Educational guide displaying the Top 9 Nanjing International Schools guide with city skyline aerial view.
Educational guide displaying the Top 9 Nanjing International Schools guide with city skyline aerial view.

Top 09 Nanjing International Schools: Which One Should You Choose?

Find your ideal international school in Nanjing! Explore top-rated options featuring excellent teachers, diverse student bodies, and outstanding facilities.

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13 minutes read

Nanjing International Schools give good education to kids from many countries. The schools are in Nanjing, China, and classes are in English. They have programs like IB. The schools have nice places like sports fields and theaters. 

Teachers come from different countries. Kids can make friends from many cultures and get ready for world universities. The schools cost a lot, but they give special learning. Many families choose them for good and diverse education in the city.

Here we shared the top 09 international schools in Nanjing.

What are the Top 09 Nanjing International Schools?

Nanjing’s international schools have public international departments, private bilingual schools, and expatriate-focused institutions. Curricula include IB, A-level, AP, and OSSD programs, with fees ranging from ¥60,000 to ¥250,000 annually. 

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01. Nanjing International School

Founding and History

NIS started in 1992. It is the first and oldest international school in Nanjing. The school is a non-profit and has been fully approved by the Chinese Ministry of Education. 

It is an IB World School offering the full Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme.

Aerial view of Nanjing International School campus with students gathered for outdoor event.
Aerial view of Nanjing International School campus with students gathered for outdoor event.

Student Body and Faculty

The school welcomes children aged 3–18 from many countries. It has a multicultural setting with both local and foreign faculty. 

Teacher-Student Ratios are low, and the Max Class Size is 20 in primary. Teachers do regular Professional Development to improve learning.

Curriculum and Accreditation

NIS offers the IB system. It includes the Primary Years Programme, MYP, and DP. The school also uses Student Voice and Student Choice in learning. The Assessment and Reporting Authority fully recognises the curriculum.

Campus and Facilities

The campus is modern, and digital transformation is strong. It has sports fields, libraries, labs, and creative spaces. Student Portfolios are part of learning.

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Community and Mission

The School Community is inclusive. It values academic excellence, respect, and teamwork. It wants every child to be ready for global life.

Location and Accessibility

NIS is in Xianlin University Town. It is near main roads and easy to reach by school bus.

Admission Fee

  • Application fee: RMB 2,500; $350
  • Deposit: RMB 12,000 (refundable); $1683
  • Enrollment fee: RMB 10,000; $1402

Admission Requirements

Only foreign passport holders may join. Parents must give passports, visas, and residence permits. Admission is based on a holistic review and a family meeting.

Extracurricular Activities

There are over 150 choices. Sports, music, art, and the Model United Nations are popular. Gardening, coding, and service clubs also run all year.

02. The British School of Nanjing - BNS

Founding and History

BSN was founded in 2007. It is part of Nord Anglia Education and follows the British National Curriculum. The Chinese Ministry of Education recognises the school.

Aerial view of the British School of Nanjing campus with sports fields and buildings.
Aerial view of the British School of Nanjing campus with sports fields and buildings.

Student Body and Faculty

It welcomes students aged 2–18. The School Community has children from many countries. 

Foreign faculty and local teachers work together. Teacher-Student Ratios are low, and the Max Class Size is 20. Teachers join Professional Development to keep teaching strong.

Curriculum and Accreditation

The school offers the English National Curriculum, IGCSE, and A-levels. Students are encouraged to use Student Voice and Student Choice. The Assessment and Reporting Authority reviews the curriculum.

Campus and Facilities

The campus has sports fields, science labs, art rooms, and music halls. Digital transformation is used in daily learning.

Community and Mission

BSN values academic excellence and care. The Global Campus links students to other Nord Anglia schools worldwide.

Location and Accessibility

Located in Jiangning District. School buses cover main routes.

Admission Fee

  • Application fee: RMB 2,500; $350
  • Refundable deposit: RMB 12,000; $1683
  • Enrollment fee: RMB 10,000; $1402

Admission Requirements

Open to expatriate children. Families must provide passports, visas, and local permits. Students need English skills for grade-level study.

Extracurricular Activities

Sports teams, drama, music, and cultural events are active. Students can join clubs like coding, debate, and arts.

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03. EtonHouse International School Nanjing- EtonHouse Nanjing

Founding and History

EtonHouse is part of a Singapore group. It opened in Nanjing over 15 years ago. It is an IB World School and a Cambridge Assessment Education centre.

EtonHouse International School Nanjing campus featuring colorful playground equipment and modern urban buildings.
EtonHouse International School Nanjing campus featuring colorful playground equipment and modern urban buildings.

Student Body and Faculty

Children aged 2–18 can join. The School Community is multicultural. Teacher-Student Ratios are small, with a maximum class Size of 20 in kindergarten and 24 in higher grades. Teachers do Professional Development each year.

Curriculum and Accreditation

The school follows the British National Curriculum with IB Primary Years Programme and Cambridge courses. The Assessment and Reporting Authority approves its standards. Student Voice and Student Choice are part of learning.

Campus and Facilities

The campus has play areas, labs, and art spaces. Digital transformation supports Student Portfolios and creative learning.

Community and Mission

The mission is to build confidence and academic excellence. The school values care, respect, and global thinking.

Location and Accessibility

The school is in Jianye District. It is easy to reach by school bus.

Admission Fee

  • Varies by grade. Families may ask for complete details.

Admission Requirements

Assessment is age-appropriate. Parents must provide passports, permits, and records.

Extracurricular Activities

Sports, music, languages (Chinese, French, Korean), and arts are offered. Students also join clubs for science, drama, and service.

04. BASIS International School Nanjing-BASIS Nanjing

Founding and History

Opened in 2019, BASIS is part of a US group of schools. It offers strong academics and is approved by the Chinese Ministry of Education.

Front view of BASIS International School Nanjing campus showing contemporary architecture and entrance.
Front view of BASIS International School Nanjing campus showing contemporary architecture and entrance.

Student Body and Faculty

The school has space for 1,200 students, Pre-K to Grade 12. Max Class Size is small, with foreign faculty and trained local staff. Teacher-student ratios are low. Professional Development is given to staff.

Curriculum and Accreditation

BASIS uses its own US-based curriculum with Advanced Placement. The Assessment and Reporting Authority approves the programme. Students use Student Portfolios to track progress.

Campus and Facilities

Located in Qixia University Town. The campus has modern labs, sports halls, and boarding houses for older grades. Digital transformation is part of learning.

Community and Mission

The School Community values academic excellence and hard work. Student Voice and Student Choice are encouraged.

Location and Accessibility

School buses run across Nanjing. Boarding is for Grades 5–12.

Admission Fee

  • About RMB 200,000 per year; $28050 per year 

Admission Requirements

All students take an academic review. Families need to provide passports and permits.

Extracurricular Activities

STEM clubs, arts, sports, and student government are popular. Competitions in maths and science are strong.

05. Wycombe Abbey School Nanjing-WAS Nanjing

Founding and History

The school opened in 2019 in Tangshan, Jiangning. It is linked to Wycombe Abbey, UK. It follows the Chinese and British National Curriculum.

Wycombe Abbey School Nanjing campus featuring traditional brick architecture with arched windows and towers.
Wycombe Abbey School Nanjing campus featuring traditional brick architecture with arched windows and towers.

Student Body and Faculty

Covers students aged 2–18. A multicultural setting with foreign faculty and Chinese teachers. Teacher-student ratios are low, and the maximum class size is limited. Staff get Professional Development often.

Curriculum and Accreditation

The school offers the English National Curriculum, IGCSE, and A-levels. It blends Chinese standards with IB-style methods. The Assessment and Reporting Authority confirms quality.

Campus and Facilities

It covers 20 acres and has modern buildings, sports fields, and art studios. Digital transformation is in use.

Community and Mission

It values holistic growth and academic excellence. The School Community supports Student Voice and Student Choice.

Location and Accessibility

Located in Tangshan. Boarding and bus services are offered.

Admission Fee

  • Varies by grade. Families can request full details.

Admission Requirements

Students must meet English level needs and provide the required papers.

Extracurricular Activities

Sports, arts, drama, music, and service clubs are active.

06. Nanjing Foreign Language School-NFLS

Founding and History

Founded in 2002, it was among the first public international departments in Jiangsu Province. Over two decades, it has built a reputation for rigorous academics and strong language programmes.

Nanjing Foreign Language School entrance with modern multi-story buildings and flagpoles in courtyard.
Nanjing Foreign Language School entrance with modern multi-story buildings and flagpoles in courtyard.

Student Body and Faculty

The department maintains a small-class model. In 2025, a new Southern New City campus was added, with a student–teacher ratio 5:1, ensuring personalised learning.

Curriculum and Accreditation

It offers IB, A-level, and Sino-Canadian BC programmes, catering to varied academic goals and international university pathways.

Campus and Facilities

The new Southern New City campus opened in 2025, designed for small-class teaching and modern academic facilities.

Community and Mission

Known for language excellence, it consistently supports students reaching prestigious global universities.

Location and Accessibility

Located in Nanjing, with expansion into the Southern New City.

Admission Fee

  • China-Canada: RMB 30,000 or $4207 (each term, plus extra costs.
  • Cambridge: RMB 30,000 or $4207 Grade 10, RMB 35,000 or $4908 Grades 11–12.
  • IBDP: RMB 42,000 or $5890 each term, exam and books included.
  • Dorm fee: RMB 12,000 or $1683 yearly, with room and utilities.

Admission Requirements

  • Students need a high exam score and an English score of 95+.
  • Some programs need English tests on campus.
  • Seats: Canada 80, Cambridge 50, IBDP 50.

Extracurricular Activities

  • Students join fairs and contests in science, math, and more.
  • Music, drama, and art shows happen throughout the year.
  • Kids do service work and join global school events.
  • Over 50 clubs, like robotics and student groups.

07. International Department of Jinling High School Hexi Campus

Founding and History

Founded in 2008 with the A-level programme and in 2012 with AP, this public-affiliated branch is recognised for integrating international curricula with modern research opportunities.

International Department of Jinling High School Hexi Campus with landscaped gardens and flowers.
International Department of Jinling High School Hexi Campus with landscaped gardens and flowers.

Student Body and Faculty

Details on student numbers and faculty ratio are not provided.

Curriculum and Accreditation

It offers A-level, AP, and Canadian OSSD programmes. Emphasis is placed on STEM and arts integration, including robotics.

Campus and Facilities

Equipped with a robotics laboratory and, from 2024, an “Interdisciplinary Research Project” exploring AI and environmental themes.

Community and Mission

Its mission highlights the combination of arts and science, with students encouraged to pursue multidisciplinary learning.

Location and Accessibility

Located in Nanjing, it is a branch of Jinling High School.

Admission Fee

Total tuition over three years is approximately RMB 200,000, paid by semester (annual fees vary slightly by program).

  • ​​Cambridge Program​​: ~RMB 50,000/year or $7012/year for Grade 10; ~RMB 65,000/year or $9116/year for Grades 11–12.
  • ​​China-US Program​​: ~RMB 68,000/year or $9537/year.

Admission Requirements

​​Target Students​​: Current junior high school graduates from Nanjing with Nanjing student status.

  • Candidates must meet the minimum admission scores for international programs (recently, approximately 597–627 for the Cambridge Program and 613–627 for the China-US Program), with an English score of at least 95.
  • Admission is determined by high school entrance exam rankings, with no additional entrance exams required. 
  • First-batch volunteer application is mandatory (admission codes: China-US Program 1048; Cambridge Program 1049).

Extracurricular Activities

​​Academic Competitions​​

  • International subject contests (e.g., AMC, Physics Bowl, UKChO).

​​Clubs​​

  • ​​STEM​​: VEX Robotics Club, Space City Club (STEM projects), Computer Science Club.
  • ​​Humanities & Arts​​: Drama Club, Literature & Calligraphy Club, Photography Club.
  • ​​Sports​​: American Football Club (Nanjing’s first high school team), Basketball Club, Flower Arrangement Club

08. RGS Guildford Nanjing-RGSG Nanjing

Founding and History

RGS Guildford Nanjing is the China branch of the Royal Grammar School, UK. It is located in Pukou District and provides twelve-year continuous education. The school emphasises science, technology, and arts, offering international courses.

RGS Guildford Nanjing campus entrance featuring modern white buildings with curved architectural design elements.
RGS Guildford Nanjing campus entrance featuring modern white buildings with curved architectural design elements.

Student Body and Faculty

The school has a diverse student body. About 95% of foreign teachers come from the UK, most with PGCE and QTS certificates, bringing strong teaching experience.

Curriculum and Accreditation

It offers A-Level and IB programmes, with a strong STEAM focus. Many graduates enter top 30 global universities, including Cambridge and LSE.

Campus and Facilities

The campus is modern, with labs, arts spaces, and facilities for science and technology learning.

Community and Mission

The school aims to combine UK academic strength with Chinese culture, preparing students for global education pathways.

Location and Accessibility

Located in Pukou District, Nanjing, it is accessible by city transport.

Admission Fee

Tuition ranges from RMB 120,000 to 170,000 per year or $16830 - $23843 per year .

Admission Requirements

No Hukou restrictions. Basic English required. Entrance is mainly interview-based.

Extracurricular Activities

Students join academic, arts, and leadership activities, with unique programmes like the Oxford Cambridge Mentor Program.

09. Nanjing Thomas School

Founding and History

Thomas School Nanjing, formerly Nanjing Thomas Experimental School, is a private international school located in Jiangbei New District. It offers K-12 education with a focus on science and technology.

Student Body and Faculty

The school has both local and international students. Teachers include both Chinese and foreign staff with professional backgrounds in STEM education.

Curriculum and Accreditation

It provides a blended curriculum, combining Chinese and international courses. Students can study AP and STEM-focused programmes, with emphasis on project-based learning.

Campus and Facilities

The campus includes modern classrooms, science labs, and technology-focused facilities, supporting innovation and practical learning.

Community and Mission

The mission is to nurture innovative, global-minded students by combining international teaching with local strengths in science and technology.

Location and Accessibility

Located in the Jiangbei New District, with access to Nanjing’s growing infrastructure.

Admission Fee

Annual tuition ranges from RMB 120,000 to 160,000 or $16883 - $22440 depending on grade.

Admission Requirements

No Hukou or nationality restrictions. Requires English ability. Admission includes interviews and tests in Math (Chinese) and English. Zhongkao scores must meet the school line.

Extracurricular Activities

The school offers science and tech clubs, robotics, arts, and social practice activities. Students are encouraged to join competitions and innovation projects.

Are Nanjing International Schools Worth It?

Nanjing, a city in China, has many international schools for kids from other countries. These schools teach in English and offer special programs. 

But are they worth the cost and effort? 

Let’s look at what makes these schools good, their challenges, and if they are a good choice for families.

Nanjing International Schools Benefits

Visual guide showing Nanjing International School's benefits.
Visual guide showing Nanjing International School's benefits.

Great Education 

International schools in Nanjing, like Nanjing International School (NIS), teach programs like the International Baccalaureate (IB). This helps kids learn in a fun, hands-on way. 

They get ready for top universities around the world. For example, NIS is the oldest IB school in China and strongly focuses on helping kids grow smart and kind.

Diverse Friends

These schools have kids from over 30 countries. This means your child can make friends from different places and learn about other cultures. It’s like a mini-world in one school!

Amazing Buildings and Activities 

The schools have cool stuff like big sports fields, swimming pools, and theaters. NIS has a FIFA-approved football field and a 540-seat theater for plays and music. Kids can try sports, art, and even take trips to learn about China.

Teachers Who Care

Teachers at these schools are from many countries and are well-trained. They help kids feel safe and learn in their own way. For example, NIS has 85 foreign teachers from 22 countries.

Nanjing International Schools Challenges

  • High Cost: These schools can be expensive. Tuition at NIS ranges from 147,400 to 193,200 RMB per year (about $20,000-$27,000 USD). This might be hard for some families to pay for.
  • Only for Foreign Kids: Most international schools in Nanjing, like NIS, only accept kids with foreign passports. This means local Chinese kids can’t join, which might limit some friendships.
  • Far from City Center: Some schools, like NIS, are in Xianlin University City, a bit far from downtown Nanjing. It might take time to travel there, but the area has parks and restaurants nearby.

So, Are They Worth It?

Good for Global Kids

These schools are excellent if your family moves a lot or wants a global education. They teach in English, offer programs like IB, and help kids get into top colleges. 

For example, BASIS International School Nanjing had all its first graduates accepted to the top 50 US universities.

Helps Kids Grow

These schools focus on more than just books. They teach kids to be creative, kind, and ready for the world. NIS won an award in 2020 for its “Student Voice and Choice” program, which lets kids help decide how they learn.

Think About Your Family

Nanjing international schools are worth it if you can afford the cost and want your child to learn with kids from all over. 

But if the price is too high or you want a school closer to downtown, you might look at other options, like international-style schools that accept local kids, too.

Conclusion

Nanjing international schools, like NIS and Nanjing Thomas School, offer excellent education, fun activities, and a chance to meet kids from many countries. They have awesome buildings and caring teachers. 

But they can be expensive and are only for foreign kids. If your family wants a global education and can pay the fees, these schools are a good choice. Consider what’s best for your child and visit the schools to decide!

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