Best International Schools in Bali: 2026 Enrolment Guide | Knowmads Bali
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Start Chatting →Three Bali international schools are actively accepting mid-year 2026 enrolments right now: Green School Bali (Sibang Kaja), Bali Island School (Renon, Denpasar), and Canggu Community School (Berawa). Wait times range from 2 weeks to 6 months depending on year group. Annual fees run USD $8,000–$28,000. Apply before April — spots disappear fast.
The Reality of Education in Bali
Most families arrive in Bali with a Pinterest-perfect vision of a bamboo classroom, bare feet, and mindful mornings. Some of that is real. A lot of it is marketing.
Here's what newcomers consistently get wrong: they underestimate how early they need to apply. Bali's expat community has grown dramatically since 2022, and school waitlists — especially for ages 5–10 — are longer than they've ever been. Families who land in August expecting to walk into enrolment week are routinely shocked.
The other mistake? Assuming "international" means your child's home curriculum. It doesn't. Some schools run IB, some Cambridge IGCSE, some are project-based with no standardised framework at all. Before you fall in love with a campus, ask what happens when you leave Bali. Will your child's credits transfer? Will the transcript be recognised?
And please — do not rely solely on Facebook groups for vetting. The expat bubble is enthusiastic but rarely impartial. Go to the actual school. Talk to a teacher who doesn't know you're there. Watch a class.
Vetted Recommendations: Schools Worth Your Time
Green School Bali — Sibang Kaja, Ubud Corridor
Green School is the name everyone knows, and for good reason — it genuinely delivers something different. The campus is a living architecture project; classrooms are bamboo-and-thatch open structures along the Ayung River. The curriculum is project-based, globally informed, and deeply sustainability-focused.
Who it's right for: Families committed to staying in Bali for at least one full academic year, with children who thrive in unstructured, experiential environments.
Who should think carefully: If your child is preparing for GCSE or A-Level re-entry into a traditional British or American system, the transcript jump can be complicated. Ask the admissions team specifically about transition pathways.
Enrolment 2026: Waitlists exist for most year groups. Early Childhood (ages 3–6) is the most competitive. Mid-year spots occasionally open — contact admissions directly in February or March for the best chance.
Fees: USD $18,000–$28,000 per year depending on year group. Capital levy applies for new families.
Bali Island School — Renon, Denpasar
BIS is the most academically traditional school on this list — Cambridge curriculum, structured timetables, a strong secondary programme with IGCSE and A-Level pathways. It's been operating in Bali since 1997, which matters. Longevity means institutional knowledge, stable faculty, and a track record you can actually verify.
Who it's right for: Families on corporate postings, those with secondary-age children, or anyone who needs clear academic continuity for re-entry into UK, Australian, or Singaporean systems.
Location note: Renon is in Denpasar — not Canggu, not Ubud. If you're planning to live on the west coast, factor in the commute or look at their school bus routes.
Enrolment 2026: Mid-year enrolment is generally available for most year groups. Year 10 and 12 have the tightest caps — contact early.
Fees: USD $12,000–$22,000 per year. Registration and assessment fees apply.
Canggu Community School — Berawa, Canggu
CCS has become the school of choice for the digital nomad and long-stay family community concentrated in the Canggu–Seminyak corridor. It's smaller, more intimate, and more flexible than the other two. The curriculum blends IB principles with project-based learning, and the vibe is genuinely community-driven — parents are involved, teachers are accessible, and the pastoral care is excellent.
Who it's right for: Families in the 6-month to 2-year stay range, children who need a softer landing after a difficult transition, and parents who want to be close to school leadership.
Enrolment 2026: Mid-year spots available in most year groups as of early 2026. This school moves fast — if you get an offer, don't sit on it.
Fees: USD $8,000–$16,000 per year. One of the more accessible price points on the island.
Pro-Tips: What the Locals Know
- Visit unannounced if you can. Open days are staged. A random Tuesday morning tells you more about culture and classroom energy.
- Ask about teacher turnover. High turnover is a red flag in any school but especially in Bali, where lifestyle burnout is real.
- Check visa support. Some schools will assist with dependent visa documentation; others won't. Confirm before you sign anything.
- Ask about the Indonesian curriculum component. All schools with local student enrolments must include Bahasa Indonesia instruction. Understand how much, and whether it affects your child's timetable.
- Get the full fee schedule in writing. Enrolment fees, capital levies, uniform costs, field trip charges, and lunch programmes all add up. The headline annual figure is rarely the real number.
- Talk to a parent who has left the school, not just ones who are still there. Exit perspectives are the most honest ones.
- Confirm academic calendar alignment. Bali schools mostly run August–June, but some run January–December. If you're arriving mid-year from the northern hemisphere, clarify exactly where your child enters.
- Don't let the Instagram campus fool you. Green school bamboo and Canggu murals look beautiful on a screen. Make sure the pedagogy matches your child's actual learning needs.
A Conscious Note
Bali's international school ecosystem exists within a broader community — one where local families, Balinese teachers, and Indonesian children are present too, often with far fewer resources. If your family is in a position to choose among these schools, you're privileged in the truest sense. Consider volunteering, supporting local education initiatives, or simply asking your child's school how it gives back to the surrounding banjar. Schools like Green School have community outreach programmes built in. Others will welcome your involvement if you ask. The lightest footprint isn't just about the environment — it's about how you show up in someone else's home.
Quick-Reference FAQ
Which Bali international school has the best academic reputation for university entry? Bali Island School (Renon) is the strongest choice for university-track secondary students, with Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level programmes that are widely recognised by UK, Australian, and Singaporean institutions.
Can I enrol my child mid-year in Bali in 2026? Yes — all three schools listed here accept mid-year applications, though availability varies by year group. Canggu Community School and Bali Island School tend to have more mid-year flexibility than Green School, which fills up fast especially in primary years.
What is the real total cost of international school in Bali? Budget USD $10,000–$30,000 per year all-in, depending on school and year group. Add 15–25% on top of headline tuition for registration fees, capital levies, uniforms, transport, and activities. Always request the full fee schedule — not just the tuition line.