Fees at Beijing international schools span a wider range than many families expect. At the lower end, schools such as Beijing Royal School start from around RMB 66,000 (approx. USD 9,100) per year. At the premium end, Dulwich College Beijing and Harrow International School Beijing reach RMB 356,000 to 373,000 (approx. USD 49,000 to 51,500). The right tier depends on curriculum, stage of schooling, and how long your family plans to stay.
| Tier | Annual Fees (CNY) | Approx. USD | Example Schools |
|---|---|---|---|
| Affordable | RMB 66,000–120,000 | USD 9,100–16,500 | Beijing Royal School, Beijing National Day School International Department |
| Mid-range | RMB 120,000–250,000 | USD 16,500–34,500 | Canadian International School of Beijing, Limai Chinese American (International) School, Beijing Huijia Private School |
| Premium | RMB 250,000–373,000 | USD 34,500–51,500 | Dulwich College Beijing, Harrow International School Beijing, Beijing City International School |
Fees shown are approximate and subject to change. Verify directly with the school.
Schools shown for informational purposes only. doris does not rank or promote any school.
Tuition covers classroom instruction and standard school resources. Most other costs are separate. Typical additional charges include:
Families regularly underestimate total cost by 15–25% when they focus on headline tuition alone.
| Curriculum | Typical Annual Range (CNY) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| British | RMB 165,000–373,000 | Wider spread; branded schools at top end |
| IB | RMB 66,000–343,500 | Range reflects school type (private-local vs. branded international) |
| American / AP | RMB 100,000–220,000 | Mid-range overall in Beijing |
| Canadian | RMB 135,500–336,800 | Canadian International School of Beijing spans a broad range |
For a fuller comparison of IB and British programmes, the doris guide to IB vs British curriculum is a useful starting point.
Most Beijing international schools raise fees by 3–7% annually. Some branded schools have applied higher increases in recent years, particularly post-pandemic. When speaking with admissions teams, ask:
Getting this in writing before enrolment avoids surprises later.
For relocating families on employer packages, the headline fees are often partially or fully covered, making the decision more about fit than cost. For local families paying independently, the calculation is different. Schools such as Beijing National Day School International Department (RMB 100,000–120,000) and Beijing Royal School (from RMB 66,000) offer internationally recognised curricula at a fraction of branded school fees. The trade-off is typically in facilities, community diversity, and university counselling depth.
👵🏻 One parent living in Beijing put it plainly: "Living in Beijing has given my family a lifestyle that feels efficient and comfortable, from daily convenience and transportation to amazing food and a strong sense of safety." For many families, that broader context is part of what makes the investment feel grounded rather than speculative.
Q: What is the cheapest international school in Beijing?
A: Beijing Royal School starts from around RMB 66,000 per year, making it among the most accessible options. Beijing National Day School International Department begins at RMB 100,000 and offers Cambridge and IB programmes.
Q: Do Beijing international school fees include exam costs?
A: No. External exam fees for IGCSE, A Level, AP, and IB Diploma subjects are charged separately. Budget an additional RMB 3,000–8,000 per year at secondary level depending on the number of subjects.
Q: Are fees negotiable at Beijing international schools?
A: Rarely on tuition, but sibling discounts are common and some schools offer multi-year enrolment agreements. It is always reasonable to ask about fee structures and payment plans before signing.
Q: How much do fees increase each year in Beijing?
A: Typically 3–7% annually. Ask schools directly for their fee history over the past three years, and confirm whether additional charges such as capital levies are subject to the same increases.
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: International Baccalaureate Organisation, Cambridge Assessment International Education.
Schools are listed for informational purposes only. doris does not rank or promote any school.