Seoul International School Fee Structure 2026
Seoul International School Fee Structure 2026
Understanding how international school fees in Seoul are structured helps families budget accurately and avoid unpleasant surprises. Headline tuition figures rarely tell the full story — a school charging KRW 30M in tuition may cost KRW 35M–40M once all additional fees are included.
This guide breaks down every component of Seoul international school fees.
One-Time Fees (Paid on Enrolment)
These fees are paid once — typically before or at the start of your child’s first year — and are not usually refundable.
| Fee Type | Typical Range (KRW) |
|---|---|
| Application fee | KRW 100,000–500,000 |
| Registration / enrolment fee | KRW 500,000–3,000,000 |
| Capital levy / building fund | KRW 1,000,000–5,000,000 |
| Uniform and PE kit (initial) | KRW 300,000–700,000 |
Capital levy: Many Seoul international schools charge a one-time capital levy (also called a building fund or development fund). This contributes to school infrastructure and is separate from tuition. At premium schools, this can be KRW 3M–5M. Some schools allow this to be paid in instalments.
Refundable deposit: Some schools require a refundable security deposit (typically KRW 500,000–2,000,000) which is returned when the student leaves.
Annual Recurring Fees
These fees are charged every academic year.
| Fee Type | Typical Range (KRW/year) |
|---|---|
| Tuition (core fee) | KRW 8,000,000–42,000,000 |
| Activity / student life fee | KRW 300,000–800,000 |
| Technology / IT fee | KRW 200,000–500,000 |
| Student council / school operations | KRW 100,000–300,000 |
| Library / learning resources | KRW 100,000–300,000 |
Per-Use and Optional Fees
These are charged based on what your child uses or participates in.
| Fee Type | Typical Range (KRW/year) |
|---|---|
| School bus (return, annual) | KRW 1,000,000–3,000,000 |
| Lunch programme | KRW 600,000–1,500,000 |
| After-school activities (per activity) | KRW 200,000–600,000 |
| International school trips | KRW 500,000–2,000,000 |
| Overnight / expedition trips | KRW 200,000–800,000 |
| EAL / ESL support (if needed) | KRW 1,000,000–3,000,000 |
| Learning support / SEN | Varies — ask school directly |
Exam Fees
For students in IB, IGCSE or A-Level programmes, external examination fees are almost always charged separately.
| Qualification | Approximate Fee |
|---|---|
| IB Diploma (full) | ~KRW 900,000–1,200,000 |
| IGCSE (per subject) | ~KRW 80,000–130,000 |
| A-Level (per subject) | ~KRW 100,000–150,000 |
| AP exams (per exam) | ~KRW 90,000–120,000 |
Payment Schedules
Seoul international schools typically offer one of three payment arrangements:
Annual: Full year’s tuition paid at the start of the academic year. Some schools offer a small discount for annual payment.
Semester: Paid in two instalments — at the start of first and second semesters.
Term/Monthly: Less common at premium schools; more common at budget tier schools. Allows for more manageable cash flow but may attract a small fee.
Most schools accept bank transfer. Some accept credit cards (which may attract a processing fee of 1–3%). Cash payments are generally not accepted.
Currency Considerations
Most Seoul international schools charge fees in KRW (Korean Won). A small number — particularly those with close US or international affiliations — may denominate fees in USD. Families paid in foreign currencies should factor in exchange rate fluctuation when budgeting.
First-Year vs Subsequent Years
First-year costs are always higher due to one-time fees. Here is a realistic first-year vs ongoing comparison for a mid-range Seoul school (KRW 25M tuition):
| Year | Approximate Total (KRW) |
|---|---|
| Year 1 (with one-time fees) | KRW 30M–35M |
| Subsequent years | KRW 26M–29M |
Hidden Costs Families Often Miss
- Textbooks and workbooks: Not always included in activity fees — budget KRW 200,000–600,000/year
- Formal uniform events: School formals, graduation ceremonies, and special events may require additional clothing purchases
- Parent association: Voluntary but socially expected at many schools
- School photography: Annual photo packages, KRW 50,000–150,000
- Graduation and year-end events: Senior year in particular brings additional costs
Tutopiya: Budget-Friendly Exam Preparation
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