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Search & filter all 8 schools Compare 8 schools in Timor Leste

International Schools in Timor Leste

Compare 8 international schools in Timor Leste. Filter by curriculum, fees (average USD 7,032), location, and more to find the right international school now.

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Schools listed
8
Curricula
9
Average annual fee
USD 9,375
Fee range
USD 300 – 26,700
More school facts
Most common curriculum
Bespoke Curriculum (4 schools)
Average school size
871 pupils
Largest by enrolment
Escola Portuguesa Ruy Cinatti
Oldest
Dili International School (2002)
About international schools in Timor Leste

International international schools in Timor-Leste are a small, largely Dili-based sector that serves expatriate and local families with English-medium programmes alongside a Portuguese-language option. The most commonly available pathways include the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme in primary years and an Australian senior-secondary route (Victorian VCE) at one long-established school, while another international school follows an American/QSI model - each school’s curriculum and senior-school exit credential should be checked before you move. Tuition is materially higher than local public schooling and can be a major part of a relocation budget; some schools publish annual fees in the mid five-figure range for older students and also charge registration or capital fees. Admissions are generally by application with an age-appropriate assessment or interview, an upfront registration/acceptance fee and, where required, a deposit, so families should plan ahead for limited vacancies, school transport or living close to campus and appropriate medical and evacuation cover.

View by curriculum (4)

View by curriculum

British (2) IB (1) American (1) Australian (1)

Choosing an international school in Timor Leste

Curricula

There are 8 international schools in Timor Leste covering 9 curricula. The most widely offered are Bespoke Curriculum (4), Cambridge (Primary) (2), IB (PYP) (1), Australian Curriculum (1), Advanced Placement (AP) (1). 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 Timor Leste runs from about USD 300 to USD 26,700, averaging roughly USD 9,375. Budget for one-off costs on top — application and enrolment fees, a refundable deposit, uniform, transport and exams.

Admissions & timing

Sought-after schools in Timor Leste 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

Most schools here are day schools; check individual profiles for any boarding options.

How doris stays impartial

doris lists every international school in Timor Leste 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.

Popular comparisons in Timor Leste

Dili International School vs QSI International School of Dili
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Most popular schools in Timor LesteDili international schoolsBritish schools in Timor LesteIB schools in Timor LesteAmerican schools in Timor Leste

FAQs for Timor Leste

Which curricula and school systems are available in Timor-Leste’s international schools?
International schools in Timor-Leste most commonly offer an English-medium international curriculum at primary level (including IB PYP in at least one school) and pathways that lead to an Australian senior secondary certificate (VCE) or to an American-style programme; there is also a Portuguese national-curriculum school for families seeking instruction in Portuguese. Families should confirm the exact programme and recognised leaving qualification with any school before enrolment.
What language(s) are used for teaching and what support exists for other languages?
Most international schools use English as the primary medium of instruction, with Portuguese and local Tetum commonly taught as additional languages or offered in specific schools; the Portuguese school delivers instruction in Portuguese. Many schools provide language support or intensive English for newcomers, but the level and format of that support varies, so ask each school about assessments and English-as-an-additional-language programmes.
How much should I budget for school fees and extra costs?
Tuition at international schools in Timor-Leste is substantially higher than local public education and is often the largest recurring cost of relocation; published fee schedules for the larger international schools show annual tuition running into the tens of thousands of US dollars for older pupils and may include separate one-off registration or capital charges. Expect additional costs for uniforms, transport, learning resources, extra-curricular activities and any language or learning-support provision.
When should I apply and what does the admissions process usually involve?
Admissions typically require an application form, proof of age and prior school records, and an age- or year-appropriate assessment or interview; some schools also charge a non-refundable registration fee and may request a deposit to hold a place. Because the international provision is small, families relocating to Dili should apply early, check for sibling policies and ask about waiting lists, intake months and whether the school follows a calendar-year or southern-hemisphere style academic calendar.
What should relocating families prioritise when choosing a school in Timor-Leste?
Prioritise curriculum and qualification continuity for your child’s next transfer point, the language of instruction and available language support, the published fee structure and what is included, and practicalities such as vacancy in the required year group, transport options and proximity to medical services. Also check staff qualifications, safeguarding and licensing with the Timor-Leste authorities, and whether the school offers learning support or counselling appropriate to your child’s needs.