All over South Africa and the world in general people are becoming interested in Home Schooling. But what are the cost of homeschooling in South Africa? is homeschooling a more affordable option, or is it something that should just be left to the rich members of society? Well, there are many factors that will determine how much money (if at all) you will pay in order to provide your child with education right in the safety of your own home.
Because homeschooling means education from home, one may wonder why there should be money involved at all. After all, you pay school fees when the child goes to school. Since the child stays home, that should eliminate the expenses. Well, there are NPO’s in South Africa and abroad that specialize in providing resources such as books and curricula to parents who are homeschooling their kids.
However, not all homeschooling resources are provided by NPOs; some are provided by private enterprises that specialize in providing tailor-made home education resources to help students study from home. Some of these online education franchises will even assign an online tutor to monitor your child’s progress, and development. No doubt this service is not free. For anyone who wishes to know how much homeschooling his child could cost in South Africa, here are some of the options. Please note that this is not a comprehensive list.
Home Schooling Prices in South Africa
| Provider | Grade Range | Annual Fees (ZAR) | Extras |
| Cambrilearn | Primary–High | R8,520 – R23,940 | Textbooks, exam registration |
| Think Digital Academy | R – 12 | R6,000 – R25,000+ | SA & international curricula |
| Impaq | 4 – 12 | R8,000 – R22,000 | Exam support, optional printed books |
| Teneo | R – 12 | R10,000 – R30,000 | Live online classes & digital tools |
| Brainline | R – 12 | R3,800 – R28,000 | Blended learning with assessments |
| Clonard Education | R – 12 | R3,500 – R22,000 | Printed materials & postal delivery |
What Do Homeschooling Fees Cover?
Homeschooling prices vary depending on what’s included in the package. A typical homeschooling provider may offer:
CAPS-aligned curriculum (South African national standard)
Digital or printed study material
Assessment tools, portfolios, and projects
Teacher support, tutor access, or parent guidance
Examination readiness and report cards
However, textbooks, subject-specific kits, internet access, and exam registration may not be included in base prices. It’s important to ask whether the platform provides “all-in-one” support or expects parents to coordinate supplemental learning
Popular Homeschooling Providers and Their Prices
Let’s unpack the top providers offering homeschool support and how their pricing works.
1. Cambrilearn
Price: R8,520 – R23,940/year
Grades: Primary to AS/A Levels
Curriculum: British (Cambridge) & IGCSE
Extras: Textbooks (R1,885+), live lessons optional
Cambrilearn is a popular choice for families wanting a British curriculum. It’s perfect for learners who may plan to study abroad or pursue university in the UK or EU. Costs vary by subject load and support levels (e.g., self-paced or live class options)
2. Think Digital Academy
Price: R6,000 – R25,000+
Grades: R – 12
Curriculum: CAPS, Cambridge (British)
Includes: Animated lessons, quizzes, interactive dashboards
Ideal for tech-savvy learners who enjoy interactive platforms. Think Digital has won multiple awards and supports both national and international curricula. There’s also flexibility to pay quarterly.
3. Teneo Online School
Price: R10,000 – R30,000
Grades: R – 12
Curriculum: CAPS & IEB
Includes: Live virtual classes, digital books, teacher tracking
Teneo emphasizes live, teacher-led instruction. It’s ideal for students who thrive in structure and enjoy classroom-like schedules from home. Offers both the public CAPS curriculum and private IEB option for university-bound learners
4. Impaq
Price: R8,000 – R22,000
Grades: Grade 4 – 12
Curriculum: CAPS (South African)
Extras: Tutor support via Optimi Home, exam prep kits
One of South Africa’s oldest and most trusted homeschool platforms. Impaq offers modular pricing based on subjects and allows families to tailor a package. You can select between print and digital formats, depending on your needs.
5. Brainline
Price: R3,800 – R28,000
Grades: Grade R – 12
Curriculum: CAPS & exam-ready packages
Includes: Self-paced courses, assessments, reporting
Brainline is known for its flexibility, especially for learners in sport or arts needing adaptive schedules. It’s affordable in lower grades, though packages with assessments or extra tools can scale the cost.
6. Clonard Education
Price: R3,500 – R22,000
Grades: Grade R – 12
Curriculum: CAPS-aligned
Includes: Printed workbooks, parent-managed teaching
Clonard is a fantastic option for parents who want to be heavily involved. They provide printed guides, lesson plans, and admin assistance, allowing parents to take on the teaching role while keeping on track academically.
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
Beyond tuition and study materials, here are some other costs you might need to consider:
Cost Area Typical Amount (ZAR)
Textbooks (per grade) R1,500 – R3,500
Internet & Data R300 – R900/month
Stationery & Supplies R1,000 – R3,000/year
Exam Fees (Grade 12) R1,500 – R4,000
Tutoring Services R200 – R450/hour
Tip: Opt for bundles when offered—they usually include textbook kits, learning resources, and exam tools at a discount.
Can You Homeschool for Free?
Technically, yes—but it requires diligence and self-organization. Free homeschooling often relies on:
Publicly available CAPS content
Online platforms like Khan Academy or Coursera
Community forums like SA Homeschoolers
Open-access eBooks and YouTube classes
These resources are best suited for primary-level learners or parents with strong teaching abilities.
Legal Requirements for Homeschooling in South Africa
South African law allows home education, but it must be officially registered with the provincial Department of Basic Education (DBE) for grades 1–9.
What You’ll Need to Register:
Copy of birth certificate
Chosen curriculum outline
Academic plan with timelines
Parental ID and proof of residence
Grades 10–12 do not require DBE registration, though students must follow an accredited curriculum if they aim to write NSC (National Senior Certificate) or IEB exams
Choosing the Right Curriculum: CAPS vs IEB vs Cambridge
Wondering which direction to go? Here’s a quick comparison:
| Curriculum | Full Name | Ideal For | Recognized Where |
| CAPS | Curriculum Assessment Policy Statements | Mainstream SA schooling | All public SA institutions |
| IEB | Independent Examinations Board | Private school-level standards | SA private & int’l universities |
| Cambridge | International General Certificate of Secondary Education | Global qualifications | UK, EU, USA, Asia |
Each has unique requirements, so base your decision on your child’s goals—whether it’s local matriculation or an international university application.
Closing
There remains the question of whether homeschooling in South Africa. Homeschooling isn’t just an academic model—it’s a lifestyle decision. While upfront fees may seem high, many families find: Closer family bonding, Customized learning pace, Reduced transport and school supply costs as well as Fewer distractions and bullying.