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Search & filter all 8 schools Compare 8 schools in Dili

International Schools in Dili, Timor Leste

Compare 8 international schools in Dili, 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 Dili, Timor Leste

International schooling in Timor-Leste is concentrated in the capital, Dili, where a small number of English-medium and Portuguese-medium schools serve expatriate and local families and where most options for an international pathway are found. Curricula on offer include International Baccalaureate and Australian curriculum programmes at some schools, American-style programmes at others, and a Portuguese national-curriculum school that follows Portugal’s pathway; schools commonly teach in English or Portuguese while Tetum is taught or used locally. Tuition is typically billed in US dollars and published annual fees for international schools in Dili commonly sit in the low five-figure range for primary and secondary places, with additional one-off enrolment charges, capital levies and extras for transport, uniforms and exams. Admissions calendars and age ranges vary by provider, so families should enquire early and confirm a school’s licensing and accreditation status before committing, because the Ministry of Education has recently tightened approvals for new international schools.

View by curriculum (4)

View by curriculum

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

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FAQs for Timor Leste

What different curricula will my child find in Dili and how do they differ?
You will find a mix: some schools follow the International Baccalaureate framework, others deliver Australian/state curricula, some operate American-style programmes, and there is a Portuguese national-curriculum school. IB programmes emphasise inquiry and international recognition, Australian and American systems follow their respective national/state standards and assessment models, and the Portuguese school aligns with Portugal’s national pathway, so the choice should match your child’s learning style and any plans to transfer to another national system.
How much do international schools in Dili cost and what extras should I budget for?
Published annual tuition at Dili’s international schools commonly ranges from around US$11,000 up to over US$30,000 depending on the school and the child’s age, with a median often reported in the low-to-mid five-figure range. On top of tuition expect one-off application or registration fees, possible capital charges or school levies, transport and bus costs, uniforms, exam fees and occasional activity or excursion charges.
When should I start applying and how competitive is admission?
Timelines and intake moments vary by school: some follow a calendar similar to Australia or the northern hemisphere and others set their own entry points, so begin enquiries as early as six to twelve months before your planned start date for popular year groups. Places can be limited in Dili’s small international school market and recent ministry measures on licensing make it important to confirm a school’s legal approval and capacity before finalising plans.
Which languages are used for teaching and will my child be taught Tetum or Portuguese?
Most international schools in Dili use English as the main language of instruction, while the Portuguese national school teaches through Portuguese; many international schools also offer Portuguese and Tetum lessons or local-language support. If maintaining Portuguese or Tetum is important for your family, check each school’s language programme and whether they provide mother-tongue classes or additional language support.
What should I check when comparing international schools in Dili?
Verify a school’s accreditation and its licensing status with Timor-Leste’s Ministry of Education, confirm the curriculum and how it maps to future transfer or university plans, and ask about language support, class sizes, teacher qualifications, safeguarding policies and transport arrangements. Because the number of international providers in Dili is small and regulatory oversight has recently been tightened, documented accreditation and a clear published fee and admissions policy are especially important.