A guide to scholarship and bursary opportunities at international schools — who qualifies, how to apply, and which schools offer financial assistance.
Many international schools offer scholarships and financial assistance programmes, though awareness of these opportunities is surprisingly low among expat families. Scholarships can reduce annual tuition by 10-50%, representing significant savings over multiple years. The types of scholarships available, the application process, and the level of fee reduction vary widely between schools. This guide covers what is available and how to maximise your chances of securing financial assistance.
Academic scholarships are the most common, awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional academic ability through entrance assessments, school records, or external exam results. Sports scholarships are offered by schools with strong athletics programmes — schools like BISP in Phuket, with its renowned swim academy, actively recruit talented young athletes. Music and performing arts scholarships are available at schools with strong arts programmes. Some schools, like Shrewsbury International School Bangkok, have outstanding music departments and may offer awards to talented musicians. All-rounder scholarships recognise students who excel across multiple areas — academics, sport, arts, and service. These reflect the holistic values of many international schools.
Bursaries differ from scholarships in that they are awarded based on financial need rather than merit. They are less common at international schools than at UK independent schools, but some institutions — particularly those with charitable foundations or connections to UWC — offer means-tested fee reductions. UWC Thailand, as part of the United World Colleges movement, has a strong tradition of providing scholarship and bursary support to ensure access for students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. Some schools also offer sibling bursaries, hardship funds for families experiencing unexpected financial difficulties, and staff children discounts.
Start by checking each school's website for scholarship information — many have dedicated pages outlining available awards and application timelines. Contact the admissions office directly to ask about financial assistance options, as not all opportunities are publicly advertised. Application deadlines for scholarships are often earlier than regular admissions deadlines, so plan ahead. Prepare a portfolio of your child's achievements in relevant areas. Some schools hold scholarship assessment days with specific tests, auditions, or trials. Apply to multiple schools to maximise your chances, and do not be shy about asking — schools want to attract talented students, and scholarships are a tool for doing so.
What percentage of fees do scholarships cover? Typically 10-50%, though full scholarships exist at some schools. Are scholarships renewable? Most are reviewed annually based on continued performance. Can expat children qualify? Yes — most scholarships are open to all nationalities. When should I apply? Check individual school deadlines, but generally 6-12 months before the intended start date. Do all international schools offer scholarships? No — scholarships are more common at larger, well-established schools. Smaller schools may have limited financial assistance programmes.