South Korea, Busan
Let the school know you're thinking of applying — they can share their prerequisites and help you through the process.
It's best to ask — circumstances can change at any time.
1. Step 1: Review the Application Checklist. Complete the Online Application and upload required documents. A non-refundable application fee of KRW 300,000 or USD 300 must be paid before the application can be submitted. The fee does not guarantee admission.
2. Step 2: Process and Review of Application. Admissions staff may contact you for additional information, which can take time to gather. In some cases, families are asked to connect with counselors or special education teachers to provide better insights on the learning needs of your child. These steps help the school understand support requirements and planning needs.
3. Step 3: Interview and Assessment. The interview with the Principal is required for all applicants. Assessments in Math and Reading are required for applicants between Grade 3 and Grade 11. The process helps the school gauge fit and academic readiness.
4. Step 4: Acceptance. The acceptance decision is made by the Principal or Head of School after reviewing all documents. For the new school year starting in August, new students are generally not offered places until returning students have completed their reenrollment. Acceptance for foreign students is typically offered before the end of April, and in May for Korean students.
5. Step 5: Payment. Once an offer is made, an official letter confirming the offer is sent by email. If the family wishes to accept, they must inform the school within 7 days. The invoice is sent to parents after acceptance of the offer.
6. Step 6: Submit Additional Documents. Before the first day of school, additional documents are required. Failure to provide these documents can adversely affect the student's initial days at ISB.
Note on fees: The Online Application page states a non-refundable application fee of KRW 300,000 or USD 300. The Tuition and Fees section points to the 2025-26 Tuition and School Fee Information Handbook for full details on tuition, transportation, cafeteria, and other school fees, along with payment due dates and refund policy.
ISB uses a waiting list for applicants when spaces are not immediately available. Qualified applicants who are not accepted due to space are placed on the waiting list and will be considered once spaces become available. It is the family's responsibility to provide ISB with updated academic records whenever they become available.
ISB offers an Academic Scholarship Programme for the 2026-2027 academic year. Scholarships are awarded to candidates who demonstrate outstanding academic ability, based on aptitude and potential, at grade levels 9 (age 14+), 10 (age 15+), and 11 (age 16+). Scholarship categories include 100%, 75%, 50% tuition concessions, and Honorary Scholarships with no fee concession. These concessions apply to tuition fees only and do not cover transport, cafeteria, enrolment, technology, or capital development fees. Scholarships are determined in open competition by the Academic Scholarship Selection Panel and can vary in number year to year.
Who May Apply: Students aged 14-17; Korean nationals who have resided overseas for three years or more; international students residing in Korea; some other eligibility nuances described in the page. Existing ISB students are only eligible for Honorary Scholarship. The Educational Leadership Team or Board of Governors members are typically only eligible for Honorary Scholarship.
Scholarship Application Process: Submitting an application; Scholarship Assessment Day for shortlisted candidates (English and Mathematics), Group Discussion, and Interview; Scholarships announced after assessment. Key dates for August 2026 entry include application deadline on February 28, 2026, invitations for Assessment Day on March 6, 2026, and Scholarship Assessment Day between March 9–13, 2026.
Applications Include: MYP candidates must provide a personal statement (350–500 words) explaining how an IB education will help them achieve their goals and a 350–500-word proposal for a Personal Project. DP candidates must provide a similar statement and a 4,000-word Extended Essay proposal. The Academic Scholarship is limited to five students at any one time (1 x 100%, 2 x 75%, 2 x 50%); for more information contact admissions@isbusan.org or call +82 51 742 3332.
International School of Busan (ISB) is a not-for-profit, English-medium school in Gijang, Busan, serving students from Early Years through Grade 12. ISB is authorised to offer the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). Class sizes are typically small, averaging 13 in Early Years, 20 in Elementary and 15–18 in Secondary. Facilities listed by the school include a floodlit sports field, gymnasium, outdoor fitness centre, tennis and basketball courts, playgrounds, libraries and a cafeteria. ISB also organises bus transport across multiple areas including Busan and nearby cities, with GPS tracking for parents. A distinctive part of ISB’s history is its Early Learning Centre, noted for converted train carriages.