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Taught languages English, Swahili, French, Spanish
Typical class size 8
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, High School, Sixth Form
Introduction
International School of Tanganyika (IST) is an independent, private, not-for-profit day school with campuses in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. It serves ages 3 to 18 and offers the International Baccalaureate programmes in the Elementary and Secondary years: PYP, MYP and DP. IST was authorized as an IB World School in January 2021 and has a history dating to 1963, when it was created by parents with support from Geneva-based International Schools Association. Two campuses—Elementary in Upanga and Secondary on the Masaki/Msasani Peninsula—house facilities, including over 30 air‑conditioned classrooms on the Elementary campus and over 50 on the Secondary site, plus dedicated music and art spaces and Early Childhood rooms renovated in 2021. The Secondary campus features science and design technology labs opened in 2009 and an Athletic Center opened in 2021. IST emphasises co-curriculars—arts, athletics, service learning, and Extended Studies Programme—with clubs such as Model United Nations and service partnerships.
International School of Tanganyika has 889 pupils, typical class sizes of 8, instruction in English.
Location
IST is an independent, private, not-for-profit day school located on two campuses in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The elementary and secondary campuses serve students from Pre-K through Grade 12. The school operates within Dar es Salaam's urban environment.
Stages
IST offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme across the Primary Years Programme for Early Years to Grade 5, the Middle Years Programme (Grades 6–10), and the Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12).
Type
Independent, private, not-for-profit day school governed by parents.
Pupil Nationality Mix
Nationalities represented include Tanzania (22%), United States (15%), United Kingdom (10%), India (8%), Germany (4%), South Africa (4%), Canada (4%), China (3%), Netherlands (3%), Sweden (3%), Denmark (2%), Australia (1%), Italy (1%), Kenya (1%), and Norway (1%), among others.
Additional learning support
Student Services include a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to address academic and social-emotional needs, English as an Additional Language (EAL), Learning Support and Counseling.
Bus service
IST operates a bus system across both campuses, transporting students between the elementary and secondary campuses and from home to school. In the morning, a bus departs from the secondary campus to transport students to the elementary campus and returns in the late afternoon.
Fees
Annual tuition at International School of Tanganyika ranges from TZS 46,890,000 to TZS 97,170,000 for 2026/27.
Application fees
- Application fee: TZS 1,300,000.
Tuition fees (annual and per term) — 2025–2026 school year
- Annual tuition (Tanzanian Shillings): - Early Childhood (EC1–EC2): TZS 46,890,000 per year. - Kindergarten – Grade 5: TZS 68,510,000 per year. - Grade 6 – Grade 8: TZS 79,450,000 per year. - Grade 9 – Grade 10: TZS 84,400,000 per year. - Grade 11 – Grade 12 (IBDP 1 & 2): TZS 97,170,000 per year.
- Per-term tuition (school year is organised into four terms; per-term = annual ÷ 4): - Early Childhood (EC1–EC2): TZS 11,722,500 per term. - Kindergarten – Grade 5: TZS 17,127,500 per term. - Grade 6 – Grade 8: TZS 19,862,500 per term. - Grade 9 – Grade 10: TZS 21,100,000 per term. - Grade 11 – Grade 12: TZS 24,292,500 per term.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- An Annual Tuition Fee is payable for each student for the full school year; fees are invoiced on a termly basis for practical billing. New students joining after the school year begins are invoiced pro rata on a termly basis. If a student begins during the first four weeks of a term, the full term fee is invoiced; from week five onwards, half the term's fee applies. Seat reservation requires the relevant term's Annual Tuition Fee payment.
- Annual Tuition Deposit: TZS 2,610,000 (deductible from the first tuition payment). Family Deposit: TZS 1,300,000 (listed as a required deposit). Annual Capital Fee: TZS 3,130,000.
- Building fees (one‑off for new students): - Grade 11 & 12 Building Fee: TZS 26,050,000. - Building Fee for Early Childhood to Grade 10: Option 1 — payable in full TZS 26,050,000; Option 2 — payable in three instalments over three years TZS 10,420,000 (per the published fee schedule).
Boarding fees
- Boarding is not provided. Students must reside with parents/guardians or arrange local accommodation; the school does not provide boarding or transport.
Other costs and routine charges
- Alumni fee (new student): TZS 260,000.
- Uniform (prices from the school uniform shop, inclusive of VAT): - Polo shirts (Elementary & Secondary): TZS 28,000 each. - IST hoodie: TZS 55,000. - Library bag (Elementary only): TZS 20,000. - Girls swimsuits: TZS 95,000. - Boys swim trunks: TZS 95,000. - Soccer socks: TZS 14,000.
- The annual tuition covers operating costs, textbooks (use of textbooks), some extracurricular activities and workbooks. It does not cover uniforms, student transport, lunch/canteen or personal school supplies; these are invoiced or charged separately as appropriate.
Refund information
- Refunds apply only to unattended future terms after written notification of withdrawal is submitted at least four calendar weeks before the start of the new term(s). No refunds are made for partial completion of a term or for capital/portion fees. Refunds are calculated on the basis of school days and apply to tuition fees only. Refund payments are made by crossed cheque or by bank transfer; the school does not accept responsibility for bank charges. The school reserves the right to deny entry to pupils in arrears of fees.
Fee payment options and practical payment notes
- Acceptable payment methods: bank/wire transfer to the school's accounts, cheque (presented to the Fees Office), and credit card (Visa and MasterCard; credit card payments attract an additional surcharge). The school does not accept payment of school fees in hard cash. Credit card surcharges published: Visa 3.5% and MasterCard 4%. When paying by bank transfer, parents should provide a copy of the bank/wire transfer advice so the school can record and receipt the payment. The school is not responsible for incoming bank transfer charges/commissions; such charges, if incurred, are usually debited to the paying family.
- Fees are presented in Tanzanian Shillings (TZS, published in millions) and the school uses an internal exchange rate for payments received in other currencies; parents are advised to contact the Billing department for the exchange‑rate rulings on the date of payment when paying in TZS, GBP, EUR or USD.
Academics
International School of Tanganyika teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 3 to 18.
Curriculum
The school teaches the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum programmes in the Elementary and Secondary years, including the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). IST was authorized as an IB World School in January 2021.
Student Teacher Ratio
The student-to-teacher ratio is 8:1.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school supports social and emotional growth through a dedicated Student Support Department that includes a learning support team and a Counseling Department. Life Centered Education is part of IST's approach to student well-being. English as an Additional Language (EAL) and counseling services are provided as needed. The MTSS model is used to adjust supports based on academic, social-emotional and language needs.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
IST has Learning Support and English as an Additional Language (EAL) teams that partner with classroom teachers to support students. Small group interventions are available, and the school explicitly supports neurodiverse learners. EAL services are provided as necessary.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Early Childhood and Kindergarten have no minimum English requirements. Primary Years admissions do not require English proficiency, and EAL services are provided as necessary. For Grades 6-12, some English language proficiency is required for admission, and EAL services are available as needed.
Mental Wellbeing
A Counseling Department is part of IST's Student Support, addressing social-emotional wellbeing. The school emphasizes social-emotional growth and provides dedicated support through the Student Support Department. MTSS underpins supports for student well-being alongside counseling and EAL services.
Safeguarding
IST is committed to protecting students in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and Tanzanian law. All job applicants undergo child-protection screening, police background checks, and reference checks related to safeguarding. The Child Protection Policy is in effect, and the Safeguard Officer is Mr. Riley DuBois; concerns can be emailed to CPO@istafrica.com.
Admissions
Admissions
Submit online application form. IST has rolling admission throughout the school year. Grades 9–12 must enroll at the start of Semester 1 (August) or Semester 2 (January). If joining after the start of the school year (term 2, 3 or 4) processing may be delayed until August if the Grade level is near capacity. Pay the non-refundable application fee and complete all items on the application checklist. Only completed applications are reviewed for admissions consideration. Submitting the application early improves the chance of admission.
Scholarships
IB Diploma Scholarship: merit- and need-based; two-year full-tuition scholarship covering IB I and II (Grades 11 and 12) for Tanzanian students who completed the Tanzanian national curriculum through NECTA; applications for 2026–2027 are closed. Beacon Scholarship Programme: for financially disadvantaged students with strong leadership qualities; tuition is split three ways between the School, Beacon, and Scholar Parents/Sponsors/Guardians. Learn more about the Beacon scholarship.
FAQs
What curriculum does International School of Tanganyika offer?
International School of Tanganyika offers IB, International Baccalaureate curriculums. The school teaches the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum programmes in the Elementary and Secondary years, including the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). IST was authorized as an IB World School in January 2021.
What age range does International School of Tanganyika cater for?
International School of Tanganyika accepts students from age 3 to 18. IST offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme across the Primary Years Programme for Early Years to Grade 5, the Middle Years Programme (Grades 6–10), and the Diploma Programme (Grades 11–
What are the fees at International School of Tanganyika?
Annual fees at International School of Tanganyika range from approximately 46,890,000 to 97,170,000. **Application fees** - Application fee: TZS 1,300,000. **Tuition fees (annual and per term) — 2025–2026 school year** - Annual tuition (Tanzanian Shillings): - Early Childhood (EC1–EC2): TZS 46,890,000 per year. - Kindergarten – Grade 5: TZS 68,510,000 per year. - Grade 6 – Grade 8: TZS 79,450,000 per year.
Where is International School of Tanganyika located?
International School of Tanganyika is located in Tanzania. IST is an independent, private, not-for-profit day school located on two campuses in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The elementary and secondary campuses serve students from Pre-K through Grade 12. The school operates within Dar es Salaam's urban environment.
Is International School of Tanganyika co-educational?
International School of Tanganyika is a co-educational school. Independent, private, not-for-profit day school governed by parents.
How do I apply to International School of Tanganyika?
The admissions process at International School of Tanganyika: Submit online application form. IST has rolling admission throughout the school year. Grades 9–12 must enroll at the start of Semester 1 (August) or Semester 2 (January).
Does International School of Tanganyika offer scholarships or financial aid?
International School of Tanganyika offers scholarships and financial aid.
What learning support does International School of Tanganyika provide?
International School of Tanganyika provides learning support services. IST has Learning Support and English as an Additional Language (EAL) teams that partner with classroom teachers to support students. Small group interventions are available, and the school explicitly supports neurodiverse learners. EAL services are provided as necessary.
Does International School of Tanganyika offer English as an Additional Language (EAL) support?
Early Childhood and Kindergarten have no minimum English requirements. Primary Years admissions do not require English proficiency, and EAL services are provided as necessary. For Grades 6-12, some English language proficiency is required for admission, and EAL services are available as needed.
What facilities does International School of Tanganyika have?
IST operates two campuses: Elementary in Upanga and Secondary on the Masaki/Msasani Peninsula. The Secondary campus has more than 50 air‑conditioned classrooms and state‑of‑the‑art Science and Design Technology labs opened in 2009. The Athletic Center on the Secondary campus opened in 2021. The Elem Sports facilities include: The Secondary campus features an Athletic Center opened in 2021. The Elementary campus has an open field, covered courts, and a multipurpose hall for sports and recreation.
What extra-curricular activities are available at International School of Tanganyika?
International School of Tanganyika offers a range of extra-curricular activities. Music introduces students to forms, styles, and functions through composition, performance, and analysis, and students develop practical and communicative skills as they grow as musicians both individually and collaboratively.
Who is the head of International School of Tanganyika?
The head of school at International School of Tanganyika is Melanie Vrba.
How many students attend International School of Tanganyika?
International School of Tanganyika has approximately 889 students. The school serves students from age 3 to 18.
When was International School of Tanganyika founded?
International School of Tanganyika was founded in 1963. IST was created in 1963 by a group of parents with the help of the Geneva-based International Schools Association. It is an independent, private, not-for-profit day school located on two campuses in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Does International School of Tanganyika have a uniform policy?
Grades 6–10 wear a blue, grey, or yellow IST shirt (or ISSEA black travel shirt) with black, navy or khaki bottoms; a PE uniform is required for PE (sports shorts and IST PE shirt) with athletic shoes.
What is the parent community like at International School of Tanganyika?
IST is a parent-governed, independent, non-profit school. Parents can serve on the Board and volunteer in the Elementary and Secondary Parent Networks, where they can serve as guest speakers, class pa IST is governed by a parent-led Board of Governors.
