School fees back home are often the second-largest expense after housing. International schools ($8K-$25K/year per child) vs. private ($2K-$5K) vs. local ($300-$1K) — plus escalation. This calculator projects your total education commitment over all school years.
Annual cost per school type (today's value)
$8K-$25K typical
$2K-$5K typical
$300-$1K typical
Conservative: 5%, Aggressive: 10%+
One-time, per enrollment
Children (2)
Current savings & growth
Education savings invested
Significant gap — prioritize education savings or consider different school tiers.
Significant gap
Only 0% covered. Consider private local schools instead of international — this can cut costs by 4-5×.
These insights are educational and do not constitute financial advice.
Saved plans
No saved plans yet. Save your first plan above.
Understanding the numbers
Education costs in many African cities have risen faster than inflation for years. A school charging $8K/year today may charge $14K/year in 5 years at 12% annual escalation. For diaspora returning with multiple school-age children, the cumulative cost over 10-15 years can rival the cost of buying a home.
The three school tiers
- International schools: $8K-$25K/year per child. American, British, French curricula. Best for kids planning to attend university abroad. Limited spots, often 6+ month waitlist.
- Private schools (local): $2K-$5K/year. Often religiously affiliated or specialized (STEM, IB). Local curriculum but better facilities than public.
- Local public schools: $300-$1K/year (often "free" but with hidden costs: uniforms, books, transport, PTA fees). Quality varies dramatically by region.
The escalation problem
School fees typically rise 6-12% annually in many African cities — well above general inflation. At 10% escalation, a $10K/year school becomes $25K/year in just 10 years. Always model future costs with escalation, not today's flat rates.
Practical advice
- Apply to international schools 6-12 months before you need a spot — waitlists are common.
- Mix is OK — older kids in international, younger in private can save significantly.
- Account for university costs separately — most parents underestimate these massively.
- Some employers offer education allowances — negotiate this into your post-return package.