Korea International School (KIS) Fees 2026
Korea International School (KIS) Fees 2026
Korea International School (KIS) is widely considered one of the finest international schools in Asia. With a reputation for exceptional academic rigour, outstanding university placements, and a deeply international community, KIS consistently ranks among the top schools in South Korea — and among the most competitive to enter.
KIS Campuses
KIS operates two distinct campuses:
KIS Pangyo (Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do) — the main day school campus in the Seoul metropolitan area, located in the Pangyo Techno Valley area south of Seoul. The primary choice for expat families based in the greater Seoul region.
KIS Jeju — a residential boarding campus on Jeju Island, within the Jeju Global Education City (JGEC) development. Offers a boarding school experience alongside day school options. Located alongside NLCS Jeju and Branksome Hall Asia.
KIS Fees 2025/2026
| Year Group | Annual Tuition (KRW) | Annual Tuition (USD approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Kindergarten (age 3–4) | ~KRW 22,000,000 | ~$16,500 |
| Kindergarten | ~KRW 26,000,000 | ~$19,500 |
| Elementary (Grades 1–5) | ~KRW 33,000,000–36,000,000 | ~$24,800–$27,000 |
| Middle School (Grades 6–8) | ~KRW 37,000,000–40,000,000 | ~$27,800–$30,000 |
| High School (Grades 9–12) | ~KRW 38,000,000–42,000,000 | ~$28,500–$31,500 |
Fees are indicative for 2025/2026. Confirm directly with KIS. USD equivalent approximate at current KRW/USD rate.
One-Time and Additional Fees
| Fee | Amount (KRW) |
|---|---|
| Application fee | ~KRW 100,000–200,000 |
| Capital levy (one-time on enrolment) | ~KRW 3,000,000–8,000,000 |
| Technology fee (annual) | ~KRW 500,000–800,000 |
| Activity fee (annual) | ~KRW 300,000–600,000 |
| School bus (annual) | ~KRW 1,500,000–3,000,000 |
| AP exam fees (per exam, Gr 10–12) | ~KRW 150,000–200,000 |
Curriculum and Accreditation
KIS follows the American curriculum with Advanced Placement (AP) courses in high school. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) — the gold standard for American curriculum international schools.
IB Diploma is not offered at KIS; the AP pathway is the main qualification for university applications. KIS students have an exceptional track record of admission to:
- Ivy League universities (Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, UPenn)
- Top US liberal arts colleges
- Leading UK universities (including Oxford and Cambridge)
- SKY universities in Korea (Seoul National, Korea University, Yonsei)
Admissions
KIS admission is highly competitive — particularly at the high school level. Key points:
- Eligibility: KIS Pangyo is restricted to foreign nationals and Korean nationals with qualifying overseas experience (typically three or more consecutive years abroad)
- Apply early: Waitlists exist at most grade levels; apply 12–18 months in advance
- Assessment: English language test and academic transcript review required
- Priority: Some priority given to siblings of current students and children of KIS alumni
The admissions process is rigorous and KIS is genuinely selective in a way that fewer international schools are.
Is KIS Worth the Fees?
At KRW 38–42 million per year for high school, KIS is among the most expensive international schools in Korea. The question of value depends on your child’s ambitions and trajectory:
KIS makes strong sense if:
- Your child is targeting highly selective US universities
- You need WASC accreditation for transferability
- You want Ivy-calibre peer group and teaching quality
- Your employer package covers the full fee
Consider alternatives if:
- Your child is targeting UK universities (Seoul Foreign School or GSIS may be better fits for A-Level)
- You cannot meet the foreign national eligibility requirement
- Cost is a primary constraint
Comparing KIS to Other Seoul International Schools
| School | Curriculum | Annual Fees (KRW) |
|---|---|---|
| Korea International School (KIS) | American/AP | ~KRW 33M–42M |
| Seoul International School (SIS) | American/AP | ~KRW 33M–40M |
| Seoul Foreign School (SFS) | British/American/IB | ~KRW 28M–38M |
| Dwight School Seoul | IB | ~KRW 28M–36M |
| Canadian International School (CIS) | Canadian/IB | ~KRW 22M–32M |
See full Seoul schools comparison →
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