The French International School (FIS) is one of the most established names in Hong Kong education, and for English speaking families its international stream is the main draw. That stream follows the British curriculum to IGCSE and then the IB Diploma, the qualification FIS first brought to the city in 1988. The school also runs a separate French national stream.
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At a glance
| Detail | Summary |
|---|---|
| Curriculum and exam boards | International stream: British curriculum to IGCSE, then the IB Diploma. French stream: French national curriculum to the brevet and French Baccalaureat |
| Stage range | Early years to the end of secondary (roughly ages 3 to 18) |
| Founded | 1963; brought the IB to Hong Kong in 1988 |
| Accreditation | Authorised IB World School; Cambridge IGCSE; recognised within the AEFE French network |
| Fee band | Premium private international, upper band for Hong Kong |
| Campus area | Multiple campuses across Hong Kong Island and Kowloon |
Curriculum and academics
In the international stream, students follow a British style lower and middle school, sit IGCSE examinations in the upper secondary years, then move into the two year IB Diploma. It is a recognisable academic route for families relocating from the UK or from other international schools, and it keeps university options open across the UK, the United States, Europe and Asia.
The parallel French stream serves families who want to keep a child inside the French system, leading to the French Baccalaureat. Running both streams under one roof gives FIS an unusually broad academic identity. For how the Diploma sits against A Levels and the French Baccalaureat, see our IB curriculum guide.
Want to know what an FIS place really costs?
Use our fee calculator to estimate tuition and the deposits and levies that come with a premium Hong Kong international place, before you commit.
French International School (FIS) fees
FIS sits in the upper band of the Hong Kong market, alongside the city other long established premium internationals and above the ESF foundation schools. Tuition varies by stream and year group, so treat any single figure as indicative and confirm the current schedule with the school.
Expect the usual premium school extras on top of tuition, including a registration or application fee, a refundable caution deposit and a capital or building levy or debenture. Our Hong Kong international school fees guide explains how these components work and how FIS compares with the field, including the schools profiled in our best international schools in Hong Kong roundup.
Admissions
For the international stream, FIS admits on a rolling basis with assessment matched to the year of entry, and demand for popular year groups is high. The French stream follows the French academic calendar and prioritises continuity within the French system, so the entry routes are genuinely different.
Decide early which stream fits your child, since the language of instruction and the destination qualification differ. Register interest, confirm the current criteria, and arrange a visit to see how the international stream is taught.
Location and who goes there
FIS spreads across more than one campus, which lets the international stream serve families across Hong Kong Island and beyond. The school standing means many international families choose their neighbourhood with a campus commute in mind, particularly around Happy Valley and the eastern districts of the Island.
The international stream community is broad, with British, European, North American and local families well represented, sitting alongside the Francophone families in the French stream. To weigh FIS against the rest of the field, start with the Hong Kong city hub and our best international schools in Hong Kong guide.
French International School (FIS) reviews
We do not yet hold verified parent reviews for the French International School (FIS). GlobalSchoolGuide is independent and no school pays to be listed, so we publish a rating only once we can confirm reviews come from real families.
If your child attends or has attended the international stream, your first hand account of the teaching, the IGCSE and Diploma experience and the value for money would help the next family. Share it through our school reviews hub.
Frequently asked questions
How much are French International School (FIS) fees?
FIS sits in the upper band for Hong Kong, with tuition varying by stream and year group, plus extras such as a registration fee, a refundable deposit and a capital levy or debenture. Confirm current rates with the school.
What curriculum does the international stream at FIS follow?
The international stream follows the British curriculum to IGCSE and then the two year IB Diploma. A separate French stream leads to the French Baccalaureat.
Is FIS a good school?
FIS is one of the longest established and most academically regarded schools in Hong Kong and was the first IB World School in the city. We do not publish a ranking, but you can compare it against the field using our tools.
When do French International School (FIS) applications open?
The international stream admits on a rolling basis, while the French stream follows the French academic calendar. Contact the school early to confirm the window for your chosen stream.
Where is the French International School (FIS) located?
FIS runs more than one campus across Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, including sites around Happy Valley, Jardine's Lookout, Chai Wan and Tseung Kwan O.
