Hilton College
Private education in South Africa now costs more than ever. In truth, it's hitting luxury territory. But how does it compare worldwide? Image: Hilton College

Home » How does SA’s Hilton College, stack up against the UK’s most expensive?

How does SA’s Hilton College, stack up against the UK’s most expensive?

Private education in South Africa has become more expensive than ever, approaching luxury levels. But how does it measure up globally?

10-07-25 16:42
Hilton College
Private education in South Africa now costs more than ever. In truth, it's hitting luxury territory. But how does it compare worldwide? Image: Hilton College

Private education in South Africa has become more expensive than ever, reaching levels that rival luxury spending.

In 2025, Hilton College in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands became the country’s priciest private boarding school, charging over R420 000 per year.

And it’s not alone.

Michaelhouse, located nearby, charges R392 000 annually, while St Andrew’s College in Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown) costs parents R387 531 a year.

To afford sending a child to any of these schools, parents must earn significantly more than the listed fees, since these amounts are payable after tax.

You’d need to be in the top 1% of South African salary-earners to be able to afford to do so.

Factoring in all of life’s other costs, to afford Hilton College comfortably, our calculations show you’d need a household income of between R2.6 million and R2.8 million per year.

However, those amounts are ‘low’ compared to what it costs to send a pupil to Eton College, one of the United Kingdom’s top schools in 2025.

Eton College fees are £21 099.60 (R508 863.70) per term, which includes tuition, board, activities, and educational materials – much the same as is on offer on Hilton College.

With three terms per academic year, the total annual cost is £63 298.80 (R1 526 591.09).

This is inclusive of VAT, which is now applied to independent school fees.

Below, a detailed comparison between Hilton College and Eton College, focusing on school fees and the broader educational context:

Annual fees comparison (2025)

FeatureHilton CollegeEton College
LocationKwaZulu-Natal, South AfricaWindsor, England
Annual boarding feesR420 729 (£17 445)£63 299 (R1.53 million)
TypeAll-boys, full boardingAll-boys, full boarding
ExtrasMost activities included in base feeExtra charges for music, trips, uniforms
Non-refundable acceptance feeR105 000 (£4,300)£400 registration + £3 000 joining fee

What’s included in the fees

Hilton College

  • All meals, tuition, boarding, textbooks, activities, and sport are included
  • Known for a strong academic record and beautiful natural surroundings (in a 1 762-hectare estate)
  • No “hidden extras” is a key selling point

Eton College

  • Covers boarding, tuition, meals
  • Additional charges for private music lessons, overseas trips, optional activities, and uniforms
  • Historic prestige and access to elite global networks

Academic reputation and prestige

AspectHilton CollegeEton College
Founded18721440
ReputationAmong South Africa’s top private schoolsOne of the most prestigious schools globally
Notable alumniBusiness leaders, judges, politicians20 British Prime Ministers, royals, elites
CurriculumIEB (Independent Examinations Board – SA)GCSEs and A-Levels (UK)

Global value and access

  • Hilton College is expensive by South African standards, but still relatively affordable globally. It’s aimed at high-income South African families and international boarders from Africa.
  • Eton College is elite in cost and access. It’s typically reserved for global ultra-wealthy families, royals, or those on rare scholarships.

Annual income required to afford fees

SchoolEstimated household income needed (ccomfortably)
Hilton CollegeR2.8 million (£116 000)
Eton College£250 000 (R6 million)

Conclusion: How they compare

  • Hilton College offers a world-class boarding experience at a third of the price of Eton, with a strong South African identity and emphasis on tradition, leadership, and outdoor learning.
  • Eton College is in a different league globally – extremely prestigious, more expensive, and tightly tied to British aristocracy and governance.

In short: Hilton College is elite within South Africa; Eton College is elite within the world.