Theoretically, primary education is free for the basic level of education. Primary education in Burundi encompasses six grades between the ages of 7 and 13. Since 2013, Burundi has implemented major reforms in its education system, to improve the quality of education and enrolment.
The 6 years of primary schooling and 4 years of high school have been replaced by a complete cycle of fundamental education that is divided into 4 cycles which include the 3 cycles of two years which encompass primary education and the fourth cycle which covers grades 7 to 9. Basic education in Burundi hence covers 9 years of primary education. the 4th year of high school was definitively abolished in 2016.
Primary education
- Ages : 7-13 years
- Grades : Grade 1-6
- Duration of study : 6 years
- Primary Languages : French
- Terms : 3 terms
- Admission Term : throughout the year
Curriculum- the primary school curriculum encompasses a variety of subjects including English, Maths, Science, ICT, Social Studies, Arts, Music, French, and Physical Education, to mention but a few. Students will sit for a primary exam in these subjects in the 6th grade to assess their performance and as a requirement to enter into lower secondary education.
Various schools offer education to both locals and expatriates in Burundi. Most of these offer an international curriculum while others offer a combined or blended curriculum with local and international aspects.
These schools include:
The Kings School
This is a Christian, English-speaking, international school in Bujumbura, Burundi. The school offers an international standard of education that is based on the UK curriculum and caters to children aged 18months to 18 years. The school aims to produce students Who are equipped both spiritually and academically.
Primary school section
- Address: BP1560, Bujumbura, Burundi
- grades: kindergarten to year 6
- international student representation: 20+ nationalities.
- Language of instruction: English
Academic programs- the school follows the UK curriculum combined with a Christian Curriculum. It aims to equip and train future leaders who will bring transformation to the country which has been torn apart by war. Students here benefit from regular sports lessons, computer studies, and a variety of activities including music, dance, and drama, to mention but a few.
The French Nelson Mandela School- Bujumbura
It is an international school that offers a complete curriculum from Kindergarten to the 12th grade. The school accepts students from multiple nationalities and has a no-discrimination policy.
Elementary school Section
- Location: Boulevard de l'UPRONA 2630, Bujumbura, Burundi
- ages: 6-12
- Duration of study: 6 years
- Primary Languages: French
- Terms : 3 terms
The school aims to help each student to become more independent and acquire knowledge and skills that will make them succeed to succeed in various areas. There are 8 primary classes at the school for 5 teaching levels, namely
- 2 classes of CP
- 2 CE1 classes
- A class of CE2
- A class of CM1
- A class of CM1 / CM2
- A CM2 class.
During the five years of elementary school, students will acquire skills that will make them capable of learning throughout their academic journey.
The objectives of the EFB training include Mastery of the French language and elements of mathematics, Development of the children’s intelligence, know-how, and interpersonal skills, Acquisition of a historical, geographical, scientific, and technical culture, of an artistic sensibility, of manual, physical and sporting skills,
Visual and musical arts education, Proficiency in a modern foreign language and Understanding how to use media responsibly, respect for others, irrespective of the differences.
- Curriculum- the curriculum here include the following:
- Core (Academics)
- Primary (Grade 1-6)- English, Maths, Science, ICT, Social Studies
- Foundation (Non-Academics)- Arts, Music, French, and Physical Education
Tuition and fees- the following are payable as tuition and other fees for the Year 2021- 2022: Registration fees (to be paid at the time of registration)
registration fees: 200 Euros
Insurance and cooperative costs:
Class Assurance Cooperative
Kindergarten 5 € € 120
Elementary 5 € € 170
Middle School 5 € € 170
Registration is validated upon presentation of proof of payment of the above fees.
2- School fees (Minerval)
Class Per Quarter Per Year
Kindergarten and Elementary € 888 € 2 665
Extracurricular activities- The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities that include choir, cooking, games, and theater in English, breakdance, photography, chess, mini-tennis, computers, coding, Music Club, cooperation games, Judo, Mini-tennis, Oral expression workshop, Mini-tennis, Pottery and crafts, Dances (African, hip-hop, etc.), Athletic games, English games, Chess, Baby Gym, Storytime, Creative hobbies, Computer initiation, Choir, Board games, Acrobatics, Volley-ball, Traditional sports games, drawing, Creation Web, Gymnastics, Handball, Badminton, Swimming, Drama club, Circus (tightrope walking, juggling), Table Tennis, Rugby, Nature club, the Traditional sports game, and more.
Burundi American International Academy
This is a college preparatory school that offers education from pre-kindergarten to the twelfth grade and is located in Bujumbura. The school aims to provide a challenging and outstanding academic program that develops successful and compassionate leaders for the future.
Elementary-school Section
- Established: 2014
- Address: Ndamukiza off Avenue Du Large Kinindo, Bujumbura, Burundi.B.P. 5986
- ages: 6-12
- Duration of study: 6 years
- Student population: 146+
- Primary Languages: English
- Terms : 3 terms
- Academic year: mid-August to late June
Curriculum- the education offered here follows a United States-based curriculum that follows the Common Core Standards. Subjects include Maths, English, Science, French, Social Studies, Technology, and Physical Education, and English as a Second Language (ESL) for non-english speakers.
Prospective Students- students must ensure that they provide:
- A Filled in application form
- A Filled in Student Health form
- Student’s 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 the 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 are available and 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 which include art, music, yoga, chess, robotics, dance, table tennis, drumming, and sports which soccer, basketball, and volleyball, to mention but a few.