Schools & Education
📅 Last updated: March 2026

International Schools in Phuket

Finding the right school for your child is often the decision that makes or breaks a Phuket move. I've talked to dozens of expat parents across Rawai, Bang Tao and Phuket Town — here's the honest picture on fees, waiting lists, curricula and which school fits which family.

8+International Schools
38School Guides
280K+THB/yr from
6 yrsPhuket Resident
International school students in Phuket
School Comparison 2026

The Main International Schools at a Glance

Fees, curriculum and key facts for the schools expat families actually use — with honest notes on each.

Flagship

BISP

British International School Phuket — Koh Kaew
CurriculumIB + British
Ages2–18 years
Fees/year420K–780K THB
Class sizeAvg. 18–22
Waiting listYes — apply early
IB Specialist

UWC Thailand

United World College — Thanyapura, Thalang
CurriculumIB Diploma (Yr 11–13)
Ages16–19 years
Fees/year700K–950K THB
BoardingAvailable
Waiting listSelective intake
Popular Choice

HeadStart International

HeadStart International School — Rawai
CurriculumIB + English National
Ages2–18 years
Fees/year280K–520K THB
Class sizeAvg. 15–18
Waiting listUsually available
American

QSI International

Quality Schools International — Kathu
CurriculumAmerican / QSI
Ages4–18 years
Fees/year350K–620K THB
Class sizeAvg. 10–16
Waiting listLimited places
British

BIS Phuket

British International School — Phuket Town
CurriculumBritish National
Ages3–16 years
Fees/year300K–550K THB
Class sizeAvg. 16–20
Waiting listModerate
Bilingual

Kajonkiet Bilingual

Phuket's leading Thai-English bilingual school
CurriculumThai + English
Ages3–18 years
Fees/year80K–180K THB
Class sizeLarger Thai classes
Waiting listNone usually
💡 Insider tip

BISP and UWC have the strongest academic reputations and the best university placement records — but they also have the highest fees and the longest waiting lists. If you're moving mid-year, HeadStart in Rawai is often the most practical option. The south of Phuket (Rawai, Nai Harn, Chalong) has the best concentration of international schools, making it a natural base for families.

Full Fee Comparison

School Fees 2026 — Phuket International Schools

Annual tuition fees (THB) by year group. Registration and building levy fees are additional. Last updated March 2026.

School Early Years (Nursery/FS) Primary (Yr 1–6) Secondary (Yr 7–11) 6th Form / IB Reg. Fee (one-off)
BISP 420,000 490,000–580,000 620,000–680,000 750,000–780,000 150,000–200,000
UWC Thailand N/A N/A N/A 700,000–950,000 50,000
HeadStart 280,000 320,000–400,000 420,000–490,000 500,000–520,000 60,000–90,000
QSI International 350,000 380,000–450,000 480,000–560,000 580,000–620,000 80,000–120,000
BIS Phuket 300,000 350,000–430,000 460,000–550,000 N/A 70,000–100,000
Kajonkiet Bilingual 80,000 100,000–130,000 130,000–160,000 160,000–180,000 15,000–25,000

All figures approximate 2026 THB annual tuition. Fees change annually — always confirm directly with the school. Exchange rate: 1 USD ≈ 35 THB.

In-Depth Guides

School Guides for Phuket Families

Detailed breakdowns of every major school — from admissions process to uniform policy to what other expat parents actually think.

UWC Thailand
IB Schools

UWC Thailand — IB Diploma in Phuket

The UWC admissions process, scholarship routes, and life on campus at Thanyapura.

Read guide →
HeadStart Rawai
Popular Choice

HeadStart International — Rawai's Best-Value School?

Why many Rawai and Nai Harn families choose HeadStart over the bigger names — and when it makes sense.

Read guide →
School admissions Phuket
Admissions

Phuket School Admissions — Step-by-Step Guide

When to apply, required documents, assessment tests and how to handle waiting lists.

Read guide →
Bilingual school Phuket
Bilingual

Thai-English Bilingual Schools — Is It Worth It?

An honest look at bilingual education in Phuket — costs, quality and which children it suits best.

Read guide →
School budget planning
Budget Planning

Budgeting for School Fees in Phuket — Full Breakdown

Tuition, uniforms, buses, activity fees, after-school clubs — what the total cost of schooling actually looks like.

Read guide →
After school activities Phuket
Activities

After-School Activities for Expat Kids in Phuket

Swimming, football, music, robotics — the best extra-curricular options on the island.

Read guide →
Frequently Asked

Phuket Schools — Common Questions

Which is the best international school in Phuket?+
BISP is the largest and most academically regarded, offering IB and British curriculum for ages 2–18 in Koh Kaew. UWC Thailand is the top choice for IB Diploma students aged 16–19. HeadStart International in Rawai is a strong practical choice for younger children and families who want good quality without the BISP price tag. The "best" school genuinely depends on your child's age, intended curriculum and where you're living on the island.
How much do international schools cost in Phuket?+
Fees in 2026 range from around 280,000 THB/year (HeadStart early years) up to 780,000+ THB/year (BISP sixth form). Add one-off registration and building levy fees of 50,000–200,000 THB at most schools. Budget around 400,000–600,000 THB/year for most expat families. Kajonkiet Bilingual school is significantly cheaper at 80,000–180,000 THB/year but is a Thai-language-dominant environment.
Are there waiting lists at Phuket international schools?+
Yes. BISP and UWC have waiting lists — sometimes 6–12 months for popular year groups. Apply as soon as you know your moving date. HeadStart and QSI are more accessible. Attending school open days and registering early significantly improves your chances. Mid-year entry is possible but harder to plan around.
Which area of Phuket is best for families with school-age children?+
The south (Rawai, Nai Harn, Chalong) is popular because HeadStart and several smaller schools are nearby, rents are lower, and it has a large, settled expat community. Bang Tao and Laguna in the north-west is better for BISP families (Koh Kaew is a short drive) and has a premium villa-style expat community. Both areas have good community facilities for children.
What documents do I need to enrol my child in a Phuket international school?+
Typically: copies of child's passport, previous school records (2 years minimum), immunisation records, parent passport copies and a copy of your visa/work permit. Some schools require academic assessments or entrance tests. BISP requires an assessment for secondary year groups. Start gathering documents as soon as possible — delays are common if records need official translation.

Not sure which school is right for your child?

Book a free 30-minute consultation. We'll help you compare schools based on your child's age, curriculum needs and your Phuket location.

Affiliate disclosure: Some school referral links on this page are affiliate links. If you register through our link, we may receive a referral fee from the school at no cost to you. We only recommend schools we believe in — our editorial opinions are always independent.