International Schools in Bali: A Guide for Families

The Bali Education Landscape

For many Australian families, the quality of education is the deciding factor in a move to Bali. The island has seen a significant professionalisation of its international school sector over the last decade. You are no longer limited to small 'study groups'; Bali now hosts world-class institutions with state-of-the-art facilities and highly qualified international teaching staff.

The curriculum choice is broad: the International Baccalaureate (IB) is the most common, but there are also schools following the British National Curriculum and even those with strong ties to the Australian system. The school 'culture' varies significantly, from the high-pressure academic focus of the top-tier IB schools to the nature-based, holistic approach of Bali's famous 'green' schools.

Fees and the 'Hidden' Costs of Bali Schooling

International schooling in Bali is a significant investment. Fees are generally quoted in either IDR or USD, but for the purpose of planning, they range from approximately AUD 9,000 to 25,000 per child, per year. These fees typically increase as the student moves into higher year levels.

It's vital to look beyond the base tuition. Most schools charge a 'Capital Levy' or 'Development Fee'—a one-off or annual payment used for infrastructure—which can add AUD 2,000 to 5,000 to your first-year costs. Enrolment fees, uniform costs, and mandatory school trips are also common extras.

• Application/Testing Fee: AUD 200 – 500 (non-refundable)
• Enrolment/Registration Fee: AUD 1,000 – 3,000 (one-off)
• Capital Levy: AUD 1,500 – 4,000 (annual or one-off)
• Tuition: AUD 8,000 – 22,000+ (annual)
• Uniforms & Supplies: AUD 300 – 600

Choosing by Location: The Traffic Reality

In Bali, your choice of school dictates where you live. While a school might only be 10km away, that journey can take 45 minutes in peak traffic. Families who choose Canggu Community School almost always live in Canggu, Berawa, or Pererenan. Families at Bali Island School or Sanur Independent School tend to stick to the Sanur side of the island.

Trying to commute from Ubud to Canggu or Sanur for school is a recipe for burn-out. The 'school run' is often the most stressful part of an expat parent's day. We strongly recommend securing your school placement before signing a long-term villa lease.

International School Comparison Table

Below is an indicative comparison of the major international schools in Bali. Please note that fees are approximate and can change annually based on exchange rates and school board decisions.

The Big Three: BIS, CCS, and Green School

Bali Island School (BIS) is the oldest IB school on the island and is known for its strong academic rigor and diverse student body. It’s the go-to for many long-term expat families and diplomats.

Canggu Community School (CCS) is the hub of the west coast expat scene. It offers excellent facilities and a very social community for parents. It's often the hardest school to get into, with long waitlists for popular year groups.

Green School Bali is a world-famous bamboo campus focused on sustainability. It attracts a specific type of family—entrepreneurs, creatives, and those looking for an alternative to traditional education. It is located about 20-30 minutes south of Ubud.

Alternative and Boutique Schools

If the 'Big Three' don't fit your budget or your child's needs, Bali has several excellent smaller schools. ProEd Global School is highly regarded for its inclusive approach and focus on individual learning styles. Empathy School and Pelangi School in Ubud offer a more community-focused, gentle transition into international schooling.

Many of these smaller schools follow the British curriculum or a blend of international standards, and they often have a more intimate atmosphere where teachers know every child by name.

The Enrolment Process

Start early. The top schools have waitlists, especially for Early Years and Primary. You will typically need to provide the last two years of school reports, a copy of the child's passport, and their vaccination records.

Most schools require an entrance assessment or an interview. This is usually not a 'pass/fail' test but a way for the school to understand where the child is academically. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable application fee just to get on the list.

• Submit enquiry form online
• Pay application fee (AUD 200–500)
• Provide school reports and references
• Student assessment/interview (can often be done via Zoom)
• Offer of place and payment of enrolment fee to secure the spot

Student Life and Extracurriculars

One of the biggest perks of schooling in Bali is the extracurricular scene. Schools take full advantage of the island's environment, offering surfing, scuba diving, traditional Balinese dance, and gamelan, alongside standard sports like football and swimming.

Socially, the school is often the centre of the parents' social life too. Most schools have active Parent-Teacher Associations (PTA) that organise coffee mornings, gala dinners, and community service projects. It is the fastest way to build a network in Bali.