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?
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)
| Feature | Hilton College | Eton College |
|---|---|---|
| Location | KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | Windsor, England |
| Annual boarding fees | R420 729 (£17 445) | £63 299 (R1.53 million) |
| Type | All-boys, full boarding | All-boys, full boarding |
| Extras | Most activities included in base fee | Extra charges for music, trips, uniforms |
| Non-refundable acceptance fee | R105 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
| Aspect | Hilton College | Eton College |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1872 | 1440 |
| Reputation | Among South Africa’s top private schools | One of the most prestigious schools globally |
| Notable alumni | Business leaders, judges, politicians | 20 British Prime Ministers, royals, elites |
| Curriculum | IEB (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
| School | Estimated household income needed (ccomfortably) |
|---|---|
| Hilton College | R2.8 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.