Private education in South Africa isn’t just premium, it’s hitting luxury territory. In 2025, top boarding school fees have passed the R420 000 mark.
That’s shockingly more than most people’s annual salary!
Here’s what you need to know about the most expensive private schools in the country, what they offer, and what kind of income you need to afford them.
How much does it cost to attend South Africa’s most expensive schools?
According to BusinessTech‘s data from January 2025, private education costs in the country have reached new heights this year, with at least 10 private schools now charging over R340 000 per year for tuition and boarding.
Why so pricey?
Well, these private schools justify their price tags with:
So, what kind of salary do you need to be able to send your child to these private schools?
If you were to factor in the costs, to afford Hilton College or Michaelhouse comfortably, you’d need a household income of around R2.6 million to R2.8 million/year.
For girls’ schools like Roedean or St Mary’s, you’d need around R1.4 million to R1.6 million/year.
How much were school fees when you went to school in South Africa?
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