Introduction
Choosing between international schools in Hainan can be confusing because every school offers something different. Families in Haikou and Chengmai can choose from international, bilingual and globally focused school pathways, but tuition, curriculum, boarding, admissions and student eligibility can vary greatly from one campus to another.
Hainan is also continuing to expand its international education sector. The province’s Free Trade Port strategy supports greater access to international education resources, while current Hainan government guidance lists international, bilingual and private-school options for families. Some eligible foreign families may also have access to public schools under specific residency or talent policies.
So, which school is the right fit for your child?
This guide compares five selected international school options in Hainan, mainly across Haikou and Chengmai. We look at curriculum, tuition, eligibility, boarding, admissions and university pathways, along with recent school results where reliable information is available.
We have checked current school, government and accreditation sources wherever possible. If a fee, admission rule or result cannot be confirmed from a recent primary source, we make that clear so families know what to verify directly with the school before applying.
Why Families Consider Hainan for International Education
Hainan has continued to expand its international and bilingual education options as part of the province’s wider Free Trade Port development. Families can now find different school pathways across Haikou and Chengmai, including British-style programmes, IGCSE and A-Level, IB, AP, MLWSP, and bilingual education.
For parents, the main advantage is choice. Different schools offer different combinations of curriculum, boarding, language of instruction, admissions requirements, and university pathways.
Foreign families are also not automatically limited to international schools. Depending on residency status, local rules, and the school’s authorization to enroll foreign students, some families may also be eligible for other private or public-school options in Hainan.
Before choosing a school, families should compare the exact campus, curriculum, tuition, boarding arrangements, and student eligibility rather than relying only on the “international school” label.
Hainan International Schools: Quick Facts
This guide compares five selected international school options in Hainan, mainly across Haikou and Chengmai. The table gives families a quick overview of school types, curricula, boarding, tuition and student eligibility.
| Quick Fact | Current Information |
|---|---|
| Schools Compared | 5 selected international and internationally focused school options |
| Main Locations | Haikou and Chengmai, Hainan Province, China |
| School Types | International schools, bilingual schools, private schools and international high-school divisions |
| Curricula | British and A-Level pathways, IB, AP, MLWSP and Chinese bilingual programmes, depending on the school |
| Foreign Students | Eligibility varies by school type, passport or residency status, grade level and current admissions rules |
| Boarding | Available at selected schools; age requirements, accommodation and fees vary by campus |
| Tuition | Fees vary by school, grade and programme. Families should confirm the latest written fee schedule before applying. |
| Admissions | Applications may require identification documents, school records, assessments or interviews, depending on the school |
| Last Reviewed | August 2026 |
Top 5 International Schools in Hainan, China
Hainan Yingya St Peter's School
Hainan Yingya St Peter’s School (YSPS) opened in September 2023 in Qiongshan District, Haikou. It was established through a partnership between Hainan Shengfeng Education Group and St Peter’s School, York, whose educational history spans around 1,400 years. St Peter’s also confirms that Hainan was its first international school.
The school combines Chinese education with international teaching approaches and offers pathways for students planning to study in China or overseas.
Academic Programs & Curriculum
YSPS offers different pathways across primary, middle and high school.
- Primary education combines the Chinese national curriculum with international and inquiry-based learning.
- Middle school uses Chinese compulsory education alongside international courses.
- International high school focuses mainly on IGCSE and A-Level pathways.
- Teaching includes both English and Mandarin.
The school’s current programme information also refers to IB-style learning in its younger grades, so families should confirm the exact curriculum available for their child’s year before applying.
Campus, Facilities & Location
The school has a 342-mu campus beside Nanyong Lake and a 400-mu outdoor practice base in Qiongshan District.
Facilities and activities include:
- Science and specialist classrooms
- Swimming facilities
- Boarding accommodation
- Theatre and arts spaces
- Robotics and STEM activities
- Golf, ice hockey, archery and fencing programmes
University Outcomes & Achievements
YSPS is still a young school, so its own graduate record should not be confused with the historic results of St Peter’s School, York.
For the Class of 2026, the school reported a graduating cohort of only seven students. By early 2026, students had already received university offers from the UK, Australia and Switzerland, while one student received a Cambridge Natural Sciences interview invitation.
This is the current Hainan-campus evidence families should use when judging university outcomes.
Admissions & Eligibility
Admissions requirements vary by grade.
- Primary and middle-school applicants may need to meet local Haikou student-registration requirements.
- Students generally complete an assessment that can include a written test and interview.
- International high-school applicants are not restricted by nationality or hukou but must follow the international pathway and pass the school’s assessment.
- Boarding and school-bus services are available.
Families should confirm current entry requirements directly with the school before applying.
Student Life & Extracurriculars
YSPS offers extracurricular activities across sports, arts, STEM and cultural learning. Programmes have included robotics, golf, ice hockey, archery, fencing and other outdoor and creative activities.
Hainan Yingya St Peter’s School Tuition Fees
The latest publicly available 2026 admissions information lists:
- Primary: about ¥125,000/year
- Middle School: about ¥136,000/year
- International High School: about ¥172,000/year
Additional costs may apply for boarding, meals, uniforms, transport and other services. Families should request the school’s current written fee schedule before enrolling.
Hainan Foreign Language School Affiliated to BFSU
Overview & History
Hainan Foreign Language School Affiliated to BFSU opened in 2020 in Chengmai, Hainan. The school was introduced by the Chengmai County Government and is jointly operated by Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) and Hainan Fulong Culture and Education Investment Co., Ltd. It is a 15-year boarding school covering kindergarten through high school and international education.
The official school site lists a campus of more than 450 mu and total investment of around RMB 1.6 billion.
Academic Programs & Curriculum
The school offers both Chinese and international pathways.
- Primary and middle school mainly follow the Chinese national curriculum.
- The bilingual division combines national courses with PYP and MYP-style programmes.
- International high school serves Grades 9–12.
- International pathways include IGCSE, A-Level and CHP.
The CHP pathway combines Chinese high-school requirements with BFSU-developed English, business and humanities courses for students planning to study overseas.
Campus, Facilities & Location
The school is located at No. 5 Qinglong Road, Laocheng Economic Development Zone, Chengmai County.
Facilities include:
- Science and technology classrooms
- AI and maker spaces
- Sports facilities
- Art and music rooms
- Library and cultural spaces
- Boarding accommodation
- International language-learning spaces
University Pathways & Achievements
Students can choose between domestic and international university pathways. The international high school offers IGCSE, A-Level and CHP, while the CHP programme includes university planning and preparation for overseas study.
Because the school does not currently publish a complete 2026 university-placement list on its official website, families should avoid treating older university examples as current overall results.
Admissions & Eligibility
Admissions vary by grade and programme.
- Current admissions include kindergarten, primary, middle and high-school entry points.
- High school currently includes standard and CHP programme options.
- Students may need assessments depending on the programme.
- Families can book a school visit or apply through the school’s admissions service.
- Contact admissions at 0898-67533333 for current entry requirements and available places.
Student Life & Extracurriculars
Students take part in sports, arts, cultural activities, STEM, international events and school clubs. The wider campus also includes specialist sports facilities and international-learning activities.
Hainan Foreign Language School Tuition Fees
The latest publicly listed tuition is approximately:
- Annual tuition: about US$12,000–13,000
- Approximate RMB equivalent: about ¥85,000–¥95,000 per year
Alifa’s current school profile lists this annual fee range and also confirms that boarding is available.
The school’s current official admissions page does not publish a complete 2026 tuition breakdown by grade, so families should contact the admissions office at 0898-67533333 to confirm the latest tuition, boarding, meals and other charges before applying.
Hainan Micro-City Future School
Overview & History
Hainan Micro-City Future School (iSchool) is a private, not-for-profit K–12 school in Chengmai County, Hainan. The school is located in Hainan Ecological Smart New City and focuses on student-centred learning with both Chinese and international education pathways. Its official mission describes iSchool as Hainan’s first not-for-profit independent school.
Academic Programs & Curriculum
iSchool serves students from Grades 1–12 and offers several international pathways.
- The school is an IB World School for the Diploma Programme.
- IB authorization began on 19 June 2023.
- The IB Diploma is taught in English and Chinese.
- iSchool also offers Cambridge International AS & A-Level.
- In 2024, the school became an official Cambridge examination centre.
This gives senior students a choice between IBDP and A-Level pathways for overseas university preparation.
Campus, Facilities & Location
The school is located in Hainan Ecological Smart New City, Chengmai County.
The campus supports:
- Science and technology learning
- Arts and creative activities
- Sports and outdoor learning
- Boarding accommodation
- Digital and collaborative learning spaces
The official IB directory confirms that iSchool is coeducational and provides mixed boarding facilities.
University Pathways & Outcomes
iSchool is still developing its international graduate record. Its current official curriculum information focuses on IBDP and Cambridge A-Level preparation, both designed for students applying to universities in China and overseas.
A complete current 2026 university-placement list is not published on the official school pages, so families should ask the school for its latest graduate results before comparing outcomes.
Admissions & Eligibility
Admissions vary by grade and programme.
- The school serves Grades 1–12.
- IB and A-Level students may have programme-specific entry requirements.
- Families should confirm current assessments and available places directly with the school.
- The official IB directory lists the school phone as +86-13086802225.
Student Life & Extracurriculars
iSchool places strong emphasis on student-centred learning, technology, creativity, sports and school activities. Its location inside a technology-focused development area also supports the school’s modern learning environment.
Hainan Micro-City Future School Tuition Fees
The latest publicly listed tuition on the current Alifa school profile is approximately:
- Annual tuition: US$9,000–15,000
- Fees vary by grade and programme.
The school’s official website does not currently show a complete 2026 tuition table, so families should contact the school at +86-13086802225 to confirm tuition, boarding, meals and other charges before applying.
Hainan Overseas Chinese Middle School
Overview & History
Hainan Overseas Chinese Middle School (海南华侨中学) is a public school in Haikou founded in 1938. It is one of China’s earliest national overseas-Chinese schools and moved permanently to Haikou in 1946. Its International Department was established in 2011 and remains part of the school today.
Academic Programs & Curriculum
The International Department serves high-school students and currently offers two main pathways:
- Sino-US Program: bilingual teaching with AP courses and an overseas-university focus.
- Sino-UK Program: combines Chinese high-school courses with international learning and allows students to choose either overseas study or China’s Gaokao pathway.
- Teaching uses both Chinese and English.
For 2026, the school plans 120 International Department places: 60 in the Sino-US program and 60 in the Sino-UK program.
Campus, Facilities & Location
The high-school campus is located at 59 Haixiu Road, Haikou. The wider school includes classrooms, science facilities, sports areas, a library, student accommodation and other learning spaces.
University Pathways & Outcomes
The International Department has sent graduates to universities in the UK, US, Canada, Australia and other countries. Current school officials say recent graduates continue to receive offers from well-known overseas universities.
I recommend removing the old claims about 10 US Top-30 offers, 80 US Top-50 placements and a 3.9 AP average, because I could not verify those exact figures from a strong current primary source.
Admissions & Eligibility
For 2026 Grade 10 admission:
- Students apply through Hainan’s high-school entrance process.
- The International Department is filled in the early admission batch.
- Admission is based on the student’s Zhongkao result.
- The school says there is no additional written test or interview for the International Department.
- The Sino-US program is for overseas university study, while Sino-UK students can choose overseas study or the Chinese Gaokao route.
Foreign-national applicants should confirm their eligibility under the current Hainan enrollment rules before applying. Hainan’s admissions guidance lists Hainan Overseas Chinese Middle School among schools qualified to receive eligible foreign-national applicants.
Student Life & Extracurriculars
Students can take part in sports, science, technology, arts, international competitions and cultural activities. The International Department also focuses on English ability, academic skills and cross-cultural learning.
Hainan Overseas Chinese Middle School Tuition Fees
The latest clearly published International Department fees I found are:
- Sino-UK Program: about ¥40,000/year
- Sino-US Program: about ¥50,000/year
Maple Leaf International Schools – Hainan
Overview & History
Maple Leaf International Schools – Hainan (海南枫叶国际学校) is located in Xiuying District, Haikou. The original school was founded in 1994 and joined Maple Leaf Educational Systems in 2017.
Today, the Hainan school includes kindergarten, primary, middle, domestic high school, and international high school divisions. The main Haifeng campus is at No. 82 Yongwan Road and covers about 70,000 square metres.
Academic Programs & Curriculum
The school offers both Chinese and international education pathways.
- Younger students mainly follow the Chinese national curriculum.
- International high school serves Grades 10–12.
- High-school students follow the Maple Leaf World School Program (MLWSP).
- MLWSP is taught mainly in English and leads to the Maple Leaf World School Diploma.
- The programme has been benchmarked against international high-school standards, including A-Level.
- The Hainan international high school is Cognia accredited.
The international high school currently serves around 200 students.
Campus, Facilities & Location
The Haifeng campus includes:
- Teaching and administration buildings
- Dormitories
- Cafeterias
- Auditorium
- Gymnasium
- Sports field
- Multipurpose learning spaces
Boarding is available on campus.
University Outcomes & Achievements
For the Class of 2026, Maple Leaf Hainan reported:
- 199 university offers
- 60.9% QS Top 50 offer rate
- 90.2% QS Top 100 offer rate
- More than RMB 3.19 million in scholarships awarded to 23 students
Recent university offers have included institutions such as UCL, the University of Edinburgh, and the University of British Columbia.
Admissions & Eligibility
Admissions vary by grade and programme.
- International high school covers Grades 10–12.
- Students may need an English or academic assessment before entering MLWSP.
- Students needing extra English preparation may receive additional language support.
- International high-school admissions: +86-898-68635938
- General admissions: +86-898-68635199
Families should confirm current entry requirements and available places directly with the school.
Student Life & Extracurriculars
Students can take part in:
- Sports and athletics
- Arts and cultural events
- Science and STEM activities
- English competitions
- Leadership activities
- International exchanges
These activities support both academic learning and student development.
Maple Leaf International Schools – Hainan Tuition Fees
The latest publicly listed tuition figures are approximately:
- Kindergarten: ~¥22,000 per year
- Elementary (Grades 1–6): ~¥36,000 per year
- Middle School (Grades 7–9): ~¥50,000 per year
- High School International (Grades 10–12): ~¥65,000 per year
- Boarding is available.
The school’s current official website does not publish a complete 2026 fee schedule by grade, so families should confirm the latest tuition, boarding, meals, and other charges directly with the school before applying.
Comparing International Schools in Hainan
Five schools, five different academic identities. The table below puts them side by side across the factors that matter most: curriculum, facilities, entry requirements, and university outcomes.
| Aspect | Hainan Yingya St Peter's School | Hainan Foreign Language School (BFSU) | Hainan Micro-City Future School (iSchool) | Hainan Overseas Chinese Middle School | Maple Leaf International Schools – Hainan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Qiongshan District, Haikou | Chengmai County, Hainan | Chengmai County, Hainan | Haikou, Hainan | Xiuying District, Haikou |
| Curriculum | Chinese and international pathways, including IGCSE and A-Level | Chinese National Curriculum, IGCSE, A-Level and CHP | Chinese curriculum, IB Diploma and Cambridge A-Level | Sino-US, Sino-UK, AP and Chinese high-school courses | Chinese National Curriculum and MLWSP for Grades 10–12 |
| International Status | Partner school of St Peter's School, York; opened in 2023 | Pearson Edexcel IGCSE/A-Level examination centre | IB World School since 2023; Cambridge exam centre since 2024 | Public-school International Department established in 2011 | Cognia-accredited international high school |
| Boarding | Available | Available | Mixed boarding available | Available; confirm current charges | Available |
| Admissions | Requirements vary by grade; written test and interview may apply | Requirements and assessments vary by grade and programme | Grade and programme-specific admission requirements | 2026 Grade 10: Zhongkao early-batch admission; no extra test or interview | School assessment required for full Grade 10 MLWSP entry |
| Latest Tuition | About ¥125,000–¥172,000 per year* | About ¥85,000–¥95,000 per year* | About US$9,000–15,000 per year* | Sino-UK: ~¥40,000; Sino-US: ~¥50,000 per year* | About ¥22,000–¥65,000 per year, depending on grade* |
| Latest Outcomes | 2026 cohort: 7 students; offers from the UK, Australia and Switzerland, plus a Cambridge interview invitation | International pathways are established; a complete current 2026 university list is not publicly available | IB and A-Level pathways established; university placement record is still developing | Graduates progress to universities in the UK, US, Canada, Australia and other countries | 2026: 199 offers; 60.9% QS Top 50 and 90.2% QS Top 100 offer rates |
*Tuition figures are the latest publicly listed or published amounts available and may not represent a complete 2026 fee schedule. Families should confirm current tuition, boarding, meals and other charges directly with each school.
Tips for Choosing the Right School
Parent Checklist
- Curriculum fit: Does the school offer IB, A-Level, AP, MLWSP, or a Chinese/bilingual pathway? Choose a curriculum that matches your child’s future university plans.
- Language support: Ask what English and Mandarin support is available, especially for students joining from another school system.
- Class size: Ask for the actual class size for your child’s grade, not only the school-wide average.
- Teachers: Ask about teacher qualifications, experience, and how long teachers usually stay at the school.
- Boarding: If your child will board, visit the dormitories and ask about supervision, meals, medical support, and weekend arrangements.
- University outcomes: Check the school’s latest graduate results and ask for recent university offers, not only older marketing highlights.
- Fees: Confirm tuition, boarding, meals, transport, uniforms, and other charges before applying.
- Visit the school: Arrange a campus visit or open day before making the final decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best international school in Hainan?
There is no single best school for every family. Yingya St Peter's is worth considering for IGCSE and A-Level, iSchool for IB Diploma or A-Level, Hainan Overseas Chinese Middle School for Sino-US and Sino-UK pathways, BFSU Hainan for IGCSE, A-Level and CHP, and Maple Leaf for MLWSP. The best choice depends on your child's curriculum, language, boarding and university goals.
How much do international schools in Hainan cost?
Based on the latest publicly listed figures in this guide, tuition is approximately ¥22,000 to ¥172,000 per year, depending on the school, grade and programme. Boarding, meals, transport and other charges may cost extra, so families should confirm the latest written fee schedule directly with each school.
Can foreign children attend public schools in Hainan?
Yes, in some circumstances. Eligibility can depend on permanent-residence status, provincial high-level-talent status, local enrollment rules and whether the school is qualified to enroll foreign students. Families should confirm eligibility with the school and local education authority.
Do international schools in Hainan teach in English?
English is widely used in international programmes, but the teaching language varies by school. iSchool's IB Diploma uses English and Chinese, Maple Leaf's Grades 10–12 MLWSP is taught in English, while other schools combine English and Chinese depending on the curriculum and grade.
What curricula are available at international schools in Hainan?
Across the five schools in this guide, families can find IGCSE, A-Level, IB Diploma, AP, MLWSP, CHP and Chinese or bilingual pathways. Not every school offers every curriculum, so parents should compare the programme available for their child's grade.
How early should I apply to an international school in Hainan?
Start preparing early and check each school's current admissions calendar. Private-school deadlines and assessments vary, while some public-school international programmes follow Hainan's high-school entrance and Zhongkao schedule. Boarding availability can also affect when families should apply.
Do international schools in Hainan offer boarding?
Yes. Several schools in this guide offer boarding, including Yingya St Peter's, BFSU Hainan, iSchool and Maple Leaf Hainan. Boarding availability, age limits and fees vary, so parents should confirm the current arrangements directly with the school.
Are scholarships available at international schools in Hainan?
Scholarships are school-specific. Maple Leaf Hainan reported more than RMB 3.19 million in scholarships for 23 students in its 2026 graduating cohort. Families should ask each school about current scholarship rules, eligibility and application deadlines. We could not verify a general Hainan Ministry of Education grant covering 50% of international-school tuition.
Conclusion
Choosing the right international school in Hainan depends on your child’s curriculum, language needs, budget, boarding preference, and university goals. Compare the latest fees, admissions rules, and programmes before making a final decision.
Need help choosing? Alifa Education Services offers a free consultation to help families compare school options in Hainan.
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