Shanghai has more than 50 international schools, making it one of the most competitive international education markets in Asia. Families relocating from overseas and Shanghai-based families seeking an international curriculum will find options across British, American, IB, and bilingual frameworks. Fees range from around RMB 25,000 to over RMB 399,000 per year depending on the school and year group. The right fit depends on your child's age, your curriculum preference, likely onward destinations, and budget.
| School | Curriculum | Annual Fees (CNY) | Annual Fees (approx. USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Jincai International School | IB (MYP/DP), IEYC, IPC, Chinese National | RMB 68,000–80,800 | USD 9,400–11,200 |
| Fudan International School | IB (DP), American | RMB 76,000–82,000 | USD 10,500–11,300 |
| Sino-Canada School | Cambridge A Levels, Canadian | RMB 25,000–96,000 | USD 3,500–13,300 |
| Shanghai High School International Division | American, AP, IB (DP), Australian | RMB 141,200–157,200 | USD 19,500–21,700 |
| Western International School of Shanghai | IB (PYP/MYP/DP), IBCP | RMB 161,975–261,820 | USD 22,400–36,200 |
| YK Pao School | Chinese National, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP) | RMB 168,000–216,000 | USD 23,200–29,900 |
| Shanghai Community International School | IB (PYP/MYP/DP) | RMB 146,000–324,500 | USD 20,200–44,900 |
| Shanghai American School | Reggio Emilia, IB (DP), AP | RMB 278,000–336,100 | USD 38,400–46,500 |
| Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong | EYFS, British, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP) | RMB 274,000–399,750 | USD 37,900–55,300 |
| Wellington College International Shanghai | EYFS, IPC, British, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP) | RMB 292,400–391,000 | USD 40,400–54,100 |
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.
Shanghai's international schools cover most major curriculum frameworks. Here is a brief overview of each.
The International Baccalaureate is among the most widely offered frameworks in the city. Schools such as Shanghai Community International School offer the full continuum from PYP through to Diploma. The IB Diploma is broadly accepted by universities worldwide. More detail on how the IB compares with other frameworks is available in the IB vs British curriculum guide on the doris blog. Full IB programme details are published by the International Baccalaureate Organisation.
British curriculum schools, including Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong, Wellington College International Shanghai, and Nord Anglia International School Shanghai Pudong, typically follow the EYFS in early years, progress through Cambridge IGCSE, and in some cases offer Cambridge A Levels or the IB Diploma at Sixth Form. The Cambridge Assessment International Education website outlines qualification structures and recognition.
American curriculum schools, including Shanghai American School and Concordia International School Shanghai, follow a US-aligned framework with Advanced Placement courses in upper school. Shanghai High School International Division is notable for offering AP, IB, and Australian curricula within a single institution, giving older students more flexibility.
Bilingual and blended models are also well represented. YK Pao School combines the Chinese national curriculum with Cambridge IGCSE and IB, making it a strong choice for families wanting meaningful Chinese language development alongside internationally recognised qualifications. Shanghai Jincai International School takes a similar approach, integrating IPC and IEYC at the younger years.
Shanghai is consistently rated as one of the safer major cities in the world for families. Children gain independence earlier than in many Western cities, and the infrastructure around family life, from domestic help to indoor activity centres, makes daily logistics manageable.
👵🏻 "I moved to Shanghai 10 years ago when my kids were 5 and 8. No regrets. Fantastic adventure. Kids are happy where parents are happy. They'll adapt faster than you will." Source: Reddit
The international school community itself plays a significant role in how families settle. Parent networks form quickly, and many schools run active parent associations and onboarding support for new arrivals. For families thinking about the longer-term impact on children, the doris guide to third culture kids is worth reading alongside your school research.
One practical consideration: most international schools in Shanghai sit in either Puxi (the older, more central districts) or Pudong (the newer eastern side). Where you live will often determine which schools are realistic on logistics alone.
Curriculum: IB (MYP/DP), IEYC, IPC, Chinese National Curriculum | Fees: RMB 68,000–80,800/yr (approx. USD 9,400–11,200)
One of the most affordable internationally-oriented schools in Shanghai, Jincai is a Chinese-founded school with a long track record of IB delivery. The IEYC and IPC frameworks in the lower years mean younger children get structured, thematic learning alongside Chinese national curriculum elements. It suits families who want genuine bilingual development without flagship-school price tags. View Shanghai Jincai International School on doris.
Curriculum: Reggio Emilia Approach, IB (DP), AP | Fees: RMB 278,000–336,100/yr (approx. USD 38,400–46,500)
Shanghai American School is one of the largest international schools in China, with campuses in both Puxi and Pudong. The Reggio Emilia approach in the early years is a genuine programme commitment, not a marketing label. Upper school students can pursue the IB Diploma or AP, and the school's university counselling is well regarded. Fees are among the highest in the city, and the community is large enough that some families find it impersonal.
Curriculum: EYFS, British, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP) | Fees: RMB 274,000–399,750/yr (approx. USD 37,900–55,300)
Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong is part of the Dulwich College International network, and the Pudong campus reflects that group's emphasis on arts, sport, and academic rigour. The British curriculum runs through IGCSE, with the IB Diploma available at Sixth Form. Parents note a strong pastoral system and a well-maintained campus. Fees sit at the top of the market.
Curriculum: Chinese National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP) | Fees: RMB 168,000–216,000/yr (approx. USD 23,200–29,900)
YK Pao School occupies a distinctive position: a school where Chinese language and culture are genuinely central, not supplementary. Students sit Cambridge IGCSE and the IB Diploma, and the school attracts both internationally mobile families and Shanghai-based families seeking rigorous bilingual education. It is selective, and the dual-language academic load is demanding. Worth considering carefully for children entering at secondary level without strong Mandarin.
Q: Which Shanghai international schools are the most affordable?
A: Shanghai Jincai International School and Sino-Canada School sit at the lower end of the fee range, starting from RMB 25,000–68,000 per year. Fudan International School also offers the IB Diploma at comparatively accessible fees. Bear in mind that published fees rarely include registration, capital levy, or activity charges.
Q: Can non-Chinese nationals attend all international schools in Shanghai?
A: Most international schools in Shanghai admit students based on passport or residency status, and many are restricted to non-Chinese nationals or children with foreign passports. Schools operating under a Chinese national curriculum framework, such as YK Pao School and Shanghai Jincai International School, can admit Chinese nationals. Always confirm eligibility directly with the school's admissions team.
Q: Is the IB Diploma widely available in Shanghai international schools?
A: Yes. The IB Diploma is offered at a large number of Shanghai's international schools, including Fudan International School, Wellington College International Shanghai, Western International School of Shanghai, and others. Some schools offer it alongside AP or Cambridge A Levels, giving families a choice at Sixth Form. The IBO website has a school search tool to verify current authorisation status.
Q: How do I choose between Puxi and Pudong for schooling?
A: Pudong (particularly the Jinqiao and Kangqiao areas) has a high concentration of international schools and a well-established expat residential community. Puxi offers more neighbourhood variety and is generally closer to the city centre. Most families choose their residential area first, then shortlist schools within a practical commute. Both sides of the city have strong international school options at various price points.
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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: International Baccalaureate Organisation, Cambridge Assessment International Education.
Schools are listed for informational purposes only. doris does not rank or promote any school.