What's the best school for expat children in Dar es Salaam?

IST (International School of Tanganyika) is the gold standard — IB curriculum, modern campus, and a diverse international student body. ISTA and Haven of Peace are strong American-curriculum alternatives. For value, Feza Schools and Indian schools offer rigorous academics at a fraction of the cost.

Do employers cover school fees?

Senior positions at embassies, UN agencies, and large companies typically include education allowances ($5,000–$20,000/year per child). NGOs often provide partial allowances. Always negotiate education support as part of your employment package.

Can my children attend school in Zanzibar?

Options are limited. Zanzibar International School exists but is small. Many Zanzibar-based expat families homeschool or have one parent commuting to Dar for the children's schooling. For secondary education, Dar is the practical choice.

Are there preschools and nurseries?

Yes, in Dar — multiple nurseries in Masaki, Oyster Bay, and Mikocheni for ages 2–5. Fees range from $200–$800/month. In Zanzibar, Kidstart International and a few smaller nurseries serve the expat community.

Is the IB diploma recognized internationally?

Yes, the IB diploma from IST and other accredited schools is recognized by universities worldwide — UK, US, Europe, Australia, and beyond. It's the most internationally portable qualification available in Tanzania.

Expat Topics

D7, digital nomad, golden visa & more

💰

Cost of Living

Monthly budgets from €1,200 to €4,000+

🏥

Healthcare

Public, private & expat health insurance

🏠

Housing

Rent prices, best areas & lease tips

💼

Work & Business

Permits, remote work & freelancing rules

✈️

Moving Guide

Step-by-step relocation checklist

📚

Education

International schools & universities

🌆

Daily Life

Transport, food & expat communities

🌅

Lifestyle

Climate, culture & quality of living

📈

Investing

Property, stocks, tax & wealth building

View all resources →

Rankings Compare Blog

📚

🇹🇿 Tanzania

Education

IST (International School of Tanganyika)

Top School

IB curriculum; Dar es Salaam's premier international school

$15,000–$25,000

Annual Fees (Premium)

IST, ISTA, and Haven of Peace Academy

$5,000–$12,000

Annual Fees (Mid-range)

Feza Schools, DIS, and others

$2,000–$5,000/yr

Indian Schools

CBSE/ISC curriculum — good value

UDSM

University

University of Dar es Salaam — Tanzania's top public university

August–June

School Year

Varies by school; IB and British follow Northern Hemisphere calendar

Last updated: March 2026

Overview🏙️Dar es Salaam 🏝️Zanzibar City

🛂Visa 🏥Healthcare 💰Finance 🏠Housing 💼Working 🌆Daily Life ✈️Moving 📚Education 🌅Lifestyle 📈Investing

Overview

Tanzania has a growing international school sector in Dar es Salaam, catering to the diplomatic, NGO, and business expat communities. Schools follow British (IGCSE/A-Level), American, and IB curricula. Fees range from $5,000 to $25,000+ per year at international schools. Zanzibar has limited international school options.

Key Takeaways

IST (International School of Tanganyika): IB curriculum, $18,000–$25,000/yr — the top choice for diplomats and senior expats
Zanzibar International School: small IB/British-inspired school; limited capacity

International Schools in Dar es Salaam

Dar's international school landscape serves the large expat community with multiple curriculum options.

IST (International School of Tanganyika): IB curriculum, $18,000–$25,000/yr — the top choice for diplomats and senior expats
ISTA (International School of Tanzania Academy): American curriculum, $12,000–$20,000/yr
Haven of Peace Academy: Christian American school, $8,000–$15,000/yr — strong community
Feza Schools (Feza Boys/Girls): Turkish-managed; British/Tanzanian curriculum, $3,000–$8,000/yr — excellent value
DIS (Dar International School): British curriculum, $5,000–$12,000/yr
Indian schools (Aga Khan, Al Muntazir): CBSE curriculum, $2,000–$5,000/yr — best value for academics

Schools in Zanzibar

Zanzibar has fewer international school options — most expat families with school-age children choose Dar.

Zanzibar International School: small IB/British-inspired school; limited capacity
Kidstart International: preschool and primary in Stone Town
Maalim Juma Secondary: government school — Swahili medium, limited English instruction
Homeschooling: common among Zanzibar-based expat families — supported by online platforms
Some families base in Dar for schooling and visit Zanzibar on weekends/holidays
For older children (secondary), most expats relocate to Dar or send children to boarding schools abroad

FAQs