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The International School of Macao

Macau

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees MOP 117,500 - 168,000
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 1332
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 2002
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Canadian Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (DP)
Taught languages Mandarin, French
Typical class size 20
Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, STEM
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Early Years, Preschool, Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, High School
Introduction

The International School of Macao (TIS Macao) is on MUST campus in Taipa, Macau. It offers an Alberta-accredited Canadian curriculum aligned to Alberta Education standards, with the Primary Years Programme for Pre-K to Grade 6 and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for Grades 11 and 12. Established in 2002, TIS Macao serves 31 nationalities with 1,281 students and an average class size of 22; graduates have a 100% university offers rate. In 2017, the campus expanded with a five-storey North Wing, increasing capacity to 1,600. The campus comprises two five-storey classroom blocks, a three-storey core, and a two-storey wing with a multi-purpose hall. Facilities include three science laboratories, robotics, computer labs, a Black Box Theatre, music and drama spaces, libraries, and a discovery centre, plus athletic facilities such as a football stadium, gymnasium, and tennis courts. Starting in 2025/26, there are two kindergarten options: ECE English Program and Enhanced Chinese Program with Mandarin-English immersion.

The International School of Macao, Avenida Wai Long, Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST) Campus, Block K, Taipa, Macao, China

The Essentials

The International School of Macao has 1,332 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English.

Location
The International School of Macao is located in Taipa, Macao, inside the Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST) campus. The address is Avenida Wai Long, MUST Campus, Block K, Taipa, Macao, China. English is the primary language of instruction.

Stages
Kindergarten; Elementary (Grades 1–6); Secondary (Grades 7–12).

Type
Co-educational; boys and girls.

Pupil Nationality Mix
1,300 students from 28 countries.

Additional learning support
English language support is provided for students new to English.

Country affiliation
Alberta, Canada; Alberta Education accredited.

School day structure
School hours are 8:15am–4:00pm.

Bus service
Two door-to-door bus routes: Taipa & Macau Route operated by Chong Ou Bus Company; One Oasis, Hellene Gardens Route coordinated by TIS. Registration via the bus application forms; for information call 2853 3700.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The school requires students to wear the proper uniform. The uniform items must be those issued by the School uniform shop or the Athletic Department, and shoes must be black; hats and hoods are not worn inside; skirts and shorts should be of appropriate length. The Uniform Shop is in RM1540 (North Wing); hours are 8:15–15:45 Monday to Friday, with a reopening on August 17.

Food Options
The cafeteria provides meals cooked on-site and made fresh. Meals are overseen by an executive chef and must be approved by a nutritionist.

House System
All students are assigned to one of four house teams: Dragon, Lion, Panda, and Phoenix.

Governance and Ownership
The school is governed by a Board of Governors; the Board and the administration work closely to ensure that the school's structure and day-to-day operations are efficient and harmonious.
Fees

Annual tuition at The International School of Macao ranges from MOP 117,500 to MOP 168,000 for 2026/27.

Application fees
- Application fee: MOP 1,500. This fee is payable when the application form is submitted and is non-refundable and non-transferable.

Advance deposit / acceptance payment
- A tuition advance payment equal to 5% of the annual tuition is required at acceptance (payable within the school's stated deadline) and is non-refundable. For new students and for re-enrolment the 5% advance secures the place; registration is completed only after this deposit is received. Pro‑rata charging applies for students who start mid‑term.

Annual tuition (2026/27) — annual totals and term breakdown (all amounts in MOP)
- Pre‑Kindergarten (Full Day)
- Advance payment (due Mar 31, 2026): MOP 5,875.
- 1st Semester (due Jun 30, 2026): MOP 52,875.
- 2nd Semester (due Jan 31, 2027): MOP 58,750.
- Annual total: MOP 117,500.

- Junior Kindergarten
- Advance payment (Mar 31, 2026): MOP 6,750.
- 1st Semester (Jun 30, 2026): MOP 60,750.
- 2nd Semester (Jan 31, 2027): MOP 67,500.
- Annual total: MOP 117,500.

- Senior Kindergarten
- Advance payment (Mar 31, 2026): MOP 7,350.
- 1st Semester (Jun 30, 2026): MOP 66,150.
- 2nd Semester (Jan 31, 2027): MOP 73,500.
- Annual total: MOP 117,500.

- Grade 1 to Grade 3
- Advance payment (Mar 31, 2026): MOP 7,700.
- 1st Semester (Jun 30, 2026): MOP 69,300.
- 2nd Semester (Jan 31, 2027): MOP 77,000.
- Annual total: MOP 135,000.

- Grade 4 to Grade 6
- Advance payment (Mar 31, 2026): MOP 8,400.
- 1st Semester (Jun 30, 2026): MOP 75,600.
- 2nd Semester (Jan 31, 2027): MOP 84,000.
- Annual total: MOP 147,000.

- Grade 7 to Grade 9
- Advance payment (Mar 31, 2026): MOP 8,400.
- 1st Semester (Jun 30, 2026): MOP 75,600.
- 2nd Semester (Jan 31, 2027): MOP 84,000.
- Annual total: MOP 154,000.

- Grade 10 to Grade 12
- Advance payment (Mar 31, 2026): MOP 8,400.
- 1st Semester (Jun 30, 2026): MOP 75,600.
- 2nd Semester (Jan 31, 2027): MOP 84,000.
- Annual total: MOP 168,000.

What the annual fee covers and extra costs
- The published annual tuition includes: textbooks and handouts, online educational materials, arts and crafts supplies, student insurance, all field trips within Macao, snacks for kindergarten, and Alberta examinations for high school. Additional costs not included in the tuition may include tutorial lessons and individual support, overnight (residential) field trips, IB examination fees, additional learning materials, Experience Week trip fees (Grades 4–12), and extra‑curricular or team participation costs. Lunches and school bus services are not covered by the annual tuition and must be paid directly to the respective suppliers.

Billing schedule, invoice dates and payment terms
- Installments and due dates for the 2026/27 academic year:
- Advance payment / deposit: due Mar 31, 2026 (covers half of September).
- 1st Semester invoice: due Jun 30, 2026 (covers remainder of Sept–Jan).
- 2nd Semester invoice: due Jan 31, 2027 (covers Feb–Jun).
- Parents may pay the full annual fee up front or choose the term instalment schedule above. Government subventions for Macau ID holders are applied to student accounts once received from the government and will be credited to the applicable instalment. Tuition is charged pro‑rata for mid‑term starts (first half‑month or full month depending on the entry date).

Discounts and allowances
- Sibling discounts: second child receives 5% off annual tuition; third and subsequent children receive 15% off annual tuition. An alumni discount policy also applies as specified by the school. Government subventions for qualifying Macau residents reduce the net fee for eligible students.

Late payment and overdue terms
- A late payment fee of MOP 1,000 is applied for payments made after the tuition due date. If fees remain unpaid, the school may restrict participation in activities, withhold academic records, suspend attendance or offer the place to waitlisted students; enrollment may be withdrawn if fees remain overdue beyond the school's stated timelines. Re‑enrolment after suspension for overdue fees requires full settlement plus a reinstatement charge (the published schedule includes a 5% reinstatement fee in specific overdue cases). Families with hardship may request payment arrangements in advance.

Withdrawal and refund terms
- If parents notify the school before August 15 whether the child will continue enrollment for the upcoming year, a tuition refund may be possible if a withdrawal occurs prior to August 15; however, an administrative charge of 10% on one term's tuition will be applied. Withdrawals after August 15 are generally non‑refundable; exceptions are considered only in exceptional circumstances on a case‑by‑case basis. The application fee and the advance tuition payment are non‑refundable.

Boarding
- The published fee schedule is for day‑student tuition; published school information and IB registration indicate the school operates as a day school. There are no boarding fees included in the standard fee schedule for 2026/27. (If a boarding programme is developed, separate fees would be published for that service.)

Uniforms and other on‑site costs
- School uniform is required. Uniform items are sold through the school's on‑site uniform shop (opening hours published) and separate uniform price lists are provided by the school for each age group. Parents should expect a one‑time or periodic uniform purchase cost according to the published uniform price lists. Lunch and transport vendors bill separately to parents.

Fee payment options and banking details (accepted methods)
- Accepted payment methods include: local bank deposit/transfer to BCM or Bank of China accounts, in‑school payment by Visa/MasterCard (and in some locations UnionPay), cash, cheque, BOC express terminal, Bank of China internet/mobile banking, BOC autopay/direct debit, ATM deposit to the school account, and mobile payment options where supported (BOC Pay, WeChat Pay, Alipay). When bank transfers or electronic payments are made, parents are asked to email the payment confirmation to the school fees office. Bank names and account details are published for payments in MOP and HKD where required.

Additional notes on charges and exclusions
- IB examination fees, international Experience Week trip costs (Grades 4–12), overnight residential trip charges, private tutorial/learning‑support fees, and some extra‑curricular program fees are charged in addition to the annual tuition and will be invoiced separately or collected by the activity provider. School lunch programs and bus services are arranged and billed separately by their respective suppliers. Student government subventions for Macau ID holders are applied to a student account when received.
Academics

The International School of Macao teaches Canadian Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (DP).

Curriculum
The Alberta provincial curriculum is taught across all grade levels. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) is offered for Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 6. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is available for Grades 11 and 12. The school is Alberta-accredited offshore and follows Alberta Education standards. In Division One and Two (Grades 1-6), learning uses Units of Inquiry in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies, with Mandarin, Physical Education and Health, Art, Music, and Information Technology integrated. Starting in the 2025/26 school year, two kindergarten options exist: the existing ECE English Program and the Enhanced Chinese Program with Mandarin-English immersion.

Student Teacher Ratio
Division One class sizes are generally limited to 25 students. Division Two (Grades 4-6) uses an inquiry-based learning approach across core and specialist subjects.

Exam Results
The IBDP is offered for Grades 11-12 with the option for Full IB Diploma or individual IB Courses. All students are enrolled in the Alberta High School Diploma program, with four progression options: Full IB Diploma; Alberta Diploma and Full IB Diploma; Alberta Diploma with selected IB courses; and both Alberta and IB courses delivered concurrently. The Class of 2025 achieved a 100% pass rate with an average of 36, and five students scored over 40 points.

Higher Education Progression
Academic Counselling supports high school students in achieving post-secondary goals. A University Fair is held each fall featuring over 70 universities from multiple countries. Counsellors provide information about degree programs, the university application process, and scholarships to support post-secondary planning.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The Student Services Department provides multidisciplinary services to support students from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12, including English Language Learning, Inclusive Education, Psychological Assessment Services, Counselling and Therapies. The team consists of educators, counsellors, psychologists and therapists who support students' academic and social and emotional wellbeing. The Inclusive Education department coordinates individual educational plans and provides strategies and interventions to enable all students to be successful. Social and emotional capabilities and moral education are promoted through the Moral and Civic Education (MACE) program for grades 1–6, the Teacher Advisory Program (TAP) for grades 7–12, and the Zones Program for Pre-K to Grade 6.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The Inclusive Education department consists of case managers and assistants who coordinate, plan and manage Individual Educational Plans and provide strategies and interventions to support learning. The department works to ensure all students have the opportunity to be successful learners.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The English Language Learners (ELL) programme is integrated closely with the Alberta Education curriculum outcomes taught at TIS. Teaching professionals work alongside classroom teachers to provide opportunities for English language learning, including structured in-class or small-group teaching when required. The primary objective of the ELL program at TIS is to upskill students so that they are able to gain full access to the English curriculum being taught.

Mental Wellbeing
The school places emphasis on social and emotional development and wellbeing. Programs focus on developing these skills through the MACE program for grades 1–6, the TAP for grades 7–12, and the Zones Program for Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 6. The Psychologist and Guidance Counsellor team offers individual sessions and conduct screenings and observations, the Speech and Language Pathologist collaborates on student programming, and the Sheng Kung Hui School Counselling Service within TIS provides social skills building and counselling when requested.

Safeguarding
Child Protection Support and Information is available for anyone in the TIS community. The Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy provides guidance on safeguarding and addresses suspected incidents of harm, and includes related Codes of Conduct. For safeguarding inquiries, contact the Student Services head.
Parent Experience

History
TIS was established in 2002 to provide a Canadian curriculum and accreditation to local and expatriate students. It opened with an initial enrollment of 58 students on the Macau University of Science and Technology campus. By 2006 the school had grown to over 500 students and moved into the first phase of its new, purpose-built facility on the MUST campus, and it became accredited with the Ministry of Education in Alberta, Canada. In 2008, TIS offered its first Grade 12 courses and by June 2009, 27 students had graduated. TIS Macao continues to grow, serving 1,281 students from 31 nationalities with an average class size of 22 and a 100% university offers rate; expansion in 2017 added a five-story North Wing, increasing capacity to 1,600 students.

Community
TIS is a diverse and multicultural school made up of a warm, welcoming and supportive community of parents, teachers, students and staff. Annual events such as the Welcome Back BBQ, Mid Autumn Festival, Community Days, Activist-in-Residence Program, Christmas Wonderland, TIS Benefit Concert and Arts Night bring the community together and raise money for charitable causes. The Run of Hope charity run/walk is a long-standing activity that raises funds for the Kiang Wu Hospital Cancer Department and a local orphanage in Macau; the TIS community has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars as a co-sponsor over the years. TIS also maintains an alumni network with graduates dating back to 2009 and hosts alumni receptions around the world to stay connected.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The TIS Parent Association, known as TISPA, bridges the gap between the school and parents, fostering a sense of community that contributes to students' well-being and learning. TISPA's mission is to support the school in providing a well‑rounded education in a safe and stimulating environment and to foster scholastic community. Each year TISPA raises funds to improve facilities and enrich the learning environment through events such as Mid Autumn Festival & BBQ, Christmas Giving Tree, Christmas Wonderland, Community Days, Elementary Sports Day, Easter Raffle, and Popcorn Days. Research shows parental involvement enhances education, and as a TIS parent you are automatically a member of TISPA and are encouraged to attend monthly meetings or join Sub-Committees. To get involved or volunteer, contact tispa@tis.edu.mo.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The International School of Macao campus consists of two five-storey classroom blocks (South Wing and North Wing), a three-storey central core, and a two-storey wing with an attached two-storey multi-purpose hall. The South Wing houses science laboratories, a computer lab, a television and film studio, a physical education studio, a music studio, a food preparation area, an administration centre, a two-storey multi-purpose hall, a student services centre, a learning lab and a fitness centre. The North Wing spans five floors of classrooms for Pre-K through High School and features a two-storey library, a multi-purpose room, a black box theatre, additional music and drama spaces, extra computer labs, a discovery centre and a covered playground. Open common areas and spacious athletic fields surround the campus, including a playground and a soccer turf, an outdoor classroom and an outdoor cafe. The school has access to a football stadium, tennis courts and a large gymnasium adjacent to the campus.

Sports Facilities
The campus includes three basketball courts, an artificial turf soccer pitch and a large grass playing field next to the school. There is a football stadium and a gymnasium adjacent to the campus, and nearby tennis courts. Swimming pools, cross-country trails, a skating rink and beach volleyball facilities are within a reasonable distance from the school. Outdoor common areas and athletic spaces support year-round sport participation.

Academic Facilities
Purpose-built classrooms serve kindergarten through secondary grade levels. Three science laboratories, three computer labs, and a robotics lab support STEM learning. A Black Box Theatre, a Learning Lab, and visual arts, drama and music studios enable creative and performing arts. A television and film studio, two libraries, and a discovery centre provide research and literacy resources. A food preparation area, an outdoor classroom space, an administration centre and a student services hub support daily operations and student well-being.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The school offers extracurricular activities and invites outside agencies to use facilities to broaden opportunities. Programs include taekwondo, soccer, gymnastics, ballet, fencing, gym games and more. The campus hosts clubs and activities across sports, arts and academics.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The Extra-Curricular Activities program includes an Intellectual track with language acquisition, game development, math and coding. There are over 100 ECAs to choose from, enabling students to explore interests beyond the classroom and develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Robotics is included among ECAs as part of the program's cross-disciplinary opportunities.

Arts & Creative
Visual Arts from Grade 7-8 includes painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture and computer technology. In Grade 9-12, students may choose from option courses such as Art and Career Technology Studies. Drama & Performing Arts offers musical productions, theatrical productions, Christmas concerts and Chinese New Year performances, and there are many extracurricular clubs for performance. The music program showcases student talent through annual concerts and a range of ensembles, with wind instruments taught from Grade 7.

Cultural & Language
Language acquisition is offered as part of ECAs. Laos Outreach Program partners with Lao educators to facilitate cross-cultural exchange, and some TIS experiences connect language learning with culture. Experience Week CAS emphasizes creativity, activity and service with global perspectives. Special guests and performers bring diverse cultural perspectives to TIS activities.

Social & Hobbies
Social ECAs include volunteer work and the yearbook club. Participation in ECAs supports developing self-esteem, communication skills and social opportunities with the broader community. Students can register for multiple ECAs as long as there is no schedule overlap.

Community & Service
TIS offers CAS-based service through Experience Week. Family Service Trips provide week-long opportunities for families to travel and work on community projects. Activist-in-Residence brings experts to engage students in activism and service learning. The TIS Volunteer Team coordinates volunteering with local NGOs, and Laos Outreach Program supports cross-cultural service by mentoring Lao educators.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership ECAs include Model United Nations, Student Council and the Duke of Edinburgh program. These activities develop leadership, teamwork and project-management skills, and ECAs run in three term sessions.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The athletic program consists of 37 teams with over 350 students. Sports include basketball, football, volleyball, badminton, robotics and e-sports. Participation promotes physical fitness, teamwork and sportsmanship, with involvement in family and community events and service opportunities.
Languages

Language Provision
The common language at TIS is English, the school's primary language of instruction. English is the language of instruction throughout; Chinese and French courses are exceptions. Chinese language instruction is offered at all grade levels; French is offered as an acquisition language from Grade 10–12. EAL support is provided for students learning English.

Bilingual Teaching
English is the primary language of instruction. The kindergarten offers a dual-language Enhanced Chinese Program beginning in Pre-K, providing Chinese–English immersion. French is offered as an acquisition language from Grade 10 to 12.

Immersion Programs
The Enhanced Chinese Program provides dual-language immersion in Chinese and English starting PK. The Chinese Language Program offers daily Chinese language classes from Pre-K to Senior Kindergarten, with high school options to continue Chinese as an IBDP subject in Grades 11–12.
Admissions

Admissions
1) Begin the application. Complete the online application form and gather the required documents, then submit them to admission@tis.edu.mo. After receipt, the Admissions Team will contact you to arrange either an interview or a placement test, depending on the grade level. The enrolment guidelines describe the detailed steps for enrollment.

2) Provide documents and pay the application fee. Macao residents submit a copy of Macao ID (front and back). Non-Macao residents submit a copy of their travel document and Macao Stay Permit (or proof of visa) and copies of the applicant's school reports for the current and previous year. A non-refundable MOP 1,500 application fee is required, and a copy of the DSEDJ card is needed for students transferring from other Macao schools. Additional documents may be required for Grade 7–11 applicants.

3) Attend admissions assessments and interviews. Assessments are conducted at the school, and overseas applicants complete the interview and exam upon arrival in Macau. For Pre-Kindergarten to Kindergarten–Year 3, an interview is held (40 minutes) with one parent, plus review of school reports. For Grades 1–2, an admission exam tests reading, early writing, and math with a review of the last two years of school reports (about 1 hour). For Grades 3–6, Part 1 is a screener for Reading, Language Usage, and Math plus an independent written piece (about 2 hours); Part 2 is a follow-up interview if the screener is successful. For Grades 7–11, Part 1 is a screener for Reading, Language Usage, and Math plus an independent written piece; Part 2 is a meeting with the principal if the screener is successful, and additional testing may be required (about 2.75 hours total).

4) Admissions decision and placement. The Principal will consider the student's admissions test results, past educational performance, potential to succeed at TIS, and the grade being applied for. Students will not be accepted into a grade more than one year above or below their age-appropriate level. Acceptance may be conditional, requiring English language support or after-school tutoring at parental cost. Decisions regarding admission and placement can be appealed to the Board of Directors. Students may apply a maximum of two times per school year, with at least six months between applications, during which time parents should seek tutorial assistance to improve readiness.

5) Enrolment eligibility and residency requirements. To enroll in Pre-K, a child must be at least 3 years old by December 31 of the enrollment year. For junior secondary, completion of primary education is required with an upper age limit of 18; for senior secondary, completion of junior secondary is required with an upper age limit of 21. Non-Macao residents must possess a stay permit exceeding 90 days; holders of a Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card or a Re-entry Permit may stay up to 1 year, and British passport holders up to 6 months. Placements for other grades are based on age and level of attainment.

6) Final enrollment and deposit. Accepted students must confirm enrollment by paying a deposit within three days, in accordance with the current Fee Schedule. The deposit secures the student's place and completes the enrollment process.
School Events
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