IB Schools in South Africa are a great choice for both local and expat families as they offer globally recognized curricula, outstanding academics plus a nurturing environment for children. Discover our selection of the best IB Schools in South Africa, including reviews, fees, and why families choose them.
Why choose an IB school in South Africa?
Choosing an International Baccalaureate (IB) school in South Africa offers a multitude of benefits that extend well beyond the classroom. Known for its rigorous academic standards and its holistic approach to education, the IB curriculum prepares students not just for university, but for a successful life in a globalized world.
Global Recognition and Academic Excellence
The IB diploma is recognized by universities worldwide as a standard of excellence. South African IB schools maintain a strong academic record, boasting high pass rates and a large number of students who score above the global average. This global recognition opens doors for South African students to pursue higher education and professional opportunities both locally and internationally.
Developing Inquiring, Knowledgeable Minds
IB programs are designed to develop open-minded, culturally aware learners who are capable of critical thinking and problem-solving. The curriculum encourages students to think independently and drive their own learning, making them well-prepared for the challenges of the 21st century. By focusing on inquiry-based, transdisciplinary learning, students gain a deeper understanding of the subjects they study and see the connections between them and the real world.
Emphasis on Personal Development
In addition to academic prowess, IB schools in South Africa place a significant emphasis on personal development. The IB learner profile strives to develop learners who are communicators, principled, reflective, and balanced. These attributes are nurtured through various components of the IB, including the Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) program, which encourages students to engage actively in their communities and develop a sense of responsibility towards others.
Cultural Diversity and International Mindedness
South Africa's unique cultural landscape makes its IB schools an ideal environment for fostering international mindedness. Students from diverse backgrounds come together, offering rich perspectives that enhance the learning experience. This diversity prepares students to work collaboratively and respectfully with people from different cultures and backgrounds, an essential skill in today’s global economy.
Ultimately, an IB education in South Africa equips students with the skills, knowledge, and ethical understanding necessary for global citizenship. It challenges students to excel in their studies and personal growth, fostering not only intelligent but also compassionate and socially responsible individuals.
Top rated IB Schools in South Africa 2025
Why parents choose this school
International School of Uganda
Why parents choose this school
How much do IB Schools in South Africa cost?
According to World Schools data, the yearly tuition fee for IB Schools in South Africa ranges between $5900 and $8900. However, the cost varies significantly depending on various factors such as the school curriculum, extracurricular activities, location, and facilities, and can go up to $33300.
The average yearly cost is $7900, around $800 per month, and can go up to the maximum monthly cost of $3400.
Additionally, most schools will also charge a one-time registration fee, and you also need to count an extra budget during the year for extracurricular trips, holiday camps, etc.
If you would like to explore IB Schools in South Africa with yearly fee filters, please use our advanced search filters.
Understanding the IB Curriculum
Parent and Student Reviews of IB Schools in South Africa
- Our 2 children have been at the school for almost 8 years. The caring, nurturing environment alongside rigorous academics, allowed my daughter to access a top university in UK while my son joined a boarding school in UK.Written October 20, 2024
- When my wife became seriously ill, I took my children out of prep school and enrolled them at Wendover, where they stayed for 3 years. At prep school, they had been very average academically, but their time at Wendover transformed them—they developed a real love for learning. We later moved to Spain and decided to place them in an international school, thinking it would help us integrate. They are now top of their respective years academically and still often talk about how much they miss Wendover. I can’t recommend Wendover highly enough, and my children would be happy to share their experiences with anyone who’s interested.Written October 16, 2024
- A great place with great people. Friendly, family atmosphere and high level of education.Written September 27, 2024
- Awesome teachers and lovely classmates.Written September 26, 2024
- The school guarantees a high level of education. I recommend it.Written September 23, 2024
- I am so excited that U-Tech is now bringing the experience of JIA to students outside of Michigan! My time at JIA was pivotal to my success later in life. The unique structure of the program allowed me the flexibility to tailor my education to fit my individual needs, which was a game-changer for me. I took advantage of my flexible schedule to enroll in college courses and collaborate with JIA/U-Tech staff to create custom curriculum that aligned with my post-high school goals.The tools and strategies I gained during my time at JIA equipped me to excel in graduate school and now in my career as a Data Scientist at Garmin. The emphasis on critical thinking and self-directed learning has proven invaluable. I cannot recommend JIA/U-Tech enough!Written September 20, 2024
- Before Istarted at Nisai I had quite a few bad experiences with teachers. A lot of it was due to my absences or not turning in homework, and often ended up with being shouted at or told off in front of the class or privately told I should drop down onto a simpler course because I wasn’t capable of doing the subject at a higher level. While my anxiety and nerves due to these experiences still hasn’t gone away completely, the teachers at Nisai, and especially your class, have slowly lessened that fear instilled by my previous teachers. It’s sort of surreal to me that I haven’t been told off or shouted at or told I wasn’t trying hard enough or smart enough even once. But instead you’ve been really encouraging and understanding and it’s really really helped me get over some of those fears—which is why I managed to start going to live lessons—and also built my confidence back up a lot.Written September 19, 2024
- Teachers adapt teaching methods to the student’s individual needs.Written August 31, 2024
- Great place, the building is spacious and modern.Written August 28, 2024
- Its been great experience till date with my lil one in PYP3 and going through great learning processWritten August 28, 2024
- We have discussed education at this school with my child, Eva, and she’s really excited to study here. Teachers are really well-educated. They’re experts in their fields. Some of the students may need some help with certain subjects, and they will do their best to help you. The headteacher always comes to lessons to make sure everything is running properly.For example, if some students can’t attend or their family circumstances make it impossible for them to attend, you can replay recordings of the lessons.
We are really thankful to LEO School for their work!Written August 13, 2024 - Excellent qualified teachers, high level of teaching, excellent approach to children, interesting lessons, my daughter enjoys going to school.Written August 13, 2024
- Our 2 children have been at the school for almost 8 years. The caring, nurturing environment alongside rigorous academics, allowed my daughter to access a top university in UK while my son joined a boarding school in UK.Written October 20, 2024
- When my wife became seriously ill, I took my children out of prep school and enrolled them at Wendover, where they stayed for 3 years. At prep school, they had been very average academically, but their time at Wendover transformed them—they developed a real love for learning. We later moved to Spain and decided to place them in an international school, thinking it would help us integrate. They are now top of their respective years academically and still often talk about how much they miss Wendover. I can’t recommend Wendover highly enough, and my children would be happy to share their experiences with anyone who’s interested.Written October 16, 2024
- A great place with great people. Friendly, family atmosphere and high level of education.Written September 27, 2024
- Awesome teachers and lovely classmates.Written September 26, 2024
- The school guarantees a high level of education. I recommend it.Written September 23, 2024
- I am so excited that U-Tech is now bringing the experience of JIA to students outside of Michigan! My time at JIA was pivotal to my success later in life. The unique structure of the program allowed me the flexibility to tailor my education to fit my individual needs, which was a game-changer for me. I took advantage of my flexible schedule to enroll in college courses and collaborate with JIA/U-Tech staff to create custom curriculum that aligned with my post-high school goals.The tools and strategies I gained during my time at JIA equipped me to excel in graduate school and now in my career as a Data Scientist at Garmin. The emphasis on critical thinking and self-directed learning has proven invaluable. I cannot recommend JIA/U-Tech enough!Written September 20, 2024
- Before Istarted at Nisai I had quite a few bad experiences with teachers. A lot of it was due to my absences or not turning in homework, and often ended up with being shouted at or told off in front of the class or privately told I should drop down onto a simpler course because I wasn’t capable of doing the subject at a higher level. While my anxiety and nerves due to these experiences still hasn’t gone away completely, the teachers at Nisai, and especially your class, have slowly lessened that fear instilled by my previous teachers. It’s sort of surreal to me that I haven’t been told off or shouted at or told I wasn’t trying hard enough or smart enough even once. But instead you’ve been really encouraging and understanding and it’s really really helped me get over some of those fears—which is why I managed to start going to live lessons—and also built my confidence back up a lot.Written September 19, 2024
- Teachers adapt teaching methods to the student’s individual needs.Written August 31, 2024
- Great place, the building is spacious and modern.Written August 28, 2024
- Its been great experience till date with my lil one in PYP3 and going through great learning processWritten August 28, 2024
- We have discussed education at this school with my child, Eva, and she’s really excited to study here. Teachers are really well-educated. They’re experts in their fields. Some of the students may need some help with certain subjects, and they will do their best to help you. The headteacher always comes to lessons to make sure everything is running properly.For example, if some students can’t attend or their family circumstances make it impossible for them to attend, you can replay recordings of the lessons.
We are really thankful to LEO School for their work!Written August 13, 2024 - Excellent qualified teachers, high level of teaching, excellent approach to children, interesting lessons, my daughter enjoys going to school.Written August 13, 2024
Summary
IB schools in South Africa are recognized globally for their academic excellence and holistic educational approach. They prepare students for global challenges through rigorous academics, personal development, and cultural diversity, fostering not only intellectual growth but also compassionate and socially responsible global citizens.