For families relocating to Thailand, understanding international school admissions in Bangkok is the key to a smooth start. Bangkok has one of the largest and most varied international school markets in Asia, with British, American, IB and other curricula spread across the city. Places at the most popular schools fill quickly, and the process differs from what many families know at home. This 2026 family guide explains how admissions work, what documents you need, when to apply and how schools support children who are new to English.
International school curricula in Bangkok
Bangkok offers an unusually wide choice of systems, and the curriculum you pick shapes the admissions requirements:
- British curriculum: EYFS, the National Curriculum, IGCSE and A Levels, the largest group of schools in the city.
- International Baccalaureate (IB): the PYP, MYP and Diploma Programme, popular with internationally mobile families.
- American curriculum: high school diploma with Advanced Placement, suited to families heading toward US universities.
- Other systems: French, Canadian and Singaporean-style programmes, offering continuity with a home education system.
Bangkok's international schools are accredited by bodies such as CIS, WASC and the IB, and many publish their accreditation and exam results, which is a useful quality signal during your research.
The admissions timeline: when to apply
Most Bangkok international schools follow an August-to-June academic year, though some run a Thai-style schedule. A typical admissions timeline looks like this:
- Autumn (September–December): applications open for the following August. Research schools and register interest.
- Winter to spring (January–April): main application window, with assessments and family interviews.
- Spring to summer (April–July): offers are confirmed and deposits secure the place.
- Rolling admissions: many schools accept students mid-year when space allows.
Because Bangkok attracts a steady flow of relocating families, mid-year places do exist, but the earlier you apply, the more choice you will have at popular schools and key entry points.
Documents you will need
Bangkok schools generally ask for a consistent set of documents. Preparing these early avoids delays:
- The child's passport and relevant visa or dependent documents.
- The birth certificate, sometimes with an official translation.
- School reports from the previous two years.
- A transfer or leaving certificate from the current school.
- Immunisation and medical records.
- Recent passport photographs and a completed application form with a non-refundable fee.
Most schools assess applicants, particularly in English and mathematics, and meet the family to understand the child's background and needs.
Language support for new arrivals
Many children arrive in Bangkok with limited English, so most international schools run English as an Additional Language (EAL) support. This ranges from in-class assistance to dedicated small-group tuition until a child can follow the mainstream curriculum confidently. When you visit, ask how EAL is delivered, whether there is an additional fee, and how quickly children typically transition into full classes.
Leading international schools in Bangkok
The schools below span several curricula and budgets. Visit each profile on International School Advisor to compare admissions details, fees and reviews.
Shrewsbury International School Bangkok (City Campus)
A leading British-curriculum school with a strong academic reputation and excellent facilities. See the Shrewsbury International School Bangkok profile.
BASIS International School Bangkok
An American-style school known for its rigorous, high-expectations academic programme. Review the BASIS International School Bangkok profile.
St Andrews International School Dusit
A British-curriculum school in central Bangkok with a welcoming, family-oriented community. Explore the St Andrews International School Dusit profile.
British Columbia International School Bangkok
Delivering the Canadian (British Columbia) curriculum, a strong option for families connected to the Canadian system. See the British Columbia International School Bangkok profile.
Lycée Français International de Bangkok
A French-curriculum school offering a bilingual French-English environment for Francophone and globally mobile families. Read the Lycée Français International de Bangkok profile.
International school fees in Bangkok
For 2026, annual tuition typically ranges from about THB 400,000 to THB 900,000, with premium British and IB schools at the top of the range in the senior years. Budget separately for application and enrolment fees, deposits, uniforms, transport and examination fees.
Practical admissions tips
- Apply to more than one school to protect against waiting lists.
- Visit before committing to gauge culture, class sizes and pastoral care.
- Be clear about your child's English level so the school can plan the right support.
- Keep documents in digital form to speed up applications, especially mid-year moves.
Compare the best international schools in Bangkok
For an independent overview, browse the ranking of the best schools in Bangkok on International School Advisor, where you can filter by curriculum, location and fees and read parent reviews.
Frequently asked questions
When should I apply to international schools in Bangkok?
Apply in the autumn and winter for entry the following August. The main window runs from September to April, with offers in spring. Mid-year places exist but are limited at popular schools.
What documents do Bangkok international schools require?
Typically the child's passport and visa, birth certificate, the last two years of school reports, a transfer certificate, immunisation records, photographs and a completed application form with fee.
Will my child get support if their English is limited?
Yes. Most Bangkok international schools offer English as an Additional Language support to help new arrivals integrate into mainstream classes, sometimes for an additional fee.