Paying for the children's school year on credit in Burkina Faso
In Burkina Faso, school credit takes the form of back-to-school advances granted by banks to employees with domiciled pay and small loans from caisses populaires, used to pay fees, supplies and uniforms before classes resume in early October.
An October school start that strains households
The Burkinabè school year usually begins in early October, just after the rainy season. For rural families the harvest has not yet been sold, and for employees, several children to enrol at the same time can absorb an entire month's pay.
Public and private: very different fees
In public schools fees remain limited, but parents' association contributions, supplies and uniforms come on top. Faith-based or secular private schools in Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso charge considerably higher tuition fees for each child.
Back-to-school advance for employees with domiciled pay
Several banks launch a special back-to-school offer each year, repayable over a few months and deducted directly from the domiciled salary. This product works like a small personal loan, with a capped amount and a faster approval procedure.
School loans from caisses populaires
Caisses populaires and microfinance institutions grant school loans to their members, including traders and craftspeople. These loans rely on accumulated savings and are part of the wider microcredit offer of Burkinabè caisses.
Paying fees in instalments at Burkinabè schools
Many private schools accept payment of tuition in two or three instalments. This interest-free solution should be considered before taking out any loan, because it reduces the amount that has to be financed at the start of the school year.
Back-to-school savings and tontines
Some tontines are organised specifically to pay out the pot in September. Certain caisses also offer savings accounts frozen until the school year starts, which makes it possible to cover fees without paying any interest.
Supplies, uniforms and school meals
Beyond tuition, supply lists, compulsory uniforms and canteen or transport costs account for a large share of the budget. Buying them gradually at the market from July onwards reduces the amount of credit needed in October.
Capped rates and small amounts
A bank advance remains subject to the 14% annual ceiling, a caisse populaire to the 24% one. On small amounts over short terms, however, fixed arrangement fees can weigh more heavily than the interest itself.
Displaced pupils and closed schools
School closures in areas hit by insecurity have forced families to enrol their children in towns. These moves increase housing and transport costs, which family budgets find hard to absorb on top of the usual school fees.
When the child goes to university
After the baccalaureate, needs change: university registration in Ouagadougou or Bobo-Dioulasso, housing, transport and a laptop, often far from home. The page on funding higher education in Burkina Faso presents public schemes and their limits.
Practice in neighbouring Benin
In Benin, banks and microfinance institutions also offer back-to-school deals for employees. The page on school loans in Benin lets you compare amounts, terms, the school calendar and the role of microfinance caisses in these offers.
Paying the school bursar via Orange Money or Moov Money
Some schools now accept payments through Orange Money or Moov Money, which makes paying in instalments easier. Keep every transaction reference as proof in case of a dispute with the school's bursar's office.
Planning how to finance the school year in Burkina Faso
- Add up registration, tuition, contributions, supplies, uniforms and transport for each child.
- Ask the school whether payment in several instalments is possible and on what dates.
- Compare your bank's back-to-school offer with the school loan from your caisse populaire.
- Provide payslips or your savings book, along with proof of the children's enrolment.
- Schedule repayment so that it ends before the year-end holidays or the next school year.
Cost of back-to-school financing in CFA francs
| Element | Factors | Benchmark |
|---|---|---|
| Bank advance rate | Term of a few months | Up to 14% a year, indicative |
| Caisse school loan rate | Savings and length of membership | Up to 24% a year, indicative |
| Arrangement fees | Amount requested | Fixed or proportional depending on the institution |
| Staggered payment to the school | Agreement with the school | Usually interest-free |
| Mobile payment fees | Operator and amount | Per Orange Money or Moov Money price list |
Supporting documents for a school loan
- CNIB of the borrowing parent
- Payslips and domiciliation for a bank advance
- Savings book or statement for a caisse populaire
- Children's enrolment certificates or tuition invoices
- Supply list and any quotes
Missteps linked to back-to-school credit
- Borrowing for the school year while a previous year-end loan is still running, piling deductions onto the same salary.
- Paying the whole year's tuition upfront on credit when the school offered an instalment plan with no fees.
- Trusting a so-called school grant programme announced on WhatsApp that demands registration fees by mobile money.
- Forgetting transport and canteen costs, which come back every month and unbalance the budget after the school year starts.
Lenders to contact
- Coris Bank International Burkina Faso: Burkinabe subsidiary of the Coris banking group, a commercial bank offering accounts, banking services and financing to individuals and businesses.
- UBA Burkina Faso: Burkina Faso subsidiary of the pan-African United Bank for Africa group, a commercial bank providing accounts, banking services and financing to individuals and companies.
School start and credit in Burkina Faso: your questions
When should you apply for a back-to-school advance?
Ideally in August or early September, as banks and caisses receive many requests before classes resume in October. Applying early leaves time to compare offers and to negotiate a payment plan with the school.
Can traders get a school loan in Burkina Faso?
Yes, mainly from the caisses populaires and microfinance institutions of which they are members. Regular savings and length of membership then take the place of the payslip that banks require from their borrowers.
Can a school loan pay for a private school abroad?
It is generally designed for modest amounts and local schools. For schooling abroad, a larger personal loan or dedicated savings is more suitable, with a budget that also accounts for currency exchange costs.
Can the school refuse a child over unpaid fees?
Rules vary between schools, especially in the private sector. It is better to sign a written payment schedule with the bursar's office at enrolment to avoid any exclusion during the school year.