Top 12 International Schools in Shenzhen: Are These Schools Worth?

Introduction

Shenzhen was once a small fishing village. Today, it is one of China's most exciting and modern cities. Many families from all over the world come to live here for the great jobs and wonderful life. The city is very young and full of new ideas.

This city is called the "City of Migrants" because almost everyone moved here for work. This creates a special energy, helping new businesses grow very fast and create amazing new things.

For these families, Shenzhen has many excellent international schools, some of the best in Asia. They teach in different ways, from British to American styles. These schools help students get into the best universities and prepare them for a bright and happy future.

This guide will help you learn about the top 12 schools. We will tell you what they teach, how much they cost, and what great universities their students go to.

Top International Schools in Shenzhen

Thinking about which international school to choose for your kid in Shenzhen? Here are detailed information of the top 12 expat schools in Shenzhen. Moreover, 

01. Bromsgrove School Mission Hills

Bromsgrove School Mission Hills is a school in Shenzhen for students of all ages, from the little ones in kindergarten to young adults in high school. It is special because it brings together British and Chinese styles of teaching. The school is a partner of the very famous Bromsgrove School in the UK, which has a history of over 550 years. This partnership provides students with a top-quality International Education.

History & Background

The school's story began with its partner in the UK, which was founded a very long time ago in 1552. The Shenzhen school opened in 2017 to bring this long tradition of excellent education to families in China. The main goal is to help students become future leaders who are comfortable with both Western and Chinese cultures.

Curriculum

The school has different learning programs for different ages. For the youngest children in Early Years and primary school, lessons are a mix of the Chinese national curriculum and the Cambridge curriculum. For older students, the school uses the IGCSE and A-Level international curriculum. These programs are respected all over the world and help students develop strong critical thinking skills to get ready for university.

Learning Environment & Academic Outcomes

The school has a beautiful campus with modern classrooms, labs, and plenty of space to play outside. A big advantage is the small class size, with only one teacher for every six students. This means every child gets a lot of personal attention. Because the school is still quite new, there is not a lot of public information yet about which universities its students have gone to.

Admission Information

Here is what you need to know if you want to join the school:

• Who Can Apply? The school welcomes students who are 2 years old and older. Children from China and any other country can apply.
• Available Grades: You can apply for Kindergarten, Primary School (Grades 1-6), and Middle School (Grade 7). There are very few spots for students who want to join Grade 8.
• The Process: To join, students must complete an assessment. This includes a friendly interview or chat with a teacher and some simple academic tests in Math, English, and Chinese, depending on the grade.
• How to Get Started: The best way to get the most correct and current information is to contact the school’s admissions office directly.

Tuition Fees

• Kindergarten: 85,000–99,500 RMB per year.
• Primary School: 142,000–148,000 RMB per year.
• Middle School: 169,000 RMB per year.

02. The Affiliated International School of Shenzhen University

Shenzhen University Normal College International High School, also known as AISSU, is a top-rated high school. It is famous in the area for being very good at helping its students get into the best universities in the world, like Oxford and Cambridge. It has been providing excellent international education for over 16 years.

History & Background

The school started in 2008 and quickly became known for its high standards. It is approved by several international examination boards, including Cambridge and Edexcel. It is sometimes called the "Cradle of Hong Kong University" because so many of its students are accepted into top universities there.

Curriculum

AISSU uses the full A-Level international curriculum. This is a very challenging program that prepares students for the hard work of university. The classes are designed to build powerful critical thinking skills, which are needed to succeed at the highest academic levels.

Learning Environment & Academic Outcomes

The school has a very serious and focused learning environment. To help students concentrate on their studies, there are strict rules, such as not allowing electronic devices in class. This helps students build discipline. The school's results are excellent. For 2025, its students have already received 7 offers from Oxford and 1 from Cambridge.

Admission Information

Getting a spot at this school is very difficult. Here are the details:

• Who Can Apply? The school is mostly for students who are starting Grade 9. There are very limited places for students in Grades 7 and 8.
• The Process: The selection process is very strict. Students must do very well to be accepted.
• Application Steps: You need to provide application forms, ID documents, and photos. Then, you must pass difficult tests in Math and English and also complete an interview.
• When to Apply: The school has specific application times, which are usually in January, March, May, and July.

Tuition Fees

• Zhanhua Campus: 248,000 RMB per year.
• Yunhaigou Campus: 258,000 RMB per year.

03. Shenzhen Foreign Languages GBA Academy

Shenzhen Foreign Languages Greater Bay Area Academy (SGA) is a school for all grades, from Grade 1 to Grade 12. It is a special partnership between the city government and the highly respected Shenzhen Foreign Language School. It offers a wonderful education at a lower price than many other private international schools.

History & Background

SGA is a newer school that uses modern and creative teaching methods. It has earned the high honor of being an IB World School, meaning it is fully approved to teach the International Baccalaureate program. It is also a member of the British School Association, showing its high quality of International Education.

Curriculum

The school uses the complete IB international curriculum. This starts with the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for Early Years and younger students and goes all the way to the Diploma Programme (DP) for high school students. The IB program teaches children to learn by asking questions, which helps them develop great critical thinking skills.

Learning Environment & Academic Outcomes

The school's teaching style is all about discovery and inquiry. The classes are small, which allows teachers to give every student the help they need. Since the school is still new, information about where its first groups of graduates are attending university is not yet widely available.

Admission Information

The school has a very open and friendly admission process:

• Who Can Apply? Students from any country in the world are welcome to apply.
• Available Grades: You can apply for any grade from Grade 1 to Grade 12.
• The Process: The school has "rolling admissions," which means families can apply at any time of the year. It works on a "first-come, first-served" basis, so it is a good idea to apply early. The school does not mention any special entrance exams.
• How to Get Started: Applications for the 2025-2026 school year are open now.

Tuition Fees

• Grades 1-5: 145,000–165,200 RMB per year.
• Grades 6-10: 155,000–178,400 RMB per year.
• Grades 11-12: 210,000 RMB per year.
• Boarding (for Grade 6+): 8,000 RMB per year.

04. Shenzhen (Nanshan) Concord College of Sino-Canada

The Shenzhen (Nanshan) Sino-Canadian School is a well-known school that started in 2001. It was the very first school in Shenzhen to bring together Chinese and foreign education. It mixes the best of Chinese and North American learning to give students a unique education. The school believes in Success For All by offering many different learning paths.

History & Background

The school was created through a partnership between the Nanshan government and Canadian education experts. With a long history, it has become a very respected and stable choice for international education in the city. Its goal is to create a new way of learning that helps students feel at home in both China and the world.

Curriculum

The school offers many choices to help students with 21st Century Learning. A special feature is that students can get two high school diplomas at the same time: one from China and one from Canada. The school offers many programs, including:

• The Canadian Ontario (OSSD) program.
• American AP (Advanced Placement) courses.
• The Hong Kong (HKDSE) program.
• The standard Chinese National Curriculum program.

Learning Environment & Academic Outcomes

The school has a modern campus with good facilities like science labs and art rooms. It helps students learn to be independent and solve problems. The Student Results are excellent. Every single student gets into a university. About half of the students go to one of the top 100 universities in the world, and many receive scholarships. The school also has great Co-Curricular Offerings, with more than 30 student clubs for sports, art, and business.

Admission Information

• Who Can Apply? The school mainly accepts students who have finished junior high school.
• How to Join: Students usually need to take a test made by the school. The test has English and math questions. You should talk to the school first, then apply, and then take the test.

Tuition Fees

• The main school fee is 118,000 RMB per year.
• There are extra costs for things like living at the school, which is 8,000 RMB per year.

05. Avenues: The World School

Shenzhen Avenues School is part of a special group of schools called Avenues The World School. It is not just one school, but part of a big, global family. It teaches children from kindergarten all the way to high school. The school's main goal is to raise global citizens and promote cultural awareness.

History & Background

This school is the branch of famous and Elite Avenues Newyork which is opened in Shenzhen in 2018. It is part of a global network, it shares teachers, lessons, and ideas with other Avenues schools around the world. This gives students a very special and connected learning experience.

Curriculum

The school has its own unique learning system called the "Avenues World Elements" curriculum. This program is the same in all Avenues schools worldwide but also includes Chinese lessons. It is a great example of 21st Century Learning. Instead of just memorizing facts, students learn by working on projects, which helps them with problem solving.

Learning Environment & Academic Outcomes

The school has a beautiful, modern campus designed for students to work together. The teachers are very well-qualified. The school's focus on global education helps prepare students for the future. The Student Results for its very first graduating class were amazing—all of the students got into their first-choice universities. This shows the school's commitment to Success For All.

Admission Information

• Who Can Apply? The school is open to students from 2 to 18 years old. It does not matter what country you are from.
• How to Join: The process includes parents learning about the school, applying online, and then having a family chat. Students may have a friendly assessment or take a simple test to see their level.

Tuition Fees

• The school fees are around 288,000 RMB per year. For the older grades, it can be up to 305,000 RMB per year.
• This fee often includes books, materials, and lunch.

06. Oxstand International School, Shenzhen

Shenzhen Oxstand International School is a school in Luohu District that opened in 2004. It teaches students from primary school to high school. The school is famous for its "supermarket" of learning choices, offering many different international programs to help every student find the right path.

History & Background

The school has a long and good history. In 2007, it was named a "Level One School," which is a high honor. It is known for having a strong focus on foreign languages and giving students many different ways to prepare for universities around the world.

Curriculum

The school's biggest strength is its wide variety of programs. It is like a "supermarket" where you can choose the international curriculum that is best for you. Some of the choices include:

• The IB program.
• American, British, and Canadian programs.
• Singaporean, Korean, and Japanese programs.This focus on choice is how the school works toward Success For All.

Learning Environment & Academic Outcomes

The school has a very international feeling, with teachers from all over the world. This helps students build strong cultural awareness. The Student Results are fantastic, with a 100% university admission rate. Graduates go to very famous universities like Tsinghua University in China and Imperial College London in the UK. The school has many fun Co-Curricular Offerings every week, including sports, arts, and community service.

Admission Information

• Who Can Apply? Students from primary to high school can apply. The school accepts new students all year long.
• How to Join: You need to fill out an application form and your child will need to take an entrance exam.

Tuition Fees

• The fees change a lot depending on the program you choose. They can be from 49,000 RMB to 228,000 RMB per year.
• There are extra fees if a student lives at the school.

07. BASIS International School Shenzhen

BASIS International School Shenzhen is a very famous school known for its hard classes and excellent student results. It is a top choice for families who want a very strong academic education for their children. The school has a great reputation in Shenzhen and around the world.

History & Background

The school opened in 2015. It was the first school from the famous BASIS Education Group to open outside of the United States. BASIS started in 1998 and is known for its high-quality education. The Shenzhen school brings this special way of teaching to families living in China.

Curriculum

The school uses the special BASIS curriculum, which is very advanced and moves at a fast pace. It focuses a lot on STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). It also uses Advanced Placement (AP) courses. The main Languages of instruction is English. The lessons are designed to help students think deeply and solve difficult problems.

Learning Environment & Academic Outcomes

The school has a modern campus with great facilities. There are new classrooms, science labs, and many sports and leisure areas like an indoor track and a gym. The school has good Teacher-Student Ratios with small class sizes, so every student gets attention. The results are amazing. Students from this school get into the best universities in the world, including Ivy League schools in the US, Oxford, and Cambridge.

Admission Information

Getting into this school is very difficult.

• Who Can Apply? The school has strict Passport requirements. It is only for children who have a foreign passport or are from Hong Kong or Taiwan. This is often needed for visa purposes.
• How to Join: You need to apply online and pay a fee. Then, your child must pass an entrance test. The test checks their skills in math, English writing, and English speaking. Parents and students will also have an interview.

Tuition Fees

The Yearly fees at this school are very high.

• Pre-Kindergarten: Around 264,160 RMB per year.
• Grades 9-12: Around 326,760 RMB per year.
• These fees do not include extra costs like books, meals, uniforms, or school trips.

08. Shenzhen Oasis International School

Shenzhen Oasis International School is a well-known bilingual school that has been around for a long time. It is famous for using a British curriculum and having a warm and friendly community. It is a great place for students to learn about both Western and Eastern cultures.

History & Background

The school was founded in 2001. For many years, it has helped students grow and learn in a safe and happy place. Its goal is to help every child find their full potential while feeling supported by their teachers and friends.

Curriculum

The school follows the British National Curriculum. The main Languages of instruction is English, but the school also teaches Chinese language and culture very well. This helps students become truly bilingual. The lessons focus on core subjects like English, math, and science, and also include arts and sports.

Learning Environment & Academic Outcomes

The school has a modern campus with good facilities, including science labs, IT labs for digital literacy, and art rooms. It also has nice sports and leisure areas. Students who finish their studies here often go on to the best international high schools in the city. The school is known as a great place to prepare for the next step in a child's education.

Admission Information

There is not a lot of public information about the exact steps to join the school. It is best for families to contact the school directly to ask about their process and any Passport requirements.

Tuition Fees

The Yearly fees for the school are:

• Elementary School: Around 139,000–145,000 RMB per year.
• Middle School: Around 155,000–159,000 RMB per year.
• Extra costs for meals, buses, and uniforms are not included.

09. École Française Internationale de Shenzhen (EFIS)

The École Française Internationale de Shenzhen, or EFIS, is a special school for the French community in Shenzhen. It is the main choice for French families or anyone who wants their child to have a French education.

History & Background

There is not a lot of public information about when the school started. However, it is a very important school for French families living and working in Shenzhen.

Curriculum

The school uses the official national curriculum of France. The main Languages of instruction is French. This means students learn all their subjects in French and also learn about French culture. The school also offers English and Chinese classes so students can learn multiple languages.

Learning Environment & Academic Outcomes

There is limited public information about the school's campus and student results. It is known in the French community as a place that provides a solid education that follows the French system.

Admission Information

There is not much public information on how to join.

• Who Can Apply? The school is mainly for French families. This means there will be Passport requirements for students, and this is often needed for visa purposes. Families who are not French but want a French education should contact the school to see if they can apply.

Tuition Fees

Age-Based Annual Tuition

• TPS (Très Petite Section) - Age 2: ¥55,000
• Kindergarten (PS/MS/GS) - Ages 3-5: ¥90,000
• Elementary (CP/CE1/CE2/CM1/CM2) - Ages 6-10: ¥100,000
• Middle School (6ème/5ème/4ème/3ème) - Ages 11-14: ¥110,000

One-Time Registration Fees for New Students

For new enrollments (excluding TPS students), the following one-time fees apply:

Mandatory First-Year Fees

• Administrative Fee: ¥3,000 (one-time only)
• Registration Fee: ¥28,000 (combined from multiple sources showing ¥25,000 base + additional components)

Construction Deposit (Refundable)

The construction deposit is refundable upon the child's departure from the school, subject to specific conditions

• Family Deposit: ¥40,000
• Corporate Deposit: ¥100,000

10. Shenzhen Senior High School International Division

This school is part of the Shenzhen Senior High School Group, which is one of the four best and most famous school groups in the city. It is special because it is a public school that offers top international programs. It mixes the best of Chinese and foreign education.

History & Background

The main high school started in 1997 and is a top school in China. The international part of the school is the first public school in the area to offer three of the world's most famous programs: IB, AP, and A-Level. This shows that the school is a leader in education.

Curriculum

The school offers many choices for students. They can pick the program that is best for them to help them get into universities all over the world. The three main programs are:

• IB Diploma: A program known all over the world that helps students think and ask questions.
• A-Level: A British program that is great for getting into universities in the UK and other countries.
• AP Courses: An American program that lets students take university-level classes in high school.

Learning Environment & Academic Outcomes

Because the school is part of a big, famous group, students can use the best facilities. This includes smart classrooms, new science labs, a big library, and great sports areas. There is no new information about where the students go to university.

Admission Information

We do not have the details for how to join for the 2025-2026 school year. However, we know that students who want to join must be very good at English and will need to pass a language test.

Tuition Fees

• School Fee

The main school fee is very low because it is a public school. It costs about 2,262 RMB for the whole year.

• Living at School Fee

All students must live at the school. The fee for living in the school's dormitory is about 900 RMB for the whole year.

11. Shenzhen College of International Education

Shenzhen College of International Education, or SCIE, is a very famous international high school in Shenzhen. Many people call it "Shen Guo Jiao." It is known as one of the best schools for helping students get into the top universities in the world, especially Oxford and Cambridge in the UK.

History & Background

The school started in 2003. It was the first full-time international high school in Shenzhen. It is approved by many important international groups like Cambridge and has won awards for being one of the best schools in China.

Curriculum

The school focuses on the British curriculum. Students study for IGCSE and A-Level exams. These programs are famous for being challenging and helping students get ready for university. The school also offers some American AP courses to give students more choices.

Learning Environment & Academic Outcomes

The school is most famous for its amazing student results. In 2023, its students received 47 offers from Oxford and Cambridge! Students also get into top universities in the United States, like the University of Chicago and Columbia University. This shows the school has a great learning environment.

Admission Information

It is very, very hard to get a spot at this school. Students who want to join must pass difficult entrance exams in math and English, and they also have an interview. 

Tuition Fees

The school fees for the 2025-2026 school year are:

• School Fee: 273,000 RMB per year.
• Living at School: 168,000 RMB per year (without weekends) or 198,000 RMB per year (with weekends).
• This price does not include exam fees or costs for school trips.

12. Maple Leaf International Academy Shenzhen

Maple Leaf International Academy in Shenzhen is part of a very large and famous school group in China called Maple Leaf. The school mixes the best of Chinese and Western learning. It is the best and most modern school in the Maple Leaf family and helps create future leaders.

History & Background

The main Maple Leaf school group started in 1995. This school in Shenzhen is the first one in Guangdong and opened in 2018. It uses the group's 20 years of experience to give students a first-class education.

Curriculum

The school has a special way of teaching for different ages.

• Primary School: Young students learn all the normal Chinese subjects but also have special English classes to make their English strong.
• Middle School: Students learn all the national subjects and get extra English help from both Chinese and foreign teachers.
• High School: Students learn the Maple Leaf World School Program and can take hard AP classes to get ready for top universities.

Learning Environment & Academic Outcomes

The school is big and modern with great places to learn and play. It has smart classrooms, a nice dining hall, and a library. There are many fun things to do after class. Students can join clubs for sports, art, and learning, like basketball, swimming, or robotics.

Admission Information

Who can join? The school takes students from primary school all the way to high school.

Class sizes: Classes are small, with only 20 to 25 students, so every child gets a lot of help.

How to join: Younger students need to take tests in Chinese, math, and English. For high school, students with very good exam scores can get in easily.

Tuition Fees

Here are the costs for the 2025-2026 school year:

• School Fee: 128,000 RMB per year for primary school, 134,400 RMB for middle school, and 158,400 RMB for high school.
• Living at School: 9,400 RMB to 12,000 RMB per year.
• Food: 50 RMB per day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Practical Guidance for International School Selection in Shenzhen

Choosing a school is a big decision. Think about what is most important for your family. Start by making a list of your needs. Then, you can compare schools to find the best one for your child's happiness and learning.

Make Your Must-Have List

First, decide what you must have. Do you want a British or American school? What is your budget? Does your child need to live at school? Do you want English-only classes or also Chinese? Knowing this helps you choose easily.

Look Closely at Each School

Look at where students go to university. It is very important to visit your top 3 to 5 schools. This helps you see the campus and feel the school's spirit. You can also talk to parents whose children already go there.

Plan for All the Costs

The school fee is not the only cost. You also need to pay for the school bus, uniforms, food, and trips. If you have more than one child, ask if the school gives a discount for brothers or sisters to save money.

Watch Out For the Red Flags

Be careful with schools that do not have international approval. If many teachers leave every year, it can be a bad sign. Also, be careful with very new schools that do not have a history of sending students to good universities.

Summing Up

Shenzhen has many wonderful international schools for every family. You can find international schools in Shenzhen with different prices and different ways of teaching.

Because Shenzhen has become such an important city, the best schools from around the world have come here. This means children from other countries can get an education that is just as good as, or even better than, the schools back in their home country.

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