doris
Ask doris
doris
Find Schools
Events
Saved schools
My account
Ask doris
Parent Guide Parent testimonials Community Transparency Charter About For Schools
Currency
Search & filter all 20 schools Compare 20 schools in Hong Kong

Premium International Schools in Hong Kong

Edited by · B2C Marketing Manager

About international schools in Hong Kong

Premium international schools in Hong Kong tend to offer established, full-time international programmes with English as the primary language of instruction and a wide choice of curricula - most commonly the International Baccalaureate (PYP/MYP/DP), British pathways (IGCSE/A-levels) and US-style programmes that lead to AP or an American diploma, alongside a number of national curriculum schools. Fees are high by regional standards: many established international schools charge in the roughly HK$150,000 - HK$250,000 a year range, and families should expect additional one-off or ongoing capital charges (levies or debentures), transport, meals and exam costs. The school year normally begins in August/September (some schools also run January or April intakes), applications often open many months to more than a year before entry and waiting lists are common, so early planning is important. Relocating families should check each school’s curriculum alignment with future university plans, the terms of any capital levy or debenture, language provision for Mandarin/Cantonese, and practical matters such as campus location and after-school care.

Compare 20 Premium international schools in Hong Kong. Filter by curriculum, fees (average HKD 245,115), location, and more to find the right international school now.

At a glance 20 schools · avg fee HKD 245,115
Schools listed
20
Curricula
16
Average annual fee
HKD 245,115
Fee range
HKD 202,620 – 428,000
Most common curriculum
IB (DP) (9 schools)
Average school size
1,153 pupils
Largest by enrolment
Hong Kong International School - Tai Tam Campus
Oldest
Hong Kong International School - Tai Tam Campus (1966)
With boarding
2
Explore more — related searches, map view, upcoming events
Open Hong Kong in map view40 upcoming open days & tours in Hong Kong

Related searches

Affordable SchoolsIB Curriculum

FAQs for Hong Kong

What curricula will my child find at premium international schools in Hong Kong?
You will commonly find the International Baccalaureate continuum (PYP, MYP, DP), British curricula leading to Cambridge IGCSEs and A-levels, and US-style programmes that offer an American diploma and Advanced Placement (AP) options; several schools also follow national curricula (for example French, German, Japanese or Korean). Some schools run hybrid models or dual streams and a few offer the IB alongside national qualifications, so check each school’s published programme map to see which years and examinations are offered.
How much should we budget for tuition and other school costs?
Tuition at long-established international schools in Hong Kong is generally among the highest in the region, with many mainstream premium schools charging in the HK$150,000 - HK$250,000 band per year, varying by year group. In addition to tuition expect application and registration fees, school uniform and resource costs, optional activities and school transport, and in many cases a capital levy or debenture that can add from tens of thousands of HK dollars up to much larger sums depending on the school’s policy.
What is a debenture or capital levy and how does it affect admission?
A debenture is a form of capital contribution some schools use to fund facilities; it is typically a one-off payment that may confer priority for places and sometimes exempts the holder from an annual capital levy, while a capital levy is an annual or one-off charge to support school infrastructure. Terms, refundability and resale processes vary widely between schools, so families should read the school’s admission and finance policies carefully before committing and ask about any long-term obligations.
When should we apply and what does the admissions process look like?
Most premium international schools publish application windows well ahead of the intake year and many families apply six months to more than a year before the intended start; reception and popular year groups often fill earliest and some schools keep waiting lists running year-round. Admissions typically include an online application, review of records, age-appropriate assessments or interviews and, for younger children, parent interviews or trial days - expect the school to require proof of identity and to set its own age cut-offs for entry.
What language options and Chinese provision can we expect?
English is the primary medium of instruction at the majority of international schools, while many also offer structured Mandarin (Putonghua) lessons and a number provide bilingual or dual-language pathways that include Cantonese or Mandarin. Provision and intensity vary: some schools teach Mandarin as a second language across all years, others run separate bilingual streams or mother-tongue support, so verify the level, assessment and continuity of Chinese language teaching if maintaining or developing Chinese is important to your family.
What should relocating families look for beyond fees and curriculum?
Assess how a school’s curriculum matches your child’s likely pathway (home country qualifications, IB or other university entry), the strength of pastoral care and learning-support services, class sizes and staff turnover, and practical issues such as campus location, transport and before/after-school care. Also review inspection or accreditation reports, the school’s approach to languages and second-culture support, and the exact terms around deposits, waiting lists, debenture resale and refunds so there are no surprises after enrolment.