Registration usually works as a one-time, non-refundable fee paid when you submit your application or accept a place, sometimes paired with an entrance assessment for older children. Separate from that is a building or development fund, which many schools frame as a contribution toward campus upkeep or expansion rather than instruction itself. Some schools charge this once at enrollment, others renew it every year or every few years, so ask directly whether it is a one-off payment or a recurring line item before you sign anything.
Tuition itself is billed per term or per semester at most private and international schools, with the option to pay annually in some cases if the school offers a discount for doing so. Preschools and smaller local programs often bill monthly instead, which suits families who are unsure how long they will stay on the island. Sibling discounts are common but not universal, and mid-year enrollment can mean paying a prorated amount rather than a full term's fee. Ask early what happens if you withdraw partway through a term, since many contracts state that fees already paid are non-refundable.
Uniforms and textbooks are almost always billed separately from tuition, and many schools require them to be purchased directly through the school rather than sourced independently. Extracurricular activities and transport typically sit outside the base tuition too, so a quoted tuition figure rarely reflects the full annual cost. Before enrolling, ask for a complete written fee schedule covering every category, plus the school's policy on refunds and withdrawal notice periods. Put it in writing so there are no surprises once your child has already started classes.
Have a follow-up about your own situation?
Ask the Knowmads family guide