The admissions process at international schools in Bangkok follows a recognisable pattern, but each step has Thai-specific quirks that catch newly relocating families off-guard. From the Office of Private Education Commission (OPEC) recognition requirement, to the surprisingly rigid English assessment cycle, to the visa-linked enrolment paperwork, the path from "we want this school" to "my child starts on Monday" can take anywhere from two weeks to nine months depending on the school. This 2026 guide walks through what to expect, in order, with realistic timelines.
Bangkok's international school landscape
Bangkok's international schools fall into three groups: established IB and Western curriculum schools (NIST, ISB, KIS, Bangkok Patana, St Andrews), faith-based and bilingual schools, and the newer Tier 2 schools that have opened in the last decade as middle-class Thai demand has grown. The admissions process varies in formality, but every recognised international school must be registered with OPEC under the Ministry of Education.
Step 1: longlist and shortlist
Begin nine to twelve months before your desired start date. Visit each shortlisted school in person if possible — photo tours hide important details about class size, facility maintenance and student-teacher dynamics. Cross-check curriculum (IB Diploma, IGCSE/A Level, US high school diploma), maximum class size, English as an Additional Language (EAL) staffing, and the proportion of Thai versus international students.
Step 2: application form and registration fee
Most Bangkok international schools charge an application fee of THB 5,000 to THB 15,000. The form requires birth certificate, passport scans, two years of school reports, and a parental statement. School reports must be in English — if your child is coming from a non-English-speaking country, get them officially translated before applying.
Step 3: English assessment
Every international school administers an English assessment, usually one of three forms: a CAT4 cognitive abilities test (most British curriculum schools), a WIDA or proprietary English proficiency assessment (American schools), or a structured interview plus written task (IB schools). For children below the assessed proficiency level, schools offer EAL programmes — ask explicitly about the EAL student-to-staff ratio and how long children typically stay in EAL.
Step 4: parent interview and school tour
The interview is more important than newly relocating families assume. Schools are not only assessing the child; they are assessing parental fit, expectations and likely commitment. Come prepared to explain why this specific school, what you expect from teachers, and how you will support your child's transition.
Step 5: offer letter and deposit
Offers usually come within two weeks of the assessment. Acceptance requires a non-refundable enrolment fee (THB 50,000 to THB 250,000) plus the first term's tuition or a fees deposit. Read the cancellation clause carefully: most schools forfeit the deposit if you withdraw after a defined cut-off date.
Step 6: visa and documentation
Once an offer is accepted, the school issues a letter for your child's Non-Immigrant ED visa. Without this letter your child cannot legally study long-term in Thailand. Families on dependent visas linked to a parent's work permit (Non-Immigrant O or Non-Immigrant B) usually do not need a separate ED visa, but each school's admissions office will confirm what applies.
Top international schools in Bangkok
NIST International School
NIST is a fully accredited IB World School running the PYP, MYP and Diploma. The school sits in central Sukhumvit and has been a member of the IB family since the early 1990s. View school profile.
International School Bangkok (ISB)
ISB is the longest-established international school in Thailand. The campus in Nichada Thani is the largest in the country and runs an American curriculum with the IB Diploma. View school profile.
St Andrews International School Bangkok
St Andrews offers the British curriculum from Year 1 to IGCSE and the IB Diploma. Three campuses across Bangkok serve different neighbourhoods. View school profile.
KIS International School Reignwood Park
KIS Reignwood Park is the newer of the two KIS campuses, opened in 2018 as a continuum IB school in Pak Chong, with strong outdoor and environmental programmes. View school profile.
Garden International School
Garden offers the British curriculum from Early Years to IGCSE and A Levels. Smaller class sizes and a focused community-school approach. View school profile.
Required documents checklist
- Birth certificate (with English translation if not originally in English)
- Passport copy and recent photographs
- Two years of school reports (English or translated)
- Parental statement and reference letter (some schools)
- Vaccination record
- Health and emergency contact form (provided by school)
- EAL or learning support reports if applicable
For a city-wide overview of all accredited international schools in Bangkok with fees and parent reviews, see our 2026 ranking of the best schools in Bangkok.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Bangkok admissions process take
Allow nine to twelve months for the most established schools (NIST, ISB, Patana). Smaller IB and British curriculum schools can process applications in three to six weeks if seats are available.
Do my child's previous school reports need to be in English
Yes. If reports are in another language they must be officially translated. Most Bangkok schools require certified translation from a recognised provider.
Does my child need an ED visa
Children on a dependent visa linked to a parent's work permit usually do not need a separate ED visa. Children of self-employed parents, those between jobs, or those entering on a tourist visa will need the school to issue a Non-Immigrant ED visa support letter.