What's the best school for expat children in Windhoek?

Windhoek International School (WIS) is the top choice for international expats — IB curriculum, excellent facilities, and a diverse student body. DHPS is ideal for German-speaking families. St. Paul's College offers strong Cambridge IGCSE at a lower price point. Choice depends on your preferred curriculum and budget.

Are school fees covered by employers?

Some employers — particularly embassies, NGOs, mining companies, and international organizations — include education allowances. This varies widely. Always negotiate education support as part of your employment package if you have school-age children.

Is the Namibian school year different from Europe/US?

Yes. The Namibian school year runs January to December with four terms. This differs from the September-start Northern Hemisphere schedule. International schools like WIS follow the Northern Hemisphere calendar (August–June), which may be important for families planning to move on.

Can my children attend government schools?

Yes, non-citizen children can enroll in government schools with a valid residence or work permit. The quality of urban government schools in Windhoek is reasonable, especially at primary level. Fees for non-citizens are nominal (NAD 500–2,000/year).

Are there preschools and nurseries?

Yes. Windhoek has numerous preschools and nurseries (called 'pre-primary' or 'crèche'). Fees range from NAD 1,500–4,000/month ($83–$222). Popular options include Little Steps, Montessori preschools, and school-attached nurseries at DHPS and WIS.

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🇳🇦 Namibia

Education

Namibia has a well-structured education system with government schools operating in English, plus private and international schools offering higher standards and specialized curricula. Windhoek has the best selection of schools, including institutions following the Cambridge (IGCSE), South African (IEB/CAPS), German, and Finnish curricula.

Free / low-cost

Government Schools

English medium; variable quality

NAD 20,000–60,000/yr

Private Schools

$1,110–$3,330; Cambridge or SA curriculum

NAD 60,000–120,000/yr

International Schools

$3,330–$6,670; Windhoek International School

English

School Language

Government and private schools; some offer Afrikaans/German

UNAM

University

University of Namibia — Windhoek campus

January–December

School Year

4 terms with breaks; differs from Northern Hemisphere

Last updated: March 2026

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Overview

Key Takeaways

Windhoek International School (WIS): IB curriculum; NAD 80,000–120,000/yr ($4,440–$6,670) — the top choice for diplomats
English is the medium of instruction from Grade 4 onwards (Grades 1–3 in mother tongue where applicable)
University of Namibia (UNAM): the national university — business, law, medicine, engineering programs

Private & International Schools

Most expat families choose private or international schools for consistent quality and recognized curricula.

Windhoek International School (WIS): IB curriculum; NAD 80,000–120,000/yr ($4,440–$6,670) — the top choice for diplomats
Deutsche Höhere Privatschule (DHPS): German/English bilingual; NAD 30,000–50,000/yr — strong reputation
St. Paul's College: Cambridge IGCSE curriculum; NAD 25,000–45,000/yr — popular with South African expats
Windhoek Gymnasium: former German school offering Cambridge and Namibian syllabi; NAD 20,000–35,000/yr
Private primary schools: St. George's Diocesan, Waldorf, and several others; NAD 15,000–40,000/yr
Swakopmund: limited options — International School of Walvis Bay, and Namib Primary/High School

Government Schools

Namibia's government schools operate in English and are free for citizens, with nominal fees for non-citizens.

English is the medium of instruction from Grade 4 onwards (Grades 1–3 in mother tongue where applicable)
Quality varies significantly — urban schools in Windhoek are better resourced than rural schools
Class sizes: 30–45 students; larger in less affluent areas
The Namibian Senior Secondary Certificate (NSSC) is the national qualification — recognized in southern Africa
Some government schools have very good reputations — Windhoek High School, Jan Möhr Secondary
Registration for non-citizens requires a valid residence or work permit

Higher Education

Namibia's university sector is growing, though many expat families plan for children to attend university abroad.

University of Namibia (UNAM): the national university — business, law, medicine, engineering programs
Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST): technical and applied programs
International University of Management (IUM): private; business and IT programs
Most expat children aim for universities in South Africa, UK, Germany, or other home countries
IB and Cambridge qualifications from Namibian schools are globally recognized for university admission
Scholarship programs exist for outstanding students through the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund

FAQs