If you're relocating to Indonesia with your kids, finding the right school is a huge deal. The good news is that Indonesia (Jakarta in particular) has a very well-developed international school scene, with options for a wide range of curricula, ages, and budgets. The less good news? It can be quite expensive, and navigating the regulations, admission processes, and school names (more on that shortly) requires a lot of patience! This guide covers everything you need to know.
The international school landscape in Indonesia
According to the Ministry of Education and Culture in Indonesia, the number of international schools in the country has grown rapidly over the past decade, increasing by over 40%. Most international schools in Indonesia are located in Jakarta due to it being the capital and home to the largest expat community. However, you will also find some very strong institutions in Bali, Surabaya, Medan, and Bandung.
There are currently around 143 international schools spread across seven cities in Indonesia. At the moment, Jakarta accounts for the majority of these, with over 70 schools offering more than 500 study programs. The sector caters primarily to expat families, though a growing number of Indonesian families are also looking at international education for their children.
Most expat parents living in Indonesia prefer these international schools. While they can be pricey, they allow expat children to continue with a familiar curriculum in their home language. If you're looking at moving again after living in Indonesia, then it's this continuity of education that tends to be the deciding factor.
Laws and regulations for international schools in Indonesia
Before diving into your school search, there is one piece of Indonesian regulation that's worth knowing.
In 2015, the Indonesian government determined that international schools not run by embassies could no longer use the word "international" in their names. So this means that many well-known institutions have quietly rebranded in recent years, and you might find that the school you've been recommended doesn't appear to be an international school at a glance. Don't be put off – they still are!
Nowadays, the Indonesian government gives the designation SPK (Satuan Pendidikan Kerjasama, or Collaborative Education Unit) to international schools that are not run by actual embassies. So when you see SPK attached to a school name, that's how you know that it operates under the same framework as what was previously called an "international school."
Those same 2015 reforms also introduced some other requirements: higher qualification requirements for teachers and staff, a rule forbidding foreign stakeholders from owning more than 49% of an international school, and compulsory Indonesian language and culture lessons for all students. All international schools in Indonesia also have to have a direct link with overseas schools or education authorities.
Indonesian private schools also accept expat children, and these schools are usually a bit more affordable. These are a useful alternative to international schools for expats who work for companies that perhaps don't cover education fees. Meanwhile, the fully international SPK schools are primarily designed for foreign nationals, though many also accept a proportion of Indonesian students.
It's worth noting that a minimum of 1 year of Indonesian language study is required for a child to graduate from any high school in the country, whether at a private, public, or international school. No formal subject testing actually takes place in the Indonesian language, but it is a requirement, and basic efficiency will be expected. It's something that most international schools just fit naturally into their curriculum.
Curricula and school types in Indonesia
You'll find international schools with British, American, Australian, or International Baccalaureate (IB) curricula across Indonesia. Some schools offer more than one pathway, and a few institutions will actually combine their home-country curriculum with the IB Diploma at sixth-form level. Here's a quick breakdown of what each means in practice:
International Baccalaureate (IB): The IB is a globally recognized qualification and one of the most widely offered programs across Indonesia's international schools. You've probably heard of it before. It's available at multiple levels, including the Primary Years Program (PYP), the Middle Years Program (MYP), and the IB Diploma at the upper secondary level. It's very well suited to families who move frequently between countries, because IB qualifications are accepted by universities worldwide.
British curriculum (IGCSE/A-Level): Over half of Jakarta's international schools are British-oriented. Schools following the English National Curriculum will lead students through IGCSEs at age 16, followed by A-Levels or the IB Diploma. Around 240 schools in Indonesia now offer Cambridge programs, making this the most widely available international curriculum in the country.
American curriculum: Around one-fifth of Jakarta's international schools are US-oriented. These schools follow an American-style program, often incorporating Advanced Placement (AP) courses at the senior level, usually awarding a US High School Diploma.
Australian curriculum: A smaller but well-regarded option, Australia's nearest neighbor is Indonesia, and so you'll find that the Australian curriculum is offered by several schools across Jakarta and Bali. Australian curriculum schools in Indonesia are accredited by Australian state education bodies, giving their qualifications full international standing.
French curriculum: Delivered through schools affiliated with the Agence pour l'Enseignement Français à l'Étranger (AEFE), the French curriculum leads students to the Baccalauréat at the end of upper secondary school. The French Baccalauréat is rigorous and internationally recognized, making it the natural choice for French-speaking families. In Indonesia, French curriculum schools are primarily found in Jakarta.
Other curricula: There are also schools following German, Japanese, Korean, and other national curricula, catering to those very specific expat communities.
The cost of education in Indonesia
This is where you'll need to do your homework carefully, because the cost of international education in Indonesia can really vary! Be aware that the headline tuition figure you see on the website or brochure is rarely going to be the full picture.
Annual tuition can range from USD 8,000 to over USD 25,000, depending on grade and institution. For example, at the very top end of the market, elite institutions in Jakarta ask for fees that rival some European private schools. There are other costs that you'll need to budget for, too:
- Application fee: There's usually a one-time, non-refundable fee, around IDR 2–5 million (approximately USD 125–320).
- Enrollment or registration fee: This is paid when a child is accepted, ranging from IDR 20–50 million (approximately USD 1,250–3,200).
- Capital development fee: This is an extra fee to support facilities, ranging from IDR 20–80 million (approximately USD 1,250–5,100), which will sometimes be billed annually.
- Uniforms and books: This will cost roughly IDR 5–15 million per year (USD 300–950).
- School transport: It depends on the distance, but school buses cost around IDR 10–25 million per year (USD 650–1,600).
- Lunch programs and extracurriculars: These activities can add a significant amount on top, so factor them into your budget from the outset.
Exam fees (IB, IGCSE, AP) are usually charged separately as well, so you should ask about these in advance when your child is approaching examination years.
Fortunately, many expat job packages include education allowances, so it's worth checking whether your company will cover tuition. This is actually quite common in multinational corporations, diplomatic postings, and NGO roles. If your employer offers an education allowance but the school of your choice exceeds it, some schools will potentially offer some sort of payment plan. It's always worth asking.
The admission process in international schools in Indonesia
The admission process at Indonesian international schools follows a similar pattern across most institutions, though the specifics will sometimes vary.
Enrollment in most Indonesian schools begins in April each year, with courses for July admission. However, many schools do just admit students on a rolling basis throughout the year if places are available, so don't be discouraged if you're arriving mid-year!
Common requirements at the application stage include academic records and transcripts from the child's previous school, a copy of the family's residence documents (that's your KITAS or KITAP), some proof of the parents' employment or sponsorship in Indonesia, and, for your older children, sometimes an entry assessment or interview. Some schools also require proof of English language proficiency if it's not the child's first language.
Waiting lists are a genuine concern, particularly in Jakarta. The most sought-after schools can have waiting lists of a year or more for certain year groups, so it's best you begin your school search and submit applications well before your move date. If you know your destination city in advance, that's really going to help you out here. Contact schools directly, even while still in your home country.
International schools in Jakarta
Jakarta is by far the best city for international schools in Indonesia, with over 70 institutions to choose from. Below, we've highlighted some of the most established and consistently well-regarded names in the expat community:
Jakarta Intercultural School (JIS)
Jakarta Intercultural School was founded by UN workers in 1951, making it one of the oldest and most established international schools in the country. It offers an American-based curriculum alongside the IB Diploma, and its student body represents over 60 nationalities. Tuition at JIS ranges from approximately USD 22,000–30,000 per year, depending on the grade, sitting firmly at the premium end of the market.
British School Jakarta (BSJ)
Located in the Bintaro district of South Jakarta, BSJ offers the English National Curriculum from early years through to the IB Diploma at sixth form. Tuition at BSJ ranges from USD 17,000 to 26,000 per year. The campus is large and well-resourced, with strong extracurricular provision.
Nord Anglia School Jakarta (NAS Jakarta)
Part of the global Nord Anglia Education group, NAS Jakarta offers the English National Curriculum supplemented by the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). It caters to children all the way from 18 months to 12 years and has built a really strong reputation for its nurturing environment and modern facilities in the Cilandak area of South Jakarta.
Australian Independent School Indonesia (AIS)
AIS offers a world-class Australian curriculum from preschool to Year 12, with the IB Diploma also available. It has multiple campuses across Jakarta, making it a practical option depending on which part of the city you're based in. According to other expat parents, AIS is very well regarded for its inclusive ethos and community feel.
Sekolah Pelita Harapan (SPH)
SPH is a group of schools operating across the greater Jakarta area, offering both IB and Cambridge programs. It's one of the larger school networks in the country and is popular with both expats and Indonesian families seeking an internationally recognized education.
North Jakarta Intercultural School (NJIS)
Located in the Kelapa Gading district of North Jakarta, NJIS is a smaller, more community-oriented institution. It's a great alternative – fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and following quite a liberal arts approach to learning. This makes it a good fit for families who prefer a less pressured, more holistic environment.
French School Jakarta (FSJ)
Accredited by the Agence pour l'Enseignement Français à l'Étranger (AEFE), French School Jakarta offers the French national curriculum from age two through to the Baccalauréat. The school welcomes students of all nationalities, and around 45 are currently represented! It has a strong language support program for non-French speakers. Tuition ranges from approximately IDR 167,000,000 to IDR 263,000,000 per year, depending on the grade level, making it a fair bit more affordable than many of Jakarta's other international schools. Its bilingual French-English environment makes it an appealing option beyond just French-speaking expat families.
International schools in Bali
Unsurprisingly, Bali has a very different expat demographic from Jakarta, with a strong mix of digital nomads, long-term lifestyle expats, and families drawn by the island's quality of life. Its international school scene tends to reflect this. While the options are fewer than in Jakarta, the quality is really high, and in general, Bali's schools tend to have a more relaxed, community atmosphere.
Bali Island School
One of Bali's most established international schools, Bali Island Schools, offers the IB curriculum from early years all the way through to the IB Diploma. Tuition ranges between USD 8,000 and 18,000 per year, making it far more affordable than some of Jakarta's top-tier institutions.
Australian Independent School Bali (AIS Bali)
The Bali campus of AIS offers the same Australian curriculum and IB Diploma as its Jakarta counterparts, from preschool to Year 12. It's based in Denpasar and is well regarded for its welcoming, inclusive community.
British School of Bali
This is a smaller institution offering the British curriculum for students aged 2 to 11. It's particularly popular with younger expat families who are looking for a nurturing early years and primary experience, before potentially moving on to a larger school for secondary.
International schools in other cities
Outside Jakarta and Bali, the options tend to thin out considerably, but they do exist, especially in other big cities such as Surabaya and Bandung.
Surabaya
Surabaya is Indonesia's second city and has a modest but respectable international school offering. Surabaya Intercultural School provides an American curriculum that incorporates AP courses and the IB Diploma, and is known for its strong community spirit. Annual tuition averages around USD 10,000–15,000. Ciputra World School is another respected option in the city, following the IB curriculum with a notable focus on entrepreneurship.
Bandung
Bandung Alliance International School (BAIS) is a fully accredited, non-profit institution in Bandung's Kota Baru Parahyangan area, offering an American-based curriculum from preschool to Grade 12. Founded in 1956, it's one of Indonesia's longer-standing international schools outside the capital. Bandung Independent School is another option worth looking at if you are based in the city.
Elsewhere
For expats relocating to cities such as Medan, Yogyakarta, or Makassar, international school options are very limited. In these locations, it's really important to research your schooling options before accepting a job posting, as you may find that your nearest suitable school requires boarding arrangements or a significant commute!
Tips for choosing the right school
With so many variables to consider, here are a few practical pointers to help you make the right call:
Start early. The most popular schools in Jakarta fill up quickly, and waiting lists can stretch to a year or more in certain year groups. If you know your destination, make contact with schools as early as possible…ideally before you have even arrived in Indonesia!
Think about continuity. If your family is likely to move again after Indonesia, consider which curriculum will travel best. The IB is the most universally portable, being recognized by universities in virtually every country.
Visit before you commit. School brochures and websites can only tell you so much. Whenever it's possible, arrange a visit or open day before enrolling your child. The atmosphere, the attitude of the staff, and the general feel of a school are things you can only really assess in person.
Check accreditation carefully. Remember that higher fees don't always mean better education; accreditation from IB, Cambridge, or WASC is going to be a better quality marker. You should always verify that a school's qualifications are formally recognized.
Factor in the commute. Jakarta and Bali are both notorious for traffic, and a school that looks conveniently located on a map can actually mean a very long daily journey in practice. Think carefully about which part of the city or island you will be living in before settling on a school.
Ask about what is included in the fees. As we mentioned above, headline tuition figures often exclude transport, meals, exam fees, and extracurricular activities. So you need to ask for a full breakdown before making comparisons between schools.
Talk to other expat parents. The expat community in Jakarta and Bali is really well connected, and firsthand experience from parents who already have children in a school is going to be invaluable. The expat.com forums are a good place to start!
Useful links:
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