Scholarships and Bursaries at International Schools: What Expat Families Need to Know
International school fees represent a substantial financial commitment — often the largest household expense after housing. Yet many families overlook the financial support that is genuinely available. Scholarships, bursaries, employer relocation packages, and government allowances can collectively reduce or even eliminate school fees. Understanding each route is essential for any expat family planning a move.
Scholarships: Merit-Based Awards
A scholarship is awarded in recognition of a student's ability — academic, artistic, sporting, or some combination. It is not means-tested: a family on a high income can apply for and receive a merit scholarship if the student's ability justifies it.
What percentage of fees do scholarships cover?
Awards vary considerably by school and by the level of competition:
| Award Level | Typical Fee Reduction |
|---|---|
| Recognition / honorary | 10–20% |
| Partial scholarship | 25–50% |
| Major scholarship | 50–75% |
| Full scholarship | 100% of tuition |
Full scholarships are rare and usually reserved for exceptional candidates — typically at the IB Diploma or A-Level stage where the school has a reputational interest in attracting high-scoring students. Partial awards in the 25–50% range are more common at key entry points such as Year 7 and Year 9.
Common scholarship categories
Academic scholarships are awarded on the basis of examination results, school reports, and academic references. Most schools run their own entrance examinations in core subjects.
IB Diploma scholarships are offered by many IB World Schools at Year 12 entry. Some schools actively recruit predicted-grade students with 38+ points, offering significant fee reductions to bolster their cohort average.
Music, drama, and arts scholarships require an audition or portfolio. They typically cover 10–30% of fees but are less competitive than academic awards.
Sports scholarships are less common at international schools than at UK boarding schools, but do exist — particularly in schools with strong swimming, football, or tennis programmes.
The application process
Most scholarship applications involve:
- Expression of interest / registration — usually October to December for the following September entry
- Academic entrance test — typically in January or February
- Portfolio or audition — for arts and sports awards
- Interview — commonly held at the school, though some schools now offer video interviews for overseas applicants
- Award decision — usually March or April
The IB Organisation places significant weight on what it calls the "IB learner profile" — international-mindedness, inquiry, critical thinking, and integrity — alongside academic results. Schools aligned with IB values look for these qualities in scholarship candidates.
Bursaries: Means-Tested Financial Support
A bursary is financial support awarded on the basis of a family's financial circumstances. The school assesses household income, assets, savings, and outgoings to determine what the family can reasonably afford, and fills the gap (in full or in part) through a bursary award.
How means-testing works
Schools typically request:
- Recent tax returns (2–3 years) for both parents
- Bank and savings account statements
- Details of property owned and any rental income
- Mortgage or rental outgoings
- Details of other children's school fees
Some schools use an independent assessment agency; others conduct the review in-house. The process is thorough. Families with significant property assets may find their assessed contribution is higher than their liquid income would suggest — it is worth taking advice before applying.
Bursary amounts and renewal
Bursaries are generally reassessed annually. If your financial circumstances improve — through a promotion, inheritance, or a property sale — the award may be reduced. Conversely, if circumstances worsen, you can request a review.
Some schools guarantee bursary levels for the full duration of the IB Diploma (two years) or a full key-stage cycle, providing certainty. Others review year by year. Always ask the school's bursar about renewal policy before accepting an offer of a place.
Employer Relocation Packages: The Most Reliable Source
For many expat families, the employer relocation package is the most important source of school-fee support — and the most consistent. Multinational companies, international banks, oil and gas firms, professional services organisations, and international organisations (UN agencies, World Bank, IMF) routinely include school-fee allowances in expatriate packages.
Typical package structures
| Package Type | What It Usually Covers |
|---|---|
| Corporate relocation (full) | 100% of tuition, sometimes transport |
| Corporate relocation (capped) | Fees up to a per-child annual cap (e.g. $25,000/child) |
| International organisation | 100% of accredited school fees per dependent child |
| Diplomatic service | Up to 90% of fees (UK Foreign Office model) |
| Local hire | Typically no school-fee support |
Negotiating school fees into your package
If you are being offered an international posting without a school-fee allowance, it is worth negotiating. School fees are a standard component of expatriate packages for families with school-age children. Points to make:
- Reference market comparators (many HR managers use ECA International benchmarks)
- Propose a cap if the employer is concerned about open-ended costs
- Ask for the allowance to be grossed up for tax where school fees are treated as a taxable benefit
Government Schemes: UK Military and Diplomatic Families
Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA)
UK armed forces personnel who are required to move frequently can claim the Continuity of Education Allowance. The MOD pays up to 90% of approved boarding school fees so that children are not disrupted by parental postings. The CEA is designed to enable children to remain at one school in the UK while a parent is posted overseas or to different UK bases.
Rates are reviewed annually and recalibrated to reflect published school fee increases. From January 2025, the MOD increased CEA rates ahead of the VAT changes affecting private school fees in England.
Foreign Office Education Allowance
UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) diplomats posted overseas may claim education allowances covering up to 90% of school fees at approved schools. The maximum claimable per term is set centrally and varies by school type (boarding vs day, senior vs junior). Families should contact the FCO Personnel Allowances team for current rates.
Other government schemes
- UN International Civil Servants: The UN and most of its agencies operate an education grant scheme covering a percentage of school fees for dependent children of international staff.
- European Commission: EC officials posted to delegations outside the EU receive education allowances for dependent children attending recognised international schools.
- SHAPE / NATO: NATO civilian staff and military personnel may access NATO-specific education support depending on their appointment.
Tips for a Successful Application
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| Start early | Begin researching awards 18 months before intended entry |
| Identify all entry points | Year 7, Year 9, and Year 12 carry the most awards |
| Apply to multiple schools | Don't rely on one application; shortlist 3–5 schools |
| Prepare documentation thoroughly | Missing documents are the most common cause of bursary delays |
| Request written award terms | Get the award percentage, duration, and renewal conditions in writing |
| Ask about stacking | Some schools allow a partial scholarship and a partial bursary to run concurrently |
| Engage the bursar directly | A phone call explaining your circumstances before applying can clarify eligibility |
| Consider the timing of your move | Arriving mid-year rarely attracts scholarship consideration; September entry is standard |
Scholarships and University Pathways
A scholarship at an international school is not only a financial benefit — it can also strengthen a university application. Being identified as a scholarship holder demonstrates external academic validation. For UK university applications in particular, a school's written assessment of a student as a scholarship recipient can carry weight in a UCAS personal statement and supporting reference.
However, the scholarship does not itself transfer credit or guarantee university recognition. What matters for university entry is the qualification obtained — IB Diploma score, A-Level grades, or US SAT/AP results — not the scholarship status.
Planning Ahead
For families exploring destinations in part on the basis of school costs, see our international school fees comparison guide and city-specific pages including international schools in Dubai and international schools in Barcelona. If school fees form part of a broader financial planning consideration — including property investment returns — our residency and citizenship guides may also be relevant.
How Global Investments Can Help
School fees, employer packages, and the financial implications of relocating a family internationally are all factors that interact with property investment decisions. Whether you are weighing the cost of schooling in Bangkok against Dubai, or trying to understand how a rental property can offset education costs, Global Investments can help you see the full financial picture. Our advisers work with internationally mobile families worldwide and can refer you to trusted education consultants and financial planners with specific cross-border expertise.
Contact our team to start the conversation.
Scholarship and bursary availability, award levels, and application processes vary between schools and change annually. Government allowance rates are subject to policy change. This guide is for general information only and does not constitute financial or tax advice. Seek independent professional advice for your specific circumstances. Property values can fall as well as rise.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a scholarship and a bursary?
A scholarship is awarded on academic, sporting, or artistic merit — typically through a competitive test or portfolio process — and usually does not require proof of financial need. A bursary is means-tested: the family must demonstrate financial need, and the award size is linked to household income and assets. Some schools offer hybrid awards combining both elements.
Can a scholarship from one international school be transferred to another school in a different country?
No. Scholarships are awarded by a specific school and cannot be transferred. If your family relocates mid-award, you will need to apply afresh at the new school. The new school may take your existing scholarship as a positive signal, but there is no guarantee of a matching award.
When is the best time to apply for a scholarship or bursary?
Most schools run scholarship and bursary rounds 12–18 months before the intended year of entry, with application windows typically opening in October–December for the following September intake. Year 7, Year 9, and Year 12 (Sixth Form / IB Diploma) are the most common entry points for competitive awards. Apply early — many bursary funds are allocated first-come, first-served.
Do employer relocation packages always cover school fees?
Not always. School fee allowances are most common in packages offered by multinational corporations, diplomatic services, and international organisations such as the UN or World Bank. The level of cover varies widely — some packages cover 100% of fees, others only a portion or only up to a cap. Negotiate this explicitly before accepting a posting, as it can be worth more than the salary uplift.
This guide is for general information only and does not constitute financial, legal or tax advice. Rules, fees and regulations change frequently; verify current requirements with a qualified adviser before acting.