Which international school is best for English-speaking children?

The American Cooperative School of Tunis (ACST) is the top choice for English-medium education, offering a US-style curriculum from kindergarten through grade 12. The British International School of Tunis is another English-medium option. Both are located in the northern suburbs near La Marsa.

Are Tunisian schools good quality?

Public schools in urban areas provide decent education but instruction is in Arabic. International schools — especially the French lycées — offer high-quality education recognized across Europe. Tunisia's education system consistently ranks among the best in Africa.

How much do international schools cost?

Annual fees range from about $2,000 to $8,000 depending on the school and grade level. This is significantly cheaper than international schools in Europe or the Middle East, which can cost $15,000–$30,000 per year.

Can my child learn Arabic at an international school?

Most international schools in Tunisia offer Arabic as a subject, either mandatory or elective. The French lycées include Arabic in their curriculum. The ACST also offers Arabic language courses alongside the American curriculum.

Is there homeschooling in Tunisia?

Homeschooling exists but is not formally regulated as it is in some Western countries. Some expat families homeschool using international online curricula (such as CNED from France or American distance-learning programs) while taking advantage of Tunisia's cultural immersion opportunities.

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

📚

🇹🇳 Tunisia

Education

Tunisia has a strong education system by African standards, with a literacy rate of around 82% and several well-regarded universities. Expat families typically enroll children in French-language international schools, which offer quality education at a fraction of European prices..

82%

Literacy Rate

Above African average; improving annually

15+

International Schools

Mostly French-curriculum; some American/British

$2,000–$8,000/yr

School Fees

International schools; public schools are free

13 public + 70 private

Universities

Over 8,000 engineering graduates/year

Last updated: March 2026

Overview🏛️Tunis 🏖️Sousse

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

Overview

Key Takeaways

Lycée Français de Tunis (Robert-Schuman) and Lycée Français de La Marsa are the top French-curriculum schools
Public schools are free for all residents — funded by the government
The University of Tunis El Manar and University of Carthage are the most prestigious public institutions

International Schools

Tunis has over 15 international schools, primarily following the French curriculum (AEFE network). There are also a few American and British-curriculum options.

Lycée Français de Tunis (Robert-Schuman) and Lycée Français de La Marsa are the top French-curriculum schools
The American Cooperative School of Tunis (ACST) offers a US-style K–12 education in English
British International School of Tunis provides a UK curriculum option
Annual fees range from $2,000–$8,000 depending on the school and grade level
Most international schools are located in the northern suburbs (La Marsa, Carthage, Les Berges du Lac)

Public Education System

Tunisia's public education is free and compulsory for children aged 6–16. Instruction is in Arabic with French introduced from primary school, making it less suitable for non-Arabic-speaking expat children.

Public schools are free for all residents — funded by the government
Instruction is primarily in Arabic; French is taught from grade 3 onwards
The system follows a 6-year primary, 3-year middle, and 4-year secondary structure
Quality varies significantly between urban and rural schools
The Baccalauréat (French-style) is the standard university entrance exam

Higher Education & Universities

Tunisia has 13 public universities and over 70 private institutions, producing a highly educated workforce. Several programs are taught in French, and some international partnerships offer English-language courses.

The University of Tunis El Manar and University of Carthage are the most prestigious public institutions
Tunisia produces over 8,000 engineering graduates annually — a hub for technical talent
Private universities like Université Centrale and Université Libre de Tunis offer French and some English programs
Tuition at public universities is nearly free for residents; private institutions charge $2,000–$6,000/year
International partnerships with French and European universities offer dual-degree programs

FAQs