KIS International School Bangkok vs NIST International School
KIS International School Bangkok and NIST International School are both in Bangkok, about 4 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes, and KIS International School Bangkok also offers IBCP. Published annual fees are THB 440,100 - 944,600 at KIS International School Bangkok and THB 628,200 - 1,094,500 at NIST International School, which puts NIST International School roughly 24% higher. Both take pupils from 3 to 18. NIST International School is the larger school, with around 1,800 pupils to KIS International School Bangkok's 800. Typical class sizes are 17 at KIS International School Bangkok and 20 at NIST International School.
KIS International School is situated in the Huai Khwang district of central Bangkok, within the gated Kesinee Ville residential community. The school is accessible via public transport, with the Thailand Cultural Centre MRT station nearby. A complimentary shuttle service connects the school to this MRT station, enhancing convenience for commuting families.
Location
NIST International School is located on Sukhumvit Soi 15 in central Bangkok, within walking distance of the Asok BTS (Skytrain) and Sukhumvit MRT (subway) stations.
The area is part of the Wattana district, a residential and commercial zone popular with expatriate families. The school is easily accessible by public transportation or private vehicle.
Stages
Stages
KIS offers a continuum of education from Early Years (age 2) through Grade 12 (age 19), structured as follows: Early Years Programme: Ages 2–5 Primary Years Programme (PYP): Ages 3–11 Middle Years Programme (MYP): Ages 11–16 Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP): Ages 16–19
Stages
NIST offers three main school divisions aligned with the International Baccalaureate: the Primary Years Programme (ages 3–11), Middle Years Programme (ages 11–16), and Diploma Programme (ages 16–18). The school enrolls students from early childhood through to the end of secondary school.
School type
School type
The main campus is a co-educational, day school.
School type
NIST is a private, not-for-profit, co-educational day school.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
KIS provides tailored academic and emotional support through its Student Support Services, which include individualised and small-group interventions, English as an Additional Language (EAL) support, and access to specialist teachers when needed. The approach is inclusive and collaborative.
Additional learning support
NIST provides inclusive learning support services for students with additional learning needs. The school offers support from trained specialists and personalized learning strategies, based on individual assessments and IB-aligned practices. Services are tailored in partnership with families and teachers.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school does not have any formal affiliation with a specific country.
Country affiliation
NIST does not have an affiliation with any specific country.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
KIS is a non-religious school and does not have any religious affiliations.
Religious affiliation
The school is not affiliated with any religion and is a secular institution.
School day structure
School day structure
Specific start and end times for the school day are not publicly detailed.
School day structure
The school day typically starts around 7:30–8:00 a.m. and ends between 2:30–3:00 p.m., depending on the year level. Lunch and break times are scheduled by division and age group. Extracurricular activities may take place after regular hours.
Bus service details
Bus service details
The school offers an optional school bus service, provided by Montri Transport PLC, a local company with experience in student transport.
Bus service details
NIST offers a private bus service through an external provider for students living across Bangkok. Routes and pickup locations are coordinated with families upon enrollment. The service is optional and incurs an additional cost.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
One-time Payment Application Fee: THB 6,000 (non-refundable), payable at the time of application. This covers the assessment and processing and does not guarantee placement.
Registration Fee: (non-refundable, payable upon accepting an offer) Early Years Prep to Grade 10: THB 260,000 Grades 11–12: THB 185,000
Annual Development Fee: THB 45,000 (non-refundable), due annually at the start of each academic year.
OR
School Development Fund: THB 250,000 (refundable upon graduation or withdrawal with one term's notice and after settling any outstanding fees).
Annual Tuition Fees Early Years Prep (Half-day): THB 440,100 Early Years 1: THB 596,500 Early Years 2: THB 631,600 Early Years 3 to Grade 5: THB 725,500 Grade 6 to Grade 10: THB 859,700 Grade 11*: THB 944,600 Grade 12*: THB 882,600
*For students entering Grade 11, the annual tuition will remain fixed for the duration of the 2-year Grade 11 to Grade 12 programme.
Additional Fees Meal Fees (Optional) EY1–EY3: THB 30,000 annually (charged by term) Grades 1–5: THB 33,000 annually Grades 6–12: Pay-per-use via KIS Smart Card, approx. THB 300 per day
School Bus Service (Optional) Daily shuttle to/from Thailand Cultural Centre MRT station: Free
Door-to-door bus zones (annual total): Zone 1: THB 98,100 Zone 2: THB 108,30 Zone 3: THB 119,400 Zone 4 (if demand exists): THB 127,400
Short-term or occasional trips: Up to THB 800 one-way, depending on zone
Extracurricular Activities: Fees vary by activity (Mon–Fri, 14:45–16:30)
Additional Language (Non-DP Thai G11–G12) : THB 25,000 annually
Learning Support: Test fee: up to THB 25,000 per test Support session: up to THB 5,000 per session
Refund & Withdrawal Policy Unused full terms may be refunded if written notice is given at least one term in advance
No refunds for mid-term withdrawals
A monthly surcharge of 1.25% applies to overdue payments
Sibling Discounts 2nd child: 20% off registration, 5% off tuition 3rd+ child: 30% off registration, 10% off tuition
Payment Methods Cash, cheque, credit card, or wire transfer.
Fee details
Application and One‑Time Fees (first year only):
* Application Fee: THB 6,000 * Assessment Fee: THB 2,500 (non‑refundable) * Registration Fee: THB 265,000 * Campus Development Fee: THB 575,000 (refundable upon graduation if all school property is returned and notice given)
Annual Tuition Fees (excluding one‑time fees) (based on age/grade)
* Early Years 1-2: THB 628,200 * Year 1 : THB 796,700 * Grades 1–6 : THB 842,800 * Grades 7–9 : THB 923,700 * Grades 10–11 : THB 1,003,800 * Grades 12–13 : THB 1,094,500 Tuition is typically billed annually, with families often paying per term per school policy.
Billing & Payment Terms
* Payment schedule follows fixed term dates; if due dates fall on weekends or holidays, payments are due the next business day. * Overdue payments incur a monthly surcharge of 1.25%, and transcripts or other documents may be withheld until fees are cleared.
Other Costs
* Uniforms and school supplies must be purchased via the on-site NIST Shop; options include new or second‑hand items. * Meal plans for Early Years through Grade 2 cost approx. THB 25,000 per year. Secondary students purchase food à la carte (approximately THB 130–150 per day).
Refund Policy
* Tuition is not refunded if a student leaves mid‑semester. * Refunds on campus fee deposit are available only if all conditions are met.
Payment Options
* Tuition and fees can be paid via bank transfer or credit card (credit card payments include a 1.5% surcharge at the school shop).
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
KIS International School Bangkok offers the full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum across all year groups (ages 2-19). The school provides EY Prep for students aged 2. The curriculum begins with the Primary Years Programme (PYP) from Early Years 1 (age 3) to Grade 5, focusing on inquiry-based learning and foundational skills. Students in Grades 6–10 follow the Middle Years Programme (MYP), which combines academic study with interdisciplinary learning and project work. In Grades 11 and 12, students choose between the IB Diploma Programme (DP) or the IB Career-related Programme (CP), both of which prepare students for university or professional pathways. The language of instruction is English, with Thai language taught throughout and additional languages such as Mandarin or Spanish introduced from the primary level. The curriculum is supported by specialist teaching in areas such as music, physical education, design, and the arts.
Curriculum details
NIST International School offers the full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum across all age groups. Students in Early Years through Grade 5 follow the Primary Years Programme (PYP), which emphasizes inquiry-based learning across core subjects. Grades 6 to 10 follow the Middle Years Programme (MYP), which includes interdisciplinary projects and subject study in areas such as mathematics, sciences, language acquisition, and the arts. In Grades 11 and 12, students complete the IB Diploma Programme (DP), choosing from six subject groups and completing core components including Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). All programmes are taught in English, with additional language learning and specialist classes in visual arts, performing arts, and physical education. The curriculum is structured to meet IB standards while also incorporating service learning and opportunities for real-world application.
Submit an Application Complete the online application form and upload the required documents, including recent photographs, school reports, recommendations, identification documents, and any standardized test results.
Assessment and Interview Applicants from EY3 upwards undergo assessments in English and mathematics, followed by interviews. The assessment duration varies by grade level. The admissions team reviews the application, assessments, and other criteria such as English proficiency, IB experience, and class dynamics.
Enrollment Upon acceptance, families complete enrollment formalities, including signing permission forms and attending orientation sessions.
Admissions
1. Schedule a visit or virtual tour. If possible, families are encouraged to tour the campus or attend an online session to view facilities and discuss learning programmes. 2. Submit application documents. You'll provide reports, recommendation forms, medical records, passport scans, and any relevant educational assessments or IEPs. 3. Complete admission assessment. Applicants sit for age-appropriate assessments on campus—or, for remote students, at their current school or online. Assessment results help determine placement and additional support needs. 4. Receive decision and complete enrolment. If admitted, the school issues an Acceptance Letter with instructions on confirming your place, paying deposit fees, and enrolling online via Veracross. Meal plans, schedules, and extracurricular sign-ups follow.
Scholarships
Scholarships
Full Academic Scholarship (IBDP/IBCP Entry in Grade 11) Eligibility: Open to Grade 10 students applying for Grade 11 entry into the IB Diploma Programme (DP) or IB Career-related Programme (CP). Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.75 (or 6.0 on the IB scale).
Award: 100% tuition fee waiver for Grades 11 and 12. The registration fee is also waived.
Selection: Includes academic assessments and interviews.
Sports Scholarship Eligibility: Open to new applicants from Grades 7–11 with demonstrated success in competitive sports and good academic standing.
Award: Up to 30% tuition discount for the student’s duration at KIS.
Selection: Based on school reports, athletic records, a sports video submission, and an interview/assessment with the school’s Director of Athletics.
Scholarships
As of publicly available information, NIST does not offer formal scholarships for academic or need-based support.
Waitlist
Waitlist
KIS International School operates a waitlist system for certain year levels when classes reach capacity. No assessments are conducted for classes with long waitlists or if initial application criteria are not met.
Waitlist
NIST does operate a wait pool for year levels that reach capacity. If no immediate space is available, your child may be placed in this pool and contacted if a spot becomes available. This provides flexibility for families applying mid-year or when popular year levels are full.
