Secondary education in Somalia lasts for 4 years from the age of 15 to 18. To complete the secondary education level, students will sit for the national Secondary School leaving certificate. Secondary education prepares students for university or higher education, whereby students will choose combinations that are in line with what they want to study at university. Secondary education is, however, not free and compulsory.
- Grades: 9-12
- Duration: 4 years
- Primary Languages: English
- Terms : 2 terms
- Admission Term: throughout the year
Secondary education here offers a broad curriculum where the following subjects are taught including mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, Somali, Arabic, Islamic studies, English, physical education, geography, and history. All subjects are compulsory, except for physical education. the language of instruction in secondary schools is English, except for the Somali, Arabic, and Islamic courses.
Let’s take a brief look at some international schools offering some of the best education for locals and expatriates in Somalia.
British International College
This is an English medium, multicultural and diverse British international school offering primary and secondary education. It offers education from kindergarten to year 13. The school provides a highly academic curriculum and disciplined environment which enables students to achieve the highest possible qualifications and become globally conscious students who will better their world.
- Address: Hargeisa, Somaliland.
- grades: kindergarten to year 13
- Language of instruction: English
curriculum- the school offers a blend of both the local and British curriculum. The local curriculum prepares students for the 2 major examinations. These national exams are known as the Grade 8 and Form 4 examinations, which are similar in importance to the UK GCSE and A level assessments with regards to progression. a student cannot progress further than grade 8 in the Somaliland curriculum unless they pass the Grade 8 examinations.
the secondary school section here also follows the key stage 3 to 5 of the British curriculum. Key Stage 3 places emphasis on continuing to build a firm grounding in the core subject areas of English, maths, and science. Students start their GCSEs at the end of KS3.
Key Stage 4 offers a more personalized curriculum that is tailored according to the students’ aptitudes and skills. The curriculum in each pathway consists of the core subjects and additionally selected subjects that allow students to progress to Key Stage 5. GCSE subjects include English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Business Studies, Geography, and Citizenship.
Sixth Form- the 6th form aims to prepare the student for university studies. The curriculum offers a combination of subjects according to the students’ choices. The curriculum here is reviewed annually to ensure that it meets the needs of the students.
Prospective students- to apply fr admission to the school, parents of prospective students will need to provide the following documents. class size, however, is limited and Upon confirmation, a registration fee of $90 for each secondary school student is applicable, this will ensure your child's space is reserved.
- prof of the child’s latest academic records
- proof of identity/ birth certificate
- recent passport photograph
- a valid passport
Tuition and fees- tuition and fees for secondary students here are as follows:
Registration fees
Grade 7 to 11 $90
Year Reg Fees Book Fee Monthly Sep-Dec Jan-Mar Apr-Jul Yearly
Yr 7 90 65 140 560 420 560 1540
Yr 8 90 65 140 560 420 560 1540
Yr 9 90 65 140 560 420 560 1540
Yr 10 90 65 140 560 420 560 1540
Yr 11 90 65 140 560 420 560 1540
Yr 12 90 65 180 720 540 720 1980
Yr 13 90 65 200 800 600 800 2200
Darusalaam International Academic School- Mogadishu
This is an international, multicultural school located in Mogadishu. It aims to cater to the diaspora as well as local students. The school incorporates all students from various backgrounds and cultural differences and is dedicated to providing affordable and accessible high-quality education with passion, caring, and mutual respect. The school provides a holistic approach to education where employees, teachers, parents, and students work together to bring excellence in teaching and learning.
- Address: Darusalaam City, Yaaqshiid, Benaadir, Mogadishu - Somalia
- Grades: kindergarten to secondary school.
- Language of instruction: English
curriculum- the school offers the national curriculum of Britain, which uses an inquiry-based and problem-solving skills approach and aims to prepare students to participate in the globalized world. Students work individually as well as in groups to help them develop the confidence they need to become life-long learners. secondary school years, students are prepared to write IGCSE exams, usually written in year 11. Upon successful completion of the IGCSE examinations, students can also take up an A-level certification which will grant them access to university education, if they want to further their education.
facilities- students have access to a variety of facilities including Administration and reception areas, a Fully equipped ICT classroom., an Outdoor football pitch with artificial grass, and outdoor play areas.
Prospective students- students who wish to enroll in the school must provide the following requirements:
- Parents' valid photo ID.
- Child's ID.
- Child's last report card from the previous school.
- Two passport-size photos of the child.
- Child's immunization record.
Extracurricular activities- students here are offered a variety of co-curricular and extracurricular activities to choose from, including:
- Sports Club
- Arts Club
- Math Club
- Chess Club
Tuition and fees
Students are encouraged to pay A non-refundable seat-booking fee of US $ 50 which will be to reserve their place at the school. This seat-booking fee will be applied towards the first month's fees payment. Students who have not paid their fees will not be allowed to write the final examinations.
ELM School
The first, and currently the only, accredited international school in Somaliland which provides a British and Kenyan-based curriculum. The school is host to students from diverse backgrounds who are aged between 15 and 18 years. The school offers the general secondary section and the secondary science section.
primary School Section
- Established: 2007
- Location: Street #1, Opposite Hargeisa Hospital, Hargeisa, Somaliland
- ages: 7-13
- Duration of study: 2 years
- Primary Languages: English
- Terms : 2 terms
- Accreditation: Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges and Universities (ASIC)
Secondary (15-18 years)- secondary school education offers a broader curriculum with subjects including Islamic studies, Arabic, English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, History, Information and Communication Technology, and Business Studies.
Secondary Science(15-18 years)- the classoffers the same syllabus as the secondary school syllabus but classes in this section are math and science-oriented, these include English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Information and Communication Technology.
Tuition and fees- the following are payable as tuition and other fees
Admission fee (new students) $100- non refundable
Kindergarten: $900 per annum
Fees to be paid in 11 installments $82 (August- June)
primary: $900 per annum
Fees to be paid in 11 installments $82 (August- June)
secondary: $1440 per annual
Fees to be paid in 11 installments $130 (August- June)
Fees here are charged in US Dollars and once paid, are non-refundable. Every two years the fee will increase by 5% starting August 2021.
Other schools include:
Mire International School
An international school for children aged 4 to 14 years. The School is the first of its kind in Somalia to offer smart classrooms and stem labs.
Mogadishu International School
Ubax International School
Yamays International School-Wadada Cabdinassir, Galkayo, Somalia
