Braeburn International School Arusha (BISA), nestled in the scenic Kisongo area, 14 kilometers west of Arusha in Tanzania’s Arumeru District, is a premier institution within the esteemed Braeburn Group of International Schools. Since its establishment in 1999 through the acquisition of St. George’s International School, BISA has grown into a sought-after choice for parents seeking a high-quality British curriculum education in East Africa. Renowned for its academic rigor, diverse extracurricular programs, and supportive environment, BISA caters to students from pre-nursery to Year 13, preparing them for global higher education pathways through the British National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, AS/A-Levels, and BTEC qualifications. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Braeburn Arusha International School fees structure for the 2025/2026 academic year, alongside insights into its curriculum, admissions process, extracurricular offerings, and guidance for expatriate families.
Why Choose Braeburn Arusha?
- Accredited Curriculum: Offers the British National Curriculum, ensuring seamless transitions to other British or international systems.
- Multicultural Community: A diverse student body fosters inclusivity, ideal for expatriate families relocating to Tanzania.
- Holistic Education: Combines academics with robust extracurricular programs, including sports, arts, and community service.
- Boarding Options: Flexible full and weekly boarding facilities provide a supportive environment for students.
- Global Recognition: Prepares students for Cambridge IGCSE, AS/A-Levels, and BTEC qualifications, recognized by international universities.
Fees Structure for 2025/2026 Academic Year
Understanding the fees structure is crucial for parents planning their child’s education at BISA. The school’s fees are structured to cover tuition, exercise books, textbook loans, and participation in most school-run clubs. Additional services such as boarding, transportation, examinations, and extracurricular activities incur separate charges. All fees are quoted in Tanzanian Shillings (TSh) unless otherwise stated, and timely payment is essential to maintain the school’s high-quality education standards.
Tuition and Deposit Fees
The following table outlines the annual tuition fees and refundable deposits for the 2025/2026 academic year:
| Year Group | Annual Tuition Fee (TSh) | Deposit (TSh) |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Crèche | 10,353,999 | 450,000 |
| Crèche & Nursery (Half Day) | 12,507,000 | 450,000 |
| Crèche & Nursery (Full Day) | 15,006,000 | 450,000 |
| Reception | 19,091,000 | 900,000 |
| Years 1–2 | 29,131,000 | 650,000 |
| Years 3–6 | 31,687,998 | 650,000 |
| Years 7–9 | 38,189,000 | 650,000 |
| Year 10 | 42,785,000 | 650,000 |
| Year 11* (IGCSE) | 42,785,000 | 650,000 |
| Year 12 (AS / BTEC) | 44,484,000 | 650,000 |
| Year 13* (A2 / BTEC) | 44,484,000 | 650,000 |
Note: For Years 11 and 13, annual fees are divided into two instalments instead of three, reflecting the shorter academic duration due to external examinations.
Boarding Fees
BISA offers full and weekly boarding options for students in Years 3 to 13, providing a supportive environment with accommodation, meals, bedding, internet access, and home study support. Boarding fees include an activity fee for trips and excursions, with any remaining balance carried over to the next term.
| Year Group | Boarding Type | Annual Boarding Fee (TSh) | Deposit (TSh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Years 3–9 | Full Boarding | 22,110,000 | 1,200,000 |
| Years 3–9 | Weekly Boarding | 18,761,000 | 1,200,000 |
| Years 10 & 11* | Full Boarding | 22,523,000 | 1,200,000 |
| Years 10 & 11* | Weekly Boarding | 19,800,000 | 1,200,000 |
| Year 12 | Full Boarding | 23,315,000 | 1,200,000 |
| Year 12 | Weekly Boarding | 19,800,000 | 1,200,000 |
| Year 13* | Full Boarding | 23,315,000 | 1,200,000 |
| Year 13* | Weekly Boarding | 19,800,000 | 1,200,000 |
School Bus Fees (Per Term)
BISA provides transportation services with options for central pick-up points or door-to-door services within zoned areas (A–D). Early Years Centre students have access to door-to-door services only, with an option for one-way transport.
| Service | Zone A (TSh) | Zone B (TSh) | Zone C (TSh) | Zone D (TSh) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kisongo (Primary/Secondary) – Central Pick-Up | 913,000 | 1,028,500 | 1,097,250 | – |
| Kisongo (Primary/Secondary) – Door to Door | 1,226,500 | 1,347,500 | 1,413,500 | – |
| Early Years Centre – Door to Door | 585,750 | 657,250 | 709,500 | – |
Additional Costs
- Enrolment Fees: A one-time fee for new students contributing to the school’s capital development:
- First child: TSh 350,000
- Family (two or more children): TSh 550,000
- Year 12 or 13: TSh 750,000
- Examination Fees: IGCSE, AS, and A-Level exams cost approximately TSh 200,000 per subject, covering registration, entry, and postage. Other exams (e.g., NEA, ABRSM) are invoiced separately.
- Excursions and Activities: Day trips, residential trips, and international events (e.g., World Scholars Cup, Model United Nations) incur additional costs.
- Unpaid Fees: A 1.25% monthly surcharge is applied to outstanding fees after the second week of term. Parents must provide proof of payment to avoid surcharges.
Family Discounts
To support families with multiple children, BISA offers the following tuition fee discounts:
- Second child: 10% discount
- Third child: 15% discount
- Fourth and subsequent children: 17.5% discount
Payment Policies
Fees must be paid on time to avoid disruptions to a student’s education. Payments are made to ABSA Bank, Arusha branch (Account: Braeburn Schools (T) Ltd., Account Number: 4002179, Branch Code: 002, Swift/BIC: BARCTZTZXXX). Monthly instalment plans may be arranged with the Head Teacher’s approval. A full term’s notice in writing is required for withdrawals, or a term’s fees will be charged in lieu.
Curriculum at Braeburn Arusha
BISA follows the British curriculum, aligning with the National Curriculum of England and Wales, which is widely recognized in international schools in Kenya and beyond. This curriculum ensures academic rigor while fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills.
- Early Years (Pre-Crèche to Reception): Focuses on play-based learning, social development, and foundational skills in literacy and numeracy.
- Primary (Years 1–6): Covers core subjects like English, Mathematics, Science, and Humanities, with an emphasis on inquiry-based learning.
- Secondary (Years 7–11): Prepares students for Cambridge IGCSE exams, offering a broad range of subjects tailored to individual interests.
- Sixth Form (Years 12–13): Offers AS/A-Levels and BTEC qualifications, preparing students for international universities. A Sixth Form foundation course (TSh 14,000,000, January–July) supports NECTA students transitioning to A-Levels.
Unlike Nairobi IB schools like the Aga Khan Academy, which emphasize the International Baccalaureate’s inquiry-driven approach, BISA’s British curriculum offers a structured pathway with globally recognized qualifications. The school’s small class sizes and dedicated staff ensure personalized learning, catering to each student’s strengths and interests.
Admissions Process
Enrolling in international schools like BISA requires careful planning. The admissions process is straightforward but requires timely submission of documents and fees.
- Steps to Apply:
- School Tour: Schedule a visit or informal chat with the Head Teacher to explore the campus and facilities.
- Application Form: Complete the application form, available on the school’s website (enquiries@braeburn.sc.tz).
- Fees: Pay a non-refundable registration fee (TSh 5,000) and a refundable deposit (TSh 450,000 for Early Years, TSh 650,000 for Years 1–13, TSh 1,200,000 for boarding).
- Assessment: Students may undergo an assessment to determine their academic level and support needs.
- Confirmation: Upon acceptance, parents receive confirmation and fee payment instructions.
- Key Contacts:
- General Enquiries: enquiries@braeburn.sc.tz, +255 (0) 765 123 145
- Fees: fees@braeburn.sc.tz
BISA accepts students throughout the year, though the academic year begins in September. Early application is recommended due to limited spaces, especially for boarding.
Extracurricular Activities
BISA’s extracurricular program is a cornerstone of its holistic education, complementing the academic rigor of the British curriculum. Students participate in sports, arts, and community service, fostering well-rounded development.
- Sports: Football, swimming, athletics, and hockey, with teams competing in events like the World Schools Games International School World Cup.
- Arts: Drama, music, and visual arts, supported by facilities like a 400-seat theatre used for school and community events.
- Clubs and Competitions: Model United Nations, science fairs, and the Senior Dragon Award Expedition enhance leadership and teamwork skills.
- Community Engagement: Initiatives like environmental projects and charity drives promote social responsibility.
Some activities, such as specialized sports or international trips, may incur additional costs, detailed in official letters from the Head Teacher.
Expat Guide: Relocating to Arusha
For expatriate families moving to Tanzania, BISA offers a welcoming environment tailored to diverse needs. Its proximity to international schools in Kenya like Braeburn Nairobi or Mombasa makes it an attractive option for families familiar with the Braeburn Group.
- Multicultural Environment: With students from over 20 nationalities, BISA fosters inclusivity and cultural appreciation, ideal for expats.
- Boarding Facilities: Full and weekly boarding options provide flexibility for families with demanding schedules or those living outside Arusha.
- Support Services: Dedicated house parents, medical cover, and academic support ensure a smooth transition for boarding students.
- Location: Situated in Kisongo, 14 km west of Arusha, the school is easily accessible via school buses or private transport.
- Expat-Friendly Features: English-language instruction, a British curriculum, and extracurriculars align with global education standards, easing transitions for students from Nairobi IB schools or other international systems.
Families relocating from Nairobi, Mombasa, or Kisumu will find BISA’s facilities comparable to top international schools in Kenya, with the added benefit of Arusha’s serene environment and proximity to natural attractions like Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park.
Comparison with Other International Schools
While BISA is located in Tanzania, it shares similarities with international schools in Kenya like Braeburn Nairobi, Aga Khan Academy Mombasa, and the International School of Kenya (ISK). Here’s how BISA compares:
- Curriculum: Unlike Nairobi IB schools offering the IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP), BISA focuses on the British curriculum, appealing to families seeking IGCSE and A-Level pathways.
- Fees: BISA’s fees are competitive, with tuition for Year 1 (TSh 29,131,000) lower than ISK’s KSh 4,120,811 for a 4-year-old.
- Boarding: BISA’s boarding fees (TSh 18,761,000–23,315,000) are structured similarly to Braeburn Kisumu or Mombasa, offering flexibility for expats.
- Extracurriculars: BISA’s programs rival those of British curriculum Kenya schools, with a strong emphasis on sports and international competitions.
Braeburn International School Arusha stands out as a leading choice for families seeking a British curriculum education in Tanzania. Its comprehensive fees structure for 2025/2026 reflects a commitment to quality education, covering tuition, boarding, and transportation, with family discounts and flexible payment options. The school’s adherence to the British National Curriculum, coupled with robust extracurricular programs and a multicultural environment, prepares students for global success. For expatriate families relocating to Arusha or those familiar with international schools in Kenya, BISA offers a seamless transition with its inclusive community and world-class facilities. For further details or to begin the admissions process, contact BISA at enquiries@braeburn.sc.tz or +255 (0) 765 123 145.
