IB vs A Level: Where to Study in Hong Kong?

One of the most common questions when it comes to choosing an international secondary school in Hong Kong is whether to study the IBDP or A Levels. To help you make that decision, we've rounded up the schools offering the two curricula and looked at the programmes offered, their performance and cost.

By Carli Allan

Updated:

10th Aug 2022

Which schools are more affordable? IB or A Levels?

Fees are typically higher at IB schools. Why? Because participating IB schools pay fees to become authorised by the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) as well as annual fees, and must provide regular training for staff.

Tuition fees for the IBDP range from the lowest at DSS schools including St Stephen's College, as well as:

Kiangsu-Chekiang College, International Section (Secondary): HKD 108,000
Po Leung Kuk Choi Kai Yau School: HKD 122,309
ESF Island School: HKD 135,000
ESF King George V School: HKD 135,000
ESF Sha Tin College: HKD 135,000
ESF South Island School: HKD 135,000
ESF West Island School: HKD 135,000

The most expensive schools for the IBDP include:

German Swiss International School: HKD 194,100
French International School of Hong Kong (Blue Pool Road): HKD 197,142
Canadian International School of Hong Kong: HKD 198,800
Australian International School Hong Kong: HKD 214,500
Yew Chung International School of Hong Kong: HKD 215,110
Hong Kong Academy: HKD 223,000
The ISF Academy: HKD 238,630
Chinese International School: HKD 246,000

Tuition fees for A Levels are the lowest at DSS schools including St Paul's Convent School and YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College.

The most expensive schools for A Levels include:

Discovery Bay International School: HKD 175,000
Harrow International School, Hong Kong: HKD 197,930
Kellett School (Kowloon Bay): HKD 210,300

(Please check the links to each individual school for additional fees such as building levy, technology fee etc.)

Next: Which schools perform best in the IBDP and A Levels?