Canadian International School of Hong Kong vs DSC International School
Canadian International School of Hong Kong and DSC International School are both in Hong Kong, about 7 km apart. Both schools offer Canadian programmes, and Canadian International School of Hong Kong also offers IB. Published annual fees are HK$156,300 - 254,300 at Canadian International School of Hong Kong and HK$147,100 - 168,100 at DSC International School, which puts Canadian International School of Hong Kong roughly 30% higher. Canadian International School of Hong Kong takes pupils from 2 to 18, and DSC International School from 4 to 18. Canadian International School of Hong Kong is the larger school, with around 2,100 pupils to DSC International School's 50.
Canadian International School of Hong Kong (CDNIS) is situated on the south side of Hong Kong Island, in the Aberdeen area. The campus is within walking distance of Wong Chuk Hang MTR station and is also served by local bus routes. It sits in a mixed residential and commercial neighbourhood close to Aberdeen Harbour.
Location
DSC International School is situated on Hong Kong Island, within a residential and commercial district that is well connected by the MTR and local bus routes. The area is known for its accessibility, nearby parks, and family-oriented amenities, providing a convenient setting for commuting families.
Stages
Stages
CDNIS educates children from age 2 through Grade 12. The school is divided into the Lower School (Early Years and Grades 1–5) and the Upper School (Grades 6–12, split into Transition Years, Grades 9–10, and Grades 11–12).
Stages
The school provides a through-train education from Pre-Grade 1 to Grade 12, all located on one campus. It covers Early Years, Elementary, and Secondary levels for students aged 4 to 18 years.
School type
School type
The school is private and co-educational. It operates as a day school only, and students must live with a parent or legal guardian in Hong Kong. Boarding is not offered.
School type
DSC International School is an independent, co-educational day school offering the Ontario (Canadian) curriculum. There are no boarding facilities.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
CDNIS provides guidance counselling services in both the Lower and Upper Schools, supporting students academically and socially. However, the school website does not publish detailed information about specialised SEN facilities or provisions.
Additional learning support
The school provides structured Learning Support through specialists, counsellors, and social workers, focusing on social-emotional and academic needs. Tailored assistance is available for English as a Second Language (ESL) learners and students requiring extra support.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school integrates elements of the Ontario (Canada) curriculum and awards the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) alongside the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBDP).
Country affiliation
The school is affiliated with Canada, being registered with the Ontario Ministry of Education and authorized to award the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
The school is not affiliated with any religion.
Religious affiliation
The school is non-religious and does not follow any faith-based teaching.
School day structure
School day structure
The school website does not publish its standard daily start and end times or detailed schedules.
School day structure
The daily schedule varies by level: Early Years and Elementary typically run from around 8:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., while Secondary classes operate from 8:10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The structure includes morning sessions, lunch, and afternoon classes.
Bus service details
Bus service details
CDNIS provides a school bus service operated by Kwoon Chung Motors (KCM). All full-day students are required to use the bus service, with routes across Hong Kong. The school allows options for one-way ridership and installment payments for bus fees.
Bus service details
DSC offers a school bus service managed by an external transport provider, with routes covering Hong Kong Island and the New Territories. Parents register directly with the provider, and routes are adjusted yearly based on student demand.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application Fees An application fee of HKD 2,350 is required for EY1–Grade 11 applicants, with an assessment fee of HKD 1,650 if shortlisted. Nursery applications carry a combined application and assessment fee of HKD 1,800. These fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Entry & Reservation Fees A one-time Entry Fee of HKD 12,500 is charged to all new students. In addition, an HKD 80,000 Reservation Deposit is required to secure enrollment. This is credited toward the first term’s tuition and levy but is non-refundable for new students.
Fees for EY1–Grade 12 are billed in two instalments per year. Nursery tuition is billed in 11 instalments.
Additional Fees
* Annual Capital Levy: HKD 38,000 per student (unless covered by a debenture) * Uniforms, extracurricular activities, and some resources are billed separately. * Grades 4 and above include a technology fee, and Grades 11–12 include IB Diploma exam and textbook fees in tuition.
Debenture Scheme Debentures are not compulsory, but holders receive admissions priority if other requirements are met. Debentures can be transferred on the second-hand market.
Transportation Fees The school bus service is operated by Kwoon Chung Motors (KCM). Fees vary by route and are billed directly by the provider. Options for one-way ridership and installment payments are available.
Boarding Fees The school does not offer boarding facilities.
Refund Policy Tuition (EY1–G12) may be refunded on a pro-rata 10-month basis if three months’ written notice is provided. Reservation deposits for new students are non-refundable. Most other fees are non-refundable.
Payment Options Payments can be made via bank transfer, PPS, e-banking bill payment, or direct debit. Cash and cheque are not accepted.
Fee details
Application Fees A non-refundable application fee of HK$1,000 is required for all new students at the time of submission. New students must also pay a refundable tuition deposit equivalent to one month’s tuition fee, which is credited to the final month’s payment upon withdrawal with adequate notice. A refundable textbook and resource deposit of HK$1,000 is charged for Grades 1–12.
Tuition Fees (Per Year) Pre-Grade 1: HK$147,100 (billed at HK$14,710 per month) Grades 1–8: HK$155,700 (billed at HK$15,570 per month) Grades 9–10: HK$161,500 (billed at HK$16,150 per month) Grades 11–12: HK$168,100 (billed at HK$16,810 per month)
Fees are billed monthly over 10 months (September to June). There are no debenture or capital levy fees charged.
Additional Fees
ESL Fee (Grades 1–8): HK$4,010 per month (if applicable) Uniforms and school bus services are charged separately through external suppliers. School materials and optional extracurricular activities may incur additional costs.
Transportation Fees A school bus service is provided through an external transport company serving routes across Hong Kong Island and the New Territories. Families register directly with the provider, and fees depend on route and distance.
Refund Policy The tuition deposit and resource deposit are refundable upon withdrawal, following the school’s written notice requirements. Other fees, such as application and monthly tuition, are non-refundable.
Payment Options Payments can be made via PayPal, cheque, or bank transfer, as outlined on the school’s Admissions and Tuition Fees pages.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
CDNIS delivers the full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum, beginning with the Primary Years Programme (PYP) in the Lower School from Early Years through Grade 5. Students in Grades 6–10 follow the Middle Years Programme (MYP), which provides a broad foundation across subject areas. In Grades 11–12, students pursue the IB Diploma Programme (DP), with courses designed to prepare them for university study worldwide. Alongside the IB, CDNIS integrates the Ontario curriculum, and graduates earn the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) in addition to the IB Diploma. The school also offers a bilingual English–Chinese track in the Early Years, with Mandarin taught as a subject throughout the school.
Curriculum details
DSC International School follows the Ontario (Canada) curriculum from Pre-Grade 1 through Grade 12, leading to the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), awarded by the Ontario Ministry of Education. The Early Years program (Pre-Grade 1) is inquiry-based, emphasizing foundational literacy, numeracy, and early STEAM learning. In the Elementary years (Grades 1–6), students study core subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and the Arts, supported by instruction in Chinese (Putonghua) and French. The Secondary program (Grades 7–12) builds on the Ontario framework, offering a wide range of courses in English, Mathematics, Science, Business, Humanities, and the Arts. Senior students complete required credits, community service hours, and the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test to earn the OSSD. Throughout all levels, English is the primary language of instruction, with additional support provided for English language learners.
1. Application submission Families begin by completing an online application form via the CDNIS Admissions Portal. Required documents typically include a copy of the child’s passport or Hong Kong ID, recent school reports, and a current photo. An application fee (and, where relevant, an assessment fee) must be paid at this stage.
2. Supporting documents and references Depending on grade level, families may need to submit a Student Reference Form completed by a current teacher. These references are used to better understand the applicant’s academic and social readiness for CDNIS.
3. Assessment and interview Applicants who progress are invited for an assessment or interview. Early Years students participate in play-based assessments, while older students complete literacy, numeracy, or group activities. Upper School applicants may also attend a personal interview. The school explains that the assessment format differs by grade.
4. Selection and review Applications are reviewed holistically, combining assessment results, references, and past reports. Students are then ranked as Excellent, Good, Marginal, or Not Suitable. Offers depend on meeting academic expectations and the availability of places.
5. Offer and enrolment Successful candidates receive a conditional offer, which must be confirmed by paying the reservation deposit and completing enrollment forms. If no space is available in the grade, eligible students are placed into the waitpool until a place opens.
Admissions
1. Initial Enquiry and School Tour Families are encouraged to begin by submitting an enquiry form or arranging a school tour or virtual consultation through the Admissions Office. During the visit, parents can learn about the Ontario curriculum, facilities, and student life. Admissions staff guide families through the documentation requirements and timelines for application submission.
2. Application Submission Parents complete the online Application Form and submit supporting documents, including academic reports, identification, and recommendation letters where required. A non-refundable application fee is payable upon submission. Once received, the Admissions Office acknowledges the application and begins the review process within approximately one week.
3. Interview and Assessment Applicants are invited for an interview and English proficiency assessment. The session usually lasts 30–90 minutes and includes a conversation about the school’s philosophy, curriculum, and student expectations. Students complete an English assessment covering oral, reading, and writing skills; however, proficiency does not determine admission outcomes due to the availability of the ESL Program for additional language support.
4. Offer and Orientation Successful applicants receive an official offer of admission with details about tuition, deposits, and start dates. Once confirmed, students and families attend an orientation session, and students in Grades 9–12 meet with the Guidance and Pathways Team to plan course selections and academic goals before classes begin.
Scholarships
Scholarships
CDNIS has a scholarship programme listed under its Admissions section. Scholarships are intended to recognise student achievement and potential, but the school does not publish detailed information about specific eligibility criteria or award amounts on its main website. Families interested in scholarships are directed to the Scholarships section of the Admissions pages for current opportunities.
Scholarships
DSC International School maintains a Scholarships page under its Admissions section. While it confirms that scholarships are available to eligible students, specific details such as eligibility criteria, application process, and award value are not publicly disclosed. Families are directed to contact the Admissions Office for up-to-date information regarding available scholarship programs.
Waitlist
Waitlist
CDNIS operates a waiting pool system when grades are full. Placement into the waitpool occurs after a student is deemed admissible, but no seat is available. Importantly, a student’s status in the pool does not roll over to the following academic year; families must reapply if they wish to be considered again.
Waitlist
The school’s website does not mention a formal waitlist or pool system.
