Honest note (please read): Indonesia’s visa, tax and property rules change frequently. Everything here is general information, current as of 2025–2026, and is not legal, tax or immigration advice. Costs, income thresholds and visa names are indicative ranges that can change — always confirm the latest regulations with a licensed, Kantor-Imigrasi-registered consultant, lawyer or tax adviser before acting. We never recommend nominee property arrangements, working on a tourist visa, or visa-runs. We are a guide and concierge: for your situation we connect you to vetted, licensed professionals.
International schools in Indonesia are privately run schools that mostly teach in English and follow foreign or international curricula (IB, Cambridge, US, etc.), targeting expat and globally mobile families. For 2025–2026, they are the main option for expat kids in Indonesia who need continuity with overseas education systems, but they are expensive and admission can be competitive in some cities.
Last verified: June 2026 – rules, fees and policies change fast; always confirm directly with schools and licensed advisors before you commit.
Legal disclaimer: Everything here is general information, not legal, immigration, tax or financial advice. Always confirm with a licensed Indonesian immigration consultant (Kantor-Imigrasi–registered), lawyer or tax advisor before acting.
Quick overview: international schools for expat kids in Indonesia
- Main hubs: Greater Jakarta (Jabodetabek), Bali (mostly South Bali), Surabaya, plus smaller clusters in Bandung and Medan.
- Typical annual tuition (2025–2026, last verified June 2026):
- Mid-tier international schools: ~USD 6,000–12,000 per year for primary and lower secondary.
- Top-tier/flagship IB/US/UK schools: ~USD 12,000–25,000+ per year, with the highest grades often at the top of that range.
- Upfront fees: application fees ~USD 100–500; one-time enrollment/registration/capital fees ~USD 1,000–5,000+ depending on the school and grade.
- Waitlists: Bali and some Jakarta grades can be full; popular early years classes in South Bali often waitlisted.
- Alternatives: accredited online schools, structured homeschooling groups, and smaller bilingual national-plus schools.
Below is how options, fees and daily life trade-offs look in Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya and beyond – and how families actually manage school runs, communities and costs.
How international schooling works legally in Indonesia
Who can attend international schools?
Indonesia used to restrict “international” schools quite tightly. The regulatory framework has changed several times, and official terminology (e.g. “Satuan Pendidikan Kerjasama / SPK”) can be confusing.
As of 2025–2026 (last verified June 2026):
- Most genuinely international, English-medium schools operate under cooperation/partnership licenses (often still informally called “international schools”).
- They generally accept both foreign and Indonesian students, though some have quota rules or separate fee structures.
- Your child will be enrolled on your family/guardian visa or as a dependent of your work visa, Second Home, Golden Visa, etc. Schools will usually ask for:
- Copy of passport
- Visa/ITAS or proof it’s in process
- Previous school reports and any learning support assessments
- Vaccination record (policies vary by school)
Visa and residency rules interact with schooling and can affect whether your child is seen as a tax resident after 183 days in Indonesia. For deeper visa options, see our partner resources at goldenvisaindonesia.com, secondhomevisaindonesia.com and balivisaapplication.com, and always verify your personal situation with a licensed consultant.
Curricula you’ll find in Indonesia
Most international schools in Indonesia use one or a mix of these:
- International Baccalaureate (IB) – PYP (primary), MYP (middle years), DP (Diploma). Strong for university applications globally.
- British / Cambridge – UK National Curriculum, IGCSE, A-Levels. Common in Jakarta and Surabaya.
- US-based – US-style K–12, sometimes with AP courses. Often used by American-branded schools.
- Hybrid or “international” programs – a blend of international and Indonesian national curriculum, usually bilingual.
Your priority should be continuity: where might your child study next, and what curriculum will match that path best?
How much are international schools in Indonesia (2025–2026)?
Costs vary more by individual school than by city, but we can give realistic ranges based on what expat families actually pay.
All ranges below are indicative, “last verified June 2026”. Schools adjust fees frequently; always check directly with admissions.
| Fee type | Mid-tier schools (strong but not “flagship” brands) |
High-end IB/US/UK schools (flagship, long-established) |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee (one-time, non-refundable) | ~100–250 | ~250–500 |
| Enrollment / registration / capital fee (one-time, may be split) | ~1,000–3,000 | ~3,000–5,000+ |
| Annual tuition – Early Years (pre-K, kindergarten) | ~4,000–8,000 | ~8,000–15,000 |
| Annual tuition – Primary (Grades 1–5 / Years 1–6) | ~6,000–10,000 | ~12,000–20,000+ |
| Annual tuition – Lower secondary (Grades 6–8 / Years 7–9) | ~7,000–11,000 | ~14,000–22,000+ |
| Annual tuition – Upper secondary (IGCSE, IB DP, A-Level years) | ~8,000–12,000 | ~15,000–25,000+ |
| Additional costs | Uniforms, books, transport, lunches, trips, exam fees: often ~1,000–3,000 per year extra depending on choices. | |
Schools often show fees in IDR. For 2025–2026, most families are estimating roughly at IDR 15,000–17,000 per USD in their personal budgets, but exchange rates change – check current rates and always do your own conversion.
How billing usually works
- Billing cycle: annual, semesterly or quarterly. Paying annually upfront can sometimes trigger a small discount.
- Sibling discounts: some schools offer ~5–10% off for the second/third child; policies vary.
- Corporate rates: if one parent works for a large multinational, there may be a corporate agreement.
- Scholarships/financial aid: limited and highly competitive at the top end; more common in mid-tier or mission-driven schools.
Jakarta: international school options & real-life trade-offs
Jakarta is still where you’ll find the widest range of international schools in Indonesia – from long-standing “big name” campuses to smaller community schools.
Types of international schools in Greater Jakarta (Jabodetabek)
You’ll typically see:
- Legacy international schools with strong reputations, extensive facilities, and high fees (towards the USD 15,000–25,000+ band in upper grades).
- Well-established mid-tier schools offering IB or Cambridge programs at lower, but still substantial, fees.
- National-plus / bilingual schools that combine Indonesian curriculum with international frameworks and English immersion.
Families often choose a school first, then decide where to live based on school commute – Jakarta traffic is real, and a 10–15 km journey can be a 60–90 minute morning run.
Jakarta international school cost in practice
For 2025–2026 (last verified June 2026), realistic Jakarta ranges:
- Mid-tier international schools: roughly IDR equivalent of USD 6,000–12,000 per year for most grades.
- High-end IB/US/UK schools: roughly IDR equivalent of USD 12,000–25,000+ per year, especially in IGCSE/IB Diploma years.
- Application + enrollment fees combined: ~USD 1,500–5,000+ per child in the first year.
Add to that:
- School bus: typically ~USD 800–2,000 per year depending on distance and zone.
- Uniforms & books: often ~USD 300–1,000 per year.
- Trips, camps, extracurriculars: extremely variable – budget a few hundred dollars per year minimum.
Daily life considerations in Jakarta
- Commute: Most families aim to be within 20–40 minutes of school via car or bus in rush hour. Living next to the “perfect” school but spending two hours in traffic changes daily life very quickly.
- Community: Big schools often have very active parent-teacher associations (PTAs), sports leagues, music and arts communities.
- Support services: More access to psychologists, learning support specialists, speech therapists and special needs support in Jakarta than elsewhere in Indonesia, though still limited by Western standards.
Bali: international schools, fees & waitlists
Bali has seen a rapid expansion of international and “alternative” schools as it shifted from a tourist destination to a long-stay base for many families. Most are concentrated in Canggu, Berawa, Umalas, Seminyak, Denpasar, Sanur and Ubud.
Types of schools in Bali
Broadly, you’ll find:
- IB or Cambridge international schools – similar to mid-tier Jakarta schools in structure and fee levels.
- Smaller “boutique” international or bilingual schools – more intimate, varied quality; often cheaper than the big Jakarta schools but still international in fees.
- Alternative/holistic schools – project-based, nature-focused or “green” schools, sometimes offering international accreditation, sometimes not.
International schools Bali fees (2025–2026)
For South Bali and Ubud (last verified June 2026):
- Mid-range Bali international schools:
- Early years and primary: ~USD 4,000–9,000 per year
- Secondary: ~USD 6,000–12,000 per year
- Flagship/alternative “destination” schools:
- Primary: roughly USD 8,000–15,000+ per year
- Secondary and diploma years: roughly USD 12,000–20,000+ per year
- Application & enrollment fees: combined ~USD 1,000–4,000+, often higher at the popular “destination” schools.
Transport costs are often lower than Jakarta, because families tend to live close to school and use private cars, scooters with drivers for older teens, or local bus services if the school provides one.
Waitlists and admissions reality in Bali
Bali’s school demand fluctuates with visa policies and remote work trends, but from 2023–2026 the pattern has been:
- Early years and lower primary in South Bali: often waitlisted, especially in Canggu/Berawa/Umalas.
- Mid-year admissions: tricky – some schools will only take mid-year if there’s space and the child’s English and academics align closely.
- Sibling priority: many schools give priority to siblings; still not a guarantee.
To improve your chances:
- Start conversations 6–12 months before your planned move.
- Be ready to pay the application fee to secure a place in the queue.
- Have all documents (reports, references, assessments) ready in English.
- Be flexible – consider schools in Sanur or Ubud as backups if South Bali is full.
Daily life: school runs & banjar reality in Bali
- Commute: Canggu traffic in the school run window can be slow. A 6 km drive can easily become 30–45 minutes at peak times.
- Community: School often becomes your main social hub – playdates, beach meetups, banjar ceremonies and sports are organized through school WhatsApp groups.
- Ceremonies & holidays: Balinese Hindu holidays can affect school calendars and traffic. Some schools integrate local culture and ceremonies; others keep more of a “bubble”.
Mid-way planning check: If you want personalised help matching schools to visas, send us a message – we can help you plan your trip and coordinate intros via WhatsApp to vetted, licensed visa and relocation professionals. No one can pay to change what we publish; if you proceed with our partner they may pay us a referral fee at no extra cost to you.
Surabaya & other cities: fewer options, lower costs
Surabaya (East Java) is Indonesia’s second-largest city and has a smaller but solid cluster of international and national-plus schools. For families relocating for manufacturing, shipping or energy jobs, this is often the main choice.
Surabaya fee ranges
As of 2025–2026 (last verified June 2026):
- Mid-tier international schools: typically around USD 5,000–10,000 per year for most grades.
- High-end options: where available, can reach USD 10,000–15,000+ per year, still often cheaper than Jakarta’s highest end.
- Application/enrollment fees: roughly USD 500–3,000 combined, depending on brand and grade.
Daily life is a bit easier on the traffic front than Jakarta, so you have more flexibility on where to live relative to school.
Bandung, Medan and other cities
Other large Indonesian cities often have:
- 1–3 international or international-style schools with English-medium instruction.
- Several national-plus or bilingual schools that can be a good compromise for younger kids.
- Fewer specialist services (learning support, counselling) than Jakarta or Bali.
If your employer is posting you outside the big three (Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya), it’s important to factor schooling into your contract negotiations. Many families in these locations also rely more heavily on online schooling or hybrid arrangements, especially at upper secondary level.
Homeschooling, online school and hybrid options
Because fees for international schools in Indonesia are high and availability in Bali can be tight, many expat families explore alternatives, especially if one parent is home-based.
Fully online international schools
Globally accredited online schools offer British (IGCSE/A-Level), US (High School Diploma/AP) or IB programmes at home. Typical patterns we see:
- Annual tuition: roughly USD 2,000–7,000 per year depending on provider and grade (last verified June 2026).
- Exam centres: Your child may sit IGCSE/A-Level or similar exams at a local authorised centre in Jakarta, Bali or another city.
- Social life: You’ll need to consciously build peer contact through sports clubs, language classes, arts, and local banjar or expat meetups.
Structured homeschooling communities in Indonesia
In both Jakarta and Bali, there are:
- Co-ops / learning pods – families share tutors or rotate teaching, sometimes aligned with a specific curriculum.
- Hybrid centres – your child enrols in an overseas online school but attends a local centre for tutoring, socialization and activities.
Costs vary hugely:
- Informal co-ops: shared tutor costs can be as low as USD 100–300 per month per child, depending on group size.
- Hybrid centres: often similar to a mid-tier school – roughly USD 3,000–8,000 per year plus whatever you pay to the online school.
Legal and social aspects of homeschooling
For foreign families:
- Most expats using foreign curricula and online schools are effectively under their home system’s regulations.
- If you want your child to rejoin the Indonesian national system (e.g. as a dual-national child later), speak to local education authorities and the school early about documentation and placement tests.
Again, this is general information, not legal advice. Regulations evolve; if you plan a long-term homeschooling route in Indonesia, especially for a dual-national child, talk to a local education lawyer or experienced school administrator.
Choosing a school: key questions to ask
Use these questions in your first emails or video calls with schools:
Curriculum & accreditation
- Is the school accredited by a recognised international body (IB, Cambridge, US regional accreditation, etc.)?
- What exams do students sit at 16 and 18?
- Where do graduates go after graduation (universities, countries)?
Support & class size
- Average class size in your child’s grade?
- What learning support or EAL (English as an Additional Language) facilities exist?
- How does the school handle children who are ahead/behind in certain subjects?
Costs & extras
- What exactly is included in tuition and what is charged separately?
- How often do fees increase, and by roughly how much each year historically?
- Are there payment plans, and what happens to fees if you withdraw mid-year?
Visas, attendance and mobility
- Does the school assist with letters for visa applications or extensions if needed?
- What are the attendance and assessment requirements if your family travels often?
Budgeting realistically: total schooling cost of living
For a family with two children in international schools in Indonesia (2025–2026, very rough working ranges):
- Mid-tier scenario (Jakarta, Bali or Surabaya):
- Two kids at ~USD 8,000 each per year → USD 16,000 tuition
- Extras (fees, books, trips, uniforms, transport) ~USD 2,000–4,000 total
- Total schooling budget: ~USD 18,000–20,000+ per year
- High-end scenario (flagship IB/US/UK):
- Two kids at ~USD 15,000–20,000 each per year → USD 30,000–40,000 tuition
- Extras often ~USD 3,000–6,000 per year
- Total: ~USD 33,000–46,000+ per year
- Hybrid/online scenario:
- Two kids in quality online or hybrid programs at ~USD 3,000–6,000 each → USD 6,000–12,000
- Clubs, tutors, activities: ~USD 1,000–3,000
- Total: ~USD 7,000–15,000+ per year
Compare those numbers to your after-tax income in Indonesia. Remember:
- Tax residency is based largely on the 183-day rule, not on which country your employer is registered in.
- Indonesia taxes residents on worldwide income with specific reliefs and rules that change; you must get personalised advice from a licensed tax consultant.
Visas, work and schooling: what foreign parents must know
Your ability to stay in Indonesia long enough for schooling depends on your visa. You must not work illegally to finance school fees.
- No working on tourist visas – paid work (online or offline) while in Indonesia on a tourist or social visa can lead to deportation and blacklisting. Serial visa-runs to “reset the clock” have been increasingly scrutinised.
- Family & dependent visas: these can be tied to:
- A work KITAS of one parent
- A Second Home Visa (see secondhomevisaindonesia.com)
- A Golden Visa (see goldenvisaindonesia.com)
- Other long-stay permits depending on your profile
- School documentation: some immigration offices may ask for proof of schooling for minors staying long-term; schools are used to issuing supporting letters.
Always use a licensed, Kantor-Imigrasi–registered consultant or reputable law firm. For Bali-focused processes, see balivisaapplication.com. No visa is guaranteed; approvals are discretionary, and thresholds and deposit requirements change frequently via new regulations and circulars.
Housing near schools – avoid the nominee trap
New arrivals often ask how to buy a villa near a favourite school in Bali or a house near a Jakarta campus. A few critical points:
- Do not use nominee structures to “buy” property in someone else’s Indonesian name for you. These are strongly discouraged, can be legally void-able, and can leave you with no enforceable rights if things go wrong.
- Legal foreign ownership is possible under specific “Right of Use” (Hak Pakai) and company (PT PMA) structures, but there are limits on land size, use and financing.
- Most families doing multi-year stints near schools simply rent long-term. Long leases (e.g. 1–5 years) are normal in Bali and Jakarta.
Get independent legal advice from a licensed Indonesian property lawyer before signing any sale or long-lease agreement, especially if you are being steered toward nominee setups by agents or “consultants”.
How we can help you plan your move around schooling
Moving to Indonesia with kids touches everything at once: visas, housing, taxes, schooling and daily life in your banjar or neighbourhood. The school choice often drives the rest.
If you’d like help putting the pieces together, we can connect you with vetted, licensed professionals (immigration, tax, schooling and relocation) and share parent-to-parent insights on daily life around specific schools. Use our form to plan your trip and mention that school choice is your priority – we’ll follow up, usually via email and WhatsApp, to map realistic options. No one can pay to change what we publish; if you proceed with our partner they may pay us a referral fee at no extra cost to you.
FAQs: international schools in Indonesia
How much are international schools in Indonesia?
For 2025–2026 (last verified June 2026), most mid-tier international schools in Indonesia charge around USD 6,000–12,000 per year in tuition, while high-end IB/US/UK schools are more like USD 12,000–25,000+ per year, especially in upper secondary. You’ll also usually pay a one-time application fee of about USD 100–500 and an enrollment/capital fee of about USD 1,000–5,000+ per child, plus extras such as uniforms, transport and trips.
What are the best international schools in Bali?
“Best” depends heavily on your child’s age, language level, learning style and your long-term plans. South Bali and Ubud have a mix of IB and Cambridge schools, smaller international or bilingual schools, and alternative/holistic campuses. The most popular schools for expat kids in Bali tend to have strong English-medium programmes, recognised international accreditation and long waitlists in early years and primary. Because rankings are subjective and marketing-heavy, talk to multiple schools, ask for recent parent references, and if possible visit in person before deciding.
Is there a long waitlist for Bali international schools?
Many Bali schools, especially in Canggu, Berawa and Umalas, report waitlists in early years and lower primary in recent years. Some grades may open up spaces more easily, while others are full for entire school years. Applying 6–12 months in advance, being flexible about start dates and locations (considering Sanur or Ubud, for example), and having documents ready will improve your chances, but nothing is guaranteed.
Are international schools in Jakarta cheaper than in Bali?
Not necessarily. Jakarta has both some of the most expensive schools in the country and a wide band of mid-tier and national-plus schools, so your options are broader. Bali’s flagship international and alternative schools can be as expensive as high-end Jakarta schools, while smaller or mid-range Bali schools can be closer to the lower end of Jakarta’s international fee spectrum. Always compare total cost (tuition, fees, transport, living near the school) for your specific shortlist.
Can I homeschool my child in Indonesia instead of using an international school?
Many expat families in Indonesia do use accredited online schools, structured homeschooling or hybrid learning centres, particularly in Bali and Jakarta. Legally, foreign children following an overseas curriculum are generally treated under their home system, but if your child is a dual national or may re-enter Indonesian schools later, talk to local education authorities and schools about documentation and placement. Homeschooling and online options can be significantly cheaper than full international schools, but require more parental involvement, planning and deliberate socialisation through clubs, sports and community activities.