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NIST International School

Thailand, Bangkok

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees THB 628,200 - 1,094,500
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1800
Type Co-educational
Opened 1992
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Taught languages Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Spanish, Swedish, Thai
Typical class size 20
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Social and Hobbies, Community and Service, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

NIST International School in Bangkok is a not-for-profit IB World School offering the full International Baccalaureate curriculum (PYP, MYP, DP) from ages 3 to 18. Founded in 1992 with support from the United Nations, NIST serves over 1,800 students from 50+ nationalities. In August 2025, NIST completed Phase 2 of its campus development. This expansion introduced a Pavilion Building featuring a Lecture Hall, meeting rooms, and The Lounge. It also added two Elementary Buildings that nearly double previous spaces. These specific additions include a two-level Elementary Library, a Learning Kitchen, a Science Lab, an Elementary Gymnasium, and three Makerspace areas. Link bridges now connect these new structures with the Innovation and Creative Arts Buildings to ensure accessible movement across the school. NIST is distinctly known for its Global Citizen Diploma, a signature initiative offered alongside the IB curriculum. As part of an eleven-school consortium, this programme allows secondary students to formally document their values, qualitative learning experiences, and community service beyond standard report cards.

36 Sukhumvit Soi 15, Sukhumvit Road, Klongtoey-nua Wattana, Bangkok, 10110 Thailand

The Essentials

NIST International School has 1,800 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English.

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

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.

Type

NIST is a private, not-for-profit, co-educational day school.

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

NIST does not have an affiliation with any specific country.

Religious affiliation

The school is not affiliated with any religion and is a secular institution.

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

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.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement

Uniforms are used; uniform supplies are available at The Shop on campus.

Food Options

There is a campus café on site.

Governance and Ownership

NIST is a not-for-profit IB World School.
Fees

Annual tuition at NIST International School ranges from THB 628,200 to THB 1,094,500 for 2026/27.

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).
Academics

NIST International School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum

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.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

NIST places social and emotional learning at the core of its PYP framework, valuing emotional, social, and physical well‑being alongside learning to support student growth . Teachers integrate SEL competencies through inquiry‑based learning and collaborative classroom routines . Professional development for staff includes training on SEL and Universal Design for Learning principles to help embed emotional and social skills development into daily practice . The school also uses wellbeing initiatives such as WellNIST, which focuses on mental health literacy and awareness within the community .

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

NIST states publicly that it provides inclusive support services aligned with its mission, designed to meet a range of learning and wellbeing needs . Services include individual and team-based interventions, counselling, and allied health support such as occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and psychological assessment . The school is not a specialist SEN institution, but supports diverse needs including communication, motor skills, sensory processing, and behaviour challenges. Staff participate in regular professional development so they can identify and work with students receiving support .

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

NIST provides English language support for students whose first language is not English. In Elementary (Years 1–6), specialist EAL teachers work in homeroom settings to support language development alongside classroom instruction . In Secondary (Years 7–11), students follow the IB MYP English Language Acquisition (ELA) programme, receiving targeted support during humanities and science lessons . In Years 12–13, EAL students may select English B as part of their IB Diploma coursework .

Mental Wellbeing

NIST promotes mental wellbeing through its WellNIST initiative, which raises awareness and supports mental health literacy across the school community . The school psychologist works with students on social‑emotional and behavioural challenges, and liaises with families and teachers to coordinate support . Counselling and psychoeducational assessments are available to address emotional well‑being needs and help design appropriate individual plans . These services are integrated into the overall support structure coordinated by the school’s support services team.

Safeguarding

NIST maintains child protection policies and procedures to ensure student safety, including thorough background screening for all staff, and clearly defined reporting protocols for potential concerns. The support services framework includes confidential communication channels between students, staff, specialists, and families to manage wellbeing and safety concerns safely . Safeguarding is embedded in the school’s governance, with regular reviews and training to ensure policies align with international standards .
Parent Experience

History

NIST opened in August 1992 on the former campus of International School Bangkok under the guidance of the United Nations. It became the first school in Thailand to offer the full IB continuum in the late 1990s. The school is operated by the parent‑elected NIST International School Foundation as a not‑for‑profit institution.

Community

NIST hosts annual community and cultural events such as the Service Fair and global citizenship initiatives. Student-led activities, assemblies, and festivals frequently bring families together.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The school has an active parent-driven support network known as the Parent Teacher Association. PTA volunteers support events such as the annual Service Fair, cultural celebrations, and community-building workshops. Parent representatives partner with school staff to facilitate social events, informational sessions, and community service activities.
Gallery
Facilities

Facilities Overview

The school sits on a 25-rai campus in Bangkok's Asok area, with ten buildings and more than 90 classrooms. The Early Years Centre provides a safe environment with a playground, a small pool, an explorative garden and shared community spaces. The Elementary and Secondary Buildings contain subject-specific classrooms, science and technology labs, counselling and language rooms, and art, music and recording studios, with two well-resourced libraries and a senior lounge, café and multi-purpose area for student collaboration. Phase 2 added two new Elementary Buildings and a Pavilion Building, completed by 2025. Phase 1 Innovation Building opened in 2023 with a 350-seat Black Box Theatre, drama studios and World Language classrooms, interconnected by bridges to the Creative Arts Building.

Sports Facilities

The campus features full-scale indoor and outdoor facilities and sports complexes. The sports facilities are designed for active sessions and team-building. The campus includes theatres and lecture halls and multi-purpose spaces to support events. These spaces support community engagement and professional learning.

Academic Facilities

The Elementary and Secondary Buildings have subject-specific classrooms, science and technology labs, counselling and language rooms, and art, music and recording studios. The campus includes two well-resourced libraries and a senior lounge, café and multi-purpose area for student collaboration. English is the language of instruction, with English Language Support (EAL) in Elementary and English Language Acquisition in Secondary. The World Languages program offers twelve Home Languages during the school day, with Thai taught from the Early Years and after-school language options available. The school offers all three IB programmes (PYP, MYP, DP).

Extra Curricular Facilities

More than 300 extracurricular activities are offered.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

NIST offers the full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP) and the Global Citizenship Diploma. The Learning Programme is aligned with IB frameworks and the UN Sustainable Development Goals and integrates wellbeing, service, expeditions and activities. The Diploma Programme includes an extended essay, Theory of Knowledge, and CAS activities for real-world application. From early years to graduation, students engage with the UN SDGs as part of the curriculum.

Arts & Creative

The Activities Programme offers over 300 activities across academics, arts, sports and service. Arts subjects are part of the IB Diploma Programme, including Film, Music, Theatre and Visual Arts. Facilities include art, music and recording studios and two libraries. The DP Arts offer Visual Arts, Film, Music and Theatre.

Cultural & Language

Twelve Home Languages are offered during the school day. The Home Language list includes English, Danish, Dutch, French, German, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Spanish, Swedish and Thai. Language B offerings include English, French, Mandarin and Spanish, with Ab initio options in French, Mandarin and Spanish. An After-school Language Programme provides additional languages beyond the day curriculum, and Thai is taught from the Early Years.

Social & Hobbies

The Activities Programme offers over 300 activities across academics, arts, sports, service, and more. Expeditions provide structured outdoor experiences. Student life includes clubs and groups that engage with learning beyond the classroom.

Community & Service

Service Learning is integrated across the NIST Learning Programme and aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to foster a service mindset and partnerships. There are 45 student-led Service Groups. The Global Citizenship Diploma (GCD) recognizes a student's service, leadership and global citizenship.

Leadership & Professional

Duke of Edinburgh's International Award is offered to students, promoting personal development and leadership. The Global Citizenship Diploma provides a credential that highlights leadership, service and global citizenship and is delivered through a nine-school consortium. The GCD emphasises metacognition, passion and talent development.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Wellbeing is an integral part of the Learning Programme, fostering a caring community where individuals feel supported and connected. The curriculum emphasizes respectful relationships, a balanced lifestyle and community engagement within a learner-centered approach. Expeditions and service activities contribute to students' wellbeing and personal growth.
Languages

Language Provision

Twelve languages are offered during the school day as Home Languages, including Danish, German, Spanish, French, Hebrew, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Dutch, Swedish and Thai. In Language B, the Programme offers English, French, Mandarin and Spanish, with Ab Initio options for French, Mandarin and Spanish. Thai is taught from the Early Years; in Year 2 families choose between the Home Language and Language Acquisition pathways, continuing through the MYP and DP. An After-school Language Programme provides additional languages such as Catalan, Traditional Chinese, Italian and Russian, with some languages incurring a fee; over half of IB Diploma students graduate with the Bilingual Diploma.
Reputation

Accreditations

• Council of International Schools (CIS) – CIS accreditation confirms that NIST meets internationally recognized standards in governance, curriculum, and student support.
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) – A U.S.-based accrediting agency; NEASC accreditation signals that NIST complies with rigorous criteria for educational quality and institutional integrity.
• Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment (ONESQA) – Thailand’s official accreditation body; ONESQA approval confirms compliance with national education regulations.
• Member of the International Schools Association of Thailand (ISAT) – ISAT membership connects NIST with a national network of schools meeting shared professional and operational standards.
• Member of EARCOS – The East Asia Regional Council of Overseas Schools supports collaboration and best practice among regional international schools.
Admissions

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

As of publicly available information, NIST does not offer formal scholarships for academic or need-based support.

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.
School Events
The school has not added events