IB schools in Kigali

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is one of the most portable school programmes in the world, which is why many globally mobile families look for IB schools in Kigali. This page explains how the IB works, which Kigali school offers it, what it costs as of October 2026 and how we can help you apply. We give neutral facts only, with sources, and we never rank schools.

The IB was founded on 25 October 1968 and is based in Geneva. Its programmes are taught in schools across many countries, so a child who leaves an IB school in Nairobi, Dubai or Brussels can often continue the same framework in Kigali.

How the IB programmes work

The IB has four programmes. A school can offer one, several or all of them.

Programme	Ages	What it looks like
Primary Years Programme (PYP)	3 to 12	Inquiry-based learning across subjects, built around units of study
Middle Years Programme (MYP)	12 to 16	Eight subject groups, each graded out of 7, for a total out of 56
Diploma Programme (DP)	16 to 19	Six subjects plus Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service; maximum 45 points
Career-related Programme (CP)	16 to 19	Combines IB courses with career-related study

The Diploma Programme is the part most parents ask about. It runs over two years, usually Grades 11 and 12. Students choose six subjects across six groups. On top of their subjects, they write the Extended Essay, take a Theory of Knowledge course, and complete Creativity, Activity, Service projects. The total score is out of 45.

IB in Kigali: Green Hills Academy

Green Hills Academy is an IB World School, authorised since 2005 according to its doris.school profile. It is authorised for:

• the Primary Years Programme from Nursery 1 to Grade 5;
• the Middle Years Programme from Grade 6 to Grade 10;
• the Diploma Programme and the Career-related Programme in Grades 11 and 12.

The school lists its campus at KG 278 St, Kigali, and takes applications through an online register of interest. Its 2026/27 annual tuition ranges from RWF 3,820,000 to RWF 7,680,000, with a one-off application fee of RWF 200,000, and the annual fee can be paid in three equal instalments. Rates differ for Rwandan students, non-Rwandan students and students sponsored by an organisation, so ask the school which rate applies to you.

Before you plan around any school, check the IB's own "Find an IB World School" directory for the current list of authorised programmes in Rwanda, because authorisations can change.

Is the IB right for your child?

The IB suits many children, but not all. Think about these points:

• Mobility: if you expect to move again, the IB's international footprint is a strong advantage.
• Breadth: the Diploma keeps students studying languages, sciences, maths and humanities until 18. Students who want to specialise early may prefer A Levels at a British curriculum school.
• Workload: the Extended Essay and internal assessments spread work across two years. Organised, self-motivated students tend to manage best.
• University plans: if your child is aiming at North American universities, compare the IB with AP courses at American curriculum schools. Both are widely accepted.
• Language: IB programmes include language learning alongside the language of instruction. Children with French can often continue it, which helps families also considering French schools in Kigali.

Joining mid-programme

Timing matters most in the Diploma years. Moving in the middle of the two-year course is hard, because subject choices and coursework differ between schools. If your child is in Grade 10 or 11, contact the school early and send course outlines and reports from the current school.

Joining the PYP or MYP is usually simpler. Teachers expect new students from other systems, especially in a city with a mobile population like Kigali.

What we do for IB families

1. Fit check: we look at your child's current curriculum, grade and languages and tell you honestly whether the IB is a good fit, or whether a Cambridge, American or French school might suit better.
2. Costs: we put published tuition, one-off fees and extras into one annual figure, so you can compare like with like. See our school fees guide.
3. Applications: we help gather reports, passport copies and immunisation records, and track the school's deadlines.
4. Placement: we help you prepare for assessments and conversations about grade placement.
5. Plan B: we suggest alternatives in case the year group is full.

Practical tips for IB families moving to Kigali

• Ask your current school for the last two years of reports and a course outline before you leave. Some subjects are hard to describe later.
• For Diploma students, keep a record of any internal assessments already completed.
• Plan your housing with the daily journey in mind. Morning traffic on Kigali's hills can turn a short distance into a long trip.
• Read our admissions guide for a full document checklist and timeline.

Keep in mind that our role is advisory: the school makes every admissions decision, and you pay the school directly.

Talk to us about IB options

Use the form on this page to tell us your child's age, grade and current curriculum, your budget and your start date. We will explain the IB options in Kigali, the realistic alternatives, and the next steps to apply.