International schools in Hong Kong

By the Editorial team · Checked October 2026

Hong Kong's international schools are known for long waiting lists and for debentures and capital levies, which add a large one-off cost to tuition. Planning starts earlier here than in most cities.

ESF and independent schools

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) runs a group of English-medium primary and secondary schools that teach the IB. Alongside ESF, there are independent international schools, national schools such as the French International School and German Swiss International School, and Direct Subsidy Scheme schools, which receive government funding and teach a local or international curriculum.

Debentures and levies

Many schools charge a capital levy every year, a one-off debenture, or both. Some sell nomination rights or corporate debentures that give priority in admissions. Ask whether a debenture is refundable when your child leaves, since some are and some are not.

Waiting lists

Popular schools receive applications years before entry, sometimes soon after a child is born. Families who arrive with short notice often find places in newer schools or in year groups with natural turnover.

Districts

Schools are spread across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories and Lantau. The Southern District and the Peak on Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Tong and Sai Kung have several schools each. Hong Kong International School is in the Southern District. Travel times vary a great deal, so check the school bus routes.

Curricula

The IB is the most common programme. British, American, Canadian, Australian and national curricula are all available.

Questions to ask

• What is the full one-off cost: application fee, debenture, levy and deposit?
• What is the waiting list for our entry year, and how often do places come up?
• How does the school teach Chinese, and is it Cantonese or Mandarin?

Finding schools

See the International Schools DB guide to international schools in Hong Kong.