The Cost Of Elite Education In South Africa: What You Need To Know

Holifil

31 Mar, 2025

A South African TikToker broke down the staggering salaries required to enroll kids in top-tier private schools.
The viral video sparked intense conversations online, with thousands chiming in about the state of education in South Africa.
South Africans took to social media to weigh in, discussing everything from affordability to the value of these elite institutions.

Listen, let me tell you something real. A TikToker named @henrytheplug recently dropped a bombshell video that laid out the financial realities of sending your child to some of South Africa's most prestigious private schools. Now, this isn’t just about tuition—it’s about the lifestyle, the connections, and the long-term impact on a kid’s future. So, if you’re curious about what it takes to get your kid into one of these elite institutions, buckle up because we’re diving deep.

A closer look at the salaries needed to afford top private schools in South Africa. Image: @henrytheplug/TikTok Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images. Source: UGC

Breaking Down the Costs: How Much Does It Really Take?

According to TikTok creator @henrytheplug, who cited Business Tech, parents need to brace themselves for some serious expenses when considering private education. These aren’t your average school fees; we’re talking tens—or even hundreds—of thousands of rands per year. But here’s the kicker: @henrytheplug advises against spending more than 10 to 15% of your household income on education. That means if you want your kid at one of these elite schools, your salary needs to reflect that commitment.

Let’s break it down, shall we? Take Somerset College, for instance. With an annual tuition fee of R163,300, you’d need to be pulling in at least R90,700 per month just to cover the cost. And get this—their average distinctions per candidate in the 2024 matric results clocked in at 4.3. Not bad, right? But hold onto your hats because things get even pricier from here.

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Next up is SAHETI, where tuition climbs to R179,625 annually, requiring a monthly salary of R99,800. And guess what? Their distinctions per candidate were an impressive 4.5, making them the top-performing private school in the country. Then there’s Crawford College Sandton, which hits hard with an annual fee of R202,840 and a recommended monthly income of R112,700. Their distinctions per candidate? A solid 4.27.

For the ladies, Herschel Girls School offers tuition fees starting at R160,240, requiring a monthly salary of R89,000, with distinctions per candidate coming in at 3.65. Mary’s Waverley weighs in with an annual tuition of R204,140, demanding a monthly salary of R113,400, and distinctions per candidate at 4.2. Roedean follows closely behind with an annual fee of R218,877, requiring a monthly salary of R122,600, and distinctions per candidate at 4.42.

Now, let’s talk boarding schools. Michaelhouse School, including boarding, clocks in at a staggering R392,000 annually, requiring a monthly salary of R217,800, with distinctions per candidate at 2.6. And finally, Hilton College tops the list with an eye-watering R420,729 annual tuition, demanding a monthly salary of R233,700, and distinctions per candidate at 2.5.

Check out the original TikTok video below to hear it straight from the source:

Social Media Reactions: What Are People Saying?

This video didn’t just go unnoticed—it blew up. South Africans from all walks of life jumped into the comments section to share their thoughts, opinions, and concerns. Some praised the transparency, while others questioned whether the high costs were truly worth it. Here’s a glimpse of what people had to say:

Mthofi chimed in with a simple but powerful statement:

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"After matric, we all end up at the same universities."

Ancillar countered with a thought-provoking response:

"For those saying ‘after this, we go to the same university,’ think beyond academics. Remember the saying, ‘your network is your net worth.’ Plus, many of these students end up studying abroad."

Tasmin Tiffany Bota expressed surprise at the sheer salaries involved:

"The fact that people are actually earning these kinds of salaries is mind-blowing."

Msizi22 offered an interesting observation:

"The more expensive the school, the fewer distinctions per candidate. Something to think about."

A Force summed it up nicely:

"These schools aren’t just about academics; they come with lifelong connections that can shape a person’s future."

Elite private schools in South Africa spark heated debates online. Image: SDI Productions. Source: Getty Images

Exploring the Best Schools in South Africa

Why Choose Elite Education?

If you’re considering private education for your child, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons. While the cost may seem astronomical, many argue that the benefits—academic excellence, modern facilities, and networking opportunities—are well worth it. In Johannesburg, for example, there are several accredited institutions offering top-tier education. The Tshwane branch of one such institution reported fees of R138,320 annually as of 2021, with a 2.7% increase since then.

Cape Town’s Hidden Gems

Cape Town is home to some of the most renowned schools in the country. Known for their academic prowess, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and relatively affordable fees compared to their counterparts, these institutions attract students from across South Africa. Whether you’re looking for a co-ed environment or single-sex education, Cape Town has something for everyone.

So, as you consider the future of your child’s education, remember that it’s not just about the numbers—it’s about the opportunities these schools provide. Are they worth the investment? That’s a question only you can answer. But one thing’s for sure: the conversation around private education in South Africa isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.