Choosing the right international school in Hong Kong can feel overwhelming. If you are a parent considering French International School Hong Kong (FIS) for your child, this guide is for you. We cover the school’s dual streams (French and International), curriculum (including IGCSE and IB in the International stream), location and facilities, fees and costs, admissions process, what to look for when visiting, and practical next steps—so you can decide whether FIS is the right fit and how to prepare.

About French International School Hong Kong (FIS)

French International School Hong Kong (FIS) offers two main streams: a French curriculum stream (leading to the French Baccalauréat or equivalent) and an International stream that typically offers IGCSE and IB Diploma in the senior years. The school is known for bilingual education, strong academic outcomes in both streams, and a diverse community. FIS serves students from early years through to graduation and attracts families who want either a French education or a strong English-medium international pathway (IGCSE, IB) in a school with a French heritage. Parents often cite the quality of language teaching, the choice of streams, and the school’s reputation for academic rigour as key reasons for choosing FIS.

The school’s ethos combines high academic expectations with a strong focus on languages and cultural fluency. Class sizes are kept manageable, and the faculty includes many experienced teachers in both the French and International streams. FIS has multiple campuses in Hong Kong; the International stream is popular with families who do not require the French curriculum but value the school’s overall standards and community.

Who This Guide Is For

This guide is for parents who are researching FIS, comparing it with other Hong Kong international schools, or looking for detailed information on curriculum (French vs International stream), fees, admissions, and what to expect. Whether your child is entering primary or secondary, you will find here a structured overview and practical checklists to support your decision.

Curriculum and Programmes

In the International stream, FIS typically offers IGCSE (Cambridge or Edexcel—confirm the exam board on the school website) in the middle secondary years, followed by the IB Diploma Programme in the final two years. In the IB DP, students choose six subjects (typically three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level), complete TOK, the Extended Essay, and CAS. Subject choice and language options are wide. In the French stream, the curriculum follows the French system and leads to the Baccalauréat—confirm details on the school website if you are considering the French stream.

If your child is in the International stream and needs extra support in specific IGCSE or IB subjects, Internal Assessments (IA), or exam technique, one-to-one tutoring aligned with the curriculum can supplement school work effectively.

Location and Facilities

FIS has multiple campuses in Hong Kong (check the school website for addresses and which year groups and streams are on which campus). Facilities typically include well-stocked libraries, science laboratories, IT suites, sports halls, swimming pools, and dedicated spaces for music, drama, and art. Location and which campus matter: consider commute time, school bus routes, and which campus fits your family’s home and routine. Many families choose FIS in part because one of the campuses is convenient.

Fees and Costs: What Parents Should Budget

FIS fees are typically in the upper range for Hong Kong—often HKD 160,000–240,000+ per year depending on year level and stream (indicative; confirm on the school website). Additional costs that parents should budget for include application and assessment fees, capital levy or debenture (if applicable), uniform, transport, and optional activities. Families who want to supplement school with targeted tutoring (e.g. for IGCSE or IB subjects) can do so with flexible, one-to-one sessions that fit around the FIS timetable.

Admissions Process and Timeline

Typical steps for FIS (confirm with the school): (1) Application – complete the online form and pay the application fee; indicate which stream (French or International) you are applying for; (2) Supporting documents – previous school reports, passport/ID; (3) Assessment – age-appropriate assessments (e.g. English, maths; French may be required for the French stream); (4) Interview – student and/or family interview; (5) Offer and acceptance – if successful, you will receive an offer. Apply well in advance; places can be limited. Preparing for entrance assessments can help your child feel confident on the day.

What to Look for When Visiting FIS

Factor	What to check
Stream	French vs International—which stream fits your child’s language and goals.
Curriculum	For International stream: IGCSE and IB subject choice and HL/SL options.
Campus	Which campus your child would attend and commute from your home.
Class size	Typical class size and student–teacher ratio.
Support	EAL, learning support, and pastoral care.
Fees	Total cost per year including levies and typical extras.
Culture	Fit with your family’s values and your child’s needs.

Pros and Cons: A Balanced View

Pros: FIS offers a choice of French or International streams, strong language education, academic rigour, and good university placement. The French heritage and dual-stream model appeal to many families. Cons: Fees are in the upper range, entry can be competitive, and families who need extra support in specific subjects or exam prep often use external tutoring to supplement. Considering both sides helps you decide if FIS is the right fit.

How Tutopiya Fits In

If your child is in the International stream and needs extra help with IGCSE or IB subjects, IA, or exam technique, one-to-one tuition can supplement FIS without changing school. Flexible scheduling and online sessions mean no extra commute, and continuity if you relocate. Book a free trial or explore Tutopiya’s learning portal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Parents

Q: Can our child join FIS without speaking French?
A: Yes. The International stream offers IGCSE and IB in English. The French stream is for families who want a French curriculum.

Q: How do we prepare for FIS entrance tests?
A: Tutoring can help with maths and English at the right level for the school’s entrance format. For the French stream, check with the school about French language requirements.

Q: Can our child continue learning if we relocate?
A: Yes. Online one-to-one tuition allows your child to continue with the same tutor from anywhere.

Key Takeaways

FIS offers French and International streams; the International stream offers IGCSE and IB. Fees are in the upper range for Hong Kong; budget for application fees, levies, uniform, and transport. Admissions involve application, documents, assessment, and interview—apply early. Visiting the campus and confirming stream and fees for your child’s year will help you decide if FIS is the right fit. If your child needs extra support in IGCSE or IB, one-to-one tutoring can supplement the school timetable flexibly.

Next Steps for Parents

1. Visit the FIS website and decide whether you are interested in the French or International stream. Attend an open day or schedule a tour if possible.
2. Confirm curriculum (IGCSE, IB for International stream) and total fees for your child’s year.
3. Apply in good time and prepare your child for assessments.
4. If you need extra support (e.g. entrance-test preparation or IGCSE/IB tutoring), consider one-to-one tuition that fits around the school timetable. Book a free trial to see how it fits your family.