Many expats in Asia aspire to a private school education for their children, but it comes at a steep price. Here’s an overview of tuition fees across the continent and some advice on how to ease the burden of this significant financial commitment.
International schools in Asia: costs and benefits
If you want to research the cost of a private education for your children, the International Schools Database is a useful and comprehensive resource. But if you’re at the beginning of your research, take a deep breath because the sums involved can be significant!
Of course, for many parents, the steep cost is worth it. They believe it will give their children the best possible start in life, opening doors to the best courses at the world’s most respected universities, and act as a springboard into lucrative and rewarding careers.
And they may well be right. Proponents of private schools argue that smaller class sizes and lower rates of teacher absenteeism translate to better learning outcomes for students and that these institutions are more directly accountable to parents, and thus more responsive to their concerns. In addition, a UK study suggested that rich resources of private schools also contribute to giving pupils an educational advantage.
If you’re convinced that a private education in an international school is the best route for your child and you’re wondering how to finance it, read on.
Tuition fees at international schools in Asia
China comes top of the league and is home to the four most expensive cities in Asia when it comes to private education. Beijing is the priciest with median fees of $36,799 per year. Singapore and Hong Kong are also expensive, while parents in Malaysia and Cambodia be relieved to hear that these two countries feature among the more affordable options.
Bear in mind that median figures mean that you will find more expensive as well as significantly cheaper options. Across the continent, and even within the same city, private school fees vary enormously.
Check out this graph of the latest available figures from the International Schools Database, which includes a huge amount of data on the range of prices found across Asia:
Notes on the graph:
- The vertical line on the left is the least expensive price.
- The prices in purple are the mid-range prices with the vertical line in the purple box indicating the median price.
- The vertical line on the right is the price of the most expensive school in the city
- The dots indicate outliers that sit outside of the ranges indicated.
Finding the right international private school for your child
Of course, it doesn’t necessarily follow that higher tuition fees equate to a better educational experience for your child. Parents must weigh up many different factors, including the school curriculum, exam results, teacher qualifications, turnover of staff, class size and individual attention given, support systems, facilities and extracurricular activities, parental engagement, mission and ethos, and diversity and inclusion. What is best for one child won’t necessarily be best for another.
Your child’s success hinges on finding the right fit – academically, socially, and culturally. By focusing on these factors rather than price alone, you’ll make a much more informed, sustainable choice. Visit open days to glean as much information as you can, and check out the vibe of each school and how it fits with your family’s attitudes and outlook on life.
Education fee planning for parents in Asia
Long-term planning and investment are key to lightening the load when it comes to funding your child’s education.
You should start as early as you can, even before your child is born, if you know that you plan to start a family. The more years you have over which to spread the cost of an education, the easier it will be. You’ll have longer to save, and you can also benefit from compound interest.
If you’re serious about saving and investing for your child’s educational future, it’s a good idea to speak to a financial adviser to put together a strategy suited to your goals and timeframe.
Many of Infinity’s Asia‑based advisers are parents themselves and share your concerns about financing their child’s education. Drawing on their own experience, they’re uniquely equipped to guide you through every aspect of family financial planning.
Contact us today for a free, no‑obligation chat with a professional who genuinely understands your desire to give your children the very best start in life.
A leading provider of expat financial services and wealth management services across Asia.
