You will find below a list of the most popular international and bilingual schools for expats in Mali with fee information. The list includes nursery schools, primary and secondary (high) schools for you to find the right school to prepare for the International Baccalaureate and other accreditation in Mali. Schools may follow the American or British curriculums with English speaking program while others run under the French language and system.

Education in Mali

Public education is directed and funded by the Mali government and is free and compulsory for nine years, between the ages of 7 and 16. Unfortunately, Mali has a low rate of enrollment because of the high costs associated with of uniforms, books, and supplies.

International Schools

International schools can be the perfect solution for an expat student (multinational corporation executives, children of diplomats, NGO staff) in Mali. International schools provide similar standards of schooling around the globe, providing for an easy transition between schools whether they are in France or Vietnam.

There is usually local population, as well as an international student body. Schools may follow a curriculum model from the US, UK, France, etc. Primary instruction may be any language (and multiple languages are usually taught), but it is usually in English. Schools also 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 & Membership

• Council of International Schools (CoIS) 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.
• Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA) is among the premier accrediting associations in the world.

International Schools in Bamako

American International School of Bamako (AISB)
Maili(223) 2022 0348
Tuition Rates: US $4,328 - 19,523 per year

A small international school for students aged 2 - 18 years old. It offers an American-style curriculum and Advanced Placement (AP) exams. Established for American students, it follows the U.S. educational program with the language of instruction in English. It also caters to the international community with additional courses in French. AP courses are offered.

Bamako International Academy (BIA)
Address: B.P. E4318 Bamako, Mali
Tel: 223 44380019
Tuition Rates: US $3,500 - 7,500 per year

An English speaking international school from preschool through Calvert School. Students are prepared for MSA international recognition.

Bamako Christian Academy (BCA)
Address: BP 7016, Bamako, Mali
E-mail: admin@bcamali.org
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

BCA was created for missionary parents in Mali for an education in English, based on biblical principles and beliefs. It provides SAT testing and therapy for students with learning disabilities.

French School in Bamako

Lycée Français Liberté
Address: BP. 910, Bamako, Mali
Tel: 223 44-98-01-80
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

French language school from pre-school (CP) to terminale. Preparation for the French baccalaureate in many sectors (ES, L, S) is offered. The school operates under the auspices of the French Ministry for Foreign Affairs and is run in conjunction with the AEFE (Agency for the Teaching of French Abroad).