How to Apply to an International School in Shanghai: Step-by-Step Guide

Moving to Shanghai with school-age children means navigating an admissions process that can be unfamiliar, competitive, and time-sensitive. Unlike many European countries where state schooling is simply assigned by address, international school places in Shanghai are limited, demand at popular year groups routinely exceeds supply, and the documentation requirements are significant. This guide walks you through the process from first contact to first day of school.

Before You Begin: Confirm Eligibility

The first and most fundamental step is to confirm that your child is eligible to attend international schools in Shanghai.

Eligibility requires a foreign passport. Chinese law prohibits international schools licensed to serve foreign children from admitting Chinese citizens. This applies regardless of the child's place of birth or residence history. China does not recognise dual citizenship: if your child holds a Chinese passport, they are classified as Chinese nationals and must attend a Chinese public school or a licensed bilingual private school.

If your child holds only a foreign passport (British, American, European, Australian, etc.), they are eligible. You will also need to demonstrate that you as a parent hold, or will hold, a valid residence status in Shanghai (see visas below). For full detail on the eligibility rules, see our Shanghai international schools hub.

Step 1: Research and Shortlist

Begin by identifying schools that offer the right curriculum, are in a reasonable location relative to where you expect to live, and have places in your child's year group. Key decisions at this stage:

• Curriculum preference: British (IGCSE/A-Level or IB), American (AP), IB only, French, German, or bilingual
• Age range: Some schools offer Early Years to Year 13 as a continuum; others specialise
• Location: Pudong (east) and Puxi (west of the Huangpu River) have different school clusters; commuting between the two is time-consuming
• Fee range: Establish your budget early — see our fees guide for full cost data

Create a shortlist of three to five schools and visit their websites to confirm current admissions status. Some year groups may already be full with a wait pool in operation.

Step 2: Attend Open Days and Contact Admissions

Most international schools hold open days in September–November and again in January–February. Attending in person — or requesting a virtual tour if you are not yet in Shanghai — gives you a far better sense of culture and fit than website research alone. Register for open days early; they can fill up.

After attending, make direct contact with each school's admissions office. Tell them:

• Your child's date of birth and current year group
• Your anticipated arrival date in Shanghai
• Whether you have confirmed employment or are still in the process

Admissions teams at most schools will give you an honest indication of whether there is likely to be a place at the relevant point. This saves time on applications where there is clearly no vacancy.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application Documents

Applications are submitted online through each school's portal. Required documents typically include:

Document	Notes
Child's foreign passport	Must be valid; Chinese passports disqualify the child
Child's birth certificate	English translation if not in English or Chinese
Most recent 2–3 school reports	In English or officially translated
Academic transcripts	Covering recent core subjects
Immunisation records	Some schools require full vaccination history
Parent/guardian passport	Proof of parent's nationality / identity
Parent work permit or employer letter	Evidence of intended Shanghai residence
Student writing sample	Often required from Year 3 upwards
Teacher reference letter(s)	Required by some schools, particularly at secondary

Gather all documents before beginning applications: a missing document can delay processing by several weeks.

Step 4: Pay the Application Fee and Submit

Application fees are non-refundable and typically range from RMB 2,800 to RMB 3,600 per application per school. If you are applying to three schools simultaneously, budget accordingly.

After submitting the application and fee, you will receive an acknowledgement and instructions regarding the next step.

Step 5: Assessment

Most schools require children aged approximately 8 and above to complete an assessment before an offer is made. The format varies:

• Early Years / Reception (ages 2–6): Usually an informal observation session where teachers assess developmental readiness through play
• Primary (Years 1–5, ages 6–10): Short written assessments in English literacy and mathematics; sometimes a brief one-to-one interview with a teacher
• Secondary entry (Year 6 and above): More formal written assessments covering English comprehension and writing, mathematics, and sometimes a reasoning component; may include a student interview

The purpose of assessments is primarily placement — schools want to ensure they can support the child effectively and identify any additional learning needs early. It is not a competitive academic selection process in the way UK grammar school or independent school entry testing can be.

For children whose first language is not English, some schools offer a parallel assessment track and additional English language support (English as an Additional Language / EAL) in the early months.

Step 6: Offer and Acceptance

If a place is available, the school will make a formal written offer, typically by email through their admissions portal. The offer will specify:

• The year group and class
• A deadline for acceptance (usually 10–14 days)
• The payment required to secure the place: typically the first term's tuition plus the enrolment fee and any capital levy

Do not decline other schools' applications until you have a confirmed written offer in hand and have verified your visa situation allows for enrolment by the start date. It is acceptable and common to hold conditional acceptances at two schools while awaiting visa confirmation.

Step 7: Enrolment Formalities

Once you have accepted the offer and paid the required fees, the school will initiate formal enrolment. This involves:

• Completing an enrolment form with detailed health and contact information
• Providing final, authenticated versions of all documents (originals may be requested)
• Submitting proof of Shanghai residence permits once issued
• Completing uniform orders and any health screening requirements

Schools generally require sight of your child's Shanghai Residence Permit before the first day of term. If you are arriving close to the start of term and permits are still being processed, discuss this with the admissions office as early as possible — most have handled this situation before and can advise on interim arrangements.

Applying Mid-Year

If your relocation is not aligned to the August/September academic year start, mid-year applications are handled on a rolling basis. Places in popular year groups may be limited, but annual cycles of expat arrival and departure mean places do open throughout the year. The process is the same as above but more compressed — notify schools of your situation and timeline as early as possible.

If You Cannot Get Your First Choice

For practical guidance on waiting pools, managing multiple applications, and interim school options, see our dedicated guide to waiting lists at Shanghai international schools.

How Global Investments Can Help

The logistics of a family relocation to Shanghai — aligning school places, residence permit timelines, and accommodation contracts — are complex. Global Investments works with internationally mobile clients to ensure the financial planning dimension of a relocation is properly structured: from managing property assets in your home country during an overseas posting to ensuring adequate liquid reserves for upfront school costs (including capital levies). Speak to our team for a confidential discussion about how we can support your move. Visit our guides library for related resources.

This guide is for information only. Admissions requirements and timelines vary by school and change regularly; confirm all details directly with each school's admissions office. Entry to China requires valid visas and residence documentation; seek independent immigration advice for your specific situation.