Expat Education Guide: Schools in Durban

Education Overview

Durban scores 3.0/5 for education quality and 3.0/5 for family-friendliness. The city has 10 school neighborhoods with international, bilingual, and local options for expat families. Expect approximately 24 education-related costs.

Durban's education system offers a mix of quality options, with the city being home to some of KwaZulu-Natal's top-performing schools. The system features strong bilingual capabilities with English and Afrikaans medium schools, plus several prestigious international schools. Options range from no-fee public schools to elite private institutions, with many schools offering the International Baccalaureate and Cambridge curricula alongside the South African National Curriculum.

Quick Stats

Education Score

3.0 /5

Family Score

3.0 /5

School Areas

Cost Items

Estimated Costs

One-Time Costs

$4,785

Monthly Costs

$2,660/mo

Sample Costs

Full Breakdown →

One-Time

School Registration $150

Private School Application Fee $200

International School Application Fee $350

Monthly

Tuition Fees Private $650/mo

Tuition Fees International $1,400/mo

Transportation Monthly $120/mo

Showing 6 of 24 costs — sign up to see all

Top School Neighborhoods

See All 10 →

Umhlanga

Density 4/6

Types: Private, international, and government schools

Notable: Crawford International, Reddam House Umhlanga

Morningside

Density 4/6

Types: Private, public, and some international options

Notable: Durban Girls' College, Clifton College

Durban North

Density 4/6

Types: Private, public, and some international options

Notable: Northlands Girls' High, Northwood School

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Practical Tips

You might want to apply for school admissions in March-April for the following year

popular schools like Westville Boys' High fill up quickly, and late applications face long waiting lists

Consider Crawford International or Reddam House for internationally aligned curricula

They typically offer programs like the IEB, with some campuses providing Cambridge A-Levels, which aid transfer if relocating.

Only consider Afrikaans medium schools if your child is fluent in Afrikaans

These schools operate entirely in Afrikaans, and integrated English support for core subjects is typically not available.

Consider UKZN's Westville campus for its modern feel and better parking

It's perceived as safer and offers good parking, but specific degree programs are campus-dependent.

Useful Links

University of KwaZulu-Natal

Premier public university in Durban offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs with international student support.

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Durban University of Technology

Leading technology university in Durban providing career-focused education and international student admission services.

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KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education

Provincial education authority providing school enrollment procedures and curriculum information for international families.

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Independent Schools Association

Association of private schools offering directory of quality independent schools in Durban area.

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South African Qualifications Authority

Official body for foreign qualification recognition and verification services for education and employment purposes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Durban has 10 neighborhoods with excellent school options. The best areas depend on whether you need international, public, or private schools. Check ReloPlanner for detailed school density scores per neighborhood.

International school tuition in Durban varies widely by school and grade level. Create a free ReloPlanner account to see detailed education cost breakdowns personalized to your family size.

There are approximately 24 education-related costs to consider when moving to Durban, including both one-time and recurring expenses. Create a free ReloPlanner account to see the full personalized cost breakdown.

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Data verified: March 2026

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