The GSIS International Stream is the English medium pathway at the German Swiss International School in Hong Kong. For families relocating from the UK, North America or another international school, it is the part of GSIS that matters most, because it teaches in English throughout and leads to the IB Diploma rather than to a German qualification. As an authorised IB World School route it features on our IB schools in Hong Kong hub.
This page is an independent reference. No school pays to be listed on GlobalSchoolGuide. The details below were researched from the school and public sources, and anything we could not confirm is marked not published.
At a glance
| Detail | Summary |
|---|---|
| Curriculum and exam boards | English medium throughout, IGCSE in the middle years, then the IB Diploma |
| Stage range | Kindergarten to sixth form, roughly ages 4 to 18 |
| Founded | 1969 (the wider school); the English stream runs alongside the German stream |
| Accreditation | Authorised IB World School for the Diploma |
| Fee band | Premium, upper band for Hong Kong |
| Campus area | The Peak (11 Guildford Road) and Pok Fu Lam (162 Pok Fu Lam Road) |
Curriculum and academics
The International Stream teaches in English from the kindergarten years onward. Pupils work through the lower and middle school toward IGCSE, the established set of subject examinations many international schools use at age 16, and then move into the IB Diploma for the final two years. The Diploma asks students to study six subjects across languages, sciences, humanities and the arts, alongside the theory of knowledge course, an extended essay and a creativity, activity and service programme.
The appeal of this route is breadth and portability. The Diploma is recognised by universities worldwide, which suits the internationally mobile families GSIS draws. Where the parallel German Stream points toward German speaking universities, the International Stream keeps options open across the UK, North America, Europe and Asia. Compare the field in our IB schools in Hong Kong guide.
Not sure the IB route is the right fit?
Our school finder asks a few questions about your child and shortlists three Hong Kong schools, so you can sense check GSIS against the alternatives.
GSIS International Stream fees
The International Stream sits in the premium band of the Hong Kong market. Our Hong Kong international school fees guide places premium tuition broadly in the HKD 240,000 to 310,000 a year range, and the English stream falls inside that band, rising by year group toward the sixth form.
Plan for more than tuition. As at the city's other premium schools, expect a registration or application fee, a refundable caution deposit, and a capital levy or debenture that can carry priority in admissions. The fees guide breaks down each component so you can model the real annual cost before applying.
Admissions
Entry to the International Stream is assessed by year group, with English language readiness central to the decision since the stream teaches in English from the start. Families choose the English stream rather than the German stream at the point of application, as moving between the two later is not straightforward.
Popular entry years fill early, and a capital certificate or debenture can bring priority. Register interest in good time, confirm the current criteria, and visit the relevant campus so your child can see where they would study before you commit.
Location and who goes there
Like the wider school, the International Stream runs across two sites. The secondary years sit at the upper campus on 11 Guildford Road on The Peak, while the kindergarten and lower primary are at 162 Pok Fu Lam Road. That puts day to day life within reach of The Peak, the Mid Levels and Pok Fu Lam.
The International Stream draws a broad mix of British, European, North American and local families alongside the German and Swiss community at the heart of GSIS. To set it beside the other English medium Diploma options, start with the Hong Kong city hub and our IB schools in Hong Kong guide.
GSIS International Stream reviews
We do not yet hold verified parent reviews for the GSIS International Stream. 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 has studied in the English stream at GSIS, your account of the teaching, the IB years and value for money would help the next family weigh it up. Share it through our school reviews hub.
Frequently asked questions
What is the GSIS International Stream?
It is the English medium pathway at the German Swiss International School. Pupils are taught in English throughout, sit IGCSE in the middle years and finish with the IB Diploma, running in parallel with the school's German Stream.
How much are GSIS International Stream fees?
The English stream sits in the premium band for Hong Kong, broadly in line with the HKD 240,000 to 310,000 range our fees guide records for premium internationals, rising by year group. Confirm current rates with the school.
Does the International Stream offer the IB?
Yes. The International Stream is an authorised IB World School route and offers the IB Diploma in the final two years.
When do GSIS International Stream applications open?
Entry is assessed by year group, with English readiness central. Contact the school early to confirm the current window and criteria.
How is the International Stream different from the German Stream?
The International Stream teaches in English and leads to the IB Diploma, while the German Stream teaches in German and leads to the Deutsches Internationales Abitur. Families choose one at the point of application.
