International Schools in China
Compare 14 international schools in China. Filter by curriculum, fees (average RMB 314,525), location, and more to find the right international school now.
Edited by Aziza Francienne · B2C Marketing Manager
- Schools listed
- 14
- Curricula
- 14
- Average annual fee
- RMB 314,525
- Fee range
- RMB 141,900 – 491,240
More school facts
- Most common curriculum
- British Curriculum (11 schools)
- Average school size
- 1,317 pupils
- Largest by enrolment
- Yew Chung International School of Shanghai
- Oldest
- International School of Beijing (1980)
- With boarding
- 2
About international schools in China
International schools in China span English-medium schools serving expatriate families and a wide range of bilingual or Sino-foreign schools that blend elements of the Chinese national curriculum with international programmes. Common offerings include the International Baccalaureate (PYP/MYP/DP), British IGCSE/A-Level pathways and American-style programmes (AP or a US high-school diploma), with some schools also using Canadian, Australian or bespoke international curricula. Instruction is usually delivered in English while Mandarin is taught as a compulsory subject and many schools offer true bilingual tracks or additional immersion; under current practice most “international” schools in mainland China primarily enrol foreign passport holders, though local bilingual options exist. Fees and extras vary widely by city and school - in Beijing and Shanghai annual tuition for established international schools commonly ranges from about RMB 100,000 to RMB 400,000, while smaller bilingual or international-class programmes can be substantially less - and families should allow extra for application/placement charges, capital fees, transport and activities. Applications are typically organised around an August/September academic year with places opening many months in advance; mid-year intakes happen but popular year groups frequently have waiting lists, so early planning and prepared documentation are important.
View by curriculum (6)
View by curriculum
7 international schools in Shanghai
See all 7 →5 international schools in Beijing
See all 5 →1 international school in Hangzhou
See all 1 →1 international school in Shenzhen
See all 1 →Choosing an international school in China
Curricula
There are 14 international schools in China covering 14 curricula. The most widely offered are British Curriculum (11), Cambridge IGCSE (11), IB (DP) (9), EYFS (Early years foundation stage) (6), Cambridge A Levels (4). If your child may move countries again, an internationally-portable curriculum (IB, or Cambridge/British) keeps options open; if you're likely to settle, a curriculum matching your home or target university system can be the better fit.
Fees & what they cover
Annual tuition across China runs from about RMB 141,900 to RMB 491,240, averaging roughly RMB 314,525. Budget for one-off costs on top — application and enrolment fees, a refundable deposit, uniform, transport and exams.
Admissions & timing
Sought-after schools in China run waiting lists, so apply early — ideally a term or two ahead. Most admissions involve an application, prior school reports and an assessment or interview, with entry points often tied to the school year. Each school's profile shows term dates, open days and how to enquire.
Boarding
2 of the 14 schools offer boarding — useful if you're relocating or want weekly or full boarding.
How doris stays impartial
doris lists every international school in China we can find — not only those that pay. We take no placement fees and sell no rankings or "top school" spots, so the schools above aren't ordered by who paid most. Details come from the schools' own information and public sources, and you can compare any of them side by side.