Education in Eswatini
Eswatini (formerly Swaziland, renamed in 2018) runs a British-influenced education system with English as the medium of instruction and siSwati as the national language. Free primary education was introduced in 2010, boosting enrollment, and literacy is relatively high (around 88%). The country administers its own national examinations, having localized the former Cambridge system.
Structure & stages
The system follows a British-derived structure:
- Primary (7 years)Ages ~6–12, ending with the Eswatini Primary Certificate (EPC)
- Junior secondary (3 years)Ending with the Junior Certificate (JC)
- Senior secondary (2 years)Ending with the Eswatini General Certificate of Secondary Education (EGCSE)
Compulsory education & enrolment
Free primary education (introduced in 2010) is provided, and the government has worked to expand access and retention. The school year runs roughly January to December.
Public schools
Most students attend government and government-aided schools (many with church involvement), with instruction in English (siSwati in early grades). The free-primary policy significantly increased enrollment.
Private & international schools
Eswatini has a private and church-affiliated school sector, offering alternatives concentrated in and around Mbabane and Manzini.
Curriculum & language of instruction
The curriculum covers English, siSwati, mathematics, sciences, and social studies, geared toward the national examinations, and taught in English from the upper primary level.
Exams & qualifications
Three national examinations mark the path: the EPC (end of primary), the JC (end of junior secondary), and the EGCSE (end of senior secondary) — the latter, which replaced the Cambridge O-Level, is the basis for university entry.
Higher education
Higher education centers on the University of Eswatini (UNESWA), the main public university, along with teacher-training and other colleges. Some students also study in neighboring South Africa.
Studying in Eswatini from abroad
Eswatini is not a major destination for international students; capacity is modest, though its English-medium system is accessible.
- LanguageEnglish is the medium of instruction
- Regional studyMany students study in South Africa and the wider region
- PracticalitiesInternational students confirm admission and visa requirements directly
Special education & support
Special-education provision is developing, delivered through a small number of programs and units, with support from government and NGOs.
Homeschooling
Homeschooling is uncommon in Eswatini; most children attend government or private schools.
Costs & funding
Primary education is free; secondary schooling and private/church schools involve fees. The currency is the Lilangeni (SZL), pegged to the South African Rand.
Key facts for families
- LanguagesEnglish (medium of instruction) + siSwati
- Structure7 + 3 + 2
- CompulsoryFree primary (since 2010)
- ExamsEPC, JC, and EGCSE
- Higher edUniversity of Eswatini
- School yearJanuary to December
Where to verify the details
This guide is a starting point, not the final authority. For current details: