You will find a list of the most international and bilingual schools for expats in Macau (Macao in Portuguese) with fee information. The list includes nursery schools, primary and secondary (high) schools for you to find the right school to prepare for the International Baccalaureate and other accreditation in Macau. Some schools may follow the Canadian or other English-language curriculums.

Education in Macau

The education system in Macau consists of 15 years of compulsory, free education, although not all students complete the entire course. It is split up into 6 years of primary school, 3 years of junior secondary school and 3 years for senior secondary school up to Form 6. Students who want to continue to university are split into science, commerce and arts streams.

There is a lack of regulation in schools with churches, private groups, etc. starting their own schools. Many schools are operated by Catholic organizations and Cantonese and English (or Portuguese and Macau) are offered at most of the schools. The curricula is often based on that of Portugal.

International Schools

Many of the schools in Macau are private or subsidized schools. International schools can be the perfect solution for an expat student (multinational corporation executives, children of diplomats, NGO staff) in Macau. International schools provide similar standards of schooling around the globe, providing for an easy transition between schools whether they are in France or Vietnam.

There is usually local population, as well as an international student body. Schools may follow a curriculum model from the US, UK, France, etc. Primary instruction may be any language (and multiple languages are usually taught), but it is usually in English. Schools also provide internationally accepted accreditation such as the international baccalaureate.

Admission and enrolment procedures vary from school to school. Space is often limited and preference may be given to students based on nationality. Tuition tends to be expensive based on local standards, but offers high standards of learning, boast smaller class sizes, first-rate facilities, and extracurricular. Boarding facilities are available at some schools, but most only provide day classes.

Accreditation & Membership

• Council of International Schools (CoIS) is a non-profit association of international schools and post-secondary institutions which provides educational accreditation, teacher and leadership recruitment services, links to higher education, governance assistance and help with founding new schools.
• Association of China and Mongolia International Schools (ACAMIS) evaluates standards for international schools throughout China and Mongolia.
• Canadian Overseas Schools Association Network (COSA) is the leading collaborative association promoting and supporting the ideals and best practices of Canadian education.

International Schools in Macao

International School of Macao (TIS)
Address: Avenida Wai Long, MUST Campus, Block K, Taipa, Macau
Tel: 853 2853 3700
Tuition Rates: 57,000 - 111,000 MOP per year

Known as Escola Internacional de Macau in Portuguese or 澳門國際學校 in Chinese, TIS is a Canadian International school. Located near Macau International Airport, it is in Block K of the Macau University of Science and Technology. Coursework is based on Alberta curriculum and graduates earn the Alberta High School diploma. English is the primary language of instruction with all students from PreK to Grade 9 taking Mandarin lessons based on their ability. Boarding is available and uniforms are required. It is accredited by ACAMIS and COSA.

School of Nations (SON)
Address: Avenida Wai Long, MUST Campus, Block K, Taipa, Macau
Tel: 853 2870 1759
Tuition Rates: $33,400 - $52,100 per year

The school is affiliated with the Baha'i Faith and instruction is in English. SON offers the IB Diploma Programme following a rigorous two-year curriculum in Form 5 and Form 6.