International Education in Guangzhou

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Guangzhou, in China’s Guangdong province, may not jump out to many people as an expat hotspot. However with its waterside setting, wealthy economy and proximity to Hong Kong, it’s a very underrated destination. This metropolis is China’s third largest city after Beijing and Shanghai, and offers everything you would get in either city at a slightly lower cost - including international schooling for your child.

If you’re relocating to Guangzhou and need to find the perfect school for your child, here’s what you need to know.

Firstly, Guangzhou may be slightly cheaper than other cities in China for school fees, but it still ranks in the top 10 most expensive cities on the planet for international school costs. So if you were hoping for an affordable international education for your child, you may have to look elsewhere.

However for the sky-high fees you will be paying each year, you can be sure the standard of education your child will be among the best in the world. China’s education system, local and international, is well known for achieving the best academic results than anywhere else, year after year.

Guangzhou has a population of 12 million, so there is a wide choice of international schools to choose from in the city. Their locations are scattered around the city and surrounding areas, with a higher concentration in the north east around Huangpu and south in the Haizhu district.

The curricula on offer are similarly distributed among most of the world’s education systems. Whatever kind of international school you want your child to attend, you’ll find at least one of them in Guangzhou. That said, British, American, and the International Baccalaureate curricula do seem to have a slight edge on the others.

In Guangzhou’s international schools, children can be enrolled from as young as 2 or 3 years of age. This is partly due to the huge demand for international schools in the city. Don’t worry; at this young age, going to ‘school’ is more likely going to nursery. Structured classes and lessons don’t begin until your child is ready, around age 4-5.

All of China’s international schools have excellent facilities, and Guangzhou is no exception. As well as receiving a top tier academic education, your child will have the opportunity to partake in almost any extra curricular they can think of. From sports to arts to everything in between, school campuses in Guangzhou cater for everything.

Of course, every expat parent wants their child to get a place in the best international school available. To ensure this happens for you, don’t waste any time in starting the application process. Do not underestimate the level of demand for places in Guangzhou’s international schools - it is huge! Waiting lists are long and entry criteria can be strict, so make sure you have all your paperwork in order and are ready to move fast.

Below, we have compiled the top 10 international schools in Guangzhou according to our users. However, there are another 18 schools to choose from in the city. You can find the best international school for your child by personalising your results. Just fill in your search criteria, and we will calculate a personal score for every international school in Guangzhou based on your requirements.