Cebu International School

Step I. Inquiry. Prospective families may submit inquiries online via the OpenApply platform, and the Admissions staff will respond to set up a time for a visit or online discussion. Families can book a school tour or arrange a video call to ask questions about CIS and the admissions process; responses are provided within 24 hours to schedule the time. This step initiates the process and helps families understand CIS's offering and fit.

Step II. Documentation. Applicants must prepare a folder of documents: a completed Enrollment Form with the student photo; authentic copies of school records with the latest ratings and English translations if needed; recommendations from the previous school; birth certificate; notarized Guardianship Affidavits if applicable; a Health Registration Form with Immunization records; and, for non-Filipino applicants, copies of passport and BI-related documents. If visa arrangements are in process (tourist/SSP), these items accompany the submission.

Step III. Submission of application form and Application Fee. The parent/guardian submits the necessary paperwork and pays the non-refundable Application Fee of Php10,000 upon submission of the listed documents. This step confirms formal submission and starts the formal evaluation timeline.

Step IV. Initial Evaluation of Documents and Reservation. The Admissions Officer and the School Counsellor review the application and supporting documents. With advice from Admissions, the parent/guardian may pay a reservation fee of Php40,000; placement is finalized by the principal, and the reservation is non-refundable.

Step V. Assessment. All applicants take an entrance assessment. This includes an academic proficiency test for Grade 2 and up and an English as an Additional Language (EAL) assessment if needed; for Preschool to Grade 1, assessment is via classroom observation by the counselor or Student Support Head. Returning CIS students within one year or more may be required to pay the application fee and re-entry assessment again.

Step VI. Principal's Interview & Enrollment Confirmation. The principal conducts an interview with the parent/guardian and student. The principal finalizes enrollment and placement, with the Admissions decision recommended to the Superintendent for approval. If approved, the Admissions Officer provides an acceptance letter and details such as the class supply list (for grades 6–12), uniform information, and fee payment details.

Step VII. Payment of School Fees. After admission is approved, the accounting team issues a Statement of Accounts (SOA). The Entrance Fee is a one-time fee charged during the student's CIS schooling and applies even if the student leaves and returns later, provided the entrance fee was paid before leaving; the parent then pays the remaining school fees as indicated in the SOA and purchases school uniforms.

Step VIII. Entering Classes at CIS. Students are invited to start attendance on the most appropriate day after payment is received and recorded, allowing time for teacher preparation. The start date is coordinated with school events and is at least one working day after payment clearance.

Step IX. Re-enrollment Procedures for Returning Students. To reserve a space for the upcoming year, returning families complete the Reservation/Re-enrollment Form and pay the PHP 40,000 reservation fee. A re-enrollment link is sent by CIS. Health records should be updated via a Health Form, and school fees are paid as stated in the SOA. Returning students do not pay the Entrance Fee again.

When the number of eligible applicants exceeds the class capacity, CIS places applicants on a Waitlist. The school reserves the right to prioritize waitlisted applicants using criteria such as class balance (nationality, EAL and Learning Needs numbers, gender), family situation, EAL/LN support capabilities, the presence of siblings at CIS, alumni children, other educational options, returning students in good standing, and the timing of the application (earlier applications receive precedence if all other factors are equal). Admission decisions then consider documentation and placement needs, and a final decision rests with the principal and superintendent after review by the Enrollment Committee.

CIS offers the CIS Student Excellence Scholarship, a full-tuition renewable scholarship for outstanding Filipino students from Philippine schools who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and potential to thrive in an international learning environment. The scholarship is open to Filipino students entering Grade 9 in August 2026 who have only local Philippine school experience (no prior international or overseas school experience). Eligible candidates are evaluated on academic achievement, leadership, intercultural fit, and contributions to student life. Applicants must meet standard CIS admissions requirements and pass the CIS Scholarship Committee's process.