Which is the best school for expat children in Botswana?

Westwood International School is the top choice for most expat families. It's the only school in Gaborone offering the full International Baccalaureate programme (PYP, MYP, DP), which provides globally recognized credentials and easy transfer to other international schools worldwide. Maru-a-Pula is an excellent alternative for secondary-age students, with strong academic results.

Are there good schools outside Gaborone?

Options outside Gaborone are very limited. Francistown has a few adequate private schools, but nothing comparable to Gaborone's international schools. Maun has basic schooling only. Most expat families with school-age children choose to live in Gaborone for this reason.

What curriculum do international schools follow?

Westwood follows the IB (International Baccalaureate) programme. Maru-a-Pula uses Cambridge International Examinations (IGCSE and A-Levels). Other schools offer a mix of British National Curriculum and Botswana national curriculum. IB and Cambridge are the most portable for families who may relocate again.

Can expat children attend public schools?

Technically yes, but it's not recommended. Public schools teach in Setswana for lower grades and have larger class sizes. The Botswana national curriculum differs significantly from international standards, making transitions difficult. Almost all expat families choose private or international schools.

Is homeschooling legal in Botswana?

Homeschooling is not explicitly regulated in Botswana — it exists in a legal grey area. Some expat families do homeschool, particularly in remote areas like Maun where school options are limited. Online international curricula (IB online, Cambridge online) are used by some families, but check with the Ministry of Education for current regulations.

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🇧🇼 Botswana

Education

Botswana offers several international schools in Gaborone catering to the expat community, with the International Baccalaureate-offering Westwood International School being the most popular. Public education is free for citizens but generally not used by expats due to quality and language differences..

Westwood Intl

Top Intl School

IB PYP, MYP, DP

$5,000–$15,000

Annual Fees

Varies by grade

Elite secondary

Maru-a-Pula

Founded 1972

English medium

Language

All international schools

Last updated: March 2026

Overview🏙️Gaborone 🦒Maun

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Overview

Key Takeaways

Westwood International School: IB PYP, MYP, and DP; ages 5–18; Gaborone's only full IB continuum school
Westwood International School: BWP 70,000–200,000/year ($5,000–$14,400) depending on grade level
University of Botswana (UB): main public university in Gaborone; ~20,000 students; good regional reputation

Education Options for Expat Families

Gaborone has a small but adequate selection of international schools. Westwood International School is the clear standout, offering the full IB continuum. Maru-a-Pula is a prestigious local school with excellent results. For younger children, several nurseries and pre-schools cater to expat families. Outside Gaborone, options are very limited.

Westwood International School: IB PYP, MYP, and DP; ages 5–18; Gaborone's only full IB continuum school
Maru-a-Pula School: elite co-educational day/boarding secondary school; founded 1972; Cambridge curriculum
Northside Primary School: British-style primary education; popular with expat families
Thornhill Primary School: well-regarded English-medium primary school
Legae Academy: offers British National Curriculum; growing reputation
Pre-schools: Rainbow, Little Einsteins, and several Montessori options in Gaborone

School Fees & Admission

International school fees in Botswana are moderate compared to other African expat hubs like Nairobi or Lagos. Many expat packages include education allowances. Application should be made well in advance — popular schools have waitlists, especially for mid-year entry.

Westwood International School: BWP 70,000–200,000/year ($5,000–$14,400) depending on grade level
Maru-a-Pula School: BWP 50,000–120,000/year ($3,600–$8,600) for day students; boarding additional
Primary schools (international): BWP 30,000–80,000/year ($2,150–$5,750)
Application fees: typically BWP 1,000–3,000 ($72–$215), non-refundable
Many employers include education allowance in expat packages — negotiate this before accepting
Mid-year entry: possible but spaces limited; apply 3–6 months in advance

Higher Education & University

Botswana has a growing higher education sector, though most expat families send children abroad for university. The University of Botswana is the country's flagship institution, and several private institutions offer specialized programs.

University of Botswana (UB): main public university in Gaborone; ~20,000 students; good regional reputation
Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST): focused on STEM fields
Botho University: private institution offering business, computing, and health sciences
Limkokwing University of Creative Technology: Malaysian-based, Gaborone campus; creative and business programs
Most expat children attend university in South Africa (UCT, Wits, Stellenbosch), UK, or US
Botswana government scholarships available for citizens — not typically available to expat children

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