Bilingual Schools in Kathmandu: A 2026 Guide for Expat Families

Quick answer: What are the bilingual school options in Kathmandu? Kathmandu has around five international schools teaching in English, with Nepali or French as second languages. Lincoln School, The British School and the International French School are the best known. Annual tuition in 2026 runs roughly NPR 800,000 to 3.5 million. International schools follow an August calendar, unlike Nepali schools.

Last reviewed: September 2026 by David from ISA. Fee ranges are indicative; always confirm with the school.

Kathmandu is home to a large community of diplomats, aid workers, development specialists and mountaineering and tourism professionals. For families moving to the Nepali capital, bilingual schools in Kathmandu are an appealing option: children receive an internationally recognised education in English, while learning Nepali or French and absorbing one of the world's richest cultures.

The international school market in Kathmandu is small, and each school has a distinct character. This guide explains the language landscape, the schools with verified profiles on International School Advisor, what fees look like in 2026 and how to choose the right fit for your child.

Language and daily life in Kathmandu

Nepali is the official language under the 2015 Constitution, but Nepal is extraordinarily diverse, with more than 120 languages spoken across the country. In Kathmandu, English is widely used in business, tourism and the development sector, which makes it easy for families to settle in, while Nepali opens doors to daily life and friendships.

Most expat families live in Lalitpur (Patan), particularly Jhamsikhel and Sanepa, or in the northern areas around Maharajgunj and Budhanilkantha, close to the embassies and several schools. Traffic and dust in the Kathmandu Valley can make commutes slow, so living close to school is a real advantage.

One practical detail: Nepal uses its own time zone, UTC+5:45, and the official Bikram Sambat calendar. Nepali schools start their year in Baisakh, around mid April, whereas international schools follow an August to June calendar.

Bilingual and multilingual programmes in Kathmandu

International schools in Kathmandu offer several models:

English medium with Nepali. Core subjects in English, with Nepali language and culture taught as a subject.
French and English. A French curriculum school with strong English, following the French national programmes.
American curriculum and IB. US style education with the IB Diploma in the final years.
British curriculum and Cambridge. The English National Curriculum or Cambridge programmes with IGCSE and A levels.

Bilingual and international schools in Kathmandu

These schools have verified profiles on International School Advisor, where you can read reviews and compare fees.

Lincoln School

Kathmandu's American international school, founded in 1954, offering a US style curriculum and the IB Diploma. It serves many diplomatic and development families and offers Nepali language and culture programmes. It is at the top end of the fee range.

The British School Kathmandu

Founded in 1966, the British School follows the English National Curriculum with IGCSE and A levels. It has a very international student body, including many Nepali students, and a strong tradition in outdoor education.

International French School of Kathmandu

Part of the French network of schools abroad, teaching the French national curriculum with English and Nepali as additional languages. It is the natural choice for French speaking families and those who want a trilingual education.

Sanskriti International School

A school offering Cambridge programmes with a strong emphasis on Nepali culture and values. It suits families who want an international qualification with deep local roots.

Prime International School

An English medium school with an international curriculum, at a more moderate fee level. It appeals to families looking for an accessible alternative to the larger schools.

Bilingual school fees in Kathmandu in 2026

Fees in Kathmandu vary widely. As a rough guide for 2026 to 2027, annual tuition at the leading American and British style schools runs roughly NPR 2 million to 3.5 million in the upper years, often quoted in US dollars. Schools with Cambridge programmes and local roots charge roughly NPR 800,000 to 1.5 million a year.

Plan also for these extras:

Application fee: roughly NPR 10,000 to 40,000.
Registration or capital fee: a one off payment for new families at some schools.
Transport: school buses are common and charged separately.
Meals: often charged separately or brought from home.
Exam fees: IB, IGCSE and A level exam fees billed in the relevant years.

How to choose a bilingual school in Kathmandu

Decide on the language combination. If your family speaks French, the French school offers continuity. If you want English with a local connection, look at how much Nepali each school teaches and whether it is offered at native and beginner levels.

Think about the calendar. International schools follow an August start, while Nepali schools start in April. If your child might move to a local school later, or come from one, plan the transition carefully.

Visit and check the commute. Kathmandu traffic can be slow, and road conditions vary during the monsoon from June to September. Choose housing close to your preferred school and ask about bus routes and pick up times.

Daily life and settling in

Kathmandu offers families an extraordinary setting: temples and stupas around every corner, festivals throughout the year and the Himalayas within reach for weekend treks. The international community is close knit, and schools play a central role in social life, with sports days, cultural celebrations and parent groups that help newcomers settle quickly.

Children usually adapt well, especially when they take part in activities such as football, music, climbing or traditional dance. Learning some Nepali greetings and phrases goes a long way with neighbours and staff, and many schools encourage this through culture weeks and community projects.

Practical matters, from housing to healthcare, are easier to navigate with local help. Most admissions teams can connect you with a buddy family before you arrive, which is one of the best ways to understand daily life in the valley.

Questions to ask on your school visit

How many lessons of Nepali or French are taught each week, and at which levels?
What is the average class size and how international is the student body?
How does the school handle closures during strikes, heavy monsoon rain or festivals?
Which qualifications do students earn, and where do graduates go to university?

Compare the best schools in Nepal

To compare Kathmandu schools side by side, with family reviews and fee information, see our ranking of the best schools in Nepal.

More guides to schools in Kathmandu

Frequently asked questions

Do international schools in Kathmandu teach Nepali?

Yes, most international schools in Kathmandu teach Nepali language and culture, often with separate classes for native speakers and beginners. The International French School teaches French, English and Nepali. Learning some Nepali helps children connect with local life and friends, so it is worth asking how many lessons a week are offered.

How much do international schools in Kathmandu cost?

In 2026, annual tuition runs from roughly NPR 800,000 at schools with Cambridge programmes to about NPR 3.5 million at the leading American and British style schools. Many schools quote fees in US dollars. Add application fees, registration, transport, meals and exam fees.

When does the school year start in Kathmandu?

International schools in Kathmandu usually follow an August to June calendar, like most schools in Europe and North America. Nepali schools follow the Bikram Sambat calendar and start around mid April. Keep this in mind if your child is moving between systems.