Cost of International Schools in Indonesia: Guide for Expats
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Published on October 29, 2025 · 4 min read · by Imam

Cost of international schools in Indonesia. Photograph: jisedu.or.id

If you’re moving to Indonesia with kids, one of the biggest questions you’ll face is: what’s the cost of international schools in Indonesia?

Education is often a top priority for expat families, and Indonesia offers plenty of options.

From Jakarta and Bali to Surabaya and Medan, you’ll find international schools with British, American, Australian, or International Baccalaureate (IB) curricula.

But the fees vary widely—sometimes more than university tuition.

Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about the cost of international schools in Indonesia in 2025.

Why International Schools in Indonesia Are Popular

While Indonesia has many good national schools, international schools offer globally recognized curricula, English as the main language of instruction, and a more diverse student community.

For expats, they also make transitions smoother if families move again.

Most international schools in Indonesia are located in Jakarta (home to the largest expat community), but you’ll also find strong institutions in Bali, Surabaya, Medan, and Bandung.

Fee Structure: More Than Just Tuition

When budgeting, remember that international schools in Indonesia charge more than just annual tuition. Typical costs include:

Application fee: One-time, non-refundable, usually IDR 2–5 million (~USD 125–320).
Enrollment/registration fee: Paid when a child is accepted, ranging from IDR 20–50 million (~USD 1,250–3,200).
Capital development/building fee: A common fee to support facilities, ranging from IDR 20–80 million (~USD 1,250–5,100), sometimes billed annually.
Annual tuition: The biggest cost, varying by grade level.

Average Tuition Costs in 2025

Here’s what parents can expect to pay annually for tuition (excluding one-time fees):

Preschool / Kindergarten: USD 4,000–8,000
Elementary (Primary): USD 8,000–15,000
Middle School (Junior High): USD 10,000–18,000
High School (Senior Level, IB or A-Levels): USD 12,000–25,000

(Source: International Schools Database, Expat Arrivals, 2025)

Elite schools in Jakarta or Bali—like Jakarta Intercultural School (JIS), British School Jakarta, or Bali Island School—tend to be on the higher end of this range.

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Examples of Leading Schools & Their Fees

Cost of international schools in Indonesia. Photograph: jisedu.or.id

Jakarta Intercultural School (JIS): One of the most prestigious schools in Indonesia, with tuition ranging from USD 22,000–30,000 per year depending on grade.
British School Jakarta (BSJ): Offers a UK curriculum and IB Diploma, tuition is around USD 17,000–26,000 per year.
Bali Island School (Denpasar): Smaller in scale, tuition ranges between USD 8,000–18,000.
Surabaya Intercultural School: Annual tuition averages USD 10,000–15,000.

Keep in mind, these figures exclude additional fees such as registration, exams (IB or IGCSE), extracurriculars, and school trips.

Other Expenses to Consider

Besides tuition and fees, parents should plan for:

Uniforms and books: IDR 5–15 million per year (USD 300–950).
Transportation: School buses cost around IDR 10–25 million per year (USD 650–1,600), depending on distance.
Lunch programs: Around IDR 10–20 million per year ($650–$1,300), which can be billed per semester.
Extra-curriculars: Sports, arts, and music can add significant costs.

Tips for Parents on Managing Costs

Ask about payment plans. Some schools allow tuition to be paid quarterly or semesterly.
Compare fees across cities. International schools in Jakarta and Bali are generally more expensive than in Surabaya or Medan.
Negotiate with employers. Many expat job packages include education allowances, so check if your company will cover tuition.
Check accreditation. Higher fees don’t always mean better education; accreditation from IB, Cambridge, or WASC is a better quality marker.

The cost of international schools in Indonesia is high compared to local schooling, but many expats consider it a worthwhile investment in their children’s future.

Annual tuition alone can range from USD 8,000 to over USD 25,000, depending on grade and institution, with additional fees on top.

If you’re planning a move, factor education into your relocation budget early on—and make sure to visit schools, compare curricula, and ask about the full cost breakdown before making a decision.