As the forces linked to globalization gather speed and strength, the international schools sector is becoming more significant. The changing migratory patterns have increased the demand from mobile families, the dominance of English in labor markets, the realization of benefits linked to international education, and international communications. These factors will continue to strengthen the demand for international schools, particularly among the families who intend to offer their kids the type of education delivered by these institutions.
Choosing the right school for your children is pivotal in shaping their future, as education assumes an essential part of the career growth of the kids. Most international learning institutions have a reputation that steams ahead of other schools in your home country, have small classes, and offer culturally immersive curriculums. And this makes these institutions an excellent option for learners seeking high-quality education.
The cost of sending your kid to an international school varies significantly depending on factors such as location. Thus, it’s essential to compare the cost of education services offered by different institutions worldwide.
The numbers vary
Based on the cost of education for a six-year-old, Shanghai (China) is the most expensive city among the 25 regions (globally) assessed by the International Schools Database (ISD). The average monthly fees in Shanghai is €2,553 ($2,783). In comparison, at St Andrew’s College in Booterstown (Co Dublin) charges €690 ($750) monthly for a junior school pupil. This institution is accredited by the Council of International Schools.
Zurich ($2,057) ranks second, Geneva ($1,863) ranks third, and Lausanne ($1,813) ranks fourth in terms of the average monthly fees for education. According to ISD, Switzerland is the most expensive country globally in which you can send your six-year-old kid to an international school.
On the other hand, there are international schools that offer quality services at an affordable price. If you intend to send your kid to an international school or planning to move, some of the affordable options include Copenhagen where the average monthly fees are ($345), Capetown ($319), Kuala Lumpur ($492), Amsterdam ($495), and Riyadh ($411).
Europe
If you intend to relocate to the United Kingdom, you need to think about the increasing annual cost of education services offered in international schools. Currently, the average yearly cost is £27,316. This makes the country the eight most expensive region worldwide for international school services. Compared to the Republic of Ireland with an annual fee of £8,965, the UK is £18,351 more expensive.
Belgium is the most expensive location for international schooling in Europe. The average yearly fees are £31,331, even though the annual fees in some European countries has reduced. However, you can still find affordable international schooling services in countries such as Germany (£17,882) annually and Portugal (£17,883) yearly.
Some of the largest international schools in Russia were closed recently, and this has led to a significant increase in annual average fees. For instance, the yearly fees increased by £2,289 in 2017 to £19,534 in 2018. As of that period, the worsening relations between Europe and Russia led to many Europeans working in international learning institutions being denied visas. This led to the closure of many facilities, including the famous Anglo-American School based in St. Petersburg.
Asia
The average annual fees in Asian international schools have been increasing for quite some time. China tops the list of the most expensive international schooling, with the average annual fees being £33,233. This figure is £949 higher than the yearly cost of similar education services in the United States.
There has been an increasing demand for what’s being referred to as high quality ‘English education’ in most Asian countries. For instance, the annual fees in Myanmar increased by £2,289 to £18,520 within a years. The annual cost of international schooling in Vietnam is £22,323, Indonesia (£22,500), and Thailand (£21,753). Studies show that these costs change by an average of £3,038 yearly.
The United States
Generally, a stronger dollar against the British pound means that US parents are likely to pay an average fee of £32,284. Second to China, the cost of international schooling in the United States is expected to increase over the next years as the US dollar continues to grow stronger than the Chinese yuan. Besides, the fees in private learning institutions in the United States have been steadily increasing in the past few years, and this trend isn’t showing any signs of slowing down.
Israel
The average annual cost for international schooling in Israel is £26,376, making it the most expensive country in the Middle East region for international schooling services. Indeed, these services are £8,698 more expensive compared to similar services in the UAE, where the average annual fees are £17,678. Conversely, the most affordable international schools in this region, are found in Bahrain. Here, you are expected to pay £10,373 annually.
Singapore
Singapore has an enviable reputation as a prosperous business hub. This has attracted a huge number of professionals from different countries globally. Thus, many international learning facilities have been established in the country to cater to the educational needs of these families.
If you recently moved to Singapore or intend to send your child to an international school in this country, you can choose from more than 50 learning institutions offering unique curricula, culture exposure, and sports & arts programs. Remember, the cost of these services vary depending on the individual learning institutions, the level of education, and other factors. So, you should check these issues before you get your child enrolled in international schools in Singapore.
Wrap up
Nowadays, more than ever, making sure your kids get international education is a great gift you can offer them. Our learners today will be the key decision-makers in the future, and it’s best to ensure they are active citizens in tomorrow’s world. Is there a better way to achieve compared to sending a child to an accredited international school?
Be sure to compare the fees in various international schools globally, and choose an institution that best suits your child’s education needs.
