City view banner highlighting top six international school options in Kunming Yunnan region.
City view banner highlighting top six international school options in Kunming Yunnan Province.

Top 6 International Schools in Kunming Yunnan: Which School to Admit Your Kid

Explore top-rated international schools in Kunming, Yunnan. From IB programs to British curriculum, find which school matches your child's educational needs.

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15 minutes read

Introduction

Finding the right International Schools in Kunming Yunnan is significant for families. This beautiful city in Yunnan Province is a great place for children to learn. The schools here are good, and they help students from their first day until they finish high school.

Many of these schools offer excellent programs like the International Baccalaureate (IB). Some also teach the Chinese National Curriculum, which gives students a perfect mix of learning. A big plus is that these schools cost much less than schools in big cities like Shanghai or Beijing. This helps families give their children a world-class education without spending too much money.

Do you want to learn about the curriculum, admission requirements, and other information about Kunming's best international schools? Continue reading.

Best International Schools in Kunming Yunnan

Kunming is a big city with over 8.4 million people and it is still growing. Many different kinds of people live here, which makes the city's culture very special and interesting. The city is a friendly place for people from other countries.

It is called the "Spring City" because the weather is nice all year. This makes Kunming a wonderful and comfortable place for families to live and for students to learn and grow.

Here are the top-rated international schools in Kunming Yunnan. This section will help families learn about the best schools, making choosing the right one for their children easier.

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01. Kunming International Academy

Kunming International Academy (KIA) is a school for children from other countries. It uses an American style of teaching and helps students grow in many ways. Here is a look at the school's classes, how to join, and fun activities.

Front view of Kunming International Academy building showing bilingual signage and colorful international flag decorations.
Front view of Kunming International Academy building showing bilingual signage and colorful international flag decorations.

Academic Programs

The school teaches children from a very young age all the way to high school. The classes are based on an American style of learning. The school helps students grow to be smart, healthy, and kind people who respect everyone. It works hard to get students ready for the best universities around the world.

  • All Grades: The school offers classes from Pre-K through Grade 12.
  • Special Classes: Older students can take special AP classes to help them get into university.
  • Good School: A group called WASC says the school is very good, which helps students get into universities in other countries.
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Admission Eligibility

KIA is mainly for children whose families come from another country to live in Kunming. The school is very good at helping new students who have come from another school feel welcome. KIA also likes to work together with parents to help the students do their best.

  • Who Can Join: Students usually need to have a passport from a country other than China.
  • How to Join: To get in, parents need to fill out a form, and the student will have a talk with the school.
  • Families First: Priority is given to families from other countries who are living in Kunming.

Extracurricular and Collaborative Activities

The school has many fun things for students to do outside of normal classes. These activities help them learn new skills, be good leaders, and grow into well-rounded people. Students can try many different things to find what they love to do.

  • Sports: There are sports teams for students who like to play and be active.
  • Arts: Students can learn art, music, and acting in the fine arts program.
  • Helping Others: They can also join projects to help people in the local Kunming community.
  • Fun Clubs: Many fun clubs and special trips make school life interesting and exciting.

Admission and Annual Tuition Fees

Of course. Here is the table with the cost in both Chinese Yuan and US Dollars.

School Admission and Tuition Fees

Visual guide showing Kunming International Academy Admission & Tuition Fees.

02. Kunming World Youth Academy

This school opened in 2016. The education leaders of Kunming in Yunnan Province started it. It uses teaching ideas from a famous school in Beijing to give students an excellent education. This school has another big branch in Beijing.

Front facade of Kunming World Youth Academy with large windows and bilingual identification signage.
Front facade of Kunming World Youth Academy with large windows and bilingual identification signage.

The Kunming World Youth Academy (KWYA) is special because it was the first school in Yunnan Province to be a full International Baccalaureate (IB) World School. It helps students learn two languages.

Academic Programs

KWYA offers a strong bilingual education that gets young adults ready for the future. The teachers come from many different countries, creating a great learning place for the international community. The school mixes world-class IB learning with important parts of the Chinese school plan, helping students all the way through high school.

  • IB School: It is an IB World School and offers the IB Diploma Programme for older students.
  • Two Diplomas: Students can earn an IB Diploma and a Chinese high school diploma at the same time.
  • Good Teachers: Teachers come from all over the world, including the UK, the US, and New Zealand.
  • Life Skills: The school teaches students to be good leaders, to be kind, and to understand the world.
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Admission Eligibility

The school welcomes both Chinese students and students from other countries. The process to get in is made to find students who will do well in a school where two languages are spoken. The school looks for students who are ready to work hard.

  • Who Can Join: The school is open for students in grades 5 to 12 from China and other countries.
  • How to Join: To get in, students must take a test in Chinese and English and have a talk with the school.
  • Parents Talk Too: The parents will also have a talk with the school to make sure it is a good fit for the family.

Extracurricular and Collaborative Activities

KWYA has many fun and interesting things for students to do after classes are done. These activities help students learn outside the classroom, make new friends, and become more confident. The school wants every student to feel happy and supported.

  • Fun Clubs: There are many clubs like football, cooking, art, and chess for students to join.
  • Learning Trips: Students go on trips in China and other countries to learn about the world in a real way.
  • Helping Others: Students can plan school events and help the community, which teaches them to be good leaders.
  • Feeling Good: The school has special counselors to help students with their feelings and friendships.

Admission and Annual Tuition Fees

Visual guide Kunming World Youth Academy Admission & Tuition Fees.
Visual guide Kunming World Youth Academy Admission & Tuition Fees.

03. Kunming No.1 High School International Education

The International Department of Kunming No.1 High School is a famous Chinese school that is over 100 years old. In 2010, it opened a special part of the school to help students get into top universities all over the world.

Kunming Number One High School International Education campus with multiple buildings and landscaped grounds.
Kunming Number One High School International Education campus with multiple buildings and landscaped grounds.

Academic Programs

The International Department offers special programs that are known around the world. The school has many certified teachers, including foreign teachers, who help students learn and succeed. The goal is to give students a strong education so they can get into the best universities when they finish their studies.

  • British Classes: The school was the first in Yunnan to teach British A-Level and IGCSE classes.
  • Dual Certified: It is the only school in the province that is certified by both Edexcel and Cambridge University.
  • Student Success: Most students from this program get into very good universities after they graduate.

Admission Eligibility

This program is for students who want to study an international curriculum. The school looks for students who are ready to work hard. Families looking for information on schools like this can sometimes find it on websites like Expat Exchange. The school helps students get ready for their future.

  • Who Can Join: The program is for students who are strong in their studies and want to go to a university in another country.
  • How to Join: To get into the school, students will have their old school records looked at and will need to take a test and have a talk.
  • University Help: The school gives special help to students to prepare their university applications.
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Extracurricular and Collaborative Activities

The school believes that it is important to learn both in and out of the classroom. There are many activities that help students grow their skills and interests. These programs help create well-rounded students who are curious, creative, and ready for the world.

  • Competitions: Students can join science and other contests to challenge themselves.
  • Clubs and Leadership: There are many clubs and leadership groups to help students learn teamwork and how to speak in public.
  • Building Character: The school helps students become good people who are smart and care about others.

Admission and Annual Tuition Fees

Kunming No.1 High School International Education Admission & Tuition Fees

04. Kunming Concord College of Sino-Canada (CCSC)

Kunming Concord College of Sino-Canada (CCSC) is the first school in the area that is a team effort between China and Canada. The school teaches primary and junior high students and offers both day school and boarding. It mixes Canadian teaching with world ideas to help students grow.

Kunming Concord College of Sino-Canada campus view with iconic tower, modern architecture, and manicured playing field.
Kunming Concord College of Sino-Canada campus view with iconic tower, modern architecture, and manicured playing field.

Academic Programs

The school has a special dual curriculum that brings together Canadian ways of teaching with ideas from all over the world. 

While some schools might have an American educational program, CCSC's program is approved by the Canadian government. This is different from an American based curriculum. The school has small classes and great teachers to help every student learn well in a rigorous academic setting.

  • Dual Learning: The school offers a mix of Canadian and international learning styles.
  • Ages Taught: It has classes for students in primary and junior high school.
  • Life Skills: The school helps students learn to solve problems, think in new ways, and work together.
  • Part of a Network: It is a branch of a big school in Beijing, which means it has a lot of experience.

Admission Eligibility

CCSC is open to children from China and from other countries. The school wants to find students who will do well in a place where they learn in two languages and with people from many cultures. Unlike schools that only offer an American-style academic approach, this school focuses on a Sino-Canadian model.

  • Who Can Join: Both local and international students can apply to the school.
  • How to Join: To get in, students need to apply, and the school will look at how they will fit in.
  • Living at School: Students can choose to go home every day or live at the school in a dorm.

Extracurricular and Collaborative Activities

The school is on a beautiful campus that has a lot of nature. This helps students learn both in the classroom and outside. While it does not list a specific Chinese National Curriculum, its program is made to build skills like teamwork and being a good person. The goal is to help students grow in every way.

  • Learning Skills: Activities help students learn to solve problems and be good team members.
  • Beautiful Campus: The school is in a park, which gives students a nice place to learn and play.
  • Growing Beyond Books: The school helps students grow into caring and responsible people.

Admission & Tuition Fees

Kunming Concord College of Sino-Canada (CCSC) Admission & Tuition Fees
Kunming Concord College of Sino-Canada (CCSC) Admission & Tuition Fees.

05. Beanstalk International Bilingual School Kunming

The Beanstalk International Bilingual School Kunming (BIBS) opened in 2016. It was the first school in Kunming to be a candidate for the IB bilingual program. The school teaches students from kindergarten all the way to year 12, mixing world ideas with Chinese learning.

Beanstalk International Bilingual School Kunming campus with green tents, outdoor activities, and surrounding residential towers.
Beanstalk International Bilingual School Kunming campus with green tents, outdoor activities, and surrounding residential towers.

Academic Programs

The school's learning plan is special because it uses the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework but also includes the Chinese National Curriculum for language and math. This is different from a United States education model. The great community of teachers helps students become fluent in two languages and learn to think for themselves.

  • IB School: The school uses the IB way of teaching to help students understand the world.
  • Bilingual Learning: It mixes Eastern and Western cultures so students get a rich education.
  • Great Teachers: The teaching staff is dedicated to a high level of learning.
  • University Ready: The school gets students ready to go to the best universities anywhere in the world.

Admission Eligibility

BIBS is open to children from China and from other countries. The school looks for families who want a bilingual education for their children. The school regularly recruits teachers and students who will add to its diverse community. Families can check the school's website for information on current vacancies.

  • Who Can Join: The school accepts both international and local Chinese students.
  • How to Join: To get in, students will need to apply and may have a small test to see if the school is a good fit.
  • Language Focus: It is a good choice for families who want their children to be good at two languages.

Extracurricular and Collaborative Activities

The school believes that learning happens outside of the classroom too. There are many fun activities like sports, music, and art. These programs are very important for good student development and help children learn to work together and be creative.

  • Fun Clubs: Students can join clubs for sports like football and basketball.
  • Arts: There are also classes for music, dance, and art to help students be creative.
  • Safe and Fun: All activities are safe and have good teachers to help the students.

Facilities

The school has a modern campus with big, bright classrooms that have smartboards. There is also a library, art studios, and sports fields. 

While it is not a boarding school where children make it their home school, it has bus routes and is easy to get to, making it convenient for families.

Admission & Tuition Fees

Beanstalk International Bilingual School Kunming Admission & Tuition Fees.
Beanstalk International Bilingual School Kunming Admission & Tuition Fees.

06. International Department of Kunming No.10 Middle School

The International Department of Kunming No.10 Middle School is a very old and respected school in the city. Its International Department offers a Canadian high school program to help students get into universities all over the world.

International Department of Kunming Number Ten Middle School featuring tall clock tower and modern glass building.
International Department of Kunming Number Ten Middle School featuring tall clock tower and modern glass building.

Academic Programs

The International Department started in 2010. It uses a Canadian way of teaching to give students a diploma that is known everywhere. The school works hard to teach students both book smarts and useful life skills, helping them grow in a world with great cultural diversity.

  • Canadian Program: The school offers a Canadian international high school program.
  • Global Diploma: The diploma students get can help them get into universities around the world.
  • Well-Rounded: The program helps students become good people who understand the world.

Admission Eligibility

The school accepts students who are ready to learn in the Canadian style. It is one of the good certified schools in the city. Students who want to join will need to take a test and have a talk with the school to make sure it is a good fit.

  • Who Can Join: Both local students and students from other countries can apply.
  • How to Join: To get in, students must do well on a test and have an interview.
  • Good Fit: The school looks for students who are ready for an international education.

Extracurricular and Collaborative Activities

The school offers many fun things to do outside of class, like sports and art. It also teaches students to be kind and to care for the world around them. These activities help students grow into good people who can work well with others.

  • Fun Activities: Students can join sports, art clubs, and other fun groups.
  • Helping Others: The school has programs that teach students to help their community.
  • Good Character: These activities help students build a strong and caring character.

Annual Tuition Fees

The school does not list the price for the year on its website. If you are looking for information on schools near you, you will need to call or visit the school’s office to ask how much it costs. The price will probably be similar to other Canadian school programs in China.

  • Ask the School: You must contact the school's office to find out the cost.
  • Extra Costs: The price may also include money for food, a place to live, and books.
  • Good Value: It is a well-known school for students who want a Canadian education.
International Department of Kunming No.10 Middle School Admission & Tuition Fees.
International Department of Kunming No.10 Middle School Admission & Tuition Fees.

Living in Kunming: A Demographic Portrait for Expatriate Families

Visual guide showing the benefits of Living in Kunming.
Visual guide showing the benefits of Living in Kunming.

Here is a look at living in Kunming for families from other countries.

A City Full of Life

Kunming is a big city, but not too crowded. Many different groups of people live here, making it special. Families can see colorful festivals and learn about many Asian cultures. It is a fun place for children to see the world beyond the life they know.

A Welcoming Foreign Community

A friendly group of people from other countries lives in Kunming. New families can find help through groups like Expat Exchange. Most foreign people are teachers or students. They live near parks and good schools, helping new families and their children easily make friends from around the world.

The City of Eternal Spring

Kunming has excellent weather all year. It is never too hot or cold, often called the "City of Eternal Spring." The air is clean and fresh. This makes it an excellent place for children to play outside and for families to enjoy outdoor fun anytime.

A Good Life for Less Money

Living in Kunming costs less than in big cities like Beijing. Families can find a nice home for a reasonable price. Food and other things are also not expensive. This helps families live a good life without spending too much money, making it a smart choice for many.

Schools and Other Facilities

Kunming has good hospitals with doctors who can speak English. There are also many schools. Some follow the Chinese National Curriculum, which can be taught in a Chinese school. International schools often have many great foreign teachers, which helps students learn from the best in the world.

Modern and Easy Living

Getting around Kunming is easy with its new metro trains. The internet is fast and suitable for work and staying in touch. Families can have a modern and easy life here. Everything you need for a comfortable life is here, making it a great place to call home.

Wrapping Up

The international schools in Kunming Yunnan offer a fantastic opportunity for families. This city is a great place to live because it is affordable and has a friendly community. The air is clean, the weather is lovely all year, and it is a safe place for children to grow up.

The schools here provide a top-quality education that helps students prepare for their future after high school. Kunming is one of China's best-kept secrets for families from other countries. It gives your children an excellent education and your family a happy, comfortable life without the high cost of bigger cities. It is a smart and excellent choice.

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