Entry into the secondary school system in Burundi is determined by a system of national examinations. Students are placed into specialized tracks based on examinations taken at the end of primary and lower secondary studies. Highly successful students will proceed to the general stream of education whereas other students may be placed in the vocational and technical streams.
Secondary education in Burundi is divided into lower and upper secondary schools. Both public and private schools charge tuition fees at the secondary level which sometimes limits access for low-income students. High school students will be awarded the Diplome d’Etat or State Diploma, Which allows Access to University Education, the Technicien A2 on Completion of Upper Secondary Technical Education, or the Technicien A3 on Completion of Lower Level Technical Secondary Education.
- Grades: 7-12
- Duration: 6 years
- Primary Languages: French
- Terms : 2 semesters
- Admission Term: throughout the year
lower secondary- this encompasses grades 7 to 9 and entrance to this level is mediated by a national examination taken in the final year of primary school, in grade 6. This examination will determine whether a student will be allowed to enter secondary Studies. In the final year of lower secondary school, in grade 9, students will sit for another national examination whose will determine whether a student will be admitted to one of four university-bound tracks at the upper secondary level, or will be assigned to a technical school.
upper secondary- this encompasses grades 10 to 12 or 13 and is split into four specialization tracks. Students who are successful in these tracks are eligible for university education. In Burundi’s public schools, English is introduced as a foreign language for the final six years of secondary studies.
Let us take a brie look into the Four Tracks for College-Bound students. College-bound students may specialize in any one of four areas in upper secondary school, which are usually based on their 9th-grade national examination performance. These four specializations track include:
- Economics- which focuses on the social sciences;
- Modern Letters- which focuses on languages and humanities;
- Science A- which focuses on math and physics; and
- Science B- which focuses on biology and chemistry.
students in all tracks take a complete liberal arts curriculum that includes subjects such as Kirundi, French, English, Maths, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, History, Geography, Economics, Civics, and Physical education.
Let’s take a brief look at some international schools offering some of the best education for locals and expatriates in Burundi.
Cubahiro International School (CIS)
This is a private, non-sectarian school in Bujumbura-Burundi, that offers a 21st Century, quality education in the medium of English from Early Childhood to Secondary education. The school aims to help students to thrive in a dynamic, fast-changing world and to fully equip them with holistic skills that will prepare them to face 21st-century challenges including globalization, technological advancements, and the rapidly-changing demographics.
- Address: Kinindo Avenue du large Po Box: 2073, Bujumbura, Burundi
- grades: kindergarten to secondary 2
- Language of instruction: English
- Terms: 3
Why Cubahiro?
- Small student-teacher ratio.
- Well-structured extra-curricular programs
- Special programs designed for underperformers in English, math, and sciences, to catch up
- Continuous evaluation and assessment of students
- energetic and highly trained teachers.
- Clean and Child-friendly facilities.
- Security and safety.
curriculum- the school offers a challenge-driven, engaging, and learner-centered program with modern teaching strategies. the curriculum is designed to equip children with a positive attitude towards learning, train them to do higher thinking, and prepare them for globalization. It focuses on the development of the whole child and aims to prepare students to become active, caring, global, and lifelong learners.
Secondary School- In secondary school students start learning Biology, Physics, Chemistry, English Literature, Economics, Business Studies, and Psychology to prepare them for their Cambridge IGCSE and As /A-Level exams. students follow a Cambridge program from Lower Secondary Grades 7 to 9 that leads to the International General Certificate of Education (IGCSE) examinations and later on Advanced Level.
Lower Secondary (S1-3 or Grades 7-9)- Core subjects includeEnglish, Maths, Science, ICT, Geography, and History.Foundation or Non-Academic subjects includeArts, Music, French, Physical Education.
Upper Secondary 1 (Cambridge IGCSE 1-2 or Grades 10-11)- core subjects includeEnglish, Maths, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, ICT, Geography, History, Economics, and Business Studies. Foundation or Non-Academic subjects here include Arts, Music, French, and Physical Education.
Upper Secondary 2 (Cambridge IGCSE 1-2, Grades 12-13)- core subjects offered include English, English Literature, Maths, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, ICT, History, Geography, Economics, and Business Studies. Foundation or Non-Academic subjects are Arts, Music, French, and Physical Education.
Cambridge A-Level
Students who achieve good results in the International General Certificate of Education (IGCSE) examinations will proceed to a two-year Advanced Level program. Advanced level (A Levels) are an internationally recognized qualification and which also enables entrance into university education. Upon entry into the Advanced level, students will choose 3 to 4 subjects to study in Year 12 and some will further specialize in Year 13, after which they will sit for examinations in 3, preferred subjects at the end of the year.
Tuition and fees
School Fees Structure for 2020-21
Grade Level Termly Fees (Fbu) Yearly Fees (Fbu) Meals (Fbu) P/m
Lower Secondary (7-9) 1 100 000 3 300 000 100 000
Upper Secondary (10,11) 1 200 000 3 600 000 100 000
AS and A Levels (12-13) 1 400 000 4 200 000 100 000
Prospective students- below are some of the Required Documents for admission to the school
- original copy of the report card from the former school.
- A copy of the birth certificate.
- Two passport photos.
Bujumbura International Montessori School
This is a private, international school located in Bujumbura. The school is dedicated to providing quality education for children from Crèche, to Secondary school. Children are taught in either French or English-based class groups but they commence to hear, understand and speak the other language as well.
Kindergarten Section
- Established: 2006
- Address: 6 Avenue Rukonwe, Kabondo, Bujumbura, Burundi
- Ages: 3-5
- Duration of study: 2 years
- Primary Languages: English
- Student population: 185
- Terms : 3 terms
- Academic year: September and ends in June
WHY BIMS?
- A well-rounded education in ICT, sport, music, art, and extracurricular activities.
- Great facilities
- Fully qualified staff.
- Safe and child-friendly environment
- A secure environment.
- Separate, safe, and well-equipped playground
Curriculum- Bujumbura International Montessori School follows British National Curriculum with subjects including English, mathematics, science, art and design, computing, design and technology, geography, history, languages, music, and physical education. Students will sit for the Pearson Edexcel International General Certificate for Secondary Education (IGCSE) and International Advanced Level (IAL) which are globally recognized qualifications specifically designed for international learners. The secondary curriculum is organized into key stage 3 (years 7 to 9), and key stage 4 (years 10 and 11), and key stage 5(years 12 and 13).
Prospective students- the following documents are required for students who wish to be enrolled at the school.
- Submit Registration Form
- Birth Certificate
- Previous Academic Year Reports
Tuition and fees- The academic year here is made up of 3 terms and Fees can be paid either Annually, Termly or Monthly.Note as well that fees can be paid in BIF or US$.
Class Annual Termly Monthly US$ Lunch
Creche 1 455 000 485 000 169 750 257 100 000
Kindergarten 2 190 000 730 000 255 500 386 100 000
Key Stage 1 (Yr 1- 2) 2 550 000 850 000 297 500 450 120 000
Key Stage 2 (Yr 3-6) 2 850 000 950 000 332 500 503 140 000
Key Stage 3 (Yr 7-9) 3 600 000 1 200 000 420 000 635 150 000
Key Stage 4 (Yr 10-11) 3 900 000 1 300 000 455 000 688 150 000
Key Stage 5- A Level 4 950 000 1 650 000 577 500 873 160 000
Burundi American International Academy
This is a coeducational, college preparatory, international school in Bujumbura with classes from pre-kindergarten to the 12th grade. The school aims to provide a challenging and outstanding academic program that will develop successful and compassionate leaders for the future.
Secondary school Section
- Established: 2014
- Address: Ndamukiza off Avenue Du Large Kinindo, Bujumbura, Burundi.B.P. 5986
- Duration of study: 7 years
- Student population: 146+
- Primary Languages: English
- Terms : 3 terms
- Academic year: mid-August to late June
Curriculum- the school follows the United States-based curriculum that follows the Common Core Standards. Students take classes in Math, English, Science, French, Social Studies, Technology, and Physical Education, to mention but a few. All non-native English speakers will take extra English as a Second Language (ESL) classes to improve their language skills. Lessons are taught in English to develop fluency and prepare students for the United States examination system but students will also receive a French-language education from Kindergarten to Grade 12.
Prospective Students- the following are required to apply for enrollment at the school:
- Proficiency in languages (French and English), both oral and written,
- Fil application forms
- Filled in Student Health form
- Birth certificate
- passport copy
- Previous Academic Transcripts (where applicable)
Tuition and fees- the following are payable as tuition and other fees, note that All fees are paid in US dollars or 75% in US dollars and 25% in BIF equivalent.
Fee Structure 2021 - 2022
Tuition Fees: Full Year Term Fee Late Payment Fee
Kindergarten 1and 2 $2 250 $750 $75
Grades 1-5 $3 150 $1 050 $105
Grades 6-8 $4 410 $1 470 $147
Grades 9-12 $4 665 $1 555 $156
Pre-registration Fee- For returning students $100
Registration Fee: one-time payment for New Students $400
Discounts include a 10% discount for a second child, 20% for the third child and a 10% discount if the complete tuition is paid in full by August 16th.
Extracurricular activities- students can enjoy a variety of extracurricular activities after classes including art, music, yoga, chess, robotics, dance, table tennis, drumming, and sports which soccer, basketball, and volleyball, to mention but a few.
