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

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

Pune is one of India's fastest growing cities, with a thriving IT and automotive sector, well known universities and a pleasant climate thanks to its location on the Deccan plateau. It attracts many relocating families, both international expats and Indians returning from abroad. For all of them, understanding international school fees in Pune is essential before choosing where to live.

The range is wide. Some schools offer an international curriculum at mid market prices, while others charge fees comparable to top schools in Mumbai or Bengaluru. This guide explains what you can expect to pay in 2026, what the extras are, and how to compare schools fairly.

Where international schools are in Pune

Most international and premium schools are located in the western and north western parts of the city, near the IT hubs of Hinjewadi, Baner, Balewadi and Wakad, or to the east around Kharadi and Viman Nagar. Families working in the IT parks often live in these areas to keep commutes short, as traffic in Pune can be heavy at peak times.

Some schools sit on large campuses on the outskirts, including boarding schools with day options. When comparing fees, include the cost of transport, which can be significant if your home is far from the school.

Curricula and their price levels

Fees in Pune depend heavily on the curriculum:

• International Baccalaureate. The IB PYP, MYP and Diploma are usually the most expensive option, often at schools with extensive facilities.
• Cambridge International. IGCSE and A levels, typically priced between IB schools and national curriculum schools.
• CBSE. The national Central Board of Secondary Education, widely recognised and easy to transfer between Indian cities, at more moderate fees.
• ICSE. The Indian Certificate of Secondary Education, known for its strong English language focus.

Fees at the main international schools in Pune

These schools have verified profiles on International School Advisor, where you can check reported fees and read family reviews. Figures are indicative ranges for 2026 to 2027.

Indus International School Pune

An IB World School offering the PYP, MYP and IB Diploma, with day and boarding options on a large campus. It is at the top end of the market, with tuition roughly between INR 8 lakh and 13 lakh a year depending on grade and boarding. Families pay for the facilities, the IB pathway and strong university counselling.

Global Indian International School Pune, Balewadi

Part of the Singapore based GIIS network, offering CBSE and IB programmes. Tuition is roughly INR 1.5 lakh to 4 lakh a year for CBSE, with the IB Diploma priced higher. The Balewadi location suits families working in Baner, Hinjewadi and Aundh.

Global Indian International School Pune, Charholi

The second GIIS campus in Pune, in the north east near Alandi and Lohegaon. Fees are similar to the Balewadi campus, roughly INR 1.5 lakh to 3.5 lakh a year for CBSE. It is a practical option for families living near the airport or in Viman Nagar and Dhanori.

St. Mary's School, Pune

One of Pune's oldest and most respected schools, located in the Cantonment, following the ICSE curriculum with a strong tradition in English and the arts. Fees are moderate, roughly INR 1 lakh to 2.5 lakh a year. Admissions are competitive, so apply early.

Beyond tuition: the full cost of schooling in Pune

Tuition is only part of the picture. Schools in Pune usually charge several additional fees, which you should include in your budget or in your negotiation with your employer:

• Application and registration: roughly INR 2,000 to 10,000.
• One off admission fee: often INR 50,000 to 2 lakh, sometimes partly refundable.
• Caution deposit: a refundable deposit of roughly INR 10,000 to 1 lakh.
• Transport: roughly INR 30,000 to 80,000 a year depending on distance.
• Meals: around INR 25,000 to 60,000 a year if not included.
• Boarding: where available, adds roughly INR 3 lakh to 5 lakh a year.
• Exam fees: IB, IGCSE and A level exam fees are charged separately and can be significant.

A useful tax point: under India's GST regime, in force since 1 July 2017, education services provided by schools up to higher secondary level are exempt from GST. That applies to tuition, but some extras, such as certain transport or catering contracts run by third parties, may carry GST, so check what is included in each quote.

How to budget for international schools in Pune

Compare total annual cost, not headline tuition. A school with lower tuition but a high admission fee and expensive transport can end up costing more over three years than a school with a higher fee that includes meals and bus.

Check fee increases. Fees in Pune typically rise 8 to 12 percent a year. Ask each school for its fee history over the last three years to plan your budget realistically.

Ask about payment terms. Most schools invoice quarterly or per term. Some offer discounts for annual payment or for siblings. Clarify the refund policy for the admission fee and caution deposit if you might relocate.

A worked example: three years at a Pune school

Consider a family with one child entering Grade 6 at an IB day school in Pune. With tuition of around INR 8 lakh a year, a one off admission fee of INR 1.5 lakh, transport of INR 60,000 and meals of INR 40,000, the first year costs roughly INR 10.5 lakh. Assuming a 10 percent annual increase in tuition and running costs, the three year total comes to roughly INR 31 lakh.

The same child at a CBSE school with an international outlook, paying INR 2.5 lakh in tuition, an INR 75,000 admission fee and similar transport and meals, would spend roughly INR 4.25 lakh in the first year and about INR 12 lakh over three years. Neither choice is right for everyone, but running the numbers in this way makes the trade offs clear.

If your employer offers an education allowance, ask whether it covers only tuition or also admission fees, transport and exam costs, and whether it is adjusted each year for fee increases.

Compare the best schools in India

To compare Pune schools with others across India, with reviews and fee information, see our ranking of the best schools in India.

More guides to schools in Pune

• How to Choose an International School in Pune: 2026 Family Guide
• Best schools in India: national ranking

Frequently asked questions

What is the most expensive international school in Pune?

IB schools with boarding options, such as Indus International School Pune, are at the top of the market, with tuition roughly INR 8 lakh to 13 lakh a year in 2026 depending on grade and boarding. Other IB programmes in the city are usually priced lower, and CBSE and ICSE schools are more affordable.

Are there affordable international schools in Pune?

Yes. Schools offering CBSE or ICSE with international elements, such as the GIIS campuses or St. Mary's School, charge roughly INR 1 lakh to 4 lakh a year. These are good options for families who want quality education at a moderate cost, especially if they plan to stay in India long term.

Do international schools in Pune charge an admission fee?

Most do. A one off admission fee of roughly INR 50,000 to 2 lakh is common, along with a refundable caution deposit. These are paid when you accept the place. Ask whether any part is refundable if you leave early, as policies differ between schools.