Choosing the Right Path: A Guide to Bangkok’s International Schools for Expats
Bangkok has established itself as an educational hub in Southeast Asia, offering an overwhelming number of high-quality international schools. For expat parents, finding the perfect fit for your child requires careful consideration of curriculum, location, and cost.
Here is a guide to help you narrow down your options and navigate the admissions process.
️ Curricula: Finding the Right Academic Fit
Bangkok’s top schools offer three main international curricula, each catering to different academic and university pathways:
| Curriculum | Focus & Pathway | Popular Schools |
| British | IGCSEs and A-Levels (or IB Diploma in later years). Highly structured, emphasis on specialization in the final years. | Bangkok Patana School (BPS), Harrow International School, Shrewsbury International School, Brighton College. |
| IB (International Baccalaureate) | Full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP). Focuses on inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and a holistic approach. | NIST International School, KIS International School, Concordian International School (Trilingual). |
| American | High School Diploma and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Flexible course selection with a focus on breadth of learning. | International School Bangkok (ISB), BASIS International School, Wells International School. |
Pro Tip: If you plan to repatriate to your home country or move to a specific region (e.g., the UK or North America), choosing a curriculum that aligns with those educational systems can make future transitions much smoother.
The Reality of Cost: Tuition & Fees
International schools in Bangkok are a significant investment, comparable to many Western cities. It’s essential to budget for more than just the annual tuition.
| Expense Category | Typical Annual Range (THB) | Notes |
| Annual Tuition | ฿400,000 to over ฿1,200,000 | Varies significantly by grade level (high school is typically the most expensive) and school prestige. |
| Application & Registration Fees | ฿30,000 to ฿200,000 (One-time) | Non-refundable application fee + a large one-time placement/registration fee upon acceptance. |
| Other Costs | Varies | Uniforms, school bus transport (essential in Bangkok), activities, and residential/overseas trips. |
Location: The Traffic Game-Changer
Bangkok’s notorious traffic means that school location is often a deciding factor. A shorter commute can dramatically improve your family’s quality of life.
- Central Bangkok (Sukhumvit/Sathorn): Schools like NIST, Bangkok Prep, and St Andrews are popular, offering city convenience but requiring complex logistics for transport.
- Outer Districts: Larger schools like ISB (Nonthaburi), Harrow (Don Muang), and Bangkok Patana (Bangna) often have massive, dedicated campuses but require you to live nearby or utilize extensive bus routes.
✅ Navigating the Admissions Process
The best schools often have waiting lists, especially in popular grades. Start the process well in advance.
- Enquiry and Tour: Submit an inquiry online and schedule a campus tour. Use this time to assess the school’s atmosphere and facilities.
- Application Submission: Complete the application form and submit required documents, including previous school reports (translated into English), passport copies, and any relevant learning support documentation. A non-refundable application fee is required.
- Assessment and Interview: The student will typically be required to take an entrance assessment/placement test (for academics and English proficiency). Older students will have an interview, and parents may also be interviewed.
- Enrollment Decision: Admission is based on the student’s academic history, assessment results, and seat availability. Upon acceptance, you must pay the one-time registration/enrollment fee to secure the spot.
