When Does International School Start in China? A 2027 Guide

Most international schools in China begin their academic year in mid to late August, running through to mid June, while Chinese public schools start in September and finish in early July. The gap is smaller than in some neighbouring countries, both systems broadly follow a northern hemisphere shape, but international schools start earlier and take a longer summer break.

For 2027 to 2028, expect a similar shape, though exact dates are usually confirmed only around 12 months out, and China's Spring Festival holiday block for 2027 hadn't been officially published by the State Council as of this guide.

Why the dates differ slightly from local schools

Chinese public schools run two semesters split around Chinese New Year (the Spring Festival), the first from September to mid January, the second from late February or early March to June or July, with a long winter break of around four weeks either side of the holiday. International schools generally start two to three weeks earlier, mid to late August, and run a longer summer break of roughly ten weeks from mid June, rather than the shorter local break. British and IB schools such as Dulwich College Beijing tend to use three terms with October and spring breaks, while American-curriculum schools use two semesters with fall and winter breaks.

Term dates and key holidays

Within the international school year, expect a winter break of roughly two weeks over Christmas and New Year, a shorter spring break, and an October break around National Day. China's National Day Golden Week runs 1 to 7 October every year and closes every school in the country, a peak domestic travel week best avoided if booking flights. Chinese New Year 2027 falls on Saturday 6 February, though the exact multi-day school holiday block is confirmed by the State Council only in the preceding November or December, so treat any specific 2027 dates beyond 6 February as provisional until then.

What to prepare, and from when

Five popular international schools in China

Shanghai American School, Shanghai. Reggio-inspired early years, AP and IB Diploma pathways, ages 3 to 18, around 2,900 pupils. RMB 278,000 to 336,100 a year (approx. USD 40,900 to 49,400).

Shanghai High School International Division, Shanghai. American-based curriculum with AP, IB Diploma and A-Level options, ages 6 to 18, around 3,500 pupils. RMB 141,200 to 157,200 a year (approx. USD 20,800 to 23,100).

The British School of Guangzhou, Guangzhou. British curriculum to A Level, part of Nord Anglia Education, ages 1 to 18. RMB 220,000 to 292,000 a year (approx. USD 32,300 to 42,900), plus optional bus fees.

Hangzhou International School, Hangzhou. Full IB continuum, ages 2 to 18, over 1,020 pupils from 50+ nationalities. RMB 222,500 to 275,000 a year (approx. USD 32,700 to 40,400). Holds a New Family Orientation Day in January.

Shanghai Jincai International School, Shanghai. IB Middle Years and Diploma Programme alongside a Chinese national curriculum section, ages 6 to 18. RMB 72,800 to 80,800 a year (approx. USD 10,700 to 11,900) depending on section and grade.

Schools shown for informational purposes only. doris does not rank or promote any school.

Check school availability in China on doris

Schools in China may have waiting lists for certain year groups, so it helps to prepare well ahead of your preferred start date.

Start by exploring schools in China on doris and opening the profiles of those on your shortlist. You can review admissions details and, where available, check availability or send an enquiry to ask about places, waiting lists and application requirements. Include your child’s age and intended start date so the school can give you relevant guidance.

Start your school search early to give your family more time to explore options and prepare your application.

FAQ

What month does international school usually start in China? Most international schools start mid to late August, a few weeks ahead of Chinese public schools, which start in September.

What are the term dates for schools in China? Chinese public schools run two semesters split around Chinese New Year, September to mid January and late February to June or July. International schools generally run August to June, either two semesters or three terms depending on curriculum.

Does the international school year in China match the local school year? Broadly, yes, both run a similar northern hemisphere shape, but international schools start a few weeks earlier and take a longer summer break. Both close for China's statutory public holidays, including National Day Golden Week.

When should we start applying for a 2027 start in China? Around 12 months ahead, particularly for younger year groups at popular Shanghai and Beijing schools where places go quickly.

How long is the summer break at international schools in China? Around ten weeks from mid June, longer than the roughly eight-week break at Chinese public schools.

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.

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: school academic calendars and fee pages, China's Ministry of Education, State Council public holiday notices.

Schools are listed for informational purposes only. doris does not rank or promote any school.