Yew Chung International School (YCIS) is one of the oldest names in Hong Kong education, tracing its roots to 1932 and describing itself as the first homegrown international school in the city. It teaches children from infancy through to Year 13 across campuses in Kowloon Tong and Tseung Kwan O, built around a bilingual model in which Western and Chinese teachers share the classroom. Academically it pairs the English curriculum and IGCSE with the IB Diploma in the senior years.
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At a glance
| Detail | Summary |
|---|---|
| Curriculum and exam boards | National Curriculum of England leading to Cambridge IGCSE, then the IB Diploma in the senior years, within a bilingual English and Chinese teaching model where two teachers share the classroom |
| Stage range | Infancy to Year 13 (from about 6 months to age 18) |
| Founded | 1932 |
| Accreditation | Accredited by the Council of International Schools; a Cambridge IGCSE centre and an authorised IB World School for the Diploma |
| Fee band | Lower mid band for Hong Kong, broadly HK$160,000 to HK$210,000 across the year groups |
| Campus area | Kowloon Tong and Tseung Kwan O |
Curriculum and academics
The defining feature of YCIS is the way it pairs two teachers in each classroom. In the early and primary years one Western and one Chinese teacher work together, so children grow up immersed in both English and Chinese rather than learning a second language as a timetabled subject. Academically the school follows the National Curriculum of England, with students sitting Cambridge IGCSE examinations in the middle years as a recognised set of qualifications.
In the senior years YCIS moves onto the IB Diploma, the internationally recognised pre university programme, so students finish with a qualification that travels worldwide. For how the IB Diploma compares with A Levels and Advanced Placement, see our IB curriculum guide. As a school accredited by the Council of International Schools and an approved Cambridge centre, it sits within well established quality frameworks. Ask the admissions office for the latest IGCSE and Diploma results rather than relying on older figures.
Working out what a YCIS place will cost?
Use our fee calculator to combine tuition, the levy and the usual extras into one realistic annual figure before you shortlist.
Yew Chung International School (YCIS) fees
Published annual tuition at YCIS Hong Kong falls broadly between HK$160,000 and HK$210,000 across the year groups, rising into the senior school. That places it in the lower mid band of the Hong Kong market, more accessible than the city's most premium internationals, which is why it features in our guide to the more affordable end of the market. Treat any single figure as indicative and confirm the current schedule with the school.
On top of tuition, families should budget for a levy and the usual extras for uniforms, buses and trips, and should check whether a debenture or capital contribution applies for their chosen campus and year of entry. Our Hong Kong international school fees guide shows where YCIS sits, and our roundup of the cheapest international schools in Hong Kong puts it alongside the city's more affordable options.
Admissions
YCIS accepts applications through the year, with offers made subject to space and an age appropriate assessment, and the academic year starts in August. As a large group with several campuses spanning early childhood to upper secondary, availability varies by age and site, and siblings and continuity can affect places. Applying ahead of your intended start is the safest approach.
Because the bilingual model is central, families sometimes ask about the level of Chinese expected on entry. In practice the shared classroom approach is designed to bring children in at different starting points, but it is worth discussing your child's language background with admissions. Confirm the current criteria, intake months and any campus specific requirements before you commit.
Location and who goes there
YCIS runs campuses in Kowloon Tong and Tseung Kwan O. Kowloon Tong is a central, school heavy district well connected by the MTR, while Tseung Kwan O is a newer town in the eastern New Territories with a strong family community and more space. Between them the campuses cover early childhood through to upper secondary, so the right site depends on your child's age and where you live.
The community is genuinely bilingual and international, drawing families who specifically want their children fluent in both English and Chinese, including local, returnee and expat households. To weigh YCIS against the other Kowloon and New Territories options, including fees and where families live, start with the Hong Kong city hub and our guide to the cheapest international schools in Hong Kong.
Yew Chung International School (YCIS) reviews
We do not yet hold verified parent reviews for Yew Chung International School. 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. We would rather show nothing than show an invented score.
If your child attends or has attended YCIS, we would value your first hand account of the bilingual teaching, the move into the IB Diploma and value for money. Share it through our school reviews hub and help the next relocating family decide with better information.
Frequently asked questions
How much are Yew Chung International School (YCIS) fees?
Published annual tuition at YCIS Hong Kong falls broadly in the region of HK$160,000 to HK$210,000 across the year groups, which places it in the lower mid band for the city. A levy and other extras apply. Confirm the current schedule with the school.
What curriculum does Yew Chung International School (YCIS) follow?
YCIS follows the National Curriculum of England leading to IGCSEs, then offers the IB Diploma in the senior years, all within a bilingual English and Chinese framework where Western and Chinese teachers share the classroom in the early and primary years.
Is Yew Chung International School (YCIS) an IB school?
Yes, for the senior years. YCIS is an authorised IB World School offering the IB Diploma, having taught the English curriculum and IGCSE in the years before that.
When do Yew Chung International School (YCIS) applications open?
YCIS accepts applications through the year subject to space and assessment, with the academic year starting in August. As a large group with several campuses, availability varies by age and site, so apply early.
Where is Yew Chung International School (YCIS) located?
YCIS runs campuses in Kowloon Tong and Tseung Kwan O, from early childhood through to upper secondary, serving families across Kowloon and the eastern New Territories.
