International School Admissions in China 2027

Applying to an international school in China is usually a multi-stage process involving eligibility checks, document preparation, assessments, interviews, and confirmation payments. Timelines vary by city and school, so families should use the schedule below as a planning guide and confirm current dates directly with each admissions team. 

The Typical Admissions Timeline

Note: Several of the most sought-after schools in Shanghai and Beijing maintain active waitlists. Registering interest before applications formally open is advisable.

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

What to Expect in the Process

• Online application and fee. Most schools require a completed online application form alongside a non-refundable application fee before any assessment is scheduled. Shanghai American School charges CNY 2,800 per application. Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong and Harrow International School Shanghai each charge in a similar range. Fees are non-refundable regardless of outcome. 

• Academic assessment. Schools assess age-appropriate literacy, numeracy, and language skills. At primary level this is usually informal and observational. At secondary level, particularly Year 9 and above, written assessments become more structured and results-dependent.

• Student and parent interview. Many schools, including IB-focused schools such as Hangzhou International School and Shanghai Community International School, conduct interviews with both the student and parents. These assess fit with school values and, for older students, subject readiness. 

• School reference. A report from the applicant's current school is standard. It should be recent (within 12 months) and translated into English if originally in another language. Some schools require the reference to arrive directly from the sending school.

Regulatory step: school classification. China's international schools operate under a regulated classification system. Schools for children of foreign nationals apply locally defined eligibility rules, which may include foreign-nationality and other qualifying categories. International divisions or departments of Chinese state schools, such as Beijing National Day School International Department or Shanghai High School International Division, may also admit Chinese nationals. Understanding which type of school you are applying to before submitting is essential.

Offer and confirmation. Offers typically arrive by email. Schools set their own deadlines and confirmation payments, so check the terms of each offer directly.

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

What You Need to Know Before Applying

China's international schools operate under different licence types, including schools for children of foreign nationals and international divisions attached to Chinese public or private schools. Eligibility is set by local rules and the school's licence. Misunderstanding this distinction is the most common mistake families make. The Ministry of Education oversees school licensing, and the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China publishes approved school lists.

The academic year runs from September to June or July. Age cutoffs vary by school, so verify the specific date each school uses rather than assuming a universal rule applies. Some schools follow a September birthday cutoff; others use December or even March.

Families relocating to China should not assume that a work visa alone is sufficient. Admission documentation varies by city and school and may include the parents' work and residence permits, the child's passport, proof of relationship, and local residence documentation. Confirm the exact requirements before the school's enrolment deadline.

Documents You Will Need

For all applicants:

• Birth certificate (original and certified translation into English or Chinese if required)
• Passport-sized photographs
• Most recent school reports (last two academic years)
• English proficiency assessment results, if available
• Immunisation records
• Completed school reference or recommendation form
• Non-refundable application fee payment

Additional documents for foreign nationals:

• Valid foreign passport for the applicant
• Parent passport copies
• Residence permit or visa (or proof of application in progress)
• Letter from employer confirming posting to China, where applicable

Additional documents for Chinese nationals applying to eligible schools:

• Hukou (household registration booklet)
• Chinese identity documents for parents

If your visa or residence permit is still being processed, contact the school admissions office directly. Some schools may accept evidence that an application is underway, but will not finalise enrolment until documentation is complete

Entry by Year Group

Early Years and Kindergarten. Entry at this stage is primarily assessed on age eligibility and space availability. Schools such as Nord Anglia International School Shanghai Pudong and Wellington College International Shanghai follow EYFS and admit from age 2 or 3. Waitlists at sought-after early years programmes can be long; registering interest ahead of the formal application window is common practice.

Primary. Assessment is informal but genuine. Schools look at maths and literacy levels alongside language readiness. English language support is available at most schools, but the threshold for entry does vary. Fudan International School and YK Pao School both have structured entry processes at primary level. If your child's English is developing, ask schools directly about their EAL provision before applying.

Secondary. Written assessments become more formal from Year 7 onwards. Schools are looking at subject-specific readiness as well as English competency. The British School of Guangzhou and Western International School of Shanghai both have structured secondary entry processes. Interview performance carries weight at this stage.

Senior school. Entry into Years 10, 11, 12, and 13 is the most competitive and the most constrained by available spaces. Schools such as Shanghai American School and Concordia International School Shanghai may have very limited spaces in these year groups at any given time. Families relocating with children at senior school age should begin conversations with schools as early as possible and should have contingency options in mind.

How to Find and Apply to Schools in China

doris covers international schools across Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, and other major cities. You can filter by curriculum, city, year group, and fee range, compare schools side by side, and contact schools directly through the platform. Start at doris or go directly to the China school listings.

School websites remain the most direct source of admissions information. Shanghai American School's admissions page and the admissions section of Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong both publish updated timelines, fee schedules, and document requirements each cycle.

Relocation agents can help families on tight timelines by identifying available spaces quickly, but their school lists are not exhaustive and they may have preferred relationships with certain schools. Use them as a supplement to your own research rather than as your only route.

Whatever route you take, contacting the admissions office directly and early is the step that makes the most practical difference.

FAQ

Q: When should I start the admissions process for international schools in China?

A: For August entry, most families should begin research and open-day visits 12 to 18 months ahead. Applications formally open between October and January, but popular schools fill quickly. For January entry, begin no later than September of the preceding year.

Q: Can local Chinese nationals attend international schools in China?

A: It depends on the school type. Schools for children of foreign nationals follow locally defined eligibility rules, which can include additional qualifying categories beyond foreign passport holders. International divisions of Chinese public or private schools, such as Beijing National Day School International Department and Shanghai Jincai International School, may admit Chinese nationals. Always confirm eligibility directly with the school before applying.

Q: Do children need a residence permit before they can enrol?

A: Schools will not complete final enrolment without valid documentation, but most will accept proof that a residence permit application is underway. Children of foreign nationals in China are typically registered as dependants on a family residence permit. Begin this process as early as possible, as processing times can affect your child's start date.

Q: What if we need to enrol mid-year?

A: Mid-year places exist but are limited, particularly at senior level. Contact schools directly to ask about current availability rather than assuming the published application cycle applies. Schools such as Sino-Canada School and Guangzhou Huamei International School may be more flexible at mid-year than larger, oversubscribed campuses.

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 the latest published and publicly available information and is reviewed annually. This guide covers international schools in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou. External sources: Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Shanghai American School Admissions, International Baccalaureate Organisation.

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