Elite education

How Much Does It Really Cost to Raise a Private School Child in SA? (2025)

Published

2 months ago

June 27, 2025

Chiraag

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Hint: It’s more than just the school fees.

The R2.5–R4 Million Question: Is Private Education Worth the Price?

For many South African parents, the dream of giving their child a top-tier private education is tied to hopes of safety, opportunity, and future success. But in 2025, that dream is coming at a jaw-dropping cost – often between R2.5 million and R4 million per child over their full school journey.

This is the stark financial reality for families navigating the rising costs of private schooling in a country where public education is heavily funded but often falls short on delivery.

So, what does it actually cost to raise a child through private education in South Africa today? Here’s the no-fluff breakdown.

Also read: Top International Schools in Johannesburg (2025 Guide)

From Crèche to Cap and Gown: The Full Cost of Private Education

From the first lunchbox in nursery school to the graduation cap at university, the private education journey is steep – and only getting steeper.

1. Primary & High School Fees (2025)

Day schools average between R71,000 and R220,000+ per year.
Boarding schools range from R105,000 to over R420,000 annually.

Some top-tier examples include:

Hilton College (KZN): R420,729
Michaelhouse (KZN): R392,000
Roedean School for Girls (Johannesburg): R387,093
St John’s College (Johannesburg): R376,589

The average fee increase in 2025 sits at 6.9%, significantly outpacing 2024’s general inflation of 2.9%.

2. Tertiary Education

A three-year university degree at a South African institution now costs approximately R660,000 or more, depending on the field of study.

3. Hidden and Additional Costs

Parents should also budget for:

Uniforms, books, transport, sports, and tech – around R1,000 to R3,000/month
Extra classes, school trips, clubs, and overseas excursions – often necessary, not optional
Many families are now spending R400,000+ annually when all expenses are included

Why Are Fees So High – And Still Rising?

Prestige and Infrastructure

Elite schools justify their fees with world-class campuses, smaller class sizes, international networks, and modern educational tools.

Inflation and Demand

Private school fees have increased consistently above inflation – at CPI + 2.6% over the last decade. Demand remains strong, especially in urban centres like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Pretoria.

Public Education Gaps

Despite a R457 billion allocation in the 2023/24 budget, public education in SA is under pressure. A University of Pretoria study in 2023 found that 81% of Grade 4 learners in the country struggle to read for meaning. For many parents, private schooling feels like the only reliable option.

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Image 1: Youthland Academy

What Parents Are Saying

Across social media platforms, South African parents are voicing frustration and fatigue:

“I’m working two jobs and still barely keeping up with school fees. It’s either give my son the best shot, or downgrade my life,” wrote one Johannesburg father.

“The costs are crazy – but the difference in quality is day and night. Public schools aren’t even an option for me anymore,” shared a single mom from Pretoria.

Some are turning to online or hybrid schooling, while others are investigating scholarships, international programmes, or community-supported alternatives.

Is It Worth It?

That depends on your child, your values, and your financial capacity. While private education doesn’t guarantee success, it often provides:

Smaller class sizes and better infrastructure
More consistent academic outcomes
Access to elite social and professional networks
A safer, more supportive learning environment

In 2025, private schooling isn’t just a privilege – for many South African families, it’s an investment in their child’s future.

Raising a private school child in South Africa today isn’t just a parenting milestone – it’s a long-term financial strategy. It requires savings, planning, sacrifices, and regular reassessment.

Best advice? Start early, stay informed, and make sure your child’s education is working for your family – not just draining your bank account.