Quick Answer: International school fees in the Philippines range from PHP 150,000 to over PHP 1,900,000 per year depending on the school tier and grade level. Premium schools like ISM and Brent charge upward of PHP 800,000 annually, while budget-tier international schools start around PHP 150,000-280,000. Expect an additional PHP 30,000-350,000 in one-time enrollment and application fees.
Introduction
Sending your child to an international school in the Philippines is one of the biggest financial commitments a family can make. Whether you are an expat family relocating to Manila, a returning OFW, or a Filipino parent seeking a globally recognized curriculum, understanding the full cost picture is essential.
International schools in the Philippines offer curricula ranging from the International Baccalaureate (IB) and British A-Levels to the American and Singaporean systems. But their fee structures can be wildly different, and the sticker price on tuition is rarely the whole story. Application fees, enrollment deposits, capital development fees, and exam charges can add tens of thousands of pesos on top.
This guide breaks down real, published fees from leading international schools across the country so you can plan your budget with clarity.
Understanding International School Fee Tiers
International schools in the Philippines generally fall into three pricing bands:
- Budget Tier (PHP 150,000-280,000/year): Schools offering international-style curricula with smaller campuses and fewer extracurricular options.
- Mid Tier (PHP 320,000-550,000/year): Schools with established reputations, diverse extracurriculars, and recognized accreditation.
- Premium Tier (PHP 600,000-1,900,000+/year): The most prestigious schools with world-class facilities, small class sizes, and top-tier IB or American/British programs.
Premium International Schools: Fee Breakdown
International School Manila (ISM)
International School Manila is widely regarded as the most prestigious international school in the Philippines. It offers the IB programme from Primary Years through the Diploma Programme.
- Application Fee: USD 600 (approximately PHP 34,000)
- Matriculation Fee: USD 4,500 (approximately PHP 255,000) --- one-time, for new students
- Facilities Enhancement Fee: USD 4,500 (approximately PHP 255,000) --- one-time, for new students
- Annual Tuition (Primary): PHP 650,000-900,000
- Annual Tuition (Secondary/IBDP): PHP 800,000-1,100,000+
- EAL Support: USD 1,100-1,625 per semester (additional)
- Learning Support Services: USD 840-2,940 per semester (additional)
Fees are payable in both USD and PHP, which helps eliminate currency conversion uncertainty.
Brent International School Manila
Brent International School Manila is one of the oldest international schools in the country, with campuses in Manila, Subic, and Baguio.
- Annual Tuition: PHP 693,109-1,927,920 depending on grade level
- Capital Development Fee: USD 1,575 per year
- First-year total (age 3): Approximately PHP 642,349 including one-time fees
British School Manila (BSM)
British School Manila follows the English National Curriculum and offers IGCSE and A-Level qualifications.
- Application Fee: PHP 30,000 (non-refundable)
- Entrance Fee: PHP 339,450 (non-refundable, payable on acceptance)
- Capital Development Fee: PHP 47,825 per term (PHP 143,475/year)
- Nursery Tuition: GBP 3,675 + PHP 264,090 per year
- Reception to Year 6: GBP 7,320 + PHP 526,560 per year
- Year 7-9: GBP 8,235 + PHP 592,095 per year
- Year 10-11 (IGCSE): GBP 8,655 + PHP 622,680 per year
- Year 12-13 (A-Level): GBP 9,690 + PHP 697,155 per year
BSM bills in both GBP and PHP, so exchange rate fluctuations are a factor to watch.
Nord Anglia International School Manila (NAIS)
Nord Anglia International School Manila is part of the global Nord Anglia Education group.
- Enrollment Fee: PHP 209,209 (one-time per student)
- First-year total (age 2): Approximately PHP 953,052 including one-time fees
Mid-Tier International Schools
Chinese International School Manila (CISM)
Chinese International School Manila offers a bilingual IB programme.
- Annual Fees: PHP 143,000-760,643 depending on grade level
German European School Manila (GESM)
German European School Manila follows the German curriculum alongside IB options.
- Kindergarten Tuition: EUR 2,540 + PHP 230,000 per year
- Fees payable in both EUR and PHP
International Schools Outside Metro Manila
Cebu International School (CIS)
Cebu International School offers the full IB continuum in Cebu.
- Annual Tuition: PHP 825,000-1,445,000 depending on grade level
Brent International School Subic
Brent International School Subic provides an American curriculum in the Subic Bay area.
- Fees are typically lower than the Manila campus by 15-25%.
Fee Comparison Table
| School | Grade Level | Annual Tuition (PHP) | One-Time Fees (PHP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISM | Primary | 650,000-900,000 | ~544,000 |
| ISM | Secondary/IB | 800,000-1,100,000+ | ~544,000 |
| Brent Manila | K-12 Range | 693,109-1,927,920 | ~89,000+ |
| BSM | Primary | ~850,000* | ~482,925 |
| BSM | Secondary | ~1,000,000-1,200,000* | ~482,925 |
| NAIS Manila | All Levels | 700,000-950,000+ | ~209,209 |
| CISM | All Levels | 143,000-760,643 | Varies |
| CIS Cebu | All Levels | 825,000-1,445,000 | Varies |
*BSM figures are approximate PHP equivalents combining GBP and PHP components.
Hidden Costs to Budget For
Tuition is only part of the equation. Here are commonly overlooked expenses:
- Registration/Application Fees: PHP 30,000-100,000+ (non-refundable)
- Learning Support and EAL Fees: PHP 50,000-150,000+ per year if your child needs additional language or learning support
- External Exam Fees (IGCSE, IB, A-Level): PHP 50,000-150,000+ per exam session, typically not included in tuition
- School Bus/Transport: PHP 40,000-120,000 per year
- Uniforms and Supplies: PHP 15,000-40,000 per year
- Field Trips and Extracurriculars: PHP 10,000-50,000+ per year
- Technology Fees/Devices: Some schools require personal laptops or tablets
What Curriculum Should You Choose?
The curriculum your child follows affects not just their daily classroom experience but also their future university options.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
Schools like ISM, CISM, and Cebu International School offer the full IB continuum. The IB Diploma Programme is recognized by universities worldwide, making it ideal for families who may relocate or want their child to study abroad. IB schools tend to sit in the premium tier.
British Curriculum (IGCSE/A-Levels)
British School Manila is the primary option in Manila for the British curriculum. Students take IGCSEs in Years 10-11 and A-Levels in Years 12-13. This pathway is well-suited for students targeting UK universities but is also recognized globally.
American Curriculum
Brent International School follows an American-style curriculum leading to a US-accredited high school diploma. This is the best fit for families planning to send their children to American universities.
Singaporean Curriculum
Schools like Singapore School Manila and Singapore School Cebu offer the rigorous Singaporean curriculum with a strong STEM focus, often combined with Cambridge IGCSE or IB options in senior years.
German Curriculum
German European School Manila provides a German-language education pathway alongside IB options, catering to the German and European expat community.
Annual Fee Increases: What to Expect
International schools in the Philippines typically increase fees by 3-8% annually. Over a 13-year school career (Kindergarten through Grade 12), this means the tuition you pay in your child's final year could be 50-100% higher than what you paid in Kindergarten. Smart financial planning should account for this compounding effect.
For a family starting at PHP 700,000/year in Kindergarten with a 5% annual increase, the Grade 12 tuition would reach approximately PHP 1,260,000. Over 13 years, the total tuition alone would exceed PHP 12 million --- before factoring in fees, transport, and extras.
How to Choose the Right International School
- Match the curriculum to your plans. If your family might relocate, the IB Diploma is recognized globally. If heading to the UK, choose a school offering IGCSEs and A-Levels.
- Visit the campus. Facilities, class sizes, and the general atmosphere matter more than brochures suggest.
- Ask about fee increases. Most international schools raise tuition 3-8% annually. Factor this into multi-year planning.
- Check accreditation. Look for CIS, WASC, or COBIS accreditation.
- Consider location. Traffic in Metro Manila is a real factor. A closer school can save hours weekly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are international school fees in the Philippines tax-deductible?
No. International school tuition in the Philippines is generally not tax-deductible for individuals. Some employer relocation packages include education allowances.
Why do some schools charge in USD, GBP, or EUR?
Many international schools pay foreign-hired teachers in foreign currency and purchase curriculum materials abroad. Dual-currency billing helps them manage exchange rate risks.
Can Filipino citizens attend international schools?
Yes. Most international schools in the Philippines accept Filipino students, though some prioritize passport-holding international families during admissions.
Do international schools offer scholarships?
Some do, particularly for academically gifted students or those with specific talents. Brent and ISM have limited financial assistance programs. Ask directly during the admissions process.
How do international school fees compare to top private schools?
Premium private schools like Ateneo de Manila or De La Salle charge PHP 100,000-120,000 per semester at the university level. International school fees for K-12 are significantly higher --- often 3 to 10 times the cost of a top local private school.
When should I apply?
Most international schools open admissions 12-18 months before the school year starts. Apply early, as popular schools maintain waitlists.
Are fees refundable if my child withdraws?
Policies vary. Most schools refund a percentage of tuition if withdrawal happens before a specific date, but application and enrollment fees are almost always non-refundable.
Ready to find the right international school for your family? Browse and compare international schools across the Philippines on SchoolFinderPH. Filter by curriculum, location, and budget to find your best match.