Last updated: October 2026
International schools in Kampala offer British, IB, Cambridge and French curricula, with fees ranging from under $5,000 to over $30,000 a year. Families relocating to Uganda usually choose the school first and the house second, because Kampala traffic makes long school runs exhausting. This guide compares the main schools by curriculum, location and published fees, then matches each one to nearby neighbourhoods. The south of the city, including Muyenga and Lubowa, suits families at ISU, Galaxy, Rainbow and Acorns.
Key takeaways
- International School of Uganda (ISU) in Lubowa offers the full IB pathway and charges about $27,600 a year for Grades 1 to 5 (2026–27).
- Kampala International School Uganda (KISU) in Bukoto follows the English National Curriculum, IGCSE and the IB Diploma.
- Rainbow International School Uganda (RISU) sits on Kintu Road in south Kampala, close to Muyenga.
- Four schools in Uganda are authorised to offer the IB Diploma: KISU, ISU, Acorns International School and Aga Khan High School.
- Choose housing close to school. A 10 kilometre school run can take over an hour at peak times.
International schools in Kampala at a glance
The table below summarises the main schools. Fees change every year, so always check the school’s current fee schedule.
| School | Area | Curriculum | Example published fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| International School of Uganda (ISU) | Lubowa, Entebbe Road | IB PYP, MYP and Diploma | About $27,600 a year, Grades 1 to 5 (2026–27) |
| Kampala International School Uganda (KISU) | Bukoto | English National Curriculum, IGCSE, IB Diploma | About $23,000 tuition a year, Years 3 to 6 (2025–26) |
| Rainbow International School Uganda (RISU) | Kintu Road, south Kampala | British curriculum, IPC, IGCSE, A Level | Check with the school |
| Galaxy International School Uganda (GISU) | Lubowa, Entebbe Road | Cambridge, with boarding | About UGX 23 to 44 million a year by grade (2025–26) |
| Ambrosoli International School | Bugolobi | EYFS, English National Curriculum, IPC (ages 2 to 11) | From about $7,900 a year |
| Acorns International School | Bunga | Cambridge and IB | Check with the school |
| Kampala Diplomatic International School | Ntinda | British curriculum to A Level | About $3,000 to $5,400 a year (2025–26) |
The main international schools in detail
International School of Uganda (ISU)
ISU opened in 1967 as the Lincoln School and was Uganda’s first international school. It sits in Lubowa, off Entebbe Road in the south of the city.
ISU is authorised to offer the IB Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma programmes. It is accredited by the Council of International Schools and the Middle States Association.
It has the highest fees in the country. Published 2026–27 tuition for Grades 1 to 5 is about $27,600 a year on a single payment plan.
Kampala International School Uganda (KISU)
KISU opened in 1993 and sits on Old Kira Road in Bukoto. It follows the English National Curriculum through IGCSE and offers the IB Diploma.
Published 2025–26 tuition for Years 3 to 6 is about $23,000 a year, plus lunch and enrolment fees.
Rainbow International School Uganda (RISU)
Rainbow opened in 1991 and follows a British curriculum, with the International Primary Curriculum in primary years. It is accredited by the Council of British International Schools (COBIS).
Its campus is on Kintu Road in south Kampala, a short drive from Muyenga.
Galaxy International School Uganda (GISU)
Galaxy sits in Lubowa Estate on Entebbe Road. It offers the Cambridge curriculum and boarding.
Ambrosoli International School
Ambrosoli in Bugolobi serves children aged 2 to 11. It combines the Early Years Foundation Stage, the English National Curriculum and the International Primary Curriculum.
Other options
Acorns International School in Bunga offers the Cambridge curriculum and is one of four IB World Schools in Uganda. The Aga Khan High School also offers the IB Diploma.
Kampala Diplomatic International School in Ntinda offers a British curriculum at lower fees. The French International School of Kampala follows the French national curriculum.
Where to live near international schools in Kampala
Traffic decides daily life for school families. Match your neighbourhood to the school before you sign a lease.
| School area | Nearby neighbourhoods |
|---|---|
| Lubowa (ISU, Galaxy) | Lubowa, Munyonyo, Muyenga, Kansanga |
| Kintu Road, south Kampala (Rainbow) | Muyenga, Kabalagala, Kansanga, Bukasa |
| Bunga (Acorns) | Muyenga, Kansanga, Ggaba, Munyonyo |
| Bukoto (KISU) | Bukoto, Kololo, Naguru, Ntinda |
| Bugolobi (Ambrosoli) | Bugolobi, Naguru, Kololo |
Muyenga sits close to Rainbow and Acorns and has a direct southern route to Lubowa. Families at KISU or Ambrosoli usually prefer the eastern and northern neighbourhoods.
Fees beyond tuition
- Application and registration fees, often $250 to $600.
- Enrolment or capital levies on first entry.
- Lunch, transport and uniform costs.
- Exam fees for IGCSE, A Level and IB.
- Extracurricular trips and activities.
For the full monthly picture, read the guide to the cost of living in Kampala.
How to choose a school in Kampala
- Match the curriculum to your next posting, so children can move without gaps.
- Ask about waiting lists, especially for primary years.
- Visit during term time and ask about class sizes and staff turnover.
- Check accreditation, such as CIS, COBIS, Cambridge or IB.
- Time the school run at peak hours before choosing a house.
A base while you visit schools
Many families stay in a serviced apartment while they visit schools and look for a house. Bon Bini Residence in Muyenga offers two and three bedroom apartments for up to 6 guests, with a pool, daily housekeeping and 24/7 security.
Stays of 30 nights or more start at $30 a night. See the long stay apartment rates or read about expat housing in Kampala.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best international school in Kampala?
It depends on your curriculum and budget. ISU offers the full IB pathway, KISU combines the English National Curriculum with the IB Diploma, and Rainbow offers a British curriculum. Visit several and compare.
How much are international school fees in Kampala?
Fees range from about $3,000 to over $30,000 a year. ISU charges about $27,600 a year for Grades 1 to 5 in 2026–27, while smaller schools charge much less.
Which international schools offer the IB in Uganda?
Four schools are authorised to offer the IB Diploma: Kampala International School Uganda, International School of Uganda, Acorns International School and the Aga Khan High School.
Where should expat families live near ISU?
Families at ISU in Lubowa often live in Lubowa, Munyonyo, Muyenga or Kansanga, which give a southern route to the school without crossing central Kampala.
Which international schools are near Muyenga?
Rainbow International School on Kintu Road and Acorns International School in Bunga are close to Muyenga. ISU and Galaxy in Lubowa are reachable on the southern side of the city.
Written by the Bon Bini Residence team in Muyenga, Kampala. We host business travellers, families and expats in our serviced apartments all year and update this guide as things change.
Visiting schools in Kampala? See all apartments and check availability, or message us on WhatsApp at +256 706 444 444.
