Schools for expat children in Bali

Overview

Expat families in Bali mostly choose private international schools. These are concentrated in the south (Canggu, Sanur, Denpasar, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua) and around Ubud. Most teach in English. The usual curricula are Cambridge (IGCSE, AS and A Levels), the International Baccalaureate (IB) and national British, Australian or American programmes. Indonesian public and private national schools are another option. They teach in Bahasa Indonesia, so they suit mainly children who are already fluent or whose families are staying long term.

International schools: what to expect

• Age range. Many schools run from Early Years through Year 12. Check whether a school covers the full range, because switching schools at age 14–16 can disrupt exam preparation.
• Curriculum. Cambridge IGCSE and A Levels are common. Honeycombers' guide to Bali's international schools lists accreditation by Cambridge International Examinations for at least one school. Ask each school which exam board and which accreditation it holds, and whether its qualifications are accepted in your home country or your target university.
• Tuition. Fees are quoted per year in Indonesian rupiah (IDR). One example from a community guide is a Cambridge-curriculum school with tuition from about IDR 43.8 million per year (roughly USD 2,700 at recent rates). That is an entry-level figure. Prices for older year groups, IB programmes and the best-known campuses are noticeably higher.
• Extra costs. Budget for these on top of tuition, and ask for the full list in writing:
  • a one-off registration or application fee
  • a capital or enrolment levy
  • uniform
  • school bus
  • meals
  • exam fees
  • trips

Admission: typical steps

1. Shortlist schools by location. Bali traffic is heavy, so a long commute can mean a lot of lost time each day.
2. Book a campus tour and request the current fee schedule.
3. Submit the application form and pay the registration fee.
4. Expect an age-appropriate assessment, an English-level check or an interview. Older children are usually asked for previous school reports.
5. Pay the deposit or first term once you have an offer. Ask about the refund policy before paying.

Popular schools can have waiting lists for some year groups. Start 3–6 months before your planned arrival, and earlier for a start in the autumn term.

Documents to prepare

• the child's passport
• the family's residence permit (KITAS) or the visa you will be using
• recent school reports and transcripts
• vaccination records
• a transfer or leaving letter from the previous school

These are typical requirements. Each school sets its own list, so confirm it directly.

Local Indonesian schools

Foreign children can attend Indonesian schools in some cases. Rules for foreign pupils in national schools are set by the Ministry of Education and applied locally. Confirm the requirements with the school and the Bali education office (Dinas Pendidikan) before planning on this route. Teaching is in Bahasa Indonesia. The school year starts in July, which differs from the northern-hemisphere calendar used by many international schools.

Common mistakes

• Comparing only tuition and ignoring the registration fee, levies and transport.
• Choosing a school without checking how long the commute is at school-run hours.
• Not checking whether the school's qualifications will be recognised if you move on.
• Arriving without records or a school transfer letter.
• Paying large deposits before confirming the refund terms.

What to check before you decide

• The school's own website for current fees and the admission calendar, since prices change yearly.
• The school's accreditation and exam centre status.
• Whether the school's legal status allows it to enrol foreign children. Ask directly, and ask to see the registration.