List of International Schools in Beijing (2026 Guide)

Beijing is one of the most established international school markets in China. Families relocating here, as well as local families seeking an international education for their children, will find a genuinely broad range of options across curricula, price points, and teaching philosophies. This guide covers every international school in Beijing currently listed on doris, with verified fee data, curriculum detail, and honest community context to help you make a considered choice.

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 in Beijing

Beijing's international schools cover most of the major international frameworks.

British curriculum schools follow the National Curriculum of England, typically leading to Cambridge IGCSE and A Levels. The British School of Beijing Sanlitun, Dulwich College Beijing, and Harrow International School Beijing all sit within this tradition. For a detailed comparison of British and IB pathways, the doris guide to IB vs British curriculum is a useful starting point. Cambridge International's own qualification framework is published at cambridgeinternational.org.

The IB framework appears across multiple schools and age ranges. Beijing City International School and Beijing Huijia Private School both offer the full continuum from PYP through to DP. The IBO publishes its authorisation standards at ibo.org.

American and AP-based options include Limai Chinese American (International) School and Beijing Royal School, with the latter combining AP, IB, and Canadian credentials in one institution. Beijing National Day School International Department offers Cambridge A Levels, AP, and IB (DP), making it one of the more curriculum-flexible options in the city at a comparatively accessible price point.

Living and Schooling in Beijing

Beijing is a practical city for families once you have settled into its rhythms. Transport infrastructure is strong, international supermarkets are accessible across most districts, and the city has a well-developed international community with established social networks.

👵🏻 One parent living in the capital noted: "As a mother of two children, feeling safe in my city means everything. 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." (Source: Reddit)

School districts matter. Most international schools are concentrated in the northeast of the city, particularly around the Shunyi and Chaoyang districts, though some schools are located further afield. Commute times and proximity to your housing will affect daily life significantly.

School Profiles

Dulwich College Beijing

Curriculum: British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP), Cambridge A Levels | Fees: CNY 245,000–373,000/yr (approx. USD 34,000–52,000)

One of Beijing's best-known international schools, Dulwich College Beijing sits at the premium end of the market. It offers a British-rooted curriculum transitioning to IB Diploma at senior level. Parents note strong pastoral care and a well-resourced campus. Fees are among the highest in the city.

The British School of Beijing Sanlitun

Curriculum: British Curriculum, EYFS | Fees: CNY 165,000–311,400/yr (approx. USD 23,000–43,000)

View The British School of Beijing Sanlitun on doris. This school caters to younger learners through the British early years and primary framework. Families seeking continuity with a UK schooling background often choose it for early years and primary. Its Sanlitun location suits families based in central Beijing.

Harrow International School Beijing

Curriculum: British Curriculum, IPC, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels | Fees: CNY 228,600–356,600/yr (approx. USD 31,500–49,000)

View Harrow International School Beijing on doris. Harrow Beijing carries the name recognition of its London original and offers a broad curriculum spanning British, IPC, and A Level pathways. It is a large, well-established campus with significant co-curricular programming. Families should expect fees toward the higher end and a competitive admissions process.

Beijing Royal School

Curriculum: AP, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, IB (DP), Canadian Curriculum | Fees: CNY 66,000–252,000/yr (approx. USD 9,100–34,800)

View Beijing Royal School on doris. Beijing Royal School is one of the more curriculum-diverse options in the city, spanning IB, Cambridge, AP, and Canadian pathways. The lower end of its fee range makes it more accessible than many peers, particularly at primary level. Worth investigating for families who want flexibility without committing to a single framework.

Beijing National Day School International Department

Curriculum: Cambridge A Levels, AP, IB (DP) | Fees: CNY 100,000–120,000/yr (approx. USD 13,800–16,600)

View Beijing National Day School International Department on doris. This international department sits within a well-regarded Chinese state school. It is among the most affordable routes to Cambridge or IB qualifications in Beijing. Entry is competitive, and the school appeals particularly to families with older children focused on university preparation.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many international schools are there in Beijing?

A: Beijing has many established international schools, with options available across different districts. The schools range from small international departments within Chinese institutions to large standalone campuses.

Q: What is the cheapest international school in Beijing?

A: Beijing Royal School has fees starting from CNY 66,000 per year, making it one of the more affordable options. Beijing National Day School International Department is also comparatively accessible at CNY 100,000–120,000 per year.

Q: Can local Chinese families enrol in international schools in Beijing?

A: This depends on the school's licence. Some schools in China are restricted to passport holders, while others, particularly those with international department structures, accept Chinese nationals. Always confirm eligibility directly with the school before applying.

Q: Which Beijing schools offer the full IB continuum from primary to diploma?

A: Beijing City International School, Beijing Huijia Private School, and Canadian International School of Beijing all offer IB programmes across PYP, MYP, and DP.

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. External sources: Cambridge International, International Baccalaureate Organisation.

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