Introduction
Shanghai Qibao Dwight High School (QDHS) is one of the hardest international high schools to get into in Shanghai. It is also one of the most respected. Since opening in 2014, QDHS has sent graduates to Cornell, Cambridge, Imperial College London, HKU, and more than 50 other top universities worldwide.
For families in ASEAN countries — Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Singapore — QDHS offers something rare. It combines a full IB Diploma Programme, a bilingual English-Mandarin environment, and genuine access to global university networks, all inside China's most international city.
This guide covers everything you need to make an informed decision: the curriculum, academic results, fees, boarding, admissions steps, and an honest assessment of whether QDHS is the right fit for your child.
QDHS is competitive, and the admissions timeline moves fast — especially from abroad. Alifa Education Services checks each school's real entry requirements, fees, and IB results, then matches your child to the right fit. Book a free consultation and skip months of guesswork.
Book a Free ConsultationWhat Is Shanghai Qibao Dwight High School?
QDHS is a Sino-American cooperative high school. It was built through a partnership between two institutions.
The first is Shanghai Qibao High School — one of Shanghai's oldest state schools, founded in 1947 and recognized as a top "demonstration school" by Shanghai's education authorities.
The second is Dwight School, New York — a prestigious private school with campuses in New York, London, Seoul, and Singapore. Dwight has offered the IB Diploma since 1972, making it one of the world's longest-running IB schools.
QDHS opened in September 2014 as China's first officially approved Sino-American cooperative high school. It was authorized by the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission and listed with China's Ministry of Education. The school is part of the Shanghai "21 Schools"—a group of 21 institutions approved by the government to deliver international curricula in Shanghai. This regulatory standing matters for ASEAN families: it confirms the school operates legally and under proper government oversight.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 3233 Hongxin Road, Minhang District, Shanghai |
| Nearest Metro | Line 9 — Xingzhong Road Station |
| Grades | Grade 10, 11, and 12 (students aged 15–18) |
| Enrolment | Approximately 600 students |
| Gender | Co-educational (boys and girls) |
| Boarding | Available — on-campus dormitory |
| Student-to-Teacher Ratio | Approximately 1:6 |
| Faculty Qualifications | 64% hold master's or doctoral degrees; all IB/A-Level teachers are subject-trained |
| IBO School Code | 050477 (authorized June 2015) |
Academic Programmes
The IB Diploma Programme — The Main Track
The IB Diploma (IBDP) is the school's flagship program. It is one of the most respected qualifications in the world and is accepted by universities in more than 100 countries — including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Japan.
QDHS offers 36 IB courses across the six subject groups. Students choose six subjects—three at the Higher Level (HL) and three at the Standard Level (SL).
| Group | Subjects Available at QDHS |
|---|---|
| 1 — Language & Literature | Chinese A: Literature; Chinese A: Language & Literature; English A: Language & Literature |
| 2 — Language Acquisition | English B; French B; Spanish B; Spanish ab initio; Japanese ab initio |
| 3 — Individuals & Societies | Business Management; Economics; Psychology; History; Global Politics; Philosophy; Environmental Systems & Societies |
| 4 — Sciences | Biology; Chemistry; Physics; Computer Science; Environmental Systems & Societies |
| 5 — Mathematics | Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches; Mathematics: Applications & Interpretation |
| 6 — Arts | Visual Arts; Music; Theatre; Film |
All IB students also complete three core requirements:
- Theory of Knowledge (TOK) — A course that explores how we know what we know. Assessed through an essay and an exhibition.
- Extended Essay (EE) — A 4,000-word independent research paper written under teacher supervision.
- Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) — 150 hours of real-world projects outside the classroom.
The Three-Year Academic Journey
| Grade | What Happens | Why It Matters for ASEAN Students |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 10 | Pre-IB bridging year. Students take foundation courses in English, mathematics, and science. IGCSE-style preparation is included. | This year is valuable for ASEAN students. It gives you one full year to improve English, adjust to Shanghai, and prepare for IB before the formal program begins. |
| Grade 11 | The full IB Diploma begins. Students choose their six subjects and start the three core requirements. | Subject choices at this stage shape university options. The college counseling team supports students in building a strong profile. |
| Grade 12 | IB examinations in May/June. University applications submitted from October onwards. | The final year. IB results determine university admission outcomes. |
The A-Level Track
In 2024, QDHS reopened its A-level program. The track was first introduced in 2018, then suspended, and has now been restarted. Students who choose the A-level path enter Grade 10 with this track in mind and study five subjects in Grades 11 and 12: mathematics, further mathematics, physics, chemistry, and economics.
This track suits students aiming primarily at UK universities or those who prefer a narrower, more focused academic approach. All A-Level students still study the four Chinese National Curriculum subjects in Mandarin.
Three Diplomas, One School
QDHS students who complete the full program can receive up to three qualifications:
- Shanghai Qibao Dwight High School graduation diploma — recognized locally in Shanghai
- Dwight School New York diploma — recognized by US institutions
- IB Diploma — the globally recognized qualification for university admission
For ASEAN families focused on overseas university pathways, the IB Diploma is the most important of the three.
Academic Results
IB Scores
QDHS has a strong IB track record. The school does not publish official annual mean score data publicly — its WeChat and website focus on university admission outcomes rather than raw score releases. The figures below are widely cited across Shanghai education media and consistently place QDHS well above the global IB average of approximately 30 out of 45.
| Year | QDHS IB Average (media-cited) | Global IB Average (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 37.5 / 45 | ~30 |
| 2021 | 39.3 / 45 | ~33 (pandemic-adjusted year) |
| 2022 | ~37.2 / 45 | ~30 |
From 2017 to 2022, eleven QDHS students achieved a perfect IB score of 45 out of 45—the highest mark possible in the IB Diploma Program.
University Outcomes
This is where QDHS stands out most clearly. The table below shows offer results for the last three graduating classes. One student can receive multiple offers — the totals show how many universities offered places, not just one per student.
| Graduating Year | Graduates | Total Offers (Countries) | % with Top 30 Offers | % with Top 50 Offers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class of 2025 | 167 | 909 offers from 8 countries | 60% | 86% |
| Class of 2024 | 170 | 939 offers from 9 countries | 54% | 81% |
| Class of 2023 | 189 | 740 offers from 8 countries | 54% | ~70% |
Notable university admissions in recent years:
United States
Cornell University, Duke University, Northwestern University, Brown University, UC Berkeley, UCLA, Carnegie Mellon University, NYU, USC, UNC Chapel Hill, University of Michigan
United Kingdom
University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, London School of Economics, University College London, University of Edinburgh, King's College London, University of Manchester
Hong Kong
HKU (28 admits in Class of 2025 alone), HKUST, CUHK, PolyU, CityU
Japan
University of Tokyo (Class of 2025 — a first for QDHS), Waseda University
Arts and Design
RISD, Pratt Institute, School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Australia and Canada
Strong results each year; University of Toronto, UBC, and Australian Group of Eight universities well represented
The school operates a dedicated university counseling team of six full-time counselors who begin working with students in Grade 10 — three full years before graduation. The counselor-to-student ratio is approximately 1:28, which is strong by any international school standard. Guidance covers course selection, university list building, personal statements, and application timelines for US, UK, Hong Kong, and Asian university systems.
Language at QDHS — English and Mandarin Together
Language is usually the first question for ASEAN parents. Here is exactly how it works.
Most academic classes are taught in English: sciences, mathematics, economics, business management, history, arts, and all IB core courses. Four Chinese national curriculum subjects—Chinese language, history, geography, and politics—are taught in Mandarin. Students must pass Shanghai high school examinations in these four subjects to earn the Shanghai high school diploma.
In practice, your child will spend most of their school day speaking, reading, and writing in English — while naturally maintaining and improving Mandarin through mandatory classes and daily campus life in Shanghai.
English Entry Requirements
To be exempt from the English written test during the admissions assessment, students need one of the following:
| Test | Minimum Score for Exemption |
|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.0 |
| TOEFL | 80 |
| Duolingo English Test | 115 |
Even with a qualifying score, all students must complete an English group interview as part of the admissions process. In practice, competitive applicants typically have an IELTS of 6.5 or above or a TOEFL of 90 or above.
The Mandarin Advantage for ASEAN Students
ASEAN families sometimes overlook this benefit. At QDHS, your child builds strong English for university admission—plus meaningful Mandarin exposure through mandatory classes and daily life in Shanghai. For ASEAN countries where China is a key trade and business partner, this combination has real long-term value. For Chinese-heritage students from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, or Vietnam, QDHS is also an opportunity to reconnect with language and identity.
Campus Life and Boarding
Daily Schedule
Academic classes run from approximately 8:00 to 15:30. Boarding students have supervised evening study from 18:00 to 21:00. Weekends are available for clubs, rest, and personal activities.
Boarding and Dormitory
On-campus boarding is available for Grade 10 to Grade 12 students. Room occupancy is assigned by grade level: Grade 12 students share 4 to a room, Grade 11 students share 5 to a room, and Grade 10 students share 6 to a room. The school deliberately gives senior students more space during their university application year. The annual boarding fee is RMB 5,600 — one of the most affordable boarding options among Shanghai's leading international schools.
Meals are buffet-style with both Chinese and Western options. Breakfast costs approximately RMB 15 per meal; lunch and dinner are approximately RMB 30 each. The campus has a two-story cafeteria. There is also a full-time school nurse on site.
Note: Some students have described dormitory facilities as basic rather than premium. If accommodation standards matter to your family, request a dormitory visit when you attend the campus open day.
Under Chinese education regulations, all minor international students — including those living in school dormitories — must have a designated guardian in mainland China. This guardian handles emergency decisions, school communications, and official consent on your behalf. A school dormitory does not replace this legal requirement. Alifa provides guardianship services built specifically for ASEAN families — from document-only arrangements to full-service support.
Find Out More →Extracurricular Activities
QDHS organizes more than 60 student clubs and activities, grouped into a thematic system called "Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth, and Wind." Some highlights:
FRC Robotics — Team 8015
In March 2023, Team 8015 won the Istanbul Regional Championship — the first mainland China team to win an FRC regional competition. The team qualified for the Houston World Championship. More than 30 students are on the team.
Music
The QDHS choir performs at Carnegie Hall in New York, Shanghai Concert Hall, and the London Choir Festival. Other music options include folk music ensemble, electronic music production, and ABRSM music theory preparation.
Sports
Football, basketball, volleyball, badminton, ultimate frisbee, squash, tennis, figure skating, touch rugby, American football, and cross-country running. QDHS is a member of the Shanghai Schools Sports Association.
Academic competitions
Model UN, competitive mathematics, physics and chemistry Olympiads, and English and Chinese debate teams.
Arts
Photography, printmaking, Black Box theater productions, visual arts, and film.
Community service
The Yunnan Volunteer Project sends students to rural Yunnan Province each year to support local schools and communities. This is one of QDHS's most recognized CAS traditions.
International Exchange Programs
Through the Dwight global network, Grade 10 students can apply for a semester-long exchange at Dwight New York, Dwight London, or Dwight Seoul. Global program participation includes the Dwight Sparkathon (a global innovation marathon), the GIN Luxembourg Forum (Global Issues Network), and the Seoul Model UN. Students also access Dwight Global online IB courses—including Philosophy and Film—which expand the subject menu beyond what is available on campus.
Campus Facilities
The campus covers 25,000 square meters in Minhang District. Facilities include 9 science laboratories, a STEAM classroom, an FRC robotics workshop, 4 dedicated art classrooms, a Black Box Theatre, a digital learning library, computer labs, two outdoor sports fields, an indoor gymnasium, and a two-story buffet cafeteria. Each student has a digital locker. The campus is served by Metro Line 9 at Xingzhong Road Station.
Tuition Fees and Costs: Full 2025 Breakdown
| Item | Cost (RMB) | Approx. USD |
|---|---|---|
| Annual tuition (per academic year) | 164,000 | ~22,600 |
| Annual boarding / dormitory | 5,600 | ~770 |
| Breakfast (per meal) | 15 | ~2 |
| Lunch or dinner (per meal) | 30 | ~4 |
USD amounts are approximate and depend on the exchange rate at the time of payment. The school states that tuition does not increase for a student once they enroll — a useful guarantee for families planning over three years.
Scholarships
QDHS offers five scholarship categories based on academic performance and school values. These are available to both Chinese and international students.
| Scholarship | Amount (RMB) | Key Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Board Chair Scholarship | 20,000 | Admission to Ivy League / Oxford / Cambridge, OR two consecutive years as QDHS Honor Student |
| QDHS Honor Scholarship | 10,000 | Academic ranking top 50% + strong embodiment of school values; teacher-recommended |
| All-Subject Excellence — 1st Prize | 10,000 | Top 3% of student body in comprehensive assessment |
| All-Subject Excellence — 2nd Prize | 6,000 | Top 10% |
| All-Subject Excellence — 3rd Prize | 2,000 | Top 20% |
| Outstanding New Student | 10,000 | Shanghai-source students only: high zhongkao entry score + first-year academic ranking top 30% |
Accreditations and Rankings
These credentials confirm the school's standing and are relevant when universities review applications from QDHS graduates.
- IBO (International Baccalaureate): Authorized since June 2015 — School Code 050477
- WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges): Full accreditation achieved 2021
- Cambridge CAIE: Authorized since 2018
- EARCOS (East Asia Regional Council of Schools): Member since November 2019
- ECIS (Educational Collaborative for International Schools): Member
- Shanghai “21 Schools”: One of only 21 government-approved international curriculum schools in Shanghai
- KingLead 2025: Rated 4A in China International School Competitiveness Rankings — US Direction
Admissions: Step-by-Step for ASEAN Students
QDHS accepts foreign passport holders as part of its international student intake. The process has three stages.
Submit Your Application Documents
Email the following to admissions@qibaodwight.org:
- Copy of student passport
- One passport-sized photograph
- Academic transcripts for the last 2 years — in English, or officially translated into English
- Two recommendation letters (at least one from a subject teacher)
- English proficiency score report: IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo
- Personal essay (~300 words): “Tell us about yourself and why QDHS”
Campus Assessment Day
Shortlisted students are invited to a campus experience day in Shanghai. The day includes:
- Mathematics written test — 60 minutes; no calculator; topics include algebra, geometry, probability, and trigonometry. A paper in English is available for non-Shanghai applicants.
- English written test — required unless you present a qualifying test score (IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 80 / Duolingo 115)
- Chinese group interview — tests communication and critical thinking in Mandarin
- English group interview — discussion or task-based format; tests communication and creative thinking in English
- Classroom activity observation
Application deadline: June 2025
Offer and Visa Support
Accepted students receive an official offer letter. International students can use this for their student visa application. The admissions team can provide a visa support letter on request.
Contact Admissions
| Contact | Details |
|---|---|
| admissions@qibaodwight.org | |
| Phone | +86 (21) 5485 5649 |
| Website | www.qibaodwight.org |
Coordinating translated transcripts, recommendation letters, and campus visits from outside China takes time — and small mistakes can cost your child a place. Alifa’s school placement team supports ASEAN families through every step: from first inquiry to enrollment confirmation.
Talk to an Advisor →Is QDHS the Right School? An Honest Assessment
QDHS is not the right fit for every student. Here is a clear picture.
QDHS Is Likely a Good Fit If Your Child:
- Is motivated and takes responsibility for their own learning — QDHS rewards self-directed students
- Has a working English level (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent as a starting point) or has a plan to reach this before Grade 10
- Is aiming for universities in the US, UK, Hong Kong, Australia, Canada, or Singapore
- Wants genuine Mandarin development alongside strong English instruction
- Is ready to live in a boarding environment away from family
- Values a high-achieving peer group — the QDHS student body is academically selective
Consider Other Options If:
- English is at beginner level and needs 2 or more years of dedicated development — the IB will be very difficult without strong English foundations
- Heavy academic workloads cause significant stress — the IB Diploma is demanding, and students at QDHS report long study hours
- Campus size is a priority — at 25,000 m², QDHS is smaller than many of Shanghai’s other top international schools
- Premium dormitory standards are important — some students describe the dorms as functional rather than comfortable
Frequently Asked Questions
What curriculum does Shanghai Qibao Dwight High School offer?
QDHS offers the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) as its main academic track, plus an A-Level program that was reopened in 2024. All students — on either track — also study four Chinese national curriculum subjects in Mandarin: Chinese language, history, geography, and politics.
How much is the tuition at Qibao Dwight High School?
Annual tuition is RMB 164,000, which is approximately USD 22,600. On-campus boarding is an additional RMB 5,600 per year. The school guarantees that tuition will not increase once a student is enrolled. Meals are pay-as-you-go at approximately RMB 15 for breakfast and RMB 30 for lunch or dinner.
Can international students board at Qibao Dwight?
Yes. On-campus dormitory boarding is available for Grade 10 to Grade 12 students. Room occupancy is assigned by grade: Grade 12 gets 4 students per room, Grade 11 gets 5, and Grade 10 gets 6 — senior students get more space during the university application year. International students living in the dormitory still need a legally designated guardian in mainland China under Chinese education regulations — this is separate from the school’s own staff.
What English level do students need to apply?
Students with IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 80, or Duolingo 115 or above are exempt from the English written test at admissions. All students must complete an English group interview regardless of their score. In practice, competitive applicants typically have IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90 or above.
Does Qibao Dwight accept students from ASEAN countries?
Yes. QDHS accepts foreign passport holders through a dedicated international admissions pathway. Students from any ASEAN country are eligible to apply. The school does not publish specific Southeast Asian student enrollment figures; contact the admissions office for current details.
What universities do Qibao Dwight graduates attend?
Recent graduates have received offers from Cornell, Duke, Northwestern, Brown, UC Berkeley, UCLA, Carnegie Mellon, Cambridge, Imperial College London, LSE, UCL, HKU (28 admits in 2025), HKUST, and the University of Tokyo. In 2025, 86% of graduates received offers from top 50 universities worldwide.
How do I apply to Qibao Dwight from outside China?
Submit your application documents by email to admissions@qibaodwight.org. Documents needed include the student passport, academic transcripts in English (or officially translated), two recommendation letters, an English proficiency test score, and a personal essay. Shortlisted students attend a campus assessment day in Shanghai. Open days run from March to June each year.
Does a student at Qibao Dwight need a guardian in Shanghai?
Yes. Under Chinese education regulations, all minor international students — including those in school dormitories — must have a designated guardian in mainland China. The guardian is responsible for emergency medical consent, school communication, and official notifications. This is a legal requirement. Alifa provides guardianship services tailored for ASEAN families with students in Shanghai.
Submit an inquiry, and an Alifa education advisor will follow up within one business day. Free consultation for ASEAN families.
Enquire Now →
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