Beijing’s newcomers might be surprised to find international tuition fees equivalent to that of college tuition and lament the large portion education takes up of their overall budget. Over the last few years, schools have begun offering discounts and scholarships to either attract the finest of students in Beijing’s competitive school market or to act on their values.
The good news is that Beijing’s international school facilities and class offerings place them with the best internationally, but you know what they say: quality has a price. While no parent wants to choose their child’s education based on cost, the reality is that every family has to consider what they can afford. However, there is hope. Many international schools offer merit scholarships to both new and existing students, helping you save money.
Beijing City International School (BCIS)
Secondary students (age 14 and above) currently enrolled at the school, new students, as well as students of international families intending to relocate to Beijing are eligible for their annual merit and academic scholarships.
The merit scholarship is awarded based on sports, mathematics, science and technology, as well as the arts. Students must submit a portfolio showcasing their merits, an application essay, two letters commending their character, as well as previous academic records. Merit Scholarships, once awarded, renew each year until the student graduates.
The academic scholarship is awarded for academic achievements, proven with exemplary English, Math, and Chinese exam results. Students are to turn in a personal statement, two character references, and previous school records. Student recipients of the Academic Scholarship are subject for review for their academics, behavior, and community involvement each year.
Age range: 2-18
Grades offered: Toddler-Grade 12
School type: IB World School
Admits: Chinese and Foreign Passport Holders
admissions@bcis.cn
Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing)
YCIS’ Overall Achievement Scholarship can cover all of a student’s tuition fees up to four years. Students must demonstrate both excellence in academics and a commitment to learning. Well-rounded students should have contributed via charity and service to their community, acting on YCIS values. Scholarship recipients are subject to annual review.
The Subject Specific Scholarship awards a 50 percent tuition discount, for the next school year, to passionate students of language and literature, music and performing arts, or sports. Applicants should show proficiency and zeal in their specific subject. For example, students (Year 7 and above) who have passed the Grade 4 at the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music can apply for YCIS Beijing’s Music Scholarship.
Age range: 2-18
Grades offered: Kindergarten 2 to Year 13
School type: International K-12 school
Admits: Foreign Passport Holders Only
enquiry@bj.ycef.com
Beijing World Youth Academy (BWYA)
Existing students are awarded scholarships in the form of tuition fee reductions at the end of each school year. Students are evaluated based on their academic distinction, development in their chosen subjects, and dedication to the community.
Age range: 5-18;
Grades offered: Kindergarten -12
School type: Independent international school
Admits: Chinese and Foreign Passport Holders
admissions@ibwya.net
The British School of Beijing, Shunyi
Students at British School of Beijing, Shunyi can pay their tuition three times out of the year, but receive a 3 percent discount if paid in full at the beginning of the year. Families are also eligible sibling discounts, 5 percent for the third child and 10 percent for the fourth child. An academic scholarship policy is in place; further details are available from the school.
Age range: 1-18
Grades offered: Pre-Nursery to Year 13
School type: International school
Admits: Foreign Passport Holders Only
admissions@britishschool.org.cn
Canadian International School of Beijing (CISB)
Existing students can be nominated for a Merit Scholarship (sixth grade and up) or apply for an Academic Scholarship (high school only). The former is judged by a committee, which bases their decision on the student’s behavior, contributions, academics, as well as skills and talents. The Merit Scholarship is awarded to students with positive attitudes and exemplary work ethic. The latter is based on academics and social contributions to both the school and global community. The Academic Scholarship is a tuition discount between 20 and 25 percent, depending on the candidate’s test scores.
Age range: 18 months-18 years
Grades offered: Nursery to Grade 12
School type: International day school
Admits: Foreign Passport Holders Only
admissions@cis-beijing.com
Keystone Academy Beijing
Keystone Academy welcomes the best of candidates from all over the world, offering merit scholarships to offset tuition costs. All of their merit-based scholarship awards are RMB 25,000, but can be increased with need-based awards to cover the entire tuition.
A merit-based program, Founders’ Scholarship, rewards applicants who excel academically, demonstrate good character, and show promise in contributing to the Academy’s learning community.
The Junzi scholarship rewards students who resemble the original Confucian idea of a scholarly gentleman, or junzi, such as knowledge, compassion, discipline, and virtue. The committee chooses recipients who have both demonstrated leadership skills in their previous school environments and excelled in academics. The Junzi scholarship is only available to students applying for the International Baccalaureate Diploma program in grades 10 and 11, with a total amount from RMB 90,000 to RMB 180,000 and is valid for the entire diploma program as long as the recipient maintains their academic performance as a positive member of the school community.
Age range: 5-19
Grades offered: Foundation Year up to Grade 11 in 2016
School type: Local day and boarding School with an international curriculum
Admits: Chinese and Foreign Passport Holders
admission@keystoneacademy.com
House of Knowledge (HoK)
The school offers scholarships, discounts, and payment plans. Tuition payments can be paid in two installments, every six months. Their discounts are numerous, and we calculated that excluding possible embassy, corporate, and sibling discounts, parents can already reduce tuition by 28 percent.
In addition, HoK also offers the SME Scholarship for entrepreneurs and families working in smaller businesses. The scholarship is in the form of discounted tuition, up to sixty percent, and is available for children between the ages of 5 and 8.
Age range: 18 months -11 years
Grades offered: Pre-K – Elementary
School type: International School and Kindergarten
Admits: Chinese and Foreign Passport Holders
admissions@hokschools.com
Harrow International School Beijing (Harrow Beijing)
Harrow Beijing offers the International Leaders’ Scholarship for the best international students (foreign nationals only), which reduces tuition by 60 percent. Students must be age 5 and above, where lower school students are assessed with age-appropriate testing. Upper school applicants are assessed in five areas: English proficiency, modern foreign languages, sports, music and creative arts, community contribution, and leadership ability. The financial means of the family are taken into consideration on a case by case basis in the awarding of the scholarship.
Age range: 2-18 years old
Grades offered: Pre-Nursery to Sixth Form
School type: International school
Admits: Qualified Chinese and Foreign Passport Holders
admissions@harrowbeijing.cn
Western Academy of Beijing (WAB)
They accept financial aid applications from all WAB families, new and old. The school processes applications one at a time, determining grants (if the grant can be full, half, or capped percentage) based on each individual case, and works flexibly with all families receiving support.
In addition, WAB students participate in the US National Merit Scholarship (NMSC) selection process, with the possibility of gaining USD 2,000-2,500 scholarship to be applied to tuition and other study expenses. US National Merit Scholarship is for students applying for universities in the US.
Age range: 3-18
Grades offered: Early Years to Grade 12
School type: Non-profit, independent international school
Admits: Foreign Passport Holders Only
Other Schools
Quite a few Beijing international schools have need based scholarships and discounts that are awarded on a case by case basis. Ganeinu International School and MAC, for example, reviews need-based scholarships depending on space and individual circumstances. The French embassy has scholarship opportunities for citizens that, once received, can be applied to the International French School of Beijing (LFIP). Daystar Academy has offered scholarships in the past based on both need and fit, but at the time of publishing their policies were under review.
To find out if your desired school can work with your family’s financial situation, visit the school of your choice, or contact admissions, and ask about the possibilities for a scholarship, discount, or payment plan.
Finally, if the international schools of your choice cost more than your wallet can handle, also consider Chinese schools with international departments. Such schools come with similar programs, such as the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), but a much smaller price tag.
Check the 2016 School Choice Guide available on our website under the schools tab or in our official wechat account under bjk best.
This article originally appeared on pages 27-29 of the September 2016 Issue of beijingkids magazine. Click here for your free online copy. To find out how you can obtain a hard copy, contact distribution@truerun.com.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF YCIS
