Private schools in South Africa getting more expensive
Along with the new school year, which officially began today, 15 January, comes a new, higher price tag on private schools in South Africa.
And according to Business Tech, private education costs in the country has reached new heights this year, with at least nine private schools now charging over R350 000 per year for tuition and boarding.
Fee increases for 2025 average 6.9% across these particular schools, with hikes ranging from 3.2% to 8.5%, for boarding school. Private day schools show an increase of 6.8% on average among the top 10 most expensive institutions.
The most expensive of the lot is KwaZulu-Natal’s Hilton College, with annual fees of R420 729 for 2025, up 5.8% from 2024.
The nine most expensive schools over R350 000 p.a
These were the nine most expensive boarding schools compiled by Business Tech:
| Rank | School | Location | 2024 fees | 2025 fees | percentage increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hilton | Hilton, KZN | R397 660 | R420 729 | 5.8% |
| 2 | MichaelHouse | Balgowan, KZN | R368 000 | R392 000 | 6.5% |
| 3 | St Andrew’s College | Makhanda, EC | R363 879 | R387 531 | 6.5% |
| 4 | Roedean School for Girls | Johannesburg, GP | R360 087 | R387 093 | 7.5% |
| 5 | St John’s College | Johannesburg, GP | R352 612 | R376 589 | 6.8% |
| 6 | Kearsney College | Botha’s Hill, KZN | R350 130 | R374 330 | 6.9% |
| 7 | Bishops College | Cape Town, WC | R341 430 | R364 680 | 6.8% |
| 8 | St Mary’s | Johannesburg, GP | R335 470 | R358 665 | 6.9% |
| 9 | St Alban’s College | Pretoria, GP | R328 920 | R353 580 | 7.5% |
Are you planning on sending your child to private school?
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