Education and schools in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The education system in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is generally poor and underdeveloped. Expats are not likely to enrol their children in the local schooling system, and rather tend to look for international schools.

The number of international schools in the DRC is limited, and most are concentrated in the country's capital, Kinshasa, and the second-largest city, Lubumbashi. Homeschooling presents an additional option for expat families.

Public schools in the DRC

Unfortunately, local public schools are usually under-resourced and lack adequate teaching staff and equipment.

The local curriculum is based on the Belgian education system, with six years of primary and six years of high school. The language of instruction is French. The education system is divided into: 

• Ecole Maternelle (Kindergarten) – ages 3 to 5 
• Ecole Primaire (Primary School) – ages 6 to 11
• Ecole Secondaire (Secondary School) – ages 12 to 17

The secondary school programme is divided into a lower level, which is typically two years and an upper level, which continues from ages 14 to 17. 

Due to the poor quality of the public schooling system, expats are highly unlikely to enrol their children in a local school. Rather, parents choose to send their children to an international or boarding school back home or abroad.

Private and international schools in the DRC

There are a few private and international schools in the DRC. Most are located in Kinshasa and Lubumbashi. Some private schools offer bilingual education programmes, while others are mainly English or French-speaking.

One of the most prominent international schools is The American School of Kinshasa, and many expats living in the capital decide to send their children there.

In addition to the cost of living, fees at international schools are expensive. Expats moving to the DRC as part of a corporate relocation should ensure that their employment package can cover these costs.

While international schools may be pricier than public or private schools, these schools typically offer mobile families an opportunity to continue their children's education seamlessly. International schools also offer globally recognised curricula like the American, British, and International Baccalaureate system. 

Nurseries in the DRC

Parents moving to the DRC may be worried about finding the best kindergarten or preschool for their toddlers. While the options will be more limited than in other expat destinations, several international schools offer early learning programmes. These schools recognise the value of early education and guide young children in basic communication and numeracy.

Parents of young children may find they integrate better into school life than older students, particularly regarding language. English and French are the main languages of instruction, and young kids typically pick up languages more easily.

Homeschooling in the DRC

Given that the legal status of homeschooling in the DRC is unclear, expat parents see this as an alternative schooling option. On the one hand, public schools are generally underfunded, while international schools can be exorbitant. Homeschooling helps expat families find a good balance.

If you want to homeschool your children, we recommend doing research on various curricula. You can also contact expats living in the country through social media pages for personal guidance and advice.

Special educational needs in the DRC

Unfortunately, access to special-needs education in the DRC is limited. We advise that expats contact and consult with private schools to determine whether the services they offer are suitable.

For instance, the American School of Kinshasa typically supports students with mild to moderate learning barriers. The school advocates for inclusive education and has trained teachers and administrative staff to offer this. Students with physical handicaps can also access the school.

Tutors in the DRC

Having a tutor can help both expat children and adults integrate into their new lives in the DRC. If you do not speak French, you may initial experience some culture shock, so hiring a tutor to help you learn the basics can help greatly.

Finding a local tutor is perhaps best done by networking with other residents, as well as asking at private schools. You can also find tutors from all over the world who conduct online tutorial sessions.

Useful links

• Apprentus
• TeacherOn