Most popular international schools in Dili

Maharlika International School (MIS) in Fatuhada, Dili, Timor-Leste operates as a Philippine School Overseas and adapts the K-12 curriculum for Preschool through Senior High. The Preparatory program (Kindergarten 1–2) is accredited by East Timor's Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports; accreditation for Elementary, Junior High, and Senior High is ongoing. Tetum is taught from Grade 1 to Grade 8; English, Filipino, Tetum, and Portuguese are offered through Language Arts across levels. The program runs from Preparatory to Senior High, with a General Academic Strand in Senior High designed to prepare students for college, focusing on Humanities, Social Sciences, and related subjects, plus modules on organization, disaster preparedness, and Empowerment Technologies. MIS moved to Rua Fatuhada in 2010 and is only PSO with a DepEd permit to adapt its curriculum. It hosts Outreach Program with Santa Bakhita Orphanage, provides scholarships, and includes Maharlikan Journalists, Student Council, and planned Sports & Culture Club.

Dili International School (DIS) in Pantai Kelapa, Dili, Timor-Leste, serves Preschool through Grade 12 (ages 1–18). The Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) is offered in the early years, while the senior programme follows the Australian Curriculum, with the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) as the graduating certificate. DIS is accredited by the International Baccalaureate Organisation, the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority, and the Timor-Leste Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports. Multilingual education features in Preschool and Primary, with Secondary providing Global Pathways and VCE. The campus comprises a 3,500 square metre Primary/Secondary site and a 2,000 square metre Early Learning Centre, with three grassed playing fields, a basketball court, table tennis and handball facilities, and two shaded playgrounds. All classrooms have computers and air conditioning. The school serves about 21 nationalities, and 100% of applicants are offered university placements. Its history traces to 2002, with expansion in 2003 and IB/VCE accreditations thereafter.

Pelican Grammar School is in Aldeia Mane Mesak, Suco Manleuana, Posto Administrativo Dom Aleixo, Dili, Timor-Leste. It is part of AQUILA Education, led by CEO Dr Gerard Kho. The Cambridge curriculum covers Primary, Secondary and IGCSE, with Lower and Upper Secondary planned for 2025. The program emphasises multilingual mastery, science, mathematics, digital skills, creative arts, sports and sustainable SEE values. The campus features a Kindergarten Learning Studio, technology-enabled Primary and Secondary classrooms, a Makerspace, Multipurpose Labs, a Library, and dedicated spaces such as an Art Room, Dance Studio, Play Garden, Garden View Cafeteria, Education Innovation Center and Infirmary. Mandarin is taught via YCT/HSK; English is supported through EAL. Chromebooks are provided and digital literacy is embedded. The school runs AQUILA Foundation's Weekly Community Service Initiative and offers leadership and enrichment pathways. It supports learners to thrive in an interconnected ASEAN and global community and beyond.

QSI International School of Dili serves students aged 3 to 18 at Aldea 04 Marconi, Suco Fatuhada, Dili, Timor Leste. The school delivers a Bespoke Curriculum with Advanced Placement and an American-Curriculum framework, built on Outcomes: Knowledge, Competencies, and Success Orientations. Program Outcomes include Mathematics, English, Cultural Studies, Science, Languages Other Than English, Creative and Applied Arts. Courses are organized into units; students master each unit to earn an A, B, or P and progress toward mastery. The Educational Model uses Time as a Resource, emphasizing Mastery Learning, reteaching, differentiated instruction, and frequent status reports to families. The curriculum aligns with U.S. standards including Common Core and NGSS, preparing students for university through defined outcomes and student-will objectives. The campus features a modern science lab, computer lab, music and art rooms, a 6,000-volume library, outdoor playgrounds, and a cafeteria. MS A accredited and only Dili school with accreditation for all grades.

St. Jude Thaddeus International School is a K-12 learning community affiliated with the Philippine overseas system, delivering education from Playgroup through Grade 12. The curriculum emphasizes holistic development within an English-language framework that accommodates diverse learners and career orientation. Students benefit from a structured program that includes Music Class and Swimming, complemented by ongoing arts activities and opportunities to perform. Co-curricular life features community service, campus clean-up drives, and participation in national and cultural events such as Flores de Mayo and Independence Day celebrations, fostering civic responsibility and cultural awareness. Field trips broaden understanding, including visits to Timor-Leste's National Museum as part of history and geography tasks. Safety is prioritized through Earthquake and Fire Drills, while educational film sessions and flag-raising ceremonies reinforce shared values. The school champions leadership development and individualized learning, helping learners prepare for success inside and outside the classroom and guiding career-oriented pathways for their futures.