Cambodia attracts a wide range of families, from those relocating for work to those choosing Southeast Asia for its lower cost of living and international school options. The country's education landscape has grown steadily, and today there is a genuine list of international schools in Cambodia worth considering across several cities. Where you live shapes your school options considerably, so understanding each city's character before you search is time well spent.
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BKK1 (Boeung Keng Kang 1) and the adjacent Tonle Bassac district form the core of Phnom Penh's international family community. These are walkable, relatively tree-lined neighbourhoods with a high density of cafés, international supermarkets and private clinics. Rent is higher here than almost anywhere else in Cambodia, and that reflects the demand.
Families based in BKK1 are well-placed for several of the best international schools in Cambodia. Northbridge International School Cambodia offers the full IB continuum (PYP, MYP and DP) with fees running from approximately KHR 46,000,000 to 118,000,000 per year (roughly USD 11,000 to 29,000). It is one of the more established names in the city and parents consistently mention the strong community feel. Shrewsbury International School Phnom Penh follows the British curriculum through IGCSE and A-Levels, with fees between KHR 43,000,000 and 87,000,000 per year (approx. USD 10,500 to 21,500). It is a newer campus but has built a reputation quickly among British and Commonwealth families.
For practical family life, BKK1 delivers well. Aeon Mall 1 is a short drive away, Raffles Medical and Royal Phnom Penh Hospital are accessible, and international supermarkets like Lucky and Chip Mong stock familiar goods. The area has parks, though green space is modest for a capital city. Traffic during school run hours can be slow, and motorbike noise is part of daily life.
Honest note: flooding in low-lying streets near the Bassac River does occur during heavy rain season (June to October). Ground floor rents reflect this.
These are broader residential districts that catch the overflow from BKK1 and appeal to families wanting slightly more space or lower rent without leaving central Phnom Penh. The mix here is genuinely diverse: local Khmer families, long-term residents and newer arrivals.
International School of Phnom Penh sits within reach of both districts and is one of the most established international schools in Cambodia, offering the IB PYP, MYP and DP. Fees range from approximately KHR 38,000,000 to 126,000,000 per year (USD 9,300 to 31,000). It attracts a notably diverse student body and has strong links to Cambodia's NGO and diplomatic communities. Paragon International School Cambodia offers Cambridge Primary through A-Levels alongside the Khmer national curriculum, with fees from KHR 17,500,000 to 55,000,000 per year (approx. USD 4,300 to 13,500), making it one of the more accessible options for families who want an internationally recognised curriculum at a lower price point.
Shopping is covered by Aeon Mall 2 in Meanchey and several local markets. The National Children's Hospital is in this part of the city, though most expatriate families use private facilities.
Honest note: Daun Penh in particular sits close to the riverfront, which brings charm but also noise and some flood exposure. The area is improving but infrastructure varies street by street.
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Sen Sok has become the preferred location for families who want newer housing, larger properties and proximity to some of Cambodia's largest school campuses. It sits to the northwest of the centre and is noticeably quieter and more suburban than BKK1.
Australian International School Phnom Penh operates from this area, offering the Australian Curriculum alongside the full IB suite including the Career-related Programme. Fees run from approximately KHR 27,000,000 to 104,000,000 per year (USD 6,600 to 25,500). Parents with children transferring from Australian state schools find the continuity helpful. Canadian International School of Phnom Penh offers the Alberta curriculum plus IB PYP and DP, with fees between KHR 27,000,000 and 79,000,000 per year (approx. USD 6,600 to 19,500). It suits families who want a North American academic pathway without paying the highest Phnom Penh fees.
Aeon Mall 3 anchors the retail offer in Sen Sok and is one of the largest malls in Cambodia. Road links to the city centre are improving but the commute during peak hours runs 30 to 45 minutes.
Honest note: Sen Sok is still developing. Some streets remain poorly lit and footpaths are inconsistent. It is a car-dependent neighbourhood more than a walkable one.
Siem Reap is a very different proposition from Phnom Penh. It is smaller, quieter and less commercially intense, built around the tourism economy rather than government or NGO work. Families who choose Siem Reap often do so deliberately: they want a slower pace, lower costs and easy access to one of the world's most remarkable cultural sites.
International School of Siem Reap is the main international option here, following the Cambridge curriculum from Primary through IGCSE and A-Levels. Fees are substantially lower than Phnom Penh, running from approximately KHR 6,000,000 to 21,000,000 per year (USD 1,500 to 5,200). The school is small, which some families see as an advantage and others find limiting, particularly as children approach secondary age. For families weighing up curricula at this stage, the doris guide to IB versus British curriculum is a useful reference.
The city has a solid range of international restaurants, a relaxed riverside area, and the Angkor Hospital for Children for paediatric care. Road connections to Phnom Penh take around six hours by road; the airport links internationally.
Honest note: Siem Reap's tourism economy has been uneven since 2020. Families should research the current state of the city's recovery before committing, particularly around long-term rental availability.
Fees shown are approximate and subject to change. Verify directly with each school before making decisions.
Schools shown for informational purposes only. doris does not rank or promote any school.
Q: Which city in Cambodia has the most international schools?
A: Phnom Penh has the largest concentration of international schools in Cambodia by far, with options covering IB, British, Australian, Canadian and Cambridge curricula. Siem Reap has one established international school. Families whose work base is in the capital will find the most choice there.
Q: Are international schools in Cambodia affordable compared to other Southeast Asian cities?
A: Cambodia sits at the more accessible end of the regional spectrum. Entry-level international school fees in Phnom Penh start around USD 4,000 to 6,000 per year, while the top-end schools approach USD 25,000 to 30,000. Siem Reap is considerably cheaper. For a broader comparison, the doris guide to affordable international schools in Southeast Asia covers the regional picture.
Q: Is the BKK1 area of Phnom Penh safe for families?
A: BKK1 is generally considered one of the safer and more family-friendly areas of Phnom Penh. Petty theft occurs as it does in any urban environment, but violent crime against residents is uncommon. Most families report feeling comfortable there, though standard precautions apply.
Q: Do international schools in Cambodia follow the Cambodian national curriculum as well?
A: Some do. Paragon International School Cambodia integrates the Khmer national curriculum alongside Cambridge qualifications, which suits Cambodian national families and those who want children to maintain local language and cultural learning. Most schools with a primarily expatriate intake focus on international curricula only.
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This guide was written by Aziza F, part of the doris editorial team. doris sources school data from institutions worldwide and speaks directly with parents navigating the school search process. Fee data reflects published and publicly available information for the 2026 to 2027 academic year and is reviewed annually. External sources: International Baccalaureate Organisation, Cambodia Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport.
Schools are listed for informational purposes only. doris does not rank or promote any school.