China's international school market changed materially over the past five years. Foreign-passport-only schools, mainland regulatory tightening, and the Hong Kong rebalancing have changed the picture for relocating families. This guide focuses on mainland China for families holding foreign passports.
Regulatory picture
Mainland Chinese international schools admitting foreign-passport-holders remain plentiful in Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen and Guangzhou. Schools admitting Chinese nationals operate under tightened regulation since 2021. The clean foreign-passport-only schools are unaffected.
Where to start
Shanghai is the largest expat market: SAS, Concordia, BISS, Wellington Shanghai. Beijing offers Western Academy of Beijing, ISB, Dulwich and Harrow. Shenzhen and Guangzhou are smaller markets with fewer but credible options.
Fees
Premium international school fees in China sit at the high end globally: USD 35,000 to 55,000 per year for senior years. Most multinational packages cover this directly.
What to verify
Visa eligibility for the school. Curriculum continuity: ensure the school can deliver the IB, British or American curriculum your children are already on. Air quality monitoring at the school.