payment; the Emergency Contact form and Bus Form (if required) must be submitted before the start date.

5. Grade Placement & Waitlist. Grades are generally placed based on age, with consideration given to previous transcripts, academic ability, social development, interviews and placement tests where necessary. As a grade reaches its optimal capacity, a waiting pool is established and the waitlist procedure comes into effect. Enrollment can occur at any time if a place is available, and withdrawal is possible at any time.

Scholarships

Christina McConnell Scholarship for Ugandan Citizens: full scholarship covering 100% of school fees for Ugandan nationals of secondary school age from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds to study the IB Programmes. Applications for 2026-27 are now CLOSED.

ISU Merit & Needs-Based Scholarship Programme (2026–2028): two Merit & Needs-Based Scholarships for students entering Grade 11 in August 2026; up to 75% tuition support for the two years of the IB Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12); funding determined by demonstrated financial need; eligible applicants should be born between 1 September 2009 and 31 August 2010. Applications opened for 2026–28; deadline 20 March 2026; materials and application form are available via scholarship@isumail.ac.ug.

The Beacon Scholarship: leadership-focused programme offering access to top-tier secondary schools and undergraduate programmes; includes leadership training and mentoring; applicants must demonstrate they are Change-makers; more information is available on the Beacon Scholarship website.

Waitlist

Grade placement uses age as a general guide; when a grade reaches capacity, a waiting pool is established and the waitlist procedure comes into effect.

School Events

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FAQs

What curriculum does ISU follow?

ISU offers the full IB continuum: Primary Years Programme for ages 3-11, Middle Years Programme for ages 11-16, and Diploma Programme for ages 16-18. Four graduation pathways are available including IB Diploma and ISU High School Diploma.

What are the IB results?

IB Diploma pass rates have ranged from 82% to 100% in recent years. The 2021 cohort achieved 100% pass rate. Average DP scores consistently hover around the mid-30s.

What is the student-teacher ratio?

The Senior School has approximately 4.8:1 ratio with 212 students and 44 teaching professionals. Class sizes are kept small across all sections.

What are the tuition fees?

Annual tuition ranges from approximately UGX 30M to UGX 126M depending on year group and payment plan. A non-refundable registration fee of USD 500 applies.

How diverse is the student body?

ISU has 554 students from 56 nationalities, with 25% being non-native English speakers. The school operates on a 33-acre campus in Lubowa.

What learning support is available?

ISU provides Learning Support Teachers across all programmes, intensive learning support for complex needs, two full-time therapists for occupational and speech-language therapy, and EAL support.

What sports facilities does the campus have?

Facilities include a 25m pool, 400m track, four football pitches, four clay tennis courts, an indoor climbing wall, gym, covered sports hall with basketball and volleyball courts, and a 1.4km running trail.

Where do graduates go to university?

About 46% go to the US, 20% to Canada, 15% to Europe, and 12% to the UK. College counselling begins in Grade 11 with a dedicated team.

Is there a bus service?

Yes, ISU operates 17 buses serving Kampala, Entebbe, and Lubowa with seat belts, safety bars, and hostesses. Departures at 3:10pm, 4:10pm, and 5:00pm.

Does the school have a house system?

Yes, houses are Water, Fire, Air, and Earth. Students wear house T-shirts during PE and events like sports day.

What dining arrangements are in place?

Optional hot lunch is available from Early Childhood to Grade 12 with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. No pork is served. Most dietary needs can be accommodated.

Are scholarships available?

The Christina McConnell Scholarship offers 100% tuition coverage for Ugandan nationals from disadvantaged backgrounds. Merit and needs-based scholarships cover up to 75% for Grades 11-12.

When was the school founded?

ISU opened on 17 May 1967 as The Lincoln School on Buganda Road, making it the first international school in Uganda. It now has over 600 students.

What extracurricular activities are offered?

CCAs offer 15+ activities daily across three seasons, including music, drama, rugby, capoeira, cultural activities, and life skills. UGMUN and Docathon develop leadership and filmmaking.

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