Compare 3 international schools in Xiamen, China. Filter by curriculum, fees (average RMB 135,997), location, and more to find the right international school now.
Xiamen’s international schools are a compact but varied group serving the city’s expatriate and internationally mobile families, with instruction generally delivered in English alongside regular Mandarin classes. The most common curricula you will find are the International Baccalaureate and internationally framed British- or American-style programmes, and some schools offer AP options or bilingual pathways. Typical published tuition for foreign-passport places in Xiamen tends to sit in the mid-hundreds of thousands of renminbi per year (many schools list annual fees roughly between RMB 120,000 and RMB 200,000), though exact charges, deposits and additional costs for transport and activities vary by school and year group. Most schools operate an August-to-June academic calendar, expect applications well before the new school year and run rolling admissions where space allows, so relocating families should confirm eligibility rules, visa or residency documentation, and waiting-list practices early in their move planning.
What curricula and languages of instruction are common in Xiamen’s international schools?
English is the principal language of instruction at most international schools in Xiamen, with Mandarin taught as a modern language or through a separate bilingual strand. The International Baccalaureate is widely offered alongside schools that use British-style (IGCSE/A-level or English national curricula) or American-style (Common Core/AP) programmes; some schools blend international curricula with extra Mandarin or local studies.
How much should I budget for school fees in Xiamen?
Published annual tuition for foreign-passport places in Xiamen commonly falls in the rough range of RMB 120,000 to RMB 200,000, but fees vary by age group, campus and services (for example, boarding, school bus, meals and extra-curricular activities are usually extra). Schools typically publish full fee schedules on their websites and charge one-off application, registration or seat-deposit fees in addition to annual tuition.
When should we apply and can we start mid-year if we relocate late?
The main intake for most Xiamen international schools follows an August start and families are advised to apply several months in advance for popular year groups. Many schools operate rolling admissions and may accept mid-year starters if there is space, but availability depends on grade level and curriculum sequencing so it’s important to contact admissions directly as soon as your move is confirmed.
Who is eligible to attend international schools in Xiamen?
Many international schools in mainland China are licensed primarily to educate children of foreign passport holders and those with legal residence status, and schools may require proof of passport and visa or work permit as part of the application. Admissions policies differ by school and by local authority, so check each school’s published eligibility criteria and whether any places are available to students from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan or to Chinese nationals under specific conditions.
What documents, assessments and practical steps should we prepare before applying?
Typical application requirements include the child’s passport, recent school reports or transcripts, immunisation records, passport-style photos and sometimes teacher references or assessment results; some schools also ask for records of any learning support needs. Expect an application fee, an entry assessment or interview (especially for older children), and to be asked about start dates, transport needs and whether you will require a place on a waiting list - contact admissions early to confirm exact requirements.
