International Schools in Cambodia 2026: The Complete Guide

International schools in Cambodia range from globally accredited IB schools in Phnom Penh to more affordable Cambridge options across the country — here is what families need to know before choosing.

Cambodia has a smaller international school sector than its neighbours in Southeast Asia, but it is a more thoughtful one than many families expect. Whether you are relocating to Phnom Penh for work, returning after years abroad, or a Cambodian family seeking an English-medium education for your children, the city offers a genuine range of curricula, price points, and school cultures. Siem Reap adds a smaller but viable option for families based outside the capital. This guide covers all the key information for 2026.

Compare international schools in Cambodia on doris →

Quick Comparison: International Schools in Cambodia 2026

The table below shows the main international schools in Cambodia, with annual fee ranges in Cambodian riel and approximate US dollar equivalents. Fees are based on published or publicly available data for the 2026–2027 academic year. Exact tuition depends on year group; always verify directly with the school.

Exchange rate used: 1 USD ≈ KHR 4,100 (approximate; verify current rate before planning).

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.

Curricula Available at International Schools in Cambodia

IB (International Baccalaureate)

The IB curriculum is the dominant framework at the top tier of Phnom Penh's international school market. The International School of Phnom Penh and Northbridge International School Cambodia both run the full continuum from Primary Years Programme through to the Diploma. Families moving from IB schools elsewhere in Southeast Asia will find both schools genuinely aligned with the programme's philosophy rather than simply using the IB brand as a marketing tool. The IB Diploma is widely recognised by universities in Europe, North America, Australia, and increasingly across Asia. Full curriculum details are available at ibo.org.

British and Cambridge

Several schools follow either the English National Curriculum or the Cambridge International pathway. Shrewsbury International School Phnom Penh runs a recognisably British programme from early years through to A-Levels. Invictus International School Phnom Penh and Paragon International School Cambodia both use Cambridge qualifications, which are administered internationally by Cambridge Assessment International Education. The Cambridge route suits families who value structured external examinations and clear progression into IGCSEs and A-Levels. If you are weighing IB against British Cambridge pathways, the doris guide to IB vs British curriculum is a practical starting point.

Australian Curriculum

Australian International School Phnom Penh is the only school in Cambodia offering the Australian Curriculum alongside IB programmes including the Career-related Programme (CP), which is less commonly available elsewhere in the region. This makes it a sensible option for Australian families who want continuity, and for any family interested in an internationally mobile curriculum with strong pastoral structures.

Canadian, American, French, and Bilingual Options

The Canadian International School of Phnom Penh follows Alberta provincial standards alongside the IB Primary Years and Diploma programmes. East-West International School takes a notably pluralist approach, combining American, IB, and Cambridge frameworks in a bilingual setting — an unusual but practical fit for mixed-nationality families. The Lycée Français René Descartes serves the French-speaking community with the French National Curriculum leading to the Baccalauréat, and is overseen by the French Ministry of Education.

See full school profiles and fees for Cambodia on doris →

Living and Schooling Context in Cambodia

Phnom Penh is a city of contrasts: rapid development alongside older, quieter neighbourhoods, and a genuinely warm community for families who take the time to settle in. The international school community is relatively tight-knit. School buses are common, and most international schools organise pickup routes across the main family neighbourhoods — BKK1, Toul Kork, and areas near the riverside.

Traffic is the practical reality most families mention first. Journey times to school can vary considerably depending on where you live, and it is worth factoring that into any housing decision. Air quality on dusty-season days and the general infrastructure of Phnom Penh are different from Singapore or Bangkok, but most families who have been here a few years describe an adjustment period rather than a permanent hardship.

For families with children who have previously attended schools in the region, the doris guide to third culture kids covers the transition experience with useful nuance.

Individual School Profiles

International School of Phnom Penh

Curriculum: IB (PYP, MYP, DP) | Fees: KHR ~38,000,000 – 126,000,000 / year (approx. USD $9,300 – $30,700)

ISPP is the longest-established international school in Cambodia and carries a corresponding weight of reputation. The full IB continuum is well-implemented, and the school attracts a genuinely international student body rather than a single dominant nationality. Class sizes are manageable and the secondary programme is considered strong. Some parents note that the facilities, while functional, are not the most modern in the market. View International School of Phnom Penh on doris.

Northbridge International School Cambodia

Curriculum: IB (PYP, MYP, DP) | Fees: KHR ~46,000,000 – 118,000,000 / year (approx. USD $11,200 – $28,800)

Northbridge International School Cambodia is part of a wider Southeast Asian group and is one of the most frequently searched schools in the market. The campus is well-resourced, and the IB programme is consistently delivered. Families report a strong community feel and active parent engagement. Northbridge international school Cambodia fees sit at the higher end of the market, which reflects both the campus and the programme quality. View Northbridge International School Cambodia on doris.

Australian International School Phnom Penh

Curriculum: Australian Curriculum + IB (PYP, MYP, DP, CP) | Fees: KHR ~27,000,000 – 104,000,000 / year (approx. USD $6,600 – $25,400)

Australian International School Phnom Penh offers one of the broadest curriculum ranges in the city, including the IB Career-related Programme which provides a more vocational pathway at senior level. The school has a relaxed, inclusive culture that families from a range of backgrounds tend to find welcoming. Fee ranges vary quite widely by year group, so it is worth requesting a detailed breakdown at enquiry stage. View Australian International School Phnom Penh on doris.

Shrewsbury International School Phnom Penh

Curriculum: British (EYFS, National Curriculum, IGCSE, A-Levels) | Fees: KHR ~43,000,000 – 87,000,000 / year (approx. USD $10,500 – $21,200)

Shrewsbury International School Phnom Penh is part of a respected group with roots in Bangkok, and brings a recognisably structured British curriculum approach. The school is particularly popular with British families and those who want a clear pathway through IGCSE and A-Levels. Parents describe a traditional but not rigid school culture. View Shrewsbury International School Phnom Penh on doris.

Canadian International School of Phnom Penh

Curriculum: Alberta (Canadian) + IB (PYP, DP) | Fees: KHR ~27,000,000 – 79,000,000 / year (approx. USD $6,600 – $19,300)

Canadian International School of Phnom Penh combines the Alberta provincial curriculum with IB programmes at primary and diploma level. The school has a friendly, mid-sized community and is considered a solid choice for families who want IB credentialing without the fees of the very top-tier schools. The Canadian framework is less familiar to some Asian families, but the IB strand provides a recognisable international framework alongside it. View Canadian International School of Phnom Penh on doris.

Lycée Français René Descartes

Curriculum: French National Curriculum (Baccalauréat) | Fees: KHR ~22,000,000 – 40,000,000 / year (approx. USD $5,400 – $9,800)

Lycée Français René Descartes is the go-to option for French-speaking families and those who want continuity with the French education system. Fees are among the most accessible of any international school in Phnom Penh. The school serves both the diplomatic community and local families, and Khmer students do enrol. Instruction is primarily in French, which is the key practical consideration for non-francophone families. View Lycée Français René Descartes on doris.

Paragon International School Cambodia

Curriculum: Cambridge (Primary, IGCSE, A-Levels) + Khmer National | Fees: KHR ~17,500,000 – 55,000,000 / year (approx. USD $4,300 – $13,400)

Paragon International School Cambodia is one of the more prominent locally-rooted international schools, combining Cambridge qualifications with the Khmer National Curriculum — a structure that appeals particularly to Cambodian families who want both international credentials and cultural continuity. Fees are mid-range. Parents describe the school as academically oriented with strong Khmer language provision. View Paragon International School Cambodia on doris.

Invictus International School Phnom Penh

Curriculum: British (EYFS, Cambridge Primary, IGCSE, A-Levels) | Fees: KHR ~17,000,000 – 53,000,000 / year (approx. USD $4,100 – $12,900)

Invictus International School Phnom Penh is part of the Invictus group, which operates across several Southeast Asian cities. The British and Cambridge pathway is clearly structured, and the school represents one of the more accessible entry points for families who want a rigorous English-medium education without the highest-tier fees. The school is relatively newer in the Phnom Penh market, and the community is still growing. View Invictus International School Phnom Penh on doris.

East-West International School

Curriculum: American + IB + Cambridge (IGCSE, A-Levels), Bilingual | Fees: KHR ~19,800,000 – 55,000,000 / year (approx. USD $4,800 – $13,400)

East-West International School takes a deliberately multi-framework approach, which suits families from mixed educational backgrounds. The bilingual model supports both English and Khmer, which makes it one of the more interesting options for Cambodian families who want an international education that retains local language strength. Fees are reasonable relative to the curriculum breadth on offer. View East-West International School on doris.

International School of Siem Reap

Curriculum: Cambridge (Primary, IGCSE, A-Levels) | Fees: KHR ~6,000,000 – 21,000,000 / year (approx. USD $1,500 – $5,100)

International School of Siem Reap is the primary option for families based in Siem Reap and offers fees that are substantially lower than anything in Phnom Penh. The Cambridge pathway is the same internationally recognised framework available at larger urban schools. The school serves a smaller community, which can mean a closer-knit experience but fewer extracurricular options than larger city schools. View International School of Siem Reap on doris.

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

Find and compare all international schools in Cambodia →

Frequently Asked Questions: International Schools in Cambodia

Q: What is the best international school in Cambodia for the IB Diploma?

A: Both International School of Phnom Penh and Northbridge International School Cambodia offer the full IB continuum including the Diploma Programme and are the most established IB providers in the country. The right fit depends on your child's year group, your budget, and community preferences — visiting both schools before committing is worth the time.

Q: Are there affordable international schools in Cambodia?

A: Yes. International School of Siem Reap, Invictus International School Phnom Penh, and Lycée Français René Descartes all sit at the more accessible end of the fee scale. The doris guide to affordable international schools in Southeast Asia provides broader regional context if you are comparing countries.

Q: Can Cambodian children attend international schools in Cambodia?

A: Yes, most international schools in Cambodia accept Cambodian national students. Schools such as Paragon International School Cambodia and East-West International School are particularly popular with local families. Language of instruction varies by school, so checking the primary teaching language and Khmer provision is an important step.

Q: How do international school fees in Cambodia compare to elsewhere in Southeast Asia?

A: Cambodia sits below Singapore and Bangkok at the top end, but the gap narrows in the mid-market. Top-tier IB schools in Phnom Penh charge in the USD $25,000–$30,000 range annually, while mid-range Cambridge schools can be considerably less. Fees are generally lower than equivalent schools in Singapore — the doris Singapore fees guide offers a direct comparison if that is relevant to your planning.

About doris

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.

Author Note

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 (ibo.org), Cambridge Assessment International Education.

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