Seoul International School (SIS) Fees 2026
Seoul International School (SIS) Fees 2026
Seoul International School (SIS) is one of South Korea’s most prestigious and long-established international schools. Founded in 1973, SIS has built a reputation for academic excellence comparable to Korea International School (KIS), producing graduates who regularly gain admission to leading US and global universities.
Location
SIS is located in Seongnam, in the southern part of the Seoul metropolitan area (Gyeonggi-do province). It operates as a single campus day school — unlike KIS, which also has a Jeju boarding campus.
The Seongnam/Bundang area is a major residential centre for Seoul’s expat community, making SIS particularly convenient for families based in this part of greater Seoul.
SIS Fees 2025/2026
| Year Group | Annual Tuition (KRW) | Annual Tuition (USD approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Kindergarten | ~KRW 22,000,000 | ~$16,500 |
| Kindergarten | ~KRW 25,000,000–27,000,000 | ~$18,800–$20,300 |
| Elementary (Grades 1–5) | ~KRW 32,000,000–35,000,000 | ~$24,000–$26,300 |
| Middle School (Grades 6–8) | ~KRW 36,000,000–39,000,000 | ~$27,000–$29,300 |
| High School (Grades 9–12) | ~KRW 37,000,000–40,000,000 | ~$27,800–$30,000 |
Fees are indicative for 2025/2026. Confirm directly with SIS. USD equivalent approximate.
Additional Fees
| Fee | Amount (KRW) |
|---|---|
| Application fee | ~KRW 100,000–150,000 |
| Capital levy (one-time) | ~KRW 3,000,000–7,000,000 |
| Technology fee (annual) | ~KRW 400,000–700,000 |
| Activity fee (annual) | ~KRW 300,000–600,000 |
| School bus (annual) | ~KRW 1,500,000–2,800,000 |
| AP exam fees (per exam) | ~KRW 150,000–200,000 |
Curriculum and Accreditation
Like KIS, SIS follows the American curriculum with Advanced Placement (AP) courses in high school. SIS is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), and maintains regional accreditation through the East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS).
SIS graduates consistently gain admission to:
- Highly selective US universities (Ivy League and equivalents)
- Top UK institutions (including Oxford and Cambridge)
- Korean universities (SNU, Korea University, Yonsei)
- Leading global universities in Canada, Australia, and Europe
SIS vs KIS: How Do They Compare?
| Feature | SIS | KIS |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Seongnam (Bundang) | Pangyo (+ Jeju boarding) |
| Curriculum | American/AP | American/AP |
| Accreditation | WASC | WASC |
| Annual fees | ~KRW 37M–40M | ~KRW 38M–42M |
| Boarding option | No | Yes (Jeju campus) |
| Campus size | Large, single campus | Large (Pangyo) + Jeju |
| University placements | Ivy League calibre | Ivy League calibre |
| Community size | Slightly smaller than KIS | Larger total enrollment |
Both schools are among Seoul’s very best and the choice often comes down to location within the Seoul metropolitan area — Bundang-based families tend to favour SIS; Pangyo-area families tend to favour KIS.
Admissions
SIS admission is highly competitive:
- Eligibility: Foreign nationals and Korean nationals with qualifying overseas experience (typically three or more consecutive years abroad). Korean nationals without overseas experience are not eligible.
- English language proficiency: Assessment required for non-native English speakers
- Academic records: Recent transcripts from previous school
- Waitlists: Common at most year levels — apply early
- Timeline: Apply 12–18 months in advance for best chances
SIS does not formally rank or rank-order applicants publicly, but the competitive admissions reality means selective application preparation is worthwhile.
Is SIS Worth the Fees?
At KRW 37–40 million per year for high school, SIS is one of Seoul’s most expensive international schools. The value proposition is strong for families:
- Targeting highly selective US university admissions
- Needing WASC accreditation for their child’s academic record
- Based in the Seongnam/Bundang/Pangyo area
- With employer packages covering school fees
For families targeting UK university via IGCSE and A-Level, Seoul Foreign School (British curriculum) may be a better fit.
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