International schools in Phuket 2026: curricula and tuition costs
What international school tuition costs in Phuket, which curricula local schools follow, and what to check when choosing one before relocating with kids.
Updated: 2026-08-19 · 6 min read · AURA Phuket
For families relocating to Phuket long-term, the school choice often ends up deciding the district — sometimes the move itself. Here are real prices and what to check.
Key facts
- Average tuition at a good international school — 400,000–750,000 ฿ a year.
- An application/enrollment fee is billed separately — 50,000–250,000 ฿.
- Most schools follow the Cambridge curriculum, some the American system.
- Preschool groups are usually cheaper than the school programme — sometimes by a wide margin.
- Waiting lists at popular schools can stretch for months — apply well ahead.
What tuition costs
Average tuition at a solid international school on Phuket runs from 300,000–400,000 up to 750,000 ฿ a year per child, depending on the school’s tier, the child’s age, and how well-established the school’s name is. Preschool groups cost noticeably less than the full school programme. On top of annual tuition, there is almost always a one-off enrollment fee — 50,000 to 250,000 ฿ — which is not refunded if the child leaves.
Which curricula are on offer
- The Cambridge curriculum (British/IGCSE) — the most common among the island’s schools.
- The American system — offered at a couple of schools, geared toward US university admission.
- IB (International Baccalaureate) — offered at some senior schools, recognised by universities worldwide.
- Bilingual programmes — English combined with a Thai language and culture component.
What to check when choosing
Curriculum accreditation — make sure the school’s diploma is recognised by universities in whichever country you are aiming for after graduation. The waiting list — at popular schools it can run months or a year, so apply well ahead rather than a month before the move. And location: the school sets the morning commute for years ahead, so it makes sense to choose the school first and the neighbourhood around it, not the other way round.
Frequently asked questions
Can a child transfer to a Phuket school mid-year?
Often yes, if there is space in the class — schools are used to admitting expat children throughout the year, not just in September. Ask the specific school about an adaptation period.
Does the child need English on entry?
Depends on the school and the child’s age — younger grades adapt more easily without fluent English, while older students may need a preparatory language course before enrollment.
Is transport included in tuition?
Usually not — the school bus is typically billed separately and depends on the distance from home to school. Check the bus routes at the stage of choosing where to live, not after.
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