Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong

1. Initial enquiry and online application: Start by submitting an online enquiry or the College application form on the Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong website; the school operates rolling admissions for the coming academic year and opens applications for the next year on a published date (for example, applications for 2026/27 open from 1 September 2025). Include the required supporting documents at this stage (passport copies, proof of parents' work and residence permits in Shanghai, and the child's birth certificate) because the College checks eligibility against the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission rules. Note that the application fee is RMB 3,500 and is non‑refundable and valid for the year of application, so budget for that when you apply.

2. Eligibility check and documentation review: After you submit an application the Admissions team will review whether the child meets the SMEC eligibility requirements (for example, foreign passport or qualifying parental documentation) and whether Dulwich can meet the child's educational needs. Parents should be ready to provide passport pages, residence/visa documents, work permit pages, and any recent school reports; missing or inconsistent paperwork can delay processing. If both parents are PRC nationals, the College notes that a waiver from the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission may be required — contact Admissions early to clarify your family's status.

3. Assessment / interview stage: Dulwich Pudong assesses applicants by year group: Early Years applicants attend a meeting with an Early Years teacher, Year 1–2 assessments are typically 20–30 minutes, Years 3–6 assessments run about two to three hours, and Years 7–13 assessments usually last three to four hours. Parents should expect the assessment to include observation, age‑appropriate literacy and numeracy activities and, for older applicants, classroom tasks and interviews; bring recent school records and be prepared for the school to request additional information where English language support is needed. Admissions guidance on the site explains that applications to Year 11 are considered case‑by‑case and Year 13 entry is very rarely accepted (applicants must usually be transferring from a nearly identical IB Diploma programme).

4. Offer, resource fee and acceptance: If the College offers a place you will be given formal offer paperwork and instructions for payment. For new pupils parents should expect to pay a Resource Fee (RMB 15,000) which is held against school property and refunded after the return of College property subject to deductions, and a one‑time Capital Development Fee for new entrants (RMB 15,000) which is non‑refundable; the Resource Fee will be forfeited if a child is withdrawn before the first day of school in some circumstances. Read the offer letter carefully for exact payment deadlines and refund conditions, and ask Admissions about timelines for confirming the place to avoid losing it.

5. Tuition invoicing, payment options and additional costs: Tuition fees are invoiced separately and may be payable annually or by term; annual prepayment typically carries a more favourable rate. Parents should plan for additional costs outside basic tuition — the College lists items such as school lunches, bus services, uniforms, EAL support, technology and optional trips as extra charges. Confirm the tuition amount for your child's year group with Admissions (published fee schedules vary by year and year group) and check the deadline for tuition payment to avoid late payment administration charges.

6. Enrollment, onboarding and starting school: Once required fees are received (resource fee and the first tuition instalment as specified in the offer), the Admissions team will send onboarding information and guidance about start‑of‑term procedures, timetables and any required health or enrolment forms. Parents should complete any outstanding medical and emergency contact forms and, if relevant, arrange school bus or lunch accounts before the child's first day to ensure a smooth start. If you are relocating from overseas, ask the College about assessment arrangements at your child's current school so testing can be completed before arrival if necessary.

Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong operates waiting lists for year groups where demand exceeds places. If a year group is full, applicants who meet the entry requirements are placed on a waiting list and offered places as they become available; the College's published priorities give preference to siblings of currently enrolled students, returning Dulwich students, and children transferring from another Dulwich College campus. Parents should apply early because availability varies by year and term, and being on the waiting list does not mean there is no chance of an offer — the school advises families to maintain contact with Admissions for updates.

Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong's public admissions and fees pages do not list an active scholarship programme on the Pudong campus; the College's published fee pages describe the application fee, resource fee and capital development fee but do not advertise campus scholarships. Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi (the sister campus) does publish a scholarship programme (selection process, eligible year groups and potential tuition reductions) — if you are interested in financial support or merit awards, contact Dulwich Pudong Admissions directly to ask whether any scholarships, bursaries or fee‑relief arrangements are offered at the Pudong campus or whether cross‑campus schemes apply. The Admissions office can confirm current availability, eligibility rules and application deadlines.