Registered in Uganda
The school must be licensed and registered by the Ministry of Education and Sports as a private international school, with the required curriculum approval, licensing, legal compliance, facilities and safety standards.
Become a member
ISAU membership for international schools
Schools should review the eligibility requirements and fees below before submitting an application to ISAU.
Recognised curriculum
The school must offer an externally recognised and moderated international curriculum and be registered or authorised by a reputable curriculum body.
Quality assured
The school must hold accreditation or membership with a recognised international agency, or successfully complete ISAU's quality assurance review.
Fees
Clear costs before you apply.
Annual membership
Payable each year by ISAU member schools.
USD 400
ISAU vetting in 2026/2027
For an eligible school that is not yet accredited by an international agency. The quality assurance review is repeated every three years.
USD 400
ISAU quality standards
What defines an international school?
Within Uganda, an international school must meet local regulatory requirements and internationally recognised standards of practice. Schools without current international accreditation may use the ISAU vetting route when they meet the registration and curriculum requirements above.
- Safeguarding and child protection
- Holistic and extracurricular learning
- Inclusion and global citizenship
- Transparent governance and professional practice
- Externally benchmarked student outcomes
- Safe facilities and learning environments
- Community and cultural integration
Accreditation or membership
Recognised international accrediting agencies.
ISAU recognises that true international schools demonstrate quality assurance through external accreditation or membership of an established accrediting agency.
External accreditation provides independent assurance that a school meets recognised standards in areas such as educational quality, safeguarding, leadership, governance and school operations.
Recognised international accreditation and quality-assurance frameworks include:
COBIS
Council of British International Schools
CIS
Council of International Schools
BSO
British Schools Overseas, the UK Department for Education-approved inspection scheme
NEASC
New England Association of Schools & Colleges
MSA-CESS
Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools
ACS WASC
Western Association of Schools & Colleges
Cognia
Formerly AdvancED
IBO*
International Baccalaureate Organization — for authorised IB World Schools
AEFE*
French homologation / Agence pour l'Enseignement Français à l'Etranger — the French international education network
* IB authorisation and French homologation / AEFE provide programme- or system-specific external recognition.
Not yet internationally accredited?
A school that does not yet hold one of these can instead complete the ISAU vetting review.
Schools that meet the other ISAU membership criteria but do not hold recognised external accreditation may still apply for membership by undergoing an ISAU School Vetting Review. This provides an alternative pathway for eligible schools to demonstrate that they meet ISAU's required standards. The cost of the ISAU vetting process is USD 400 (if done during the academic year in 2026/2027).
Offering an international curriculum or examinations does not, by itself, mean that a school is externally accredited.
Accredited member schools will help other schools on their pathway — sharing experience, guidance and good practice so every ISAU member can reach internationally recognised standards.
ISAU quality assurance
What we look for.
ISAU Quality Assurance is about more than having the right policies. Schools should be able to show that high standards of safeguarding, teaching, wellbeing, governance and international education are embedded in everyday school life.
Safeguarding & student wellbeing
Effective child protection, safer recruitment, behaviour and anti-bullying procedures, medical support and a strong culture of safeguarding.
Health, safety & facilities
Safe and appropriate learning environments, emergency procedures, risk assessments and suitable specialist facilities.
Teaching & learning
A recognised international curriculum, appropriately qualified teachers, effective teaching, assessment and reporting, active student engagement and appropriate learning support.
Holistic education
Opportunities beyond the classroom through sport, arts, clubs, student leadership, community service, outdoor education and global citizenship.
Inclusion & global citizenship
Inclusive practices, support for different learning and language needs, international-mindedness and respect for Uganda's culture and context.
Governance & professionalism
Effective governance, transparent procedures, sound financial oversight, professional development and clear school policies.
Student progress & outcomes
Effective progress monitoring, internationally recognised examinations where applicable, review of results and successful progression to the next stage of education.
Boarding & residential life (where applicable)
Safeguarding, supervision, accommodation, medical provision, meals, wellbeing, student voice, activities and boarding safety procedures.
Application
Ready to apply?
By continuing, you confirm that you have reviewed the membership requirements and understand that annual membership costs USD 400.
Open the application form