What exactly is an international school? The types explained

This guide is for parents looking at international schools in Asia for the first time. It suits families considering a move abroad and families looking at international schools in Korea. One point first: 'international school' does not mean the same thing everywhere. Legal status, who may enrol and how fees work differ by country. Rules can change, so treat this article as a starting point and confirm with the official body and the school.

Same name, different schools

Official notes show that the label points to different things. It can mean a school for children of foreign nationals, or a school that teaches a foreign curriculum in English. It can even refer to a system that lets foreign students into local public schools. So the status a school holds in its own country matters more than its name.

Korea: foreign schools and unlicensed facilities

According to the Ministry of Education, foreign schools in Korea are 'miscellaneous schools' under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Besides foreign children, Korean nationals who have lived abroad for a total of three years or more may enrol. Korean nationals can fill up to 30% of places, or 50% if the superintendent allows. Recognition of study in Korea differs by school. The superintendent must designate the school, and Korean students' study is recognised when they complete 102 hours a year each of Korean language and social studies (Korean history).

There is a warning here. The Ministry of Government Legislation's guide says that unlicensed facilities give no national recognition, so students who need a qualification must take the qualification exams (geomjeong-gosi). The same applies to unlicensed facilities that call themselves 'international schools'. Check the licence before the name.

A look across Asia

• Thailand: The International Schools Association of Thailand lists American, British, IB, other national curricula and Montessori options. By law, schools must be accredited by a recognised overseas agency by the end of their fifth year, and also by the national body ONESQA.
• Malaysia: StudyMalaysia, a private guide, describes international schools as using a foreign curriculum in English and enrolling both locals and foreigners. Because the source is private, confirm school registration with Malaysia's education ministry.
• China: Under Beijing's revised measures (2022), schools for children of foreign nationals enrol children of foreigners legally residing in the city. With district approval they may enrol some other children too. Schools set their own curriculum but must teach Chinese language and culture. Other cities may have different rules.
• Philippines: Some schools are recognised individually by statute as being of 'international character'. Republic Act 12264 (September 2025) does this for Singapore School Manila. That school must keep any single foreign nationality to no more than one third of students, and DepEd continues to supervise it.
• Singapore: Besides private international schools, there is a route into government schools. International students sit the AEIS or S-AEIS tests in Singapore. The Ministry of Education announced 2026 monthly fees for non-ASEAN international students of S$1,035 (primary) and S$2,190 (secondary), as announced in October 2023. Test dates and fees can change each year.

'International student' systems in English-speaking countries

New Zealand's Ministry of Education says every student enrols as domestic or international, and that status decides fees. Schools that enrol international students must sign the 2021 Code of Practice for international learners. In Canada, provincial school boards run public schools, and large boards have international student programmes. The Toronto District School Board takes new applications through its 'True North' system from 1 October 2026. A parent's status in Canada can change a child's fees and status, so ask the board directly.

Accreditation and what comes after

The Council of International Schools (CIS) describes its international accreditation as a school evaluation and accreditation programme focused on developing global citizens. CIS says ministries and universities recognise it as a mark of quality assurance. Recognition is still decided by each country and university.

Take MEXT's guidance in Japan (as of January 2019) as an example. Graduates of international schools in Japan are eligible for university if the school is MEXT-designated, or if they completed 12 years at a school accredited by WASC, CIS or ACSI. Holders of the IB Diploma or GCE A Levels are also eligible. Courses shorter than 12 years may need a preparatory course.

Think about a possible return to Korea too. Documents from an overseas school normally need an apostille or consular confirmation. The Ministry of Education publishes a list of schools exempt from this (as of 14 November 2025). The list does not vouch for school quality and does not apply to university admissions.

Checklist

• Did you check the school's licence or registration status in its own country, not just its name?
• Did you confirm that your child fits the admission category, using the official body's and the school's rules?
• Did you check the curriculum (American, British, IB and so on) and the language of instruction?
• Do you know which agency accredits the school, and whether that accreditation is accepted where you hope to study later?
• If you need Korean recognition of study, did you check designation and the Korean language and social studies hours?
• If a return to Korea is possible, did you look at the apostille-exempt school list?
• Do the fees and application dates match the latest official information?

Ask the school

• Its government licence or registration, its accrediting agency and the accreditation's validity period
• Which admission category and fee scale apply to your child's nationality and residence status
• How its diploma is treated by universities in the country you are aiming for
• What documents it can supply if you need Korean recognition or transfer, and how far it helps
• Itemised fees and the latest application deadlines

Fees, dates and admission rules change often and differ by school. Always confirm with the relevant education authority and the school's latest official information.

Always confirm your own situation with the official authority or an immigration professional.