You will find below a list of the most popular international schools for expats in Papua New Guinea 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 Papua New Guinea. Schools usually follow the an international or Australian curriculum with an English speaking program.

Education in Papua New Guinea

Papau New Guinea has a complicated history of education where it has been highly decentralized with much of the current formation based on different missionary systems. Attendance and literary rates remain low; in fact, the lowest in Oceania. Only about two-thirds of primary school-aged children attend school, with fewer girls attending than boys. Fees have been abolished, but attendance is not compulsory.

The current education system is divided into three levels: primary, secondary and tertiary. Primary education consists of six years of instruction for children seven to 12 years of age. Students who reach the sixth grade must pass a national exam to continue their education. There are two types of secondary schools: four-year provincial high schools for grades 7-10 or two-year national high schools for grades 11 and 12. Upon completion they may pursue higher education. English is the language of instruction at the secondary level.

The academic year runs from January to December.

International Schools

International schools can be the perfect solution for an expat student (primarily multinational corporation executives, children of diplomats, NGO staff) in Papua New Guinea. 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 enrollment 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

In Papua New Guinea, the International Education Agency is the largest independent education provider in Papua New Guinea. It manages schools operated by the Australian and United Nations administrations before Papua New Guinea's independence. It operates 24 independent schools from pre-school through the 12th grade without religious affiliation.

• 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.
• Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA) is among the premier accrediting associations in the world.
• New England Association of Schools & Colleges (NEASC) is a regional accrediting association which establishes standards for all levels of education, from pre-K to doctoral.
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) is an official academic body responsible for the accreditation of public and private universities, colleges, secondary and elementary schools.
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits K-12 schools and not-for-profit, non-degree granting postsecondary institutions.

International School in Eastern Highlands Province

Australian International School PNG (AISPNG)
Address: P.O. Box 800
Goroka, 441 EHP, PNG
Tel: 675 7810 1415
Tuition Rates: 8,800 - 16,720 PGK per year

AISPNG is a private international primary school, licensed and accredited to offer the Australian Curriculum. Classes are for students from pre-school (age 2) til 8th grade. Every year the school implements National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) tests for students in Years 3, 5, and 7. Uniforms are required and boarding is available.

Ukarumpa International School (UIS)
Address: P.O. Box 1-100
E.H.P. #444, Ukarumpa, PNG
Tuition Rates: Inquire at the school

UIS is an accredited Pre-Kindergarten to 12th grade with Christ-centred education that develops a Biblical worldview. The campus has eight classrooms and sports facilities. Ukarumpa International School is accredited by WASC.

International School in Kavieng

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart International School (OLSH)
Address: Corner of Ungan and Tabar Streets
Kavieng 063 Papua New Guinea
Tel: 675 9842128
Tuition Rates: Inquire at the school

This international school was opened in 1958 by the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (MSCs) as the first Catholic School in town. There are classes from pre-school to 12th grade.

International School in Kimbe

Kimbe International School (KIS)
Address: P.O. Box 307
Kimbe, West New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea
Tel: 675 983 5078
Tuition Rates: Inquire at the school

KIS is owned and operated by the International Education Agency of Papua New Guinea. It is an independent, coeducational, international school from pre-school (age 3) to Grade 12. Students prepare for the PNG Upper Secondary School Certificate and an Australian Capital Territory Board of Senior Secondary School Year 12 Certificate. Along with academics, there are sports, cultural events, and co-curricular activities.

International School in Lae

Lae International School (LIS)
Address: PO Box 2130
Lae 411, Papua New Guinea
Tel: 675 479 1422
Tuition Rates: Inquire at the school

LIS is owned and operated by the International Education Agency of PNG. It offers schooling from Early Learning to Grade 12. It offers the curriculum of the PNG Department of Education, Cambridge Assessment, the Board of Senior Secondary Studies of the Australian Capital Territory, and the IEA of PNG. Uniforms are required and boarding is available.

International School in Port Moresby

Bava International School
Address: Cnr Turua Ave & Taurama Rd
Boroko, Port Moresby, PNG
Tel: 675 325 8715
Tuition Rates: K 2,425 - 2,625 per year

This early education international school is family-run with a varied curriculum from pre-school to 4th grade. Uniforms are required

Ela Murray International School
Address: P.O. Box 1137
Boroko, National Capital District, PNG
Tel: 675 3252183
Tuition Rates: K 33,575 - 54,818 per year

Ela Murray is a non-profit, private, co-educational day school. There are classes from pre-school to 8th grade. Students are taught in mixed ability classes with music, drama, art, French and P.E courses. TEMIS is owned and operated by the IEA. Uniforms are required.

KoroBoro International School
Address: P.O. Box 1319
Boroko, National Capital District, Papua New Guinea 121
Tel: 675 7810 1415
Tuition Rates: Inquire at the school

There are two campuses for this international school: Boroko East Campus (Boro) and the Korobosea Campus (Koro). Classes are from Early Learning to Grade 6. KoroBoro International School is part of the International Education Agency (IEA) of PNG. The school implements the IEA Curriculum which is an outcomes based curriculum and instruction is in English. Uniforms are required.

Port Moresby International School (POMIS)
Address: Corner of Bava Street, Boroko Drive
N.C.D, Port Moresby
Tel: 675 325 3166
Tuition Rates: Inquire at the school

POMIS is a private international school for students from year 7 through 12. They offer the Cambridge curriculum, the Australian Capital Territory curriculum and International Baccalaureate Diploma programme in grade 11 and 12. Students may earn the Papua New Guinea High School (Year 10) and Higher School (Year 12) Certificates. There are many extra curriculars and athletic clubs.

St Joseph's International Catholic College
Address: Section 21 Allotment 45 Vaivai Avenue
Boroko, National Capital District, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Tel: 675 325 3733
Tuition Rates: K 8,349 - 19,325 per year

This school, also known as Joeys, is an international school from pre-school through year 12. The school is one of the oldest in Papua New Guinea and is located next to St Joseph's Parish Church in the suburb of Boroko. Students may take the PNG School Certificate, NSW School Certificate, PNG Higher School Certificate, and NSW Higher School Certificate. Students from Pre-School to Year 12 participate in the Religious Education program. The college participates in regular competitions for athletics from track and field to swimming to rugby. Uniforms are required.

South Pacific International Academy (SPIA)
Address: P.O. Box 935, Waterfront, NCD
Location: Papa-Lealea Highway, between Motukea Wharf and Edai Town
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Tel: (675)7009-1000
Email: info@spiapng.com
Tuition Rates: K22,000/year (2021)

SPIA is a non-profit, private international school that uses a Christian curriculum (Abeka) based in the USA. Classrooms are all climate-controlled, and transportation is available in well-maintained vehicles equipped with trackers and cameras. Each student is directly impacted by American teachers every day.