Verified Facts

Official NameKingdom of Eswatini
CapitalMbabane
Population1.2 million
Area17,364 kmΒ² (6,704 sq mi)
LanguagesEnglish, Swazi
CurrencySwazi lilangeni (L), South African rand (R)
TimezoneUTC+02:00
RegionAfrica / Southern Africa
Drives onLeft
Source: REST Countries API

The education system in Eswatini is a relatively well-structured system that provides students with a variety of opportunities to pursue their academic and professional goals, with both public and private institutions available.

Quick Facts

Literacy Rate87.5%
School System7 years of compulsory education
Language of InstructionEnglish
Academic CalendarJanuary to December
International Schoolsavailable
Top University Rankingranked among the top 5 universities in Southern Africa

Education System Overview

The education system in Eswatini is divided into three main levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary education. Primary education is compulsory for all children between the ages of 6 and 13, and is provided free of charge by the government. Secondary education is also provided by the government, as well as by private schools, and typically lasts for 5 years. Tertiary education is available at universities and colleges, and provides students with a range of academic and professional programs to choose from. The quality of education in Eswatini is generally considered to be good, with a strong emphasis on academic achievement and vocational training. However, there are some challenges facing the education system, including a shortage of qualified teachers and a lack of resources in some schools.

The education system in Eswatini is overseen by the Ministry of Education and Training, which is responsible for setting education policy and standards. The ministry works closely with schools and universities to ensure that students receive a high-quality education that prepares them for success in their future careers. In addition to public schools, there are also a number of private schools in Eswatini that offer a range of academic programs and extracurricular activities. These schools are often preferred by parents who can afford to pay the tuition fees, as they are seen as providing a higher quality education than public schools.

Overall, the education system in Eswatini provides students with a range of opportunities to pursue their academic and professional goals. While there are some challenges facing the system, the government and other stakeholders are working to address these issues and improve the quality of education in the country.

Top Universities

UniversityLocationKnown ForEst. Tuition (USD/year)
University of EswatiniKwaluseniagriculture, education, humanities2,500
Southern African Nazarene UniversityManzinitheology, business, health sciences3,000
Limkokwing University of Creative TechnologyMbabanecreative arts, design, technology4,000
Eswatini College of TechnologyMbabaneengineering, technology, applied sciences2,000
Eswatini Christian UniversityManzinitheology, education, social sciences1,500
Eswatini Institute of Management and Public AdministrationMbabanepublic administration, management, business1,000

International Schools

  • There are a number of international schools in Eswatini that offer a range of academic programs, including the International Baccalaureate (IB) and British and American curricula.
  • These schools are often preferred by expatriate families and wealthy locals who can afford to pay the tuition fees, as they are seen as providing a high-quality education that prepares students for success in their future careers.
  • The costs of attending an international school in Eswatini can be quite high, with tuition fees ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 per year.
  • International schools in Eswatini are typically located in the major urban centers, such as Mbabane and Manzini.
  • Some of the most well-known international schools in Eswatini include the Waterford Kamhlaba School and the St. Mark's School.

Studying as a Foreigner

  • To study in Eswatini as a foreigner, you will need to obtain a student visa, which can be applied for at the Eswatini embassy or consulate in your home country.
  • You will also need to meet the language requirements for your chosen program, which may include English language proficiency tests such as IELTS or TOEFL.
  • There are a number of scholarships available to international students who want to study in Eswatini, including government scholarships and scholarships offered by individual universities.
  • The cost of living in Eswatini can be relatively low, with accommodation and food costs ranging from $500 to $1,000 per month.
  • As a foreign student in Eswatini, you will have access to a range of support services, including academic advising, language support, and cultural orientation.
  • You will also have the opportunity to experience the unique culture and history of Eswatini, and to learn about the country's traditions and customs.

Education Quality & Challenges

  • One of the major strengths of the education system in Eswatini is its emphasis on academic achievement and vocational training, which provides students with a range of skills and knowledge that they can use in their future careers.
  • However, there are also some challenges facing the education system, including a shortage of qualified teachers and a lack of resources in some schools.
  • The government has implemented a number of reforms aimed at improving the quality of education in Eswatini, including the introduction of new curricula and teaching methods.
  • Despite these challenges, the education system in Eswatini has made significant progress in recent years, with enrollment rates increasing and literacy rates improving.
  • The government and other stakeholders are continuing to work to address the challenges facing the education system, and to improve the quality of education in Eswatini.