The 2026 intakes
Most Bangkok international schools run a northern hemisphere year, so the main intake is August, with a smaller second intake in January for families arriving mid year. A minority of schools follow a southern hemisphere calendar, the Australian International School Bangkok among them, and take their main intake in January instead. Mid year entry into other months is sometimes possible where a place opens, subject to assessment. To see which schools run which calendar, start with our international schools in Bangkok directory, then confirm intake dates with each school directly.
| Intake | Pattern in 2026 |
|---|---|
| August (main) | Start of the northern hemisphere year used by most schools; applications usually open around 10 to 14 months ahead |
| January (second) | Smaller mid year intake at northern hemisphere schools; main intake at southern hemisphere schools such as AISB |
| Rolling / mid year | Many schools assess applications year round for places that remain open |
When to apply
Because admissions are mostly rolling, the practical rule is to apply as early as you can rather than wait for a deadline. Schools commonly open applications for the August intake around ten to fourteen months in advance, so for an August 2026 start many windows opened from autumn 2025. Assessments, interviews and offers then run through the winter and spring, with the most competitive places confirmed well before the summer. If you are relocating to Bangkok, begin the school search as soon as the move is likely, because the school place often shapes which district you settle in, not the other way round.
Start your Bangkok shortlist early
The school finder filters Bangkok schools by curriculum, district and stage so you can apply to the right ones in good time.
Use the school finderWhich year groups fill first
Demand is uneven across year groups. The natural entry points, the first year of primary and the first year of secondary in British schools, and the equivalent grades in American schools, are the most competitive and can close to new applications several months before the August start. Other year groups frequently have places much closer to the start, or mid year, because cohorts settle once they are established. The lesson is to treat a popular entry point as effectively having an early deadline even though the school calls it rolling, and to keep a realistic second choice in reserve. Provision differs by stage, so see our Bangkok primary schools guide for the early years and check senior entry directly with each school.
Documents and next steps
Have the paperwork ready before you apply so you can respond fast when a place is offered. Schools typically ask for recent reports, the child's passport and visa details, immunisation records, and sometimes a reference, an English language check or a subject assessment for senior entry. Budget for an application or registration fee and a deposit to hold a place; our guide to international school fees in Bangkok sets out the usual charges. When you are ready, build a shortlist with the school finder or browse the full Bangkok schools directory.
Bangkok admissions deadlines 2026: FAQ
Most Bangkok international schools open applications for the August intake around ten to fourteen months ahead, so applications for August 2026 typically opened from autumn 2025. Many schools accept applications on a rolling basis through the year for places that remain, but the most sought after year groups can close to new applications well before the start date. Confirm the window with each school.
No. Bangkok international schools mostly run rolling admissions rather than one fixed citywide deadline, assessing applications as they arrive until a year group is full. That means the effective deadline is when places run out, which varies by school and year group, so the practical advice is to apply as early as you can rather than wait for a date.
The main intake is August, the start of the northern hemisphere year used by most schools, with a smaller second intake in January. Schools on a southern hemisphere calendar, such as the Australian International School Bangkok, take their main intake in January. Mid year entry is sometimes possible where a place opens up, subject to assessment.
Entry points such as the first year of primary and the first year of secondary, and the equivalents in American schools, are the most competitive and can fill several months before the August start. Less popular year groups often have places available much closer to the start or mid year. Apply early for a sought after year group and have a second choice ready.
Schools typically ask for recent school reports, the child's passport and visa details, immunisation records and sometimes a reference or an entrance assessment. English language and, for senior entry, subject assessments are common. Requirements vary, so check each school's admissions page and gather documents before applying so you can move quickly when a place is offered.