Beijing's international school scene is one of the most developed in Asia. For 2026, families relocating for work will find a strong range of options spanning IB, American, British, and bilingual curricula, with annual fees typically ranging from RMB 150,000 to RMB 380,000 (approx. USD 21,000 to USD 53,000). This guide explores some of the best international schools in Beijing, along with information on location, tuition fees, and the curriculum for international students. The schools listed below are compiled by overall reputation and parent demand, so you can move quickly.
Fees below are annual tuition estimates in RMB with approximate USD equivalents.
|
SCHOOL |
LOCATION |
CURRICULUM |
ANNUAL FEES RANGE (APPROX.) |
|
Chaoyang |
IB (PYP, MYP, DP) |
RMB 146,500 - 376,700 (USD 20,300 - 52,300) |
|
|
Shunyi |
IB (DP) / Bespoke |
RMB 150,900 - 356,000 (USD 21,000- 50,000) |
|
|
Chaoyang |
IB (PYP, MYP, DP) / Bespoke |
RMB 244,000 - 343,500 (USD 34,000 - 47,700) |
|
|
Chaoyang |
British / IB (DP) / IGCSE |
RMB 221,000 - 334,000 (USD 30,700 - 46,500) |
|
|
Chaoyang |
Canadian / IB (PYP, MYP, DP) / Montessori |
RMB 135,500 - 336,800 (USD 8,800 - 46,800) |
|
|
Shunyi |
IPC / IB (MYP, DP) / Chinese National |
RMB 289,800 - 323,950 (USD 40,200 - 45,000) |
|
|
Chaoyang |
IB (PYP, MYP, DP) |
RMB 228,000 - 298,000 (USD 31,700 - 41,450) |
|
|
Shunyi |
British / IGCSE / IB (DP) |
RMB 245,000 - 373,000 (USD 34,000 - 51,900) |
|
|
Shunyi |
British / IPC / IGCSE / Australian |
RMB 228,600 - 356,600 (USD 31,700 - 49,600) |
|
|
Chaoyang |
Chinese / IGCSE / Australian / Bespoke |
RMB 159,000 - 318,500 (USD 22,10 - 44,300) |
Schools are shown for informational purposes only. doris does not rank, rate or promote any school; All data reflects the most current publicly available information as of 2026; fees are reviewed annually and may change.
Beijing hosts over 30 accredited international schools, concentrated in Shunyi (the traditional expat hub near the airport) and Chaoyang (closer to the CBD and embassies). Shunyi suits families who want a full expat community feel; Chaoyang works better if you are living centrally and want a shorter commute.
Demand is high and spaces are limited, particularly at the Western Academy of Beijing and International School of Beijing (ISB). If you are relocating in 2026, begin enquiries three to six months before your intended start date.
Schools are shown for informational purposes only. doris does not rank, rate or promote any school; All data reflects the most current publicly available information as of 2026; fees are reviewed annually and may change.
Location: Chaoyang
Curriculum: IB (PYP, MYP, DP)
Fees: RMB 146,500 - 376,700 (approx. USD 20,300 - 52,300
Strengths: Sport, Performing Arts, STEM
Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) is consistently among the most sought-after international schools in Beijing, with a strong IB Diploma pass rate and deep community culture. The campus facilities are excellent including sports facilities (indoor pool, three full-size gyms, a FIFA‑approved football field and the ‘Tiger L'Air' sports dome) plus three libraries and multiple arts and technology studios. The school also places real emphasis on student agency. Waitlists are common, Make sure to apply early.
Location: Shunyi
Curriculum: IB (DP) / Bespoke
Ages: 2 - 19 years
Fees: RMB 150,900 - 356,000 (approx. USD 21,000- 50,000)
Strength: Performing Arts, Sport, Languages
International School of Beijing (ISB) is the largest and most established international school in Beijing, founded in 1980. It suits families seeking a US-aligned education with a broad extracurricular programme and it is located close to popular expat residential compounds. The Shunyi campus is purpose-built and well-resourced. University placement outcomes are strong.
Location: Chaoyang
Curriculum: IB (PYP, MYP, DP) / Bespoke
Ages: 2 - 18 years
Fees: RMB 244,000 - 343,500 (approx. USD 34,000 - 47,700)
Strength: STEM, Service and Sustainability, Languages
Beijing City International School (BCIS) is a strong IB school in a central location, making it practical for families based in the CBD. It has a genuinely diverse student body and a collaborative school culture. BCIS highlights technology/STEM initiatives, green/sustainability projects and student-led programs such as the Avenir business competition and Service Learning activities. A well-regarded choice for parents who want IB without relocating to Shunyi.
Location: Chaoyang
Curriculum: British / IB (DP) / IGCSE
Ages: 2 - 18 Years
Fees: RMB 221,000 - 334,000 (USD 30,700 - 46,500)
Strength: Languages, Performing Arts, STEM
Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing) is an international day school for expatriate children aged 2 - 18. The school offers a dual-language model with strong Mandarin integration alongside an English-medium curriculum. The school publishes a school-wide student–teacher ratio of 7:1 and describes a multi-level Chinese language programme in Secondary (from beginner CAL levels through IB Chinese options). It suits families who want genuine bilingual development rather than token language lessons.
Location: Chaoyang
Curriculum: Canadian / IB (PYP, MYP, DP) / Montessori
Ages: 6 months - 18 years
Fees: RMB 135,500 - 336,800 (USD 8,800 - 46,800)
Strength: Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Canadian International School of Beijing (CISB), a solid choice for Canadian families or those seeking a curriculum that balances academic rigour with a nurturing environment. The campus runs a daily after-school activities (ASA) programme across sports, arts, culture and academic clubs, and offers a school bus service and on-site catering provided by Sodexo. The school has a close-knit community and responsive admissions team, useful when you are working to a tight relocation timeline.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is the most widely offered framework, with the PYP, MYP, and Diploma available at several schools. The IB Organisation publishes a full list of authorised schools in China.
Cambridge IGCSE and A Level programmes are offered at a smaller number of schools. The Canadian curriculum, American curriculum, and bilingual Chinese-English models are also represented. UNESCO's education data for China highlights the growth of bilingual schooling as a longer-term trend across Beijing and other major cities.
👉 Passport eligibility first. Most international schools in Beijing are restricted to foreign passport holders under Chinese regulations. A limited number of bilingual schools accept Chinese nationals. Always check a school's legal enrolment status directly before investing time in an application.
👉Rolling admissions are available but not always visible. Several schools accept mid-year applications when places are available. Contact admissions offices directly rather than relying solely on online portals, as mid-year openings are not always listed publicly.
👉 The capital levy, also called a development fee or facility bond. This one-off fee can range from RMB 20,000 to RMB 80,000 (approx. USD 2,800 to USD 11,100) and is separate from tuition. Ask for the full fee schedule, not just the headline tuition figure.
👉 Accreditation and inspection. Look for schools accredited by bodies such as WASC, CIS, or those inspected under frameworks recognised by the Chinese Ministry of Education. This matters for university recognition and general quality assurance.
Q: What is the average fee for international schools in Beijing in 2026?
A: Most established international schools in Beijing charge between RMB 150,000 and RMB 380,000 per year (approx. USD 21,000 to USD 53,000). Fees vary by school, year group, and whether extras such as lunch and activities are included. Always request the full fee schedule including registration and capital levies.
Q: Which curriculum is most widely available in Beijing?
A: IB is the most common framework offered at schools including WAB, ISB, and BCIS. American AP and Cambridge programmes are also available. If bilingual education is a priority, YCIS and BIBS offer strong dual-language models. The IB organisation maintains a full list of authorised schools.
Q: How early should I apply to international schools in Beijing?
A: For popular schools such as WAB and ISB, six to twelve months ahead is realistic. For 2026 entry, enquiries should ideally have begun already. Waiting until you have confirmed your start date often means missing enrolment windows.
Q: Are there bilingual international schools in Beijing?
A: Yes. Schools such as YCIS Beijing and Keystone Academy offer bilingual Chinese-English programmes. These can be particularly valuable if your child is already Mandarin-literate or if you anticipate a long-term stay in China.
Q: What should I look for beyond the curriculum?
A: Accreditation, student-to-teacher ratios, university placement records, and how the school supports new arrivals. For more guidance, see UNESCO's international education resources.