International Schools in Phnom Penh: Curricula, Fees and Admissions

Prepared by the NovAsia Editorial Team

Phnom Penh offers genuine international education from early years through secondary graduation. Families can choose the International Baccalaureate, Cambridge IGCSE and A Levels, the Canadian Alberta programme, an Australian curriculum or the French national system.

The cost range is wide. In the 2026/27 school year, annual tuition starts at several thousand US dollars in the more affordable sector and reaches roughly USD 26,000–30,000 or more in senior grades at premium schools. The first year is normally higher because of application, enrolment, registration, capital and deposit charges.

The word “international” is not a quality standard. Choose the educational route first, verify the school's official authorisation, check the actual senior subject list, understand English-language and learning support, obtain the full first-year invoice and then choose housing around the school.

Fees, admissions policies and available places change. All financial and placement information should be confirmed in a written offer for the individual child.

Start with the programme, not the campus

International schools can look similar from the outside while leading to very different qualifications.

One school may be an authorised IB World School. Another may use Cambridge examinations. A third may follow a national Canadian, Australian or French curriculum. Some schools combine international and Cambodian tracks.

The correct first question is not “How international is the school?” It is “Who authorises the programme and what qualification will the child receive?”

No curriculum is universally best. The right one is the route from which the child can progress to the next school or university without losing time.

Main educational pathways in Phnom Penh

The International Baccalaureate can cover PYP, MYP and the Diploma Programme. A full IB Diploma normally includes six subjects, Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity, Service.

ISPP and Northbridge provide an IB continuum. AISPP is authorised for four IB programmes, including the Career-related Programme. CIS combines the Alberta curriculum with an IB Diploma option.

The Cambridge route usually moves from Early Years and Primary into Lower Secondary, IGCSE and A Levels. Families must verify the examination board and actual subject list, especially for a teenager transferring mid-course.

CIS offers the Alberta credit-based route and an Alberta High School Diploma. AISPP combines the Australian Curriculum with IB programmes. Lycée Français René Descartes follows the French national system within the AEFE network.

This is not a ranking. Two strong schools may be equally credible academically but create completely different daily journeys.

ISPP

International School of Phnom Penh has operated since 1989 and serves students from age three to Grade 12. It offers PYP, MYP and the IB Diploma Programme.

ISPP is a non-profit, parent-governed school. That structure does not guarantee fit for every family, but it helps explain the fee model and governance.

Admissions is described as non-selective, while still requiring the child to be able to benefit from the programme. The school considers age, previous education, English level and learning needs.

Children who do not demonstrate sufficient English are assessed for EAL support. Language development can take a substantial period even where social English improves quickly.

The campus is in the south of Phnom Penh. A family living in Sen Sok or Toul Kork should test the real bus or car journey before accepting a place.

The school publishes a 2026/27 fee schedule. Families should request the individual invoice because tuition, entrance and capital fees vary by grade and payment arrangement. Secondary students also need to meet the school's laptop requirements.

Northbridge

Northbridge International School Cambodia is part of Nord Anglia Education and is located on Street 2004 in Sen Sok. It serves students from early years to age 18 and provides the IB continuum.

The large campus includes sports fields, aquatics, performing arts and purpose-built facilities.

Northbridge describes itself as academically non-selective but may assess English. EAL and Accelerated Language Support may involve an additional charge.

Published annual tuition for 2026/27 is:

Annual capital fees are published separately, as are application, registration and refundable-deposit charges.

The fee schedule also lists additional EAL and limited SEN-support fees where the school determines those services are required.

Northbridge is especially practical for households in Sen Sok, Teuk Thla and parts of Toul Kork. A daily journey from the far south can make an excellent school a poor household decision.

AISPP

Australian International School Phnom Penh is in Russey Keo. It combines the Australian Curriculum with PYP, MYP, the Diploma Programme and the Career-related Programme.

The presence of both DP and CP can matter for older students who need a choice between a strongly academic route and a more career-related pathway.

Published 2026/27 annual tuition includes:

New families also face application, enrolment, capital and refundable-deposit charges.

Payment by instalments may increase the total tuition compared with one annual payment.

English is the main language of instruction. Admissions decisions take into account the child's English and the school's capacity to provide support.

AISPP expects families to disclose IEPs, psychological assessments and therapy reports. This allows the support team to determine whether the school can meet the child's needs.

CIS

Canadian International School of Phnom Penh serves Nursery to Grade 12. The main campus is on Koh Pich, with younger programmes also operating at Bassac Garden.

CIS follows the Alberta curriculum and offers two senior routes: the Alberta High School Program and the IB Diploma.

Early Years does not necessarily require prior English, while older applicants may be assessed during enrolment. EAL is available in selected grades.

The school publishes a 2026/27 fee guide with annual and instalment plans. Families should separately confirm application, enrolment, capital, transport and support costs.

CIS can be particularly practical for families living in Koh Pich or Tonle Bassac. Housing should be chosen after the exact campus and daily timetable are confirmed.

Invictus

Invictus International School Phnom Penh offers EYFS, Cambridge Primary, Lower Secondary, IGCSE and International A Levels, together with additional language options.

It may appeal to families seeking a British examination route at a more moderate price than the premium sector.

For 2026/27, request an official quotation covering tuition, registration, materials, examinations, transport, meals, EAL and refund terms.

Older students should request the actual IGCSE and A Level subject list. A school can offer the programme while not offering every subject a student needs.

Lycée Français René Descartes

Lycée Français René Descartes is a conventionné school in the AEFE network and follows the French national curriculum.

For 2026/27, published tuition for other nationalities is approximately:

• primary: USD 7,638;
• collège: USD 8,981;
• lycée: USD 10,151.

The first-enrolment fee is published separately, and meals and other services are additional.

The school may be less expensive than premium English-language schools, but the language and educational pathway are French. This is a strength for the right family and a major constraint for another.

Shrewsbury

Shrewsbury International School Phnom Penh announced a new 7.2-hectare Sen Sok campus for September 2026, with a British curriculum leading to IGCSE and A Levels.

For a new school, families should look beyond renderings and founding discounts. Confirm:

• which year groups actually open;
• teacher appointments;
• examination board;
• senior subject list;
• campus readiness;
• fees after promotional pricing;
• contingency plans if facilities are delayed.

A senior student should not pay for a place before the required subjects and examination pathway are confirmed in writing.

Affordable schools can still offer valid pathways

Phnom Penh's market is not limited to schools charging USD 20,000–30,000.

East-West International School, for example, publishes 2026/27 tuition from roughly USD 4,320 in Early Years to USD 7,040 in High School, plus registration and annual charges.

Other more affordable schools include Western, Paragon, CIA FIRST, Logos, HOPE and additional providers.

Lower tuition does not prove poor education. It does make careful verification especially important:

• official programme authorisation;
• senior qualification;
• language of instruction;
• teacher turnover;
• class size;
• subject choice;
• university progression;
• total non-tuition charges.

Calculate the first year separately

Tuition is not the complete school budget.

The first year may include:

• application fee;
• assessment fee;
• registration or enrolment fee;
• capital or development fee;
• refundable deposit;
• transport;
• meals;
• uniform;
• laptop;
• trips;
• examinations;
• EAL;
• learning support.

Examples based on published 2026/27 figures:

Northbridge, Grade 6

• tuition: USD 27,975;
• capital fee: USD 2,840;
• application fee: USD 290;
• registration fee: USD 2,990;
• refundable deposit: USD 1,000.

Total initial cash requirement before optional services: USD 35,095.

AISPP, Year 6

• annual tuition: USD 21,660;
• capital fee: USD 2,250;
• application fee: USD 250;
• enrolment fee: USD 2,950;
• refundable deposit: USD 1,000.

Total initial cash requirement before optional services: USD 28,110.

LFRD, lycée for another nationality

• tuition: USD 10,151;
• first-enrolment fee: USD 3,042.

Total before other charges: USD 13,193.

A refundable deposit is not a permanent expense, but the money still has to be paid and may remain tied up for years.

Admissions process

Although the details differ, the process usually follows the same sequence.

Enquiry and school visit

The family provides age, current grade, intended start date, previous curriculum, nationality, English level and learning needs.

Visit during a normal school day where possible. Speak not only with admissions but also with academic and support staff.

Application and fee

The application form and non-refundable fee begin the process. Payment does not guarantee a place.

Documents

Schools commonly request:

• child and parent passports;
• birth certificate;
• photograph;
• recent school reports;
• transcripts for secondary students;
• teacher recommendation;
• medical or vaccination records;
• guardianship information;
• IEPs and therapy reports;
• external examination results.

Documents may require translation.

Assessment and interview

Younger children may have a play-based observation. Older students may be assessed in English, reading, mathematics and academic readiness.

IB Diploma applicants may need subject and mathematics placement checks.

Offer and placement

The school may make an offer, conditional offer or refusal. Conditions may include EAL, learning support, further documents or a particular grade placement.

Securing the place

After the offer, the family normally pays registration, enrolment, deposit and the first tuition instalment. Missing the deadline can result in the place being released.

Apply early

Popular schools and particular grades may have waiting lists. Six to twelve months is a sensible planning window for an August start, especially for:

• Early Years;
• grades with limited EAL capacity;
• children requiring learning support;
• Grades 9–12;
• families needing school transport;
• several siblings applying together.

Mid-year admission may be possible where space exists, but academic entry can be difficult in IGCSE, A Levels and the IB Diploma because these are structured multi-year programmes.

Grade placement is not a simple conversion

Grade 6, Year 6 and a sixth class in another country may not represent the same age or curriculum stage.

Schools consider date of birth, previous programme, completed years and academic readiness.

Before accepting the offer, ask for written confirmation of:

• grade or year;
• expected graduation year;
• curriculum;
• required subjects;
• senior-school pathway;
• any review after the first term.

A teenager can lose time if placed in a grade that fits age but does not provide the right credits or examination sequence.

English-language support

EAL helps students move from everyday communication to academic English.

A child may speak fluently with classmates and still struggle with scientific texts, essays, mathematical language and presentations.

Families should ask:

• how many hours per week;
• in-class or pull-out support;
• which lessons are missed;
• who sets the level;
• how progress is measured;
• when support ends;
• the cost;
• whether support is capacity-limited.

For older students, limited English can restrict subject choice and examination success. A strong EAL programme cannot always prepare a student for the IB Diploma in a few months.

Special educational needs

Do not conceal a diagnosis, IEP or therapy history in order to obtain an offer. The result can be a placement that the school cannot sustain.

An international school may support mild dyslexia, ADHD or another profile while lacking a speech therapist, occupational therapist or suitable 1:1 programme.

Meet the Head of Inclusion or Student Support Coordinator before applying. Ask:

• who works with the child;
• direct support hours;
• therapy availability;
• how the IEP is created;
• how progress is measured;
• additional fees;
• whether a shadow teacher is possible;
• circumstances that may trigger review of enrolment;
• how crisis or sensory overload is handled;
• whether counselling is available.

A promise that the school is “fully inclusive” is not enough. The question is whether the actual team can meet this child's needs.

Check the school before paying

On the campus visit, inspect classrooms, library, science facilities, cafeteria, medical room and pickup area, not only the pool and theatre.

Ask about:

• class size;
• teacher turnover;
• safeguarding;
• counselling;
• bullying policy;
• university destinations;
• actual examination cohorts and results;
• late buses after activities;
• refund conditions.

Test the school route from the proposed home at the real start and finish times and after heavy rain.

Red flags include:

• unclear issuing authority for the qualification;
• fees given only verbally;
• willingness to accept any learning need without records;
• “IB candidate” presented as full authorisation;
• no senior subject list;
• demand for immediate full-year payment before a final offer.

How age changes the decision

For a preschool child, a stable teacher, safe environment, play-based learning and short journey may matter more than the future diploma brand.

In primary school, literacy, mathematics, academic English and consistent support become more important.

In Grades 6–9, families need to understand whether the route leads to MYP, IGCSE, Alberta credits or another senior programme.

In Grades 10–12, start with university requirements. Request the subject list, examination board, transfer-credit policy, predicted-grade policy and diploma alternatives. A mid-course transfer in the IB Diploma or A Levels can be highly disruptive even between schools that use the same broad system.

Conclusion

Phnom Penh offers a real choice of international education. ISPP and Northbridge provide the IB continuum. AISPP combines the Australian Curriculum with four IB programmes. CIS offers Alberta and IB. Invictus and Shrewsbury provide Cambridge or British routes. LFRD follows the French national system.

The price range is broad. Premium senior tuition can exceed USD 30,000, while some established schools operate closer to USD 4,000–10,000. The total first-year cost is higher than tuition because registration, capital, deposits, EAL, transport, meals, technology and examinations may add thousands of dollars.

Apply early, disclose all language and learning needs, visit on a normal school day and obtain a written placement and invoice. Choose the home after the school. A strong school is not the one with the most famous brand. It is the one where the child can learn, receive appropriate support, avoid an exhausting daily journey and move to the next educational stage without losing time.

Sources

1. International School of Phnom Penh — admissions, fees, IB programmes and student support, 2026/27.
2. Northbridge International School Cambodia — tuition, admissions, IB curriculum and student support, 2026/27.
3. Australian International School Phnom Penh — fees, admissions policy, IB authorisations and student support, 2026/27.
4. Canadian International School of Phnom Penh — fee guide, Alberta pathway, IB Diploma and inclusive education, 2026/27.
5. Invictus International School Phnom Penh — Cambridge curriculum, IGCSE, A Levels and admissions.
6. Lycée Français René Descartes — 2026/27 tuition and AEFE information.
7. Shrewsbury International School Phnom Penh — official Sen Sok campus and British curriculum information.

Frequently asked

How much does an international school in Phnom Penh cost?

Annual tuition can begin around USD 4,000–7,000 in the more affordable segment and exceed USD 30,000 in senior grades at premium schools. The first year is usually more expensive because of registration, capital and enrolment charges.

Can a child join an international school in the middle of the year?

Many schools consider mid-year applications when places are available. Families should confirm fee proration and whether entry is academically possible in examination years such as IGCSE, A Levels or the IB Diploma.

Must a child already be fluent in English?

Younger children are often admitted with varied levels of English. Expectations rise in secondary school, and EAL support may be chargeable or limited by staffing and available places.