Most Expensive Schools In South Africa in 2024:- Private schools in South Africa have increased their fees for 2024, with at least six schools now charging more than R350,000 a year for both boarding and tuition. Hilton College in the KwaZulu-Natal midlands is the most expensive school in the country, with annual boarding fees at R397,660 for 2024, a 7.5% increase from last year.
In 2014, Hilton College was the only school with fees over R200,000 for boarding and tuition. By 2024, six elite schools now exceed R350,000 for tuition and boarding, compared to just Hilton College in 2023. Michaelhouse, St Andrew’s College in Makhanda, Roedean School for Girls, St John’s College, and Kearsney College have joined the R350,000-plus club.
In 2022, a private school in South Africa crossed the R200,000 mark for day school learners. In 2024, three schools have done so, with Kearsney College charging R240,900 for tuition, followed by St John’s College (R206,768) and Roedean School for Girls (R203,607) in Johannesburg. Fees for day schoolers increased by an average of 7.3% across schools assessed, ranging from a 2.3% increase at one school to almost 25% at another. Among the top 10 most expensive schools, the average hike was around 6.7%.
For boarding schools, there was a similar pattern, with an average increase of around 7.3% and the highest increase at 7.1%. These price hikes are higher than the 2023 inflation rate, which was 5.5% in November, raising concerns for those facing financial strain.
Most Expensive Schools In South Africa in 2024 Check
In 2014, Hilton College was the only school with fees over R200,000 for both boarding and tuition. By 2024, Hilton College’s fees will have nearly doubled. In 2024, six elite schools now charge over R350,000 for both tuition and boarding, compared to Hilton College being the only one in 2023. Michaelhouse, St Andrew’s College in Makhanda, Roedean School for Girls, St John’s College, and Kearsney College have joined this group with fees of R350,000.
In 2022, it was the first time a private school in South Africa had fees over R200,000 for day school learners. In 2024, there are now three schools with fees above this mark: Kearsney College at R240,900 for tuition, followed by St John’s College (R206,768) and Roedean School for Girls (R203,607) in Johannesburg.
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Top 10 Most Expensive Schools In South Africa in 2024
| Number | Schools Name | Location | Fees |
| 1 | Hilton College | KwaZulu-Natal | R397 660 |
| 2 | Michaelhouse | KwaZulu-Natal | R368 000 |
| 3 | St Andrew’s College | Eastern Cape | R363 879 |
| 4 | Roedean School for Girls | Gauteng | R360 087 |
| 5 | St John’s College | Gauteng | R352 612 |
| 6 | Kearsney College | KwaZulu-Natal | R350 130 |
| 7 | Bishops Western Cape | Cape | R341 430 |
| 8 | St Mary’s College | Gauteng | R335 470 |
| 9 | St Alban’s College | Gauteng | R328 920 |
| 10 | Diocesan School for Girls | Eastern Cape | R323 040 |