The Cost Of International Schools By City In Asia

COST OF INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS IN HONG KONG:

Hong Kong’s international school sector is one of the most diverse and competitive in Asia, offering everything from elite, high-fee institutions to more affordable, community-focused schools. The city’s international schools are known for their bilingual programs, strong university placement records, and vibrant multicultural environments. Tuition fees are among the highest in the region, especially at the top end, reflecting both demand from expatriate families and the city’s high cost of living.

• • Top 3 Most Expensive International Schools:

    • Chinese International School (CIS): US$39,000–$44,000

    • Independent Schools Foundation (ISF): US$36,000–$42,000

    • Hong Kong International School (HKIS): US$32,000–$34,000

  • Top 3 Least Expensive International Schools:

    • ESF Schools: US$17,800–$23,000

    • American International School: US$18,200–$22,000

    • Invictus School Hong Kong: US$14,000–$18,000

  • Average Range (International Schools): US$18,000–$44,000

  • Average Range (Early Years): US$12,000–$25,000

  • Extracurricular Costs: Activities and trips typically add US$1,000–$3,000 per year.

COST OF INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS IN SINGAPORE:

Singapore is renowned as a global education hub, with international schools that consistently rank among the best in Asia. The city-state’s high fees are justified by world-class facilities, a wide array of international curricula, and a reputation for academic excellence. Demand is fueled by both expatriate and local families eager for a premium education, making Singapore one of the most expensive cities in the region for schooling.

• • Top 3 Most Expensive International Schools:

    • Tanglin Trust School: US$39,000–$41,000

    • UWCSEA: US$37,000–$40,000

    • Dulwich College Singapore: US$35,000–$38,000

  • Top 3 Least Expensive International Schools:

    • Global Indian International School: US$13,000–$18,000

    • One World International School: US$20,000–$22,000

    • St. Francis Methodist School: US$15,000–$20,000

  • Average Range (International Schools): US$25,000–$40,000

  • Average Range (Early Years): US$20,000–$41,000

COST OF INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS IN KUALA LUMPUR:

Kuala Lumpur stands out as one of Asia’s most affordable destinations for international schooling, with a wide range of options catering to different budgets and curricula. The city’s international schools offer reputable British and IB programs at a fraction of the cost seen in China, Hong Kong, or Singapore, making KL an attractive option for families on a tighter budget.

• Top 3 Most Expensive International Schools:

  • Alice Smith School: US$10,000–$12,000

  • Garden International School: US$9,000–$11,000

  • International School of Kuala Lumpur: US$9,000–$10,000

• Top 3 Least Expensive International Schools:

  • Kingsley International School: US$3,500–$5,000

  • Tenby Schools: US$4,000–$6,000

  • Taylor’s International School: US$5,000–$7,000

• Average Range (International Schools): US$8,000–$10,000

• Average Range (Early Years): US$2,700–$5,000

• Extracurricular Costs: Activities and trips can add US$200–$800 per year.

COST OF INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS IN BANGKOK, THAILAND:

Bangkok is a regional leader for affordable international education, offering a range of schools with British, American, and IB curricula. The city’s lower fees, compared to East Asian capitals, make it a popular choice for expatriate families seeking value without sacrificing quality. Bangkok’s international schools are known for their supportive communities and diverse student populations.

• Top 3 Most Expensive International Schools:

  • Harrow International School: US$13,000–$15,000

  • NIST International School: US$12,500–$14,000

  • Bangkok Patana School: US$12,000–$13,000

• Top 3 Least Expensive International Schools:

  • St. Andrews International School: US$8,000–$10,000

  • Tenby International School: US$7,000–$8,500

  • Phuket International Schools: US$7,000–$9,000

• Average Range (International Schools): US$12,000–$13,000

• Average Range (Early Years): US$7,500–$8,000

• Extracurricular Costs: Activities and trips typically cost US$300–$1,000 per year.

COST OF INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS IN PHUKET, THAILAND:

Phuket is an increasingly popular destination for expatriate families seeking quality international education in a more relaxed and affordable setting compared to Bangkok. The island offers several reputable international schools with British, American, and IB curricula, attracting families looking for a balance of cost and quality.

• Top 3 Most Expensive International Schools:

  • British International School Phuket (BISP): Approx. US$23,000–$28,000 (THB 714,000–935,900)

  • Kajonkiet International School Phuket (KISP): Approx. US$17,000–$19,000 (THB 520,000–570,000)

  • Lighthouse International School Phuket: Approx. US$8,000–$9,000 (THB 280,000–320,000)

• Top 3 Least Expensive International Schools:

  • HeadStart International School: Approx. US$8,500–$12,000 (THB 280,000–400,000)

  • International School of Phuket: Approx. US$5,000–$7,000 (THB 160,000–230,000)

  • École Française Jean de La Fontaine Phuket: Approx. US$7,000 (THB 250,000)

• Average Range (International Schools): US$8,000–$28,000

• Average Range (Early Years): US$7,000–$12,000

• Extracurricular Costs: Additional fees for sports academies, music lessons, and trips can range from US$500–$2,000 annually.

COST OF INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS IN JAKARTA, INDONESIA:

Jakarta hosts a well-established international school sector, with a variety of curricula including British, American, IB, and national plus international programs. Tuition fees are moderate compared to East Asia, with a broad range of options.

• Top 3 Most Expensive International Schools:

  • Jakarta Intercultural School (JIS): Approx. US$20,000–$25,000

  • British School Jakarta: Approx. US$18,000–$22,000

  • Gandhi Memorial International School: Approx. US$15,000–$18,000

• Top 3 Least Expensive International Schools:

  • Jakarta International Multicultural School: Approx. US$6,000–$8,000

  • North Jakarta International School: Approx. US$7,000–$9,000

  • Sekolah Pelita Harapan: Approx. US$8,000–$10,000

• Average Range (International Schools): US$15,000–$22,000

• Average Range (Early Years): US$5,000–$10,000

• Extracurricular Costs: Expect US$500–$1,500 per year for activities and trips.

COST OF INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS IN BALI, INDONESIA:

Bali’s international school market is smaller but growing, catering mainly to expatriates attracted by the island’s lifestyle. Schools offer a mix of IB and international curricula, with fees generally lower than in major Asian cities but higher than typical local schools.

• Top 3 Most Expensive International Schools:

  • Bali Island School: Approx. US$15,000–$18,000

  • Green School Bali: Approx. US$12,000–$15,000

  • Canggu Community School: Approx. US$10,000–$13,000

• Top 3 Least Expensive International Schools:

  • Bali International School: Approx. US$6,000–$8,000

  • Australian International School Bali: Approx. US$5,000–$7,000

  • Bali Green School (Early Years): Approx. US$4,000–$6,000

• Average Range (International Schools): US$10,000–$18,000

• Average Range (Early Years): US$4,000–$8,000

• Extracurricular Costs: Activities and trips typically cost US$300–$1,000 per year.

SHENZHEN

Shenzhen’s international school market is rapidly expanding due to the city’s economic growth and large expatriate community. Schools offer a variety of curricula, including American, British, and IB, with fees generally lower than Beijing and Shanghai but rising steadily.

• Top 3 Most Expensive International Schools:

  • Shekou International School: Approx. US$20,000–$25,000

  • QSI International School of Shenzhen: Approx. US$18,000–$22,000

  • BASIS International School Shenzhen: Approx. US$17,000–$21,000

• Top 3 Least Expensive International Schools:

  • Shenzhen American International School: Approx. US$10,000–$13,000

  • Green Oasis School: Approx. US$8,000–$12,000

  • Shenzhen College of International Education: Approx. US$7,000–$10,000

• Average Range (International Schools): US$15,000–$22,000

• Average Range (Early Years): US$8,000–$15,000

• Extracurricular Costs: Additional fees for trips and activities range from US$500–$1,500 annually.

SHANGHAI:

Shanghai, China’s commercial and financial hub, is another leader in Asia’s international school fee rankings. The city’s cosmopolitan atmosphere, large expat community, and fierce competition among elite schools have driven tuition fees to some of the highest in the region. Parents are drawn to Shanghai’s blend of British, American, and IB curricula, as well as its modern campuses and extensive enrichment programs23.

• Top 3 Most Expensive International Schools:

  • Shanghai American School: US$32,000+

  • Dulwich College Shanghai: US$31,000+

  • Concordia International School: US$30,000+

• Top 3 Least Expensive International Schools:

  • Shanghai United International School: US$13,000+

  • Yew Chung International School: US$18,000+

  • Wellington College International: US$20,000+

• Average Range (International Schools): US$31,000–$32,000

• Average Range (Early Years): US$15,000–$25,000

• Extracurricular Costs: Expect US$1,000–$2,500 annually for activities and trips.

BEIJING:

Beijing sits at the pinnacle of international school costs in Asia, with fees that regularly top the regional charts. The city’s status as China’s political and cultural capital, combined with a large expatriate population and a growing number of affluent local families, sustains high demand for Western-style education. International schools here are known for their rigorous academics, extensive extracurricular offerings, and state-of-the-art campuses, all of which contribute to some of the continent’s highest tuition rates12.

• Top 3 Most Expensive International Schools:

  • International School of Beijing: US$38,000+

  • Dulwich College Beijing: US$36,000+

  • Harrow Beijing: US$35,000+

• Top 3 Least Expensive International Schools:

  • Beijing International Bilingual Academy: US$15,000+

  • Beijing City International School: US$20,000+

  • Yew Wah International Education School: US$18,000+

• Average Range (International Schools): US$35,000–$38,000

• Average Range (Early Years): US$20,000–$25,000

• Extracurricular Costs: Activities and trips typically add US$1,000–$3,000 per year.

SEOUL:

Seoul’s international schools are highly sought after for their academic rigor, bilingual programs, and modern facilities. The city’s fees are generally lower than those in China or Singapore, but still represent a significant investment for families. Seoul’s schools cater to both expatriate and local families, offering a range of American, British, and IB curricula.

• Top 3 Most Expensive International Schools:

  • Seoul Foreign School: US$24,000–$26,000

  • Dulwich College Seoul: US$23,000–$25,000

  • Yongsan International School: US$22,000–$24,000

• Top 3 Least Expensive International Schools:

  • Asia Pacific International School: US$15,000–$18,000

  • Korea International School: US$17,000–$20,000

  • Seoul International School: US$19,000–$22,000

• Average Range (International Schools): US$20,000–$24,000

• Average Range (Early Years): US$19,000–$21,000

• Extracurricular Costs: Activities and trips can add US$500–$2,000 per year.

TOKYO:

Tokyo’s international schools are known for their academic excellence, diverse student bodies, and strong language programs. While fees are generally lower than in China or Singapore, they remain substantial, especially at the city’s most prestigious institutions. Tokyo offers a variety of curricula, including American, British, and IB, with a growing number of bilingual programs.

• Top 3 Most Expensive International Schools:

  • The American School in Japan: US$27,000–$28,000

  • The British School in Tokyo: US$25,000–$27,000

  • St. Mary’s International School: US$24,000–$26,000

• Top 3 Least Expensive International Schools:

  • Tsukuba International School: US$10,000–$12,000

  • UIA International School: US$9,000–$11,000

  • Tokyo International School: US$12,000–$15,000

• Average Range (International Schools): US$15,000–$28,000

• Average Range (Early Years): US$9,000–$10,000

• Extracurricular Costs: Activities and trips typically range from US$500–$2,000 annually.

HO CHI MINH:

Ho Chi Minh City is an emerging destination for international education in Southeast Asia, with a rapidly growing market and fees that remain lower than in East Asian capitals. The city’s international schools offer a mix of British, American, and IB programs, with top-tier institutions commanding premium prices as demand from both expatriate and local families rises2.

• Top 3 Most Expensive International Schools:

  • International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC): US$16,000–$18,000

  • British International School HCMC: US$15,000–$17,000

  • American International School Vietnam: US$14,000–$16,000

• Top 3 Least Expensive International Schools:

  • Asian International School: US$3,500–$5,000

  • KinderWorld Schools: US$5,000–$7,000

  • Vietnam Australia International School: US$7,000–$10,000

• Average Range (International Schools): US$16,000–$18,000

• Average Range (Early Years): US$7,500–$12,500

• Extracurricular Costs: Activities and trips can add US$300–$1,000 per year.

Bangkok