Basic Facts & Identity

The International School of Tanganyika (IST) is a private, non-profit, coeducational day school located in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. It was founded in 1963 and offers education from early childhood through Grade 12. The school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum across all levels — Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). It is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Middle States Association (MSA), and is recognized as an IB World School.

Campuses & Location

IST operates two campuses in Dar es Salaam:

Elementary Campus in the Upanga area

Secondary Campus in the Masaki/Msasani Peninsula

The two campuses are about 5 kilometers apart and serve approximately 1,000 students.

Students & Staff

The school hosts a diverse community of students and faculty representing dozens of nationalities. Tanzanians make up a significant portion of the student body, alongside students from other regions including North America, Europe, and Asia. IST emphasizes inclusivity, professional development for its staff, and cross-cultural collaboration.

Academics & Performance

IST maintains a strong academic reputation, balancing academic rigor with personal development. The IB Diploma Programme prepares students for higher education worldwide, and graduates often continue their studies at leading universities globally. Students can begin at IST as early as age three in the Early Childhood program.

Extra-Curricular & Student Life

IST offers a wide range of extracurricular opportunities including:

Community service and leadership programs (particularly through the IB’s Creativity, Activity, Service framework)

Field trips across Tanzania, such as excursions to Kilimanjaro, Meru, Zanzibar, and national parks

Participation in regional activities through ISSEA (International Schools of Southern & Eastern Africa), which includes sports, arts, and cultural events

Governance, Mission & Culture

IST operates as an independent non-profit institution governed by a board of directors. The school’s guiding motto — “Challenge, Support, Inspire” — reflects its mission to nurture independent thinkers and compassionate global citizens. The culture emphasizes respect, individuality, and community engagement.

Fees & Financial Structure (Indicative)

While exact figures vary each academic year, the general range for tuition is as follows:

Early Childhood (EC1–2): around USD 17,000 per year

Kindergarten – Grade 5: around USD 25,000

Grades 6 – 8: around USD 29,000

Grades 9 – 10: around USD 31,000

Grades 11 – 12 (IB Diploma): around USD 36,000

Additional costs may include application, capital, and building fees.