Australian International School Laos vs Panyathip British International School

	A Australian International School Laos Vientiane, Laos	P Panyathip British International School Vientiane, Laos
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year LAK 7,200 - 7,440	Fees / year LAK 4,900 - 9,600
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 1 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational (boarding)	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Australian Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels	Curriculum EYFS (Early years foundation stage), IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), British Curriculum, IPC (International Primary Curriculum), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, BTEC Qualification
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 20
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2011	Opened 2001
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Ban Nondouang Tai, Sikkhotabong District, Vientiane, Lao PDR, Laos. The school is in the Vientiane region of Laos.	Location PBIS is located in Vientiane, Lao PDR. It operates across three campuses in the city: Early Years Campus, Primary Campus and Secondary Campus. The main address is Saphanthong Neua Village, Sisattanak District, Vientiane.
Stages	Stages Preschool program (ages 2 to 7); Primary program (ages 3 to 11); Secondary program (ages 12 to 18).	Stages Early Years; Primary; Secondary
School type	School type International, with boarding facilities.	School type British international school in Laos offering an international programme based on the Cambridge Curriculum; Cambridge Checkpoint (Years 7–9) and IGCSE; Cambridge Examination Centre; IPC implemented.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support EAL (English as an Additional Language) pullout intervention to boost English language skills; in Secondary, EAL is provided in-class or as separate EAL classes; uses Education Perfect.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation British orientation; Cambridge Curriculum; COBIS and FOBISIA membership.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure International Programme day begins at 08:30 and ends at 15:30; Lao curriculum hours may extend beyond.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / Registration Fees - Registration (new students): USD 500 (one-time, non‑refundable). - Reservation (existing students): USD 300 (non‑refundable advanced deposit; payment window noted). Tuition fees (annual and payment-plan details by year group) - Nursery – K3: - Single annual payment (Plan A): USD 3,800. - Two-installment plan (Plan B): USD 1,945 per installment. - Three-installment plan (Plan C): USD 1,460 per installment. - Monthly plan (Plan D): USD 600 per month. - Year 1 – Year 6 (including Primary Preparation Program): - Single annual payment (Plan A): USD 3,800. - Two-installment plan (Plan B): USD 2,110 per installment. - Three-installment plan (Plan C): USD 1,585 per installment. - Monthly plan (Plan D): USD 600 per month. - Year 7 – Year 12 (including Secondary Preparation Program): - Single annual payment (Plan A): USD 3,900. - Two-installment plan (Plan B): USD 2,165 per installment. - Three-installment plan (Plan C): USD 1,625 per installment. - Monthly plan (Plan D): USD 620 per month. Billing schedule and payment terms - The published schedule sets specific due dates for the different payment plans: single-payment and installment due dates are listed in the published fee schedule, and monthly-plan payments are due on the 1st of each month. A late payment charge of USD 100 is applied for late payments. - Discounts applicable to tuition (tuition only): - 10% discount for full payment made by the specified cut-off date. - Sibling discounts when tuition is paid in full: 2nd sibling 15%; 3rd–5th siblings 20%. - Government employee discount: 30% (when payment is made in full). Boarding fees - School dormitory (boarding): USD 400 per month. Other costs and typical additional fees - International examination fees: - NAPLAN (Years 3, 5, 7): USD 50. - IGCSE (Year 10): USD 110 per subject. - AS / A Levels (Years 11–12): USD 120 per subject. - Cambridge English: USD 80. - Textbooks / learning resources: - Nursery–K3: USD 350. - Year 1–6: USD 550. - Year 7–12: USD 550. - Canteen (annual amount listed): USD 500. - Transportation (annual): USD 800. - Insurance: 120,000 LAK per person (listed). - School uniform: USD 30. - P.E. uniform: USD 20. - Evening IELTS preparation (optional activity): USD 800 per year. Refund information - Registration and reservation fees as published are non‑refundable. All paid fees are stated as non‑refundable and non‑transferable. A late payment fee of USD 100 applies for late payments. Fee payment options - The published fee schedule lists payment plans (single payment, two installments, three installments, monthly) and due dates, and it specifies late payment charges and discounts for full payment. The schedule does not specify the accepted payment instruments (for example, credit card, bank transfer, or online payment methods) within the published fee details. Confirm the available payment instruments and any bank/payment details with the school's finance office. Notes on the published schedule - The published fee schedule provides the annual tuition amounts and the corresponding installment amounts and other standard charges (examination, textbooks, uniforms, canteen, transport, boarding, insurance). Some line items are shown as monthly, annual or per‑subject amounts as indicated above.	Fee details Application / Registration fees - Registration fee (new enrolment): USD 1,000. This fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. The registration fee is discounted by 50% for students who previously withdrew and re-apply within two (2) years of original enrolment. - Deposit: USD 600 required to secure a seat (deadline stated in the schedule). The deposit is deducted from the total school fees payable; full payment deadlines are specified in the school calendar. Tuition fees by year group (annual and per-term) - Early Years — Toddler / Foundation: Tuition USD 4,900 per year. Total school fees shown for this band: USD 4,900 per year. Per term (2 terms per year): USD 2,450 per term. Meal fee: not charged separately for this band as shown. - Early Years — Nursery / Reception: Tuition USD 6,000 per year. Total school fees shown for this band: USD 6,000 per year. Per term (2 terms per year): USD 3,000 per term. Meal fee: not charged separately for this band as shown. - Primary (Year 1 to Year 6): Tuition USD 8,100 per year; Meal fee USD 620 per year; Total school fees USD 8,720 per year. Per term (2 terms per year): Tuition USD 4,050 per term; Meal fee USD 310 per term; Total per term USD 4,360. - Secondary Year 7 to Year 9: Tuition USD 8,600 per year; Meal fee USD 760 per year; Total school fees USD 9,360 per year. Per term (2 terms per year): Tuition USD 4,300 per term; Meal fee USD 380 per term; Total per term USD 4,680. - Secondary Year 10 to Year 11: Tuition USD 9,300 per year; Meal fee USD 760 per year; Total school fees USD 10,060 per year. Per term (2 terms per year): Tuition USD 4,650 per term; Meal fee USD 380 per term; Total per term USD 5,030. - Secondary Year 12 to Year 13: Tuition USD 9,600 per year; Meal fee USD 760 per year; Total school fees USD 10,360 per year. Per term (2 terms per year): Tuition USD 4,800 per term; Meal fee USD 380 per term; Total per term USD 5,180. Other mandatory and optional fees - Meal fees: Primary USD 620 per year; Secondary USD 760 per year. All students are required to have school lunches on campus daily; allowances for specific dietary requirements are by written request and school approval. - Bus service (optional): USD 900 per year for one-way; USD 1,800 per year for two-way (charged per year; subject to route/seat availability). - Lao Studies (Secondary optional/additional): USD 360 per year for Secondary students (charged per year upon registration). - IEP (Intensive English Program) support fee (where required): USD 1,400 per term (two terms per year: August–December and January–June) — applies to Secondary students who require IEP as determined by Academic Leadership. - Supplementary fees (charged as applicable): elective or discretionary activities, school events, field trips, sports trips, extracurricular activities, additional transcript requests, late drop-off and pick-up fees, VISA fees, examination-related fees beyond those included in tuition where applicable. Uniforms and school books are not included in the school fees and are charged separately. - Sibling discounts: eldest child charged at full tuition rate; second child receives 5% discount on tuition; third and subsequent children receive 10% discount. Sibling discounts are not cumulative with other discount schemes. Billing schedule and payment terms - Fees are invoiced in full for the year. Standard payment deadline shown: fees must be paid by 30 July (deadline date given in the published schedule). A specified deposit deadline and a full-payment confirmation date are applied for new enrolments (deposit due by the stated date; full payment due by the stated confirmation date). - The registration fee (USD 1,000) must be paid in advance at submission of application documents. The deposit (USD 600) is credited against the total school fees once paid. Boarding - Boarding is not applicable; no boarding fees or boarding arrangements are listed in the school fee schedule. The published fee schedule covers day-school items (tuition, meals, bus, supplementary activities). Refund information - Registration fee (USD 1,000) is explicitly non-refundable and non-transferable. The deposit (USD 600) is shown as a deduction from the total school fees payable; the schedule does not list the registration fee as refundable. Other refund or withdrawal rules are not itemised in the fee schedule document. Fee payment options and bank details - Bank transfer details for payment are published in the fee schedule (local bank accounts in LAK and USD across named banks). Payments by bank transfer to the school's listed accounts are the payment mechanism documented in the schedule. Specific acceptance of credit-card payments or other electronic payment channels is not itemised in the published fee schedule.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options PBIS has an indoor canteen offering diverse and healthy food options from different countries. A salad bar provides fresh fruits and vegetables with a filtered-water process to ensure freshness. The school accommodates individuals with special dietary requirements, and students may bring their own food. The canteen supports lifelong healthy eating practices.
House system	House system —	House system The house system at PBIS fosters friendships, citizenship, a sense of identity and enhances classroom learning through friendly competition. The events include Sports Day, Team Building Day, Pi Day, STEAM Day, and International Week.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership The PBIS Board consists of nine Trustees who oversee the school's mission, vision and long-term sustainability. Pathana Panyathip is the founder and director of PBIS. Palinyakone Panyathip is the chief executive officer. PBIS operates across four campuses in Vientiane and was the first Lao international school to be Cambridge Curriculum-accredited and to serve as a Cambridge Examination Centre, also implementing the IPC. The school is accredited by FOBISIA and COBIS.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Preschool program; Primary program uses Australian Curriculum for Year 1 to Year 7; Secondary program uses Cambridge Curriculum for Year 8 to Year 12.	Curriculum details The school was the first international school in Laos to be Cambridge Curriculum accredited. It is a Cambridge Examination Centre, offering the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations. It was the first school in Laos to implement the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). For Lao students, the Lao national curriculum and examinations are provided to meet the needs of the diverse international and Lao community. IEYC and IPC programs are implemented as part of the curriculum.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio Average class size is 20; student to teacher ratio is 6:1.
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results IGCSE results show a 95% total pass rate, 20% A-A grades, and 85% of students achieving grades A-C.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression A Level academic pathway and a BTEC vocational pathway are available.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning PBIS provides a comprehensive pastoral care programme addressing social, emotional and behavioural needs to foster positive relationships, self-esteem, social skills and resilience. The Pastoral Team supports each year group, monitoring attendance, behaviour and academic progress, and integrates pastoral care with academic and social-emotional support for holistic development. The team is trained to recognise and report concerns to ensure safeguarding. A PSHE curriculum promotes emotional intelligence, resilience, empathy, and conflict resolution. Whole-school events include Mental Health Week to promote well-being.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) PBIS provides an individualised student support service via the pastoral care coordinators and school counsellors, offering guidance, goal-setting, and, when needed, referrals to external services. The safeguarding framework protects student welfare and anti-bullying policies support a safe environment, with a clear discipline system. Counselling is available and works with families and teachers to support mental health and wellbeing.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language PBIS provides an EAL program with pullout intervention to boost English language skills so that learners achieve parity with peers. Students are assessed on entry, and based on results receive in-class support or EAL classes. The program focuses on listening, speaking, reading and writing to access the curriculum, and Education Perfect is used as a digital platform to support learning at an individual pace.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing A dedicated school counsellor collaborates with students, parents and teachers to foster a safe, supportive climate and help students build resilience. The pastoral care team monitors wellbeing and signs of distress and coordinates support, including counselling and external referrals when needed. Mental health is highlighted through events such as Mental Health Week.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding Safeguarding is embedded in PBIS's ethos; all staff receive safeguarding training and are responsible for protecting children's welfare. A safeguarding team on each campus handles concerns, and parents can report issues via safeguarding@pbis.edu.la. A visitor code of conduct and safeguarding resources reinforce safe practices.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview The campus is situated in Saphanthong Neua Village and is expansive, designed to provide a safe, secure, and welcoming learning environment. Each campus is carefully designed with spacious, well-maintained surroundings meeting high cleanliness standards. The library is well equipped with a wide range of materials, and the sensory room supports sensory exploration. Music and art rooms display students' creative work, and science labs are fully equipped for scientific exploration. The indoor canteen offers diverse, healthy food options, with a salad bar and accommodation for dietary requirements, and students may bring their own food.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities PBIS features a well-painted swimming pool that serves as a refreshing space for students and a training ground for competitive swimmers. A medium-sized pitch provides a flexible area for a range of sports activities and training sessions. The facilities support both competitive sport and enjoyable physical activity, contributing to students' physical development. The swimming pool and pitch are designed to accommodate different age groups and skill levels.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities The library is well equipped with a wide range of materials for students. The sensory room provides a space for students to explore their senses. The music and art rooms proudly display students' creative work. Science labs are fully equipped, ensuring students have the tools they need for scientific exploration. Facilities support learning across different age groups and subjects.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities Students can discover a range of opportunities beyond the classroom with extracurricular clubs. Sports Clubs include Football, Basketball, Badminton, and Taekwondo. Innovative Clubs include Robotics, STEM, and Lego. Academic Clubs include Coding, Creative writing, Extra English, and Debate competitions in Hanoi. Model United Nations simulations engage students, providing opportunities to learn about the UN and develop speaking and collaboration skills.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History The school was founded in 2001 by Pathana Panyathip to provide Lao nationals with international-standard education while upholding Lao values. In its first year, the school offered Kindergarten to Grade 3 with 38 students and 12 teachers. The school moved twice—from the first campus in Naxay Village to the current Sapanthong Neua site, with a separate Sapanthong Tai campus built to accommodate the Kindergarten. In 2015 a purpose-built campus opened in Savannakhet to provide British international education for locals and expats. In 2017 a second Kindergarten opened in Nonsavanh and in 2018 a purpose-built Primary school near the Kindergarten opened to provide facilities for all three major phases of learning, and the founder's inspiration came from her daughter; the school began with 68 students and has grown to over a thousand with the slogan Become the Best that You can Be.
Community	Community —	Community Alumni: PBIS celebrates the achievements and connections of its alumni, with stories that inspire the next generation. Corporate Social Responsibility: Namon Kindergarten and Elementary School was launched on 7 December 2018 in Namon Village, Xaythany District, Vientiane Capital; PBIS was a main sponsor donating 125 classroom tables and chairs, 3 computers, 1 basketball court, 1 football pitch, and 1 Kindergarten and 1 Primary building, for a total donation valued at LAK 365,000,000, serving 80 Kindergarten and 155 Primary students. A Gift of Vision – Free Cataract Surgery occurred 11–13 October 2019 at the Ophthalmology Centre in Thongpong Village; PBIS contributed with partners to provide surgeries. Lone Buffalo Sponsorship ran from 2015 to 2020, supporting the Lone Buffalo English and Youth Development Programme in XiengKhouang with two classes per year and teacher allowances totaling about $1,500 annually. Other CSR efforts include Attapeu Flood Relief in 2018, donations of school supplies to Lao schools, Hands of Hope, Vientiane Rescue, SOS Children's Village, and the Lao National Paralympic Team; the school emphasises sustainability and increased student involvement in CSR. Parents: Coffee Mornings for parents are held on Thursdays at 9:30–10:15 am at the secondary campus to meet teachers, discuss new learning experiences, and learn about the curriculum.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school participates in International Olympiads and competitions.	Academic & intellectual PBIS delivers an international curriculum with IGCSE at secondary level and pathways to A Level, alongside a BTEC vocational route. IGCSE results are strong: a 95% pass rate, with 20% of students achieving A-A and 85% achieving A-C. The school operates with a 6:1 student-to-teacher ratio and an average class size of about 20. The curriculum spans Early Years through Secondary, combining international standards with locally relevant assessment practices.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative Music and Art are important parts of the school experience, with dedicated music and art experiences for students. Extra-curricular activities include music, arts and other creative pursuits, and there are hands-on experiences such as Early Years cooking (Little Chefs). Student profiles highlight participation in music and art as part of daily learning.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language PBIS runs the Lao Curriculum, developed in line with the Ministry of Education and Sports. Early Years focus on Lao Language and Mathematics; Primary covers Lao Language and Literature, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies; Secondary includes Lao language study and related subjects. The school promotes language development and civic education within a diverse community of 40+ nationalities.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies The school offers co-curricular activities.	Social & hobbies Life at PBIS includes Student Councils and a House System as student leadership platforms. Extra-Curricular activities are offered across sport, arts and clubs, including Summer Camp and other hobby groups. The school emphasizes teamwork and personal interests through these activities.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service PBIS has Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives and Pastoral Care and Safeguarding to support wellbeing. It engages with the local community, including participation in events such as the Lao Food Festival. The school also maintains an active alumni network and CSR activities.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional Students have leadership opportunities via Student Councils and the House System; Careers at PBIS provides professional development pathways. The school supports entrepreneurship and career development through guidance and related programs.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The school emphasizes student welfare.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Pastoral Care and Safeguarding ensure student safety and wellbeing. Physical Education is a core part of the Lao curriculum and is reinforced through sport across campuses, with events like Primary and Early Years Sports Day. The school runs Summer Camp and other wellness activities.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English is listed as a subject in Preschool program subjects. English is listed as a subject in Primary program subjects. The curriculum uses Australian Curriculum for Nursery through Year 7 and Cambridge Curriculum Year 8 - Year 12.	Language provision PBIS delivers an international Lao curriculum and English-medium education for Lao and international students preparing for university or global careers. It also provides Lao-medium education for learners who wish to conduct instruction in Lao. Lao language and literature are taught within the Lao Curriculum across Primary and Secondary, supporting language development and cultural understanding.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching PBIS is bilingual and delivers an international Lao curriculum. English-medium education is offered for Lao and international students preparing for university or global careers. Lao-medium education is provided for those wishing to learn through the Lao language.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs Optional Intensive English Programme is available during Summer Camp, providing an immersive English language experience. The programme strengthens English skills through immersive, interactive activities.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions —	Admissions 1. Registration. The process begins with registration. Applications are accepted year-round to welcome students from Early Years through Secondary. The application form and required documents are submitted to the admissions office for the appropriate division. The pre-admission form is used to register interest and a campus tour can be arranged. 2. Review Process. Applicants undergo both a written and oral assessment. Applications typically take one week or less to process. The process includes an initial assessment followed by an 8-week trial period to determine fit with the school. Final acceptance is offered to applicants who meet the criteria. 3. Enrolment. Once an offer of admission is made, registration and school fees should be paid within one month. Parents sign the contract agreement regarding school fees as part of enrolment. An admission checklist is provided to guide the final steps.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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