Moving to India's financial capital with children? International school admissions in Mumbai reward families who plan ahead, because the best-known schools assess applicants and keep waiting lists for popular year groups. This 2026 guide explains how admissions work, the documents you will need, realistic timelines, the language support on offer, indicative fees in rupees and the leading international schools to consider.
How international school admissions work in Mumbai
Mumbai's international schools cluster in areas such as Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), Powai, Worli, Andheri and the western suburbs. They serve a mix of returning Indian families, corporate transferees and long-stay expatriates. Because seats in the most established schools are limited and demand is strong, the earlier you register your interest the better your chances, particularly for entry into kindergarten, the start of primary and the first year of the IGCSE or IB Diploma.
Curricula available in Mumbai
International families in Mumbai generally choose between:
- International Baccalaureate (IB): the PYP, MYP and Diploma Programme are offered by several leading schools and are the most portable if you relocate again.
- Cambridge / IGCSE and A-Level: a widely available British-style pathway, often paired with the IB Diploma in the senior years.
- Indian boards (ICSE and CBSE): chosen by families planning to stay in India long term or sit Indian university entrance.
Many schools offer more than one track, so confirm which curriculum runs at each stage before you apply.
Admissions timeline
The main Mumbai school year runs from roughly April to March, though several international schools align to an August start. As a working timeline:
- 9-12 months ahead: shortlist schools by curriculum and commute, and register interest. Waiting lists at the most sought-after schools form this early.
- 6-9 months ahead: submit applications, arrange assessments or interviews and gather school transcripts.
- 3-6 months ahead: complete entrance assessments, accept an offer and pay the admission fee to confirm the seat.
- 1-3 months ahead: finalise medical paperwork, transport and uniforms, and confirm the start date.
Documents you will need
- Child's passport, visa and (for expatriates) the relevant residency permit.
- Birth certificate, translated into English if necessary.
- Academic reports and transcripts from the previous two years.
- A transfer certificate from the current school, which Indian schools usually require.
- Passport photographs and parents' identification.
- Immunisation records and a recent medical certificate.
- Proof of residential address in Mumbai.
Leading international schools in Mumbai
Oberoi International School
An established IB World School with campuses in the western suburbs, offering the PYP, MYP and Diploma Programme and strong university guidance. See the profile, reviews and prices for Oberoi International School.
DSB International School
A long-standing school in central Mumbai offering international curricula with a multinational community, popular with relocating families. Review the details for DSB International School.
Witty International School (Borivali)
Part of a well-known group offering Cambridge and Indian pathways, with a large campus in the northern suburbs. Explore Witty International School, Borivali.
International school fees in Mumbai (2026)
Fees are charged in Indian rupees (INR) and vary sharply between schools and grades. As an approximate guide for international and premium bilingual schools, expect annual tuition in these ranges, plus a one-off admission fee:
- Kindergarten / early years: roughly INR 3 to 6 lakh per year.
- Primary: roughly INR 4 to 8 lakh per year.
- Secondary and the IB Diploma / A-Levels: roughly INR 6 to 12 lakh or more per year at the most established schools.
Budget separately for a one-off admission or capital fee, an annual development charge, transport, uniforms, meals and external exam fees for IGCSE, A-Level or the IB Diploma. Fees are revised annually, so always confirm the current figures with each school.
Language support for new arrivals
International schools in Mumbai teach in English, and most provide English as an Additional Language support for children who need it. Because English is widely used across Mumbai's international community, day-to-day life is straightforward for English-speaking families, but ask each school how EAL is delivered and whether there is an additional charge for students joining mid-year.
Practical admissions tips
- Factor in the commute: Mumbai traffic is intense, so prioritise schools near your home or on a reliable bus route.
- Apply to two or three schools to keep your options open if a waiting list stalls.
- Obtain a transfer certificate from your child's current school early, as it is frequently required.
- If you may relocate again, the IB and Cambridge pathways transfer most easily across borders.
Find the right international school in Mumbai
Comparing curricula, fees and locations side by side makes the choice far clearer. Browse independent profiles, reviews and prices on International School Advisor to shortlist schools before you apply.
Frequently asked questions
When should I apply to international schools in Mumbai?
Begin nine to twelve months ahead. Leading schools maintain waiting lists for popular year groups, so early registration gives you the best chance of securing a seat.
What curricula do Mumbai's international schools offer?
The main international options are the IB (PYP, MYP and Diploma) and Cambridge IGCSE and A-Levels, alongside Indian ICSE and CBSE boards for families planning to stay long term.
How much do international schools in Mumbai cost in 2026?
Annual tuition typically ranges from about INR 3 lakh in early years to INR 12 lakh or more in senior years at premium schools, plus a one-off admission fee and extras such as transport and exams.