International School Fees in Kathmandu: 2026 Cost Guide for Expat Families

Quick answer: How much do international schools in Kathmandu cost in 2026? Annual tuition at international schools in Kathmandu ranges roughly from NPR 400,000 at Cambridge-based private schools to over NPR 3,000,000, or about USD 20,000 to 30,000, at the American and British schools that serve diplomatic families. Budget another 10% to 25% for enrolment fees, transport, lunches, uniforms and exam fees.

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

Understanding international school fees in Kathmandu is essential before you negotiate a relocation package or accept a posting in Nepal. The city has a small group of expat-focused schools with fees close to international levels, and a much larger group of Nepali private schools that offer Cambridge or other international programmes at a fraction of the price. The gap between the two is wide, and so is the difference in what the fee includes.

This guide sets out typical fee ranges in Nepali rupees and US dollars, the extras that raise the real cost, and practical ways to plan your budget.

How the Kathmandu school market works

Kathmandu is home to embassies, United Nations agencies, international NGOs, development banks and a growing number of tourism and technology businesses. Most expat families live in the Lalitpur side of the valley, around Jhamsikhel, Sanepa and Bakhundole, or in the northern districts of Maharajgunj, Baluwatar and Budhanilkantha. International schools sit in or near these areas, and the valley's narrow roads and dust mean that short school runs are worth paying for.

Nepal's school year for Nepali-curriculum schools usually starts in April, after the national calendar year begins, while expat-focused international schools follow an August to June calendar. The main schools are small, so a place in the right grade can be as important as the fee itself.

One hard fact makes budgeting easier than in many other countries. The Nepali rupee has been pegged to the Indian rupee at 1.6 NPR per INR since the early 1990s. Its value against the dollar therefore moves with the Indian rupee, which has generally drifted rather than jumped. Schools that quote in dollars protect themselves from that drift, so always check which currency your contract uses.

Curricula and fee levels

American curriculum: the most expensive segment, aimed at diplomatic and agency families.
British curriculum: IGCSE and A levels, with fees close to the American segment in the senior years.
French curriculum: the French national programme for French-speaking families, often with lower tuition thanks to network support.
Cambridge-based Nepali private schools: Cambridge Primary, IGCSE and A level programmes with mostly Nepali students and much lower fees.

Schools and what they charge

Lincoln School

Lincoln School is Kathmandu's American international school and the main choice for US government, diplomatic and agency families. Fees sit at the top of the market, roughly USD 20,000 to 30,000 a year depending on grade, and are usually paid by employers.

The British School Kathmandu

The British School Kathmandu follows the English National Curriculum with IGCSE and A levels. Expect roughly NPR 1,500,000 to 3,000,000 a year, with the higher end in the sixth form. It suits British and Commonwealth families and Nepali families aiming for UK universities.

International French School of Kathmandu

The International French School of Kathmandu teaches the French national curriculum to a small, close-knit community. Fees are typically lower than at the American and British schools, roughly NPR 800,000 to 1,500,000 a year, with differences for French nationals and other families.

Sanskriti International School

Sanskriti International School offers Cambridge programmes in a Nepali private school setting. Tuition is roughly NPR 400,000 to 900,000 a year, making it one of the most affordable routes to an international qualification in the valley.

International school fees in Kathmandu at a glance

Early years: roughly NPR 300,000 to 1,500,000 a year, or up to about USD 15,000 at the top schools.
Primary: roughly NPR 400,000 to 2,500,000 a year, or USD 18,000 to 25,000 at the top schools.
Secondary and A level or Diploma years: roughly NPR 600,000 to 3,000,000 a year, or USD 22,000 to 30,000 at the top schools.

Extras that raise the real cost

Application and assessment fees: modest at local schools, higher at expat schools.
Enrolment or capital fees: a one-off charge at several international schools, sometimes several thousand dollars.
Refundable deposits: usually returned when your child leaves, minus any unpaid charges.
Transport: school buses or private drivers, given the traffic and distances in the valley.
Lunches, uniforms, books and devices.
Exam fees: IGCSE, A level, IB or AP entries, charged per subject.
Trips and activities: trekking and outdoor education weeks are popular and often charged separately.

Practical tips for budgeting

Negotiate education support before you sign. If your employer offers an education allowance, check that it covers the full fee at the school you want, including enrolment fees and deposits, and not only tuition.

Ask for the fee history. Request the fee increases for the last three years. That tells you how much to expect over a two or three year posting and helps you avoid surprises in the second year.

Plan for the calendar. Expat schools start in August, and places for the most popular grades can fill in spring. Nepali private schools follow a different calendar, so check which year your child would join before you commit.

Keep a contingency. Air quality, monsoon disruptions and occasional closures can lead to unplanned costs, such as extra transport or holiday care. A small buffer in your family budget avoids stress later.

A sample family budget

To make the numbers concrete, consider a family with two children, one in primary and one in lower secondary, at a British-curriculum school. Tuition would be roughly NPR 3,500,000 to 4,500,000 for both children together. Add a one-off enrolment fee in the first year, around NPR 150,000 to 300,000 a year for transport, and a similar amount for lunches, uniforms and books. Trips and exam fees come on top in the later years. In total, many families should plan for about 15% to 25% more than the headline tuition in the first year and 10% to 15% more in later years.

At a Cambridge-based Nepali private school, the same family might spend a third of that amount or less. The difference is not only price: class sizes, the nationality mix, the calendar and university counselling all change, so compare what each fee buys, not only the total.

Compare the best schools in Nepal

To compare fees, curricula and parent reviews side by side, visit the ranking of the best schools in Nepal.

More guides to schools in Kathmandu

Frequently asked questions

What is the most expensive international school in Kathmandu?

Lincoln School, the American international school, is usually the most expensive, with fees of roughly USD 20,000 to 30,000 a year depending on grade. The British School Kathmandu comes next, especially in the A level years. Most families at these schools have fees paid by an embassy, agency or employer.

Are there affordable international schools in Kathmandu?

Yes. Nepali private schools offering Cambridge programmes, such as Sanskriti International School, charge roughly NPR 400,000 to 900,000 a year. They follow an international curriculum but have mostly Nepali students and a Nepali school calendar, so check how that fits your plans before you enrol.

In which currency are school fees paid in Kathmandu?

It depends on the school. Some expat-focused schools invoice in US dollars, while others and most Nepali private schools charge in Nepali rupees. The rupee is pegged to the Indian rupee at 1.6 NPR per INR, so its value against the dollar follows the Indian currency.