When Does International School Start in Hong Kong? A 2027 Guide

Most international schools in Hong Kong begin their academic year in mid August, while local public schools start in early September. Both run a similar August-to-June shape overall, so the gap is a matter of weeks rather than months, but it still catches new families out when planning a move.

There's one notable exception worth knowing: Australian International School Hong Kong runs a January-to-December year with four terms, out of step with the rest of the sector. For 2027 to 2028, expect a similar pattern to the above, though exact dates are usually confirmed only around 12 months out.

Why the dates differ slightly from local schools

Hong Kong's public schools follow a calendar set by the Education Bureau, with term one running from early September to mid December, term two from early January to late March, and term three from mid April to late June. International schools have more flexibility, many begin as early as mid August, and generally build in more breaks through the year, including additional October and February half terms alongside longer Christmas and Easter holidays. Both systems close for Hong Kong's public holidays, including Chinese New Year, which falls in early February.

Term dates and key holidays

Within the August to June shape, expect an autumn half term in October, a Christmas break of two to three weeks, and a spring break around Easter. Chinese New Year 2027 falls on Saturday 6 February, with Hong Kong's statutory holiday running 6 to 8 February, and schools typically add a day or two either side. Term structure varies by school, Chinese International School runs an August to June year with breaks for autumn, Christmas, Chinese New Year and spring, so always check a specific school's published calendar rather than assuming a single Hong Kong-wide pattern.

What to prepare, and from when

Five popular international schools in Hong Kong

Stamford American School Hong Kong, Ho Man Tin, Kowloon. American curriculum with an IB Diploma pathway, ages 5 to 18, around 970 pupils. HKD 217,100 to 264,000 a year (approx. USD 27,800 to 33,800). Runs regular elementary school tours and a 10th Anniversary Open Day in October.

Canadian International School of Hong Kong, Aberdeen. Full IB continuum plus an Ontario pathway, ages 2 to 18, over 2,100 pupils. HKD 156,300 to 254,300 a year (approx. USD 20,000 to 32,600).

American School Hong Kong, Tai Po. American standards-based curriculum with an IB Diploma option in Grades 11 to 12, ages 5 to 18. HKD 164,800 to 234,500 a year (approx. USD 21,100 to 30,000).

Hong Kong Academy, Sai Kung. Full IB continuum, ages 3 to 18, around 550 pupils. HKD 119,000 to 273,900 a year (approx. USD 15,200 to 35,100). Runs frequent online information sessions and an autumn Exploration Day.

DSC International School, Taikoo Shing. Ontario (Canadian) curriculum leading to the OSSD, ages 4 to 18. HKD 147,100 to 168,100 a year (approx. USD 18,800 to 21,500).

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

Check school availability in Hong Kong on doris

Schools in Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong? Most international schools start in mid August, a few weeks ahead of local public schools, which start in early September.

What are the term dates for schools in Hong Kong? Public schools run three terms, September to mid December, January to late March, and mid April to late June. International schools generally run a similar August-to-June shape with more built-in breaks, though exact dates vary by school.

Does the international school year in Hong Kong match the local school year? Mostly, both run roughly the same months, but international schools tend to start earlier and take more holidays through the year. One notable exception, Australian International School Hong Kong, runs a January-to-December year.

When should we start applying for a 2027 start in Hong Kong? Around 12 months ahead, particularly for younger year groups at popular schools, some of the most established have multi-year waitlists.

Do international schools in Hong Kong close for Chinese New Year? Yes. Both local and international schools close for Chinese New Year, which falls on 6 February 2027, alongside Hong Kong's other statutory public holidays.

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, Hong Kong Education Bureau.

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