International Kindergartens in Hong Kong
Compare 148 international schools — curricula, fees, and admission
Whether you're an expat family relocating to Hong Kong or local parents seeking English-medium education, choosing the right international kindergarten is a major decision. Hong Kong offers over 148 international and bilingual kindergartens across 17 districts, with diverse curriculum options — from IB PYP and British EYFS to Montessori and Reggio Emilia — with instruction primarily in English or bilingual English-Chinese.
Annual fees range from around HK$25,000 for schools participating in the Free Quality Kindergarten Education Scheme to over HK$230,000 for premium institutions like German Swiss International School and Yew Chung. The average annual tuition is approximately HK$88,339, though most families find options between HK$80,000 and HK$150,000.
Choosing between an international kindergarten and a local one depends on your family's priorities: language immersion, primary school pathway, pedagogical philosophy, and budget. International kindergartens typically suit families planning to continue in the international school system, those relocating from overseas, or parents who prefer exploratory rather than academic-focused early education.
Selection Guides
In-depth articles to help you choose:
Admission Timeline
Most international kindergartens follow a similar application cycle. Plan 12–18 months ahead for popular schools.
Visit schools, attend open days, compare curricula and campuses.
Gather birth certificate, passport copies, immunization records, proof of address.
Submit online or paper applications. Most schools open in this window.
Parent and child interviews, play-based assessments for K1 entry.
Receive offers, pay deposit to secure place. Waitlist movement happens.
Orientation week, uniform collection, first day of school.
Curriculum Comparison
Compare the main curriculum approaches available in Hong Kong international kindergartens.
| Curriculum | Teaching Style | Assessment | Fee Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IB PYP | Inquiry-based, transdisciplinary themes | Portfolio, student-led exhibitions | $100k–$200k | Global mobility, critical thinking |
| British EYFS | Structured play, 7 areas of development | EYFS Profile, observations | $100k–$180k | Clear framework, UK pathway |
| Montessori | Child-led, mixed age, hands-on materials | Teacher observation, progress reports | $80k–$150k | Self-directed learners, independence |
| Bilingual | Dual-language immersion, balanced exposure | Varies by school | $60k–$130k | Multilingual families, local integration |
International Kindergarten Fees 2026
Based on 145 schools with published fee data. Annual fees range from HK$10,000 to HK$236,400.
Premium ($130,000+/year) — 15 schools
| School | District | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| GERMAN SWISS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL | Southern | $236,400 |
| HARROW INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL HONG KONG | Tuen Mun | $210,972 |
| CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL | Southern | $161,000 |
| CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL | Southern | $161,000 |
| AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL HONG KONG | Kowloon City | $156,200 |
| TUTOR TIME INTERNATIONAL KINDERGARTEN (KOWLOON TONG) | Kowloon City | $154,560 |
| GUIDEPOST MONTESSORI INTERNATIONAL PRE-SCHOOL (REPULSE BAY) (Name in the past: THE WOODLAND BEACHSIDE PRE-SCHOOL) | Southern | $150,000 |
| TUTOR TIME INTERNATIONAL KINDERGARTEN (MID LEVELS) | Central and Western | $149,160 |
| TUTOR TIME BRAEMAR HILL INTERNATIONAL KINDERGARTEN | Eastern | $149,160 |
| THE INTERNATIONAL MONTESSORI SCHOOL - AN IMEF SCHOOL | Central and Western | $143,000 |
Mid-Range ($80,000–$130,000/year) — 60 schools
+ 45 more schools in this range
Entry Level (under $80,000/year) — 70 schools
| School | District | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| LOU PICHOUN FRENCH KINDERGARTEN | Sai Kung | $79,500 |
| GUIDEPOST MONTESSORI INTERNATIONAL PRE-SCHOOL (MID-LEVELS) (Name in the past: THE WOODLAND MONTESSORI PRE-SCHOOL (CAINE ROAD)) | Central and Western | $79,320 |
| ST. JOHANNES COLLEGE | Kowloon City | $79,200 |
| THINK INTERNATIONAL KINDERGARTEN | Kwun Tong | $79,200 |
| THINK INTERNATIONAL KINDERGARTEN (MEI FOO) | Sham Shui Po | $79,200 |
| ARISTLE INTERNATIONAL KINDERGARTEN | Sham Shui Po | $79,200 |
| THINK INTERNATIONAL KINDERGARTEN (MA ON SHAN) | Sha Tin | $79,200 |
| YORK INTERNATIONAL PRE-SCHOOL (TUEN MUN) | Tuen Mun | $79,200 |
| ISLAND MONTESSORI INTERNATIONAL KINDERGARTEN | Eastern | $78,720 |
| MASS INTERNATIONAL PRESCHOOL | Wan Chai | $78,600 |
| GUIDEPOST MONTESSORI INTERNATIONAL KINDERGARTEN (CLEARWATER BAY) | Sai Kung | $78,000 |
| DISCOVERY MIND KINDERGARTEN (TUNG CHUNG) | Islands | $77,000 |
| ST. CATHERINE'S INTERNATIONAL KINDERGARTEN | Kowloon City | $76,780 |
| ST. CATHERINE'S INTERNATIONAL KINDERGARTEN | Kowloon City | $76,780 |
| THINK INTERNATIONAL KINDERGARTEN (NAM CHEONG) | Sham Shui Po | $76,780 |
+ 55 more schools in this range
Fee data sourced from Education Bureau Approved Fee Certificates (2025/26 academic year). Fees shown are the lowest available programme (half-day or full-day). Actual fees may vary by class level.
→ Read full fees guideSchools by Curriculum & Language
148 international and bilingual kindergartens classified by primary teaching approach.
Montessori (23)
IB / International Baccalaureate (17)
British / EYFS (9)
Other International (99)
Includes American, Australian, Singaporean, Canadian, Nordic, French, German, Japanese, Korean, and other curricula.
Find Schools by District
View all international schools (148)School Reviews & Comparisons
FAQ
What is the average fee for international kindergartens?
International kindergarten fees typically range from HK$80,000 to HK$200,000+ per year. The average is around HK$88,339.
Do international kindergartens offer the Free Scheme?
Most do not participate. Only 1 out of 148 international kindergartens in Hong Kong are part of the Free Scheme.
What curricula are available?
Common curricula include IB PYP, British EYFS, American standards, Montessori, and bilingual programs combining English with Mandarin or Cantonese.
When should I apply?
Most accept applications 12-18 months before enrollment. For September entry, apply the previous September-October. Popular schools have waitlists.
Do children need English proficiency?
Requirements vary. Some schools accept non-English speakers and provide ESL support, while others require interview assessments in English.
What documents do I need to apply?
Typically: child's birth certificate, passport/HKID copies, immunization record, proof of address, passport photos. Some schools also require a reference letter or parent employment proof.
Can my child start mid-year?
Most international kindergartens accept mid-year entry if places are available. Contact the admissions office directly. Waitlist positions may open when families relocate.
What is the difference between ESF and other international schools?
ESF (English Schools Foundation) is a government-subsidized organization offering IB curriculum at lower fees than most private international schools. Places are allocated by lottery with priority for existing ESF families.