Japanese International School vs Renaissance College
Japanese International School and Renaissance College are both in Hong Kong, about 3 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes, and Renaissance College also offers IBCP. Published annual fees are HK$149,730 - 156,420 at Japanese International School and HK$148,100 - 195,700 at Renaissance College, which puts Renaissance College roughly 12% higher. Japanese International School takes pupils from 4 to 11, and Renaissance College from 5 to 18. Renaissance College is the larger school, with around 2,087 pupils to Japanese International School's 200. Typical class sizes are 25 at Japanese International School and 27 at Renaissance College.
The Japanese International School (English Section) is situated in the Tai Po Kau area of Hong Kong’s New Territories. The campus is surrounded by greenery near the Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve, providing a calm and spacious learning setting. It is easily accessible by car, taxi, and public transport, with nearby MTR stations at Fo Tan and Tai Po Market, followed by short minibus or taxi rides. The area is family-oriented and well-connected to neighbouring districts such as Sha Tin and Tai Po.
Location
Renaissance College is located in Ma On Shan in the New Territories, at 5 Hang Ming Street, and sits right outside Heng On MTR station on the Tuen Ma Line with Exit A linking into the campus. The neighbourhood is primarily residential, with bus routes serving the area and convenient connections into Kowloon and beyond.
Stages
Stages
The English Section of JIS serves students from Reception (approximately age 4) to Primary 6 (approximately age 11). The school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP), which integrates subjects through inquiry-based learning. The programme builds a foundation for transition to secondary education, often through International College Hong Kong (ICHK).
Stages
RCHK is an all-through IB World School for students aged 5–18. It offers the IB Primary Years Programme (Years 1–6), Middle Years Programme (Years 7–11), and either the Diploma Programme or Career-related Programme in Years 12–13.
School type
School type
JIS is a co-educational day school, enrolling both boys and girls. There are no boarding facilities, and all students attend as day pupils. The school is non-profit-making and serves the international community of Hong Kong.
School type
The school is co-educational and operates as a day school with no boarding facilities. It is part of the English Schools Foundation (ESF), the largest English-medium international school organisation in Hong Kong.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
The school promotes an inclusive approach to learning, supporting students with additional or special educational needs where possible. Provision includes individualised support plans, collaboration between teachers and families, and the use of tools such as the Zones of Regulation framework. The Student Support and Well-Being team coordinates interventions and external professional support as needed.
Additional learning support
RCHK provides tailored support for students with Additional Learning Needs. Its inclusion programmes and wellbeing initiatives ensure that individual needs are addressed in class and across school life.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The English Section does not have a formal national affiliation. It is an international, IB-authorised institution that works in partnership with International College Hong Kong (ICHK) for secondary education.
Country affiliation
The school is part of the English Schools Foundation in Hong Kong and is not affiliated with a specific country.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliation and provides a secular education.
Religious affiliation
RCHK is non-religious and has no faith affiliation.
School day structure
School day structure
The school does not publicly list daily start and end times.
School day structure
Classes generally run from 8:00 am to 3:10 pm, with a mid-morning break and a lunch break included in the schedule
Bus service details
Bus service details
JIS provides a school bus service for students, coordinated through the school office. Routes cover major areas of the New Territories, including Tai Po, Sha Tin, and Fo Tan. Buses operate in the morning and after school, with supervision to ensure student safety. Details of routes and fees are provided to families upon enrolment.
Bus service details
The college offers an optional bus service. Routes cover a wide range of residential areas in Hong Kong, and stops are arranged at housing estates near the school for convenience
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application Fees A non-refundable application fee of HKD 600 is required upon submission of an application. This covers administrative and interview costs. There are no additional registration or deposit fees.
Tuition Fees (Per Year) Tuition fees apply equally across all year groups in the English Section. Payments are made by direct debit only on the published due dates.
2024–25 Academic Year
1st Payment (4 months) – Due 1 September 2024: HKD 53,508 2nd Payment (3 months) – Due 1 January 2025: HKD 40,131 3rd Payment (3 months) – Due 1 April 2025: HKD 40,131 Total Annual Tuition Fee:HKD 133,770
2025–26 Proposed Fees (pending EDB approval)
1st Payment (4 months) – Due 1 September 2025: HKD 56,184 2nd Payment (3 months) – Due 1 January 2026: HKD 42,138 3rd Payment (3 months) – Due 1 April 2026: HKD 42,138 Total Annual Tuition Fee:HKD 140,460
Annual Capital Levy An Annual Capital Levy of HKD 15,960 is charged at the start of each school year. This fee is non-refundable and supports campus development projects managed by the School Management Committee.
Additional Fees Tuition covers staff costs, classroom resources, and most local excursions. Overnight camps and overseas trips are billed separately. Uniforms and school events may also incur additional charges.
Refund Policy All tuition and levy payments are non-refundable. Families withdrawing students must provide one full calendar month’s written notice to the school office to process withdrawal.
Payment Options Tuition fees are payable by direct debit only on the published due dates. Other payments, such as uniforms or school events, can be made via online transfer to HSBC Account No. 041-224163-001 (Account Name: Japanese International School). A copy of the payment receipt should be emailed to [sfuruya@es.jis.edu.hk]
Total Annual Cost (including Capital Levy) The total annual cost for 2024–25 is HKD 149,730, and for 2025–26 (proposed) is HKD 156,420.
Fee details
Application Fee An application for entry to RCHK carries a non-refundable, non-transferable administration fee of HK$2,800.
Tuition Fees by Year Group (2025–26)
* Years 1–6: HK$148,100 annually * Years 7–11: HK$193,600 annually * Years 12–13: HK$195,700 annually
Tuition is billed over 10 months (i.e. divided across 10 payments).
Building Levy / Capital Contribution New students entering Year 1 are required to pay a non-refundable building levy (NBL) of HK$50,000. Students entering Years 2–12 must pay a pro-rated portion of that levy.
Other Costs & Fees
* RAPT (Parent-Teacher Association) membership fee (per family): HK$275 * Student Smart Identity / Value-Stored Card: first copy free, replacements cost HK$20 * ID card for parents/guardians/helpers: first copy free, replacement HK$20 * Certified true copy of report card (PYP, MYP, Y12): HK$50 per copy * Additional academic transcript copies (for current MYP/DP students): HK$100 per extra copy * Certified transcript for graduated/left students (MYP/DP): HK$100 per copy
Billing Schedule & Payment Terms Tuition is deducted monthly over 10 months via autopay (direct debit authorisation, DDA). Parents will be notified by email if there is an outstanding invoice.
Refund / Withdrawal Policies Specific refund conditions for mid-year withdrawal are not detailed in the public fee pages. The building levy is explicitly non-refundable.
Fee Payment Options
* The main tuition and levies are handled via direct debit (autopay / DDA). * Other charges (e.g. PTA, trips, insurance) are handled through an ePayment wallet. Parents can top up this wallet using credit card, PayPal, or PPS. * Residual ePayment balances may be refunded, or transferred to siblings, upon leaving the school.
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
The Japanese International School (English Section) follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) for students from Reception to Primary 6. The PYP provides a transdisciplinary framework, connecting subject areas such as English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, the Arts, and Physical Education through themed Units of Inquiry. Students also study Japanese or Mandarin as an additional language. Learning emphasises inquiry, reflection, and real-world application, with technology integrated through projects and clubs such as Tech Club, where students explore coding and robotics. The curriculum is further enriched by Outdoor Learning, annual camps, and cultural trips that support environmental awareness and community engagement. On completion of Primary 6, students are well prepared for transition to International College Hong Kong (ICHK) or other international secondary schools.
Curriculum details
Renaissance College Hong Kong (RCHK) delivers the full IB continuum from Year 1 through Year 13: the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) in Years 1–6, the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) in Years 7–11, and then in Years 12–13 students choose between the IB Diploma Programme (DP) or the IB Career-related Programme (CP / IBCP). In the lower years, learning is inquiry-based and transdisciplinary, focusing on connecting subjects through real-world themes and promoting development of learner skills. ([Renaissance College][1]) The MYP bridges subject disciplines via “Global Contexts” and emphasizes self-reflection, critical thinking, and personal projects. In Years 12–13, those opting for the DP follow six subject groups plus core components (TOK, Extended Essay, CAS). Those selecting the CP / IBCP combine career-related studies (for example via partner institutions) with IB academic courses and a CP core (Personal & Professional Skills, Reflective Project, Language & Cultural Studies, and Service Learning).
1. Online Application Submission Families begin by completing the online admissions form available on the JIS website. A non-refundable application fee is required at this stage, payable via bank transfer. Applicants must also upload proof of payment and relevant documents such as birth certificates, passports, and school reports, where applicable.
2. Application Review Once the application and payment are received, the admissions office reviews the submission. Parents are contacted if additional information or clarification is required. If space is available in the requested year group, the child is invited for an interview or assessment.
3. Interview or Assessment All applicants attend an interview at the school. For Reception and Primary 1, this may take the form of a group interview, while older students may meet individually with teaching staff. The purpose is to assess school readiness, communication, and social interaction.
4. Parent Meeting Following the student’s interview, parents are invited to meet with the Principal to discuss the school’s approach and expectations. This meeting helps ensure mutual understanding between the school and family before enrolment.
5. Offer of Placement Successful applicants receive a formal offer of admission by email. The offer must be accepted within the specified timeframe, and supporting enrolment documents are then completed.
6. Enrolment Confirmation Once all forms are submitted and fees are settled, the student’s place is confirmed. The school provides a welcome pack with uniform details, transport information, and orientation guidance before the first day of class.
Admissions
1. Online Application Submission Families submit an online application through the ESF / RCHK admissions portal, selecting up to four ESF (or RCHK) school preferences. The application includes the non-refundable administration fee.
2. Assessment / Interview / Testing Applicants (for years other than entry levels) are invited to attend assessments or interviews to evaluate their readiness for the English-medium curriculum. Shortlisted candidates are notified with schedules for testing and interviews.
3. Offer of Place & Acceptance If successful and if a vacancy exists, the school issues an offer of place. The family must accept by a deadline, after which a deposit or building levy may be required.
4. Onboarding & Entry Requirements Once accepted, the student is integrated into the school system, including orientation, registration, and payment of fees per the school’s billing schedule. Families may also be asked to submit supporting documents (previous school records, medical records, etc.).
5. Waitlist Consideration If no immediate place is available, the candidate may be placed into a waitlist or pool. Offers from the waitlist may be made when places become available.
Scholarships
Scholarships
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Scholarships
* RCHK offers full scholarships (100% tuition waiver) for students from Year 7 to Year 13, across categories including academic, music, theatre, visual arts, and sports. * A Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES) exists to provide full tuition fee coverage (and potentially extra expenses) on a needs basis, subject to eligibility and availability. * Scholarship criteria include demonstrated talent in the relevant domain (academic, arts, sport) plus evidence of commitment to service and leadership. * RCHK also allocates 2% of its fee income to a hardship fund (ESF financial assistance) for families encountering sudden changes in circumstances—but this is limited to current students and does not function as a scholarship for new entrants.
Waitlist
Waitlist
The Japanese International School (English Section) does not publicly indicate the use of a formal waitlist or pool system.
Waitlist
RCHK (via ESF) does maintain a waiting list / pool system for school places when demand exceeds vacancies. Applicants are placed on the waitlist in priority order, and if a vacancy arises, offers may be extended from the waitlist by date of application and priority group.
