---
title: When Should You Start Looking for an International School? A Parent’s Guide
description: Not sure when to begin your school search? Learn how far in advance to research, apply, and plan for international school admissions across worldwide.
image: https://blog.doris.school/hubfs/ofs%20students.avif
---

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 November 19, 2025

# When Should You Start Looking for an International School?

![Picture of Ellie Dickinson](https://blog.doris.school/hs-fs/hubfs/unnamed.png?width=50&name=unnamed.png) By   Ellie Dickinson  ·   2 minute read

Finding the right international school can take months, sometimes longer. Whether you’re relocating to **Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei, or Hong Kong**, the process involves **researching, shortlisting, applying, and confirming,** all while managing a major move.

The key? **Start early.** Families who begin their search 9–12 months ahead typically have more choice, less stress, and better placement options.

[![Compare International Schools](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/145372008/interactive-287946894580.png)](https://blog.doris.school/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLIvC3CZk95O8%2FeEfej%2FoaCdn4sssD5thYUs6Q3oDrz0A6v3PsQuv6o%2B4IsQJQ2%2Bqjp3LfWoRPg1VEw24WpBpMdJHr0dpzoJuRHqdKi3YrKWCCcaWK0%2BNe8TyDmT%2FO5rTd72NVfiTre1NCoRuH4WdmCHkWgNGl3PITRaM8GSBS4Gw65evQg%3D&webInteractiveContentId=287946894580&portalId=145372008)

### **How Early Should You Start Looking?**

| Stage | Ideal Timeline Before Start of School Year | What to Focus On |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Research & Shortlist** | 9–12 months | Compare countries, curricula, fees, and relocation logistics |
| **Contact Schools** | 6–8 months | Book tours, attend open days, check admission requirements |
| **Submit Applications** | 3–6 months | Prepare documents, assessments, and references |
| **Confirm Enrolment** | 1–3 months | Pay deposits, finalize housing near school |
| **Orientation & Move** | 1 month | Attend parent sessions, prepare uniforms, settle in |

![public (10)](https://blog.doris.school/hubfs/public%20(10).avif)

### **Why Timing Matters**

1. **Popular schools fill up fast** – especially for early years and primary levels.
2. **Visa and relocation logistics** can delay enrollment.
3. **Curriculum continuity** (e.g. IB, IGCSE) requires planning if switching mid-year.
4. **Assessment windows** differ by curriculum and country.

Early planning gives families flexibility, and ensures smoother transitions for children moving between systems.

[![Start Your International School Search](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/145372008/interactive-259987622108.png)](https://blog.doris.school/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLK3%2BLMCNmHA5FbeuJgdVOi%2BEjfKmJI1VW%2BhGuD6pSWPGk54jPpOPciqVSB9l6cpQIVNN%2Fkuy5STv8ZxuvxkVf5c5U1rXN827%2BBvM3ULvyHRnVrQwsGaLhSKnWie53ozFDFW9pS1MAcp2YoUc3D2niFRFURkyLn9neRZzkqRX6Vhi%2BfCwFM%3D&webInteractiveContentId=259987622108&portalId=145372008)

### **Regional Differences: When to Start Looking**

| Country | Main Intake | When to Begin Research | Typical Deadlines |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Singapore** | August | 10–12 months before | Applications close Feb–Mar |
| **Malaysia** | August / September | 9–10 months before | Rolling, but top schools fill early |
| **Thailand** | August | 9–10 months before | March–April for main intake |
| **Brunei** | August | 8–9 months before | March–May |
| **Hong Kong** | August | 12 months before | November–January (competitive entry) |

[![Explore international schools in your country](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/145372008/interactive-295885870267.png)](https://blog.doris.school/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKoQHMjNk2CayqXWf4bf20%2BAIQh0xetkB%2BaH%2FN5U47g5gfKsoaCkxO%2BM0tOSxoCa1xO%2F3QyydlEW1za0mfsBnPrZUcj%2BV%2Bo7t5aEvKhzlWQQom5%2BDj0QPoW5BBc%2F6j%2BzmRgMY4%2F6rZanisLGObe%2BxC73kSVXUhRJZ9dyozcuiZ7MK8T3g%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=295885870267&portalId=145372008)

### **What to Do If You’re Moving Mid-Year**

Not all moves align with the school calendar. If your relocation happens mid-year:

- Look for schools offering **rolling admissions** (common in IB and American systems).
- Ask about **credit transfer** and academic placement flexibility.
- Consider temporary enrollment or hybrid options while waiting for the next term.

![ofs students](https://blog.doris.school/hubfs/ofs%20students.avif)

### **Checklist: How to Prepare Before Applying**

| Step | Details |
| --- | --- |
| **Define your priorities** | Curriculum, budget, commute, extracurriculars |
| **Gather school reports** | Most schools require 2 years of transcripts |
| **Prepare recommendation letters** | From previous teachers or principals |
| **Check language requirements** | Some schools test English or Mandarin proficiency |
| **Plan school visits** | Virtual or in-person tours to compare culture and fit |

[![Book virtual tours through doris](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/145372008/interactive-295911899371.png)](https://blog.doris.school/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJmQwN5WpC1eZcnBBEiOoc2vzd87FNvmvaKXXcfOVX%2BiVjj3LgZSFJG46%2Bzwf0JoKRpE2M5Oby%2BGWrU93wrcow2y3Oilpxp3tsWcMIzhDUKS6UH5iXSZOlq%2F9Hvxze%2FuQ59R%2FaCjt0ZiULeX5hVOMl%2FUV38g9kudC25uQYzz%2BdLhR4a6eQ%3D&webInteractiveContentId=295911899371&portalId=145372008)

### **Tips from Parents Who’ve Used doris**

- “We started our search 10 months before moving to Malaysia, doris helped us shortlist schools within a week.”
- “Our son’s year group was full, but doris put us in touch with the school's admissions team directly.”
- “Using doris saved us from endless spreadsheets and outdated forums.”

[![Get Personalised School Recommendations](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/145372008/interactive-247053806819.png)](https://blog.doris.school/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLLWoAPZ3cvhdW76%2BsIcMh%2FFGbSkyaMDiWhtPZvcORmVt2fnqTirJGwROxmgPCmohSC4575FO8r4GpcQY6Ki5OLHHAb41mdQYVAAQ7k8GTEZDVhKiWqxOJ5EL9pjc2YtHp%2BhOGu3gtDTPKY3tkTuRkHUAbWrgjgYpb6kkc43m9%2BHwyMsHrU%3D&webInteractiveContentId=247053806819&portalId=145372008)

### **FAQ: Parents Also Ask**

**Can I apply to more than one international school at once?**  
Yes, most families apply to 2–3 schools to secure placement. doris helps track multiple applications easily.

**Is there a best time of year to move?**  
Ideally between **June and August**, before the main intake. However, many schools now accept rolling entry.

**How long does the application process take?**  
Usually **4–8 weeks**, depending on interviews and assessments.

**What if my child doesn’t speak English fluently?**  
Many schools offer EAL (English as an Additional Language) support. You can filter for this on doris.

[![Compare International Schools](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/145372008/interactive-287946894580.png)](https://blog.doris.school/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLIvC3CZk95O8%2FeEfej%2FoaCdn4sssD5thYUs6Q3oDrz0A6v3PsQuv6o%2B4IsQJQ2%2Bqjp3LfWoRPg1VEw24WpBpMdJHr0dpzoJuRHqdKi3YrKWCCcaWK0%2BNe8TyDmT%2FO5rTd72NVfiTre1NCoRuH4WdmCHkWgNGl3PITRaM8GSBS4Gw65evQg%3D&webInteractiveContentId=287946894580&portalId=145372008)

![public (2)-2](https://blog.doris.school/hubfs/public%20(2)-2.avif)

Starting early makes all the difference.

By beginning your international school search at least **nine months before your planned move**, you’ll have time to explore curricula, understand fee structures, and choose a school that truly fits your family’s needs.

With doris, you can compare international schools worldwide, directly contact the school's admissions team, and even chat with an AI assistant to receive personalised recommendations, all in one place.

[![Start Contacting International Schools](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/145372008/interactive-287955227875.png)](https://blog.doris.school/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKrCs1nGLy%2B2e4%2FPY%2B5UAI7ELXon8tYh8x5gJyKLXne%2BT8s%2BGFM1VgrM%2BGY6Kewp5CCNCzwarJU%2FVRsLXp8rpPTxtsw%2BcmhCNodzS2QqxFXuJvfFkmLzyHgBxTyBtPfKrtsspErcs7v78pxpFWsSZVSOxNRGoII7sBmhoO7HgQXJddNEH8%3D&webInteractiveContentId=287955227875&portalId=145372008)

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, register for school events, get personalised AI-powered recommendations, access expert parent guides, and connect with a community of parents around the world.

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[![](https://blog.doris.school/hubfs/pexels-lexovertoom-1109543.jpg)](https://blog.doris.school/ai-powered-school-listing-sites)

### [Top AI-Powered School Listing Sites for Parents](https://blog.doris.school/ai-powered-school-listing-sites)

[![](https://blog.doris.school/hubfs/CIS%20steam.avif)](https://blog.doris.school/good-international-school-environment)

### [What Makes a Good International School Environment?](https://blog.doris.school/good-international-school-environment)

[![](https://blog.doris.school/hubfs/sr-nYw-1YU94gk-unsplash.jpg)](https://blog.doris.school/penang-international-schools-guide)

### [Penang’s International Schools: What Parents Should Know Before Choosing](https://blog.doris.school/penang-international-schools-guide)

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