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Finding an international school in Cambodia is genuinely manageable once you understand what the market looks like. Phnom Penh holds most of the options, from long-established IB schools to newer British and Cambridge programmes. Siem Reap has a smaller selection. Whether you are a family relocating for work or a Cambodian family seeking an international curriculum, the right search tools save time and reduce confusion.
Search international schools in Cambodia for free on doris →
What Parents Should Know Before Searching
Before you open a search tool, a few realities about the Cambodian international school market are worth understanding.
- Fees vary widely across this market. Annual tuition at established IB schools such as Northbridge International School Cambodia and International School of Phnom Penh can run from KHR 46,000,000 to 126,000,000 (approx. USD 11,500 to 31,500) per year, while schools like International School of Siem Reap sit considerably lower at KHR 6,000,000 to 21,000,000 (approx. USD 1,500 to 5,250). Budget planning before shortlisting prevents wasted visits.
- Application timing matters more than many families expect. The strongest IB and British-curriculum schools fill places early, particularly for popular year groups. Starting your search six to twelve months ahead of your intended entry date is sensible, not excessive.
- English is the primary language of instruction across most international schools in Cambodia, though several programmes incorporate Khmer, French, or Mandarin. Lycée Français René Descartes operates fully in French, which suits Francophone families but requires careful consideration for others.
- Cambodia's international school sector continues to grow. Schools like Paragon International School Cambodia and Invictus International School Phnom Penh represent a newer generation of Cambridge-curriculum providers that cater to both local Cambodian families and international arrivals at more accessible price points.
Comparing the Main Search Tools
Not all school search platforms work the same way. Some carry paid listings or sponsored placements that affect what you see first. The table below outlines what each platform offers.
| Feature | doris | International Schools Database | WhichSchoolAdvisor | Good Schools Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free to use | Yes | Yes | Partial | Paid subscription |
| No sponsored listings | Yes | No | No | No |
| No paid rankings | Yes | No | No | No |
| AI-assisted matching | Yes | No | No | No |
| Full curriculum filters | Yes | Limited | Limited | Limited |
| Fee data displayed | Yes | Partial | Partial | Limited |
| Parent community access | Yes | No | No | No |
| Cambodia school coverage | Yes | Yes | Partial | Limited |
Schools shown for informational purposes only. doris does not rank or promote any school.
doris is free to use, shows no sponsored results, and lets you filter by curriculum, location, fees, and age range across all international schools in Cambodia. For a broader look at how to weigh up curriculum options, the doris guide to IB vs British curriculum is a useful reference before shortlisting.
Compare every international school in Cambodia on doris — free and impartial →
What to Do After Shortlisting
Once you have a shortlist of three to five schools, the real work begins. A platform gives you data; visiting gives you feel.
Book a school tour for each option on your list. Most Phnom Penh schools welcome prospective families and will arrange a walkthrough with an admissions team member. Pay attention to how staff interact with students during unstructured time, not just during the formal presentation.
Talk to current parents wherever possible. The doris community connects families already at schools in Cambodia, which means you can ask specific questions about daily life, transport, teacher turnover, or how well a school handles the transition for children arriving mid-year. Schools like Australian International School Phnom Penh, Shrewsbury International School Phnom Penh, and Canadian International School of Phnom Penh each have distinct community characters that parents describe quite differently.
Apply early to your preferred option. Holding a place at a second-choice school while you wait for a decision from your first choice is a reasonable strategy in this market.
Questions Worth Asking Every School
These five questions are particularly relevant to the Cambodian context.
- What is your staff retention rate, and what is the average length of service for teaching staff?
- How does the school support children arriving with limited English, and how long does that support typically last?
- What proportion of students are Cambodian nationals versus families on international assignments, and how does that shape the school community?
- Are there additional fees beyond tuition, such as registration, capital levy, bus, or lunch, and what does the full annual cost typically look like?
- How does the school handle university counselling for students heading to universities in North America, the UK, Australia, or elsewhere?
FAQ
Q: Is there a reliable list of all international schools in Cambodia?
A: doris maintains profiles for international schools across Cambodia, including Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, with fee data, curriculum details, and admissions information. It is one of the most complete free resources available for families searching in this market.
Q: How early should I start searching for an international school in Cambodia?
A: Six to twelve months before your intended start date is a reasonable timeline, particularly if you are targeting well-established schools. Some year groups at popular IB schools fill quickly, and waiting lists are not uncommon.
Q: Do search platforms in Cambodia show accurate fee information?
A: Fee data on any platform should be treated as a starting point rather than a confirmed figure. doris displays published and publicly available fee ranges, but schools adjust fees annually. Always verify current fees directly with the school's admissions team.
Q: Are there good international schools in Cambodia outside Phnom Penh?
A: Options outside the capital are limited but do exist. International School of Siem Reap offers a Cambridge curriculum at significantly lower fees than comparable Phnom Penh schools, making it a genuine option for families based in that region.
doris is a free, impartial international school discovery platform designed to help parents find the right international school for their children worldwide. Every school profile includes fees, curriculum, admissions, pupil numbers and more. Parents can compare schools, contact schools directly, access expert parent guides, and connect with a community of parents around the world. Start your search at doris.school.
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: IB Organisation, Cambodia Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport.
Schools are listed for informational purposes only. doris does not rank or promote any school.