You will find below a list of the most popular international and bilingual schools for expats in Afghanistan with fee information. It includes nursery schools, primary and secondary (high) schools and you will find the right school to prepare for International Baccalaureate, and other diploma in Afghanistan. Schools may follow the Afghanistan model with instruction in English, while others follow the French and others follow German education system.

Education in Afghanistan

Afghanistan is in the midst of rebuilding their infastructure, including their education system. It is supervised by the Ministry of Higher Education. Enrollment remains low with inadequate schools and difficulty attracting qualified faculty. Foreign nations like the USA and agencies like UNICEF have interveined to provide financing and resources for education, but many students must work rather than attend school.

The system includes Kindergarden through 12th grade. UNICEF has been establishing Community Based Schools (CBS) and Accelerated Learning Centres (ALC) especially aimed at girls and children from marginalised communities.

International Schools

International schools are the best place for an expat student in Afghanistan. There may be some local population, but the schools are geared for an international student body. Schools usually follow a curriculum model from the US, UK, or France. Primary instruction may be any language (and multiple languages are usually taught), but it is usually in English or French with other secondary languages offered. Many schools provide similar standards of schooling around the globe, providing for an easy transition between schools whether they are in France or Vietnam. Schools often provide internationally accepted accreditation such as the international baccalaureate.

Admission and enrollment procedures vary from school to school. Space is often limited and preference may be given to students based on nationality. Tuition tends to be expensive based on local standards, but offers high standards of learning, boast smaller class sizes, first-rate facilities, and extracurricular. Boarding facilities are available at some schools, but most only provide day classes.

Accreditation

The CoIS (Council of International Schools) is a non-profit association of international schools and post-secondary institutions which provides educational accreditation, teacher and leadership recruitment services, links to higher education, governance assistance and help with founding new schools. 

International Schools in Kabul

Afghan International School (AIS)
Address: Street #6, Qala-e-Fatihullah, Kabul, Afghanistan
Tel: 93 (0) 789 799 114
Tuition Rates: US $180 - 270 per quarter

Opened in 2013, this co-educational school provides English-language instruction for pre-school, kindergarten, primary and secondary students. Students study all subjects required by the Ministry of Education plus supplemental topics designed to bring their education to international standards. It caters to children of expatriate families and to repatriated and resident Afghans. Classes are taught in Dari, Pashto and English to prepare students for English fluency. Students participate in field trips, lectures, music and debate programs, and can select activities tailored to fit individual interests and talents. AIS recognizes Islamic values.

French International Schools in Kabul

Centre d'Enseignement Français en Afghanistan (CEFA)
Address: Ebn-e-Sina, Kabul, Afghanistan
E-mail: lycee.kaboul@free.fr
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

CEFA consists of two Franco-Afghan schools, Lycée Esteqlal and Lycée Malalaï. Established in 1922, they are some of the most prestigious schools in the country. It is a public school, administered by the Afghan Ministry of Education under the contract of AEFE. It offers the French Baccalaureate.

German International Schools in Kabul

Amani High School
Address: Kabul, Afghanistan
Tel: 07631/170659
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Known in German as Förderverein Amani-Oberrealschule Kabul (FAOK), this is an international German school established in 1924. There are classes from 1st to 12th grade held in Dari with German taught as a foreign language by qualified German teachers. Classes are coeducation up to 4th grade with only boys allowed from 5th grade onward. There is a mosque on campus, with a sports field, modern laboratories, etc. The school is under the control of the Afghan Ministry of Education.

Durani High School
Address: 5 Irinikou street, 2670 Nicosia, Cyprus
Tel: 357 22 780527
Email: ruediger.hocke@gmx.de 
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Aisha-i-Durani Mädchengymnasium is the sister school of Amani High School. Female students can finish their studies here.