Overview of the Best International Schools in Bangladesh

Published on May 5, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

The landscape of international schools in Bangladesh has transformed profoundly over a few decades. Driven by a growing middle class, an economic elite increasingly oriented abroad, and heightened pressure to gain access to the world’s top universities, the supply of English-medium institutions and international programs has multiplied, especially in Dhaka, but also in Chittagong, Sylhet, and Rajshahi.

This article provides a detailed overview of the best international schools in Bangladesh, based exclusively on factual data from research reports.

A Changing Educational Context

In Bangladesh, more and more private institutions are positioning themselves as international schools, with English as the primary language of instruction and foreign curricula leading to globally recognized diplomas. Cambridge Assessment International Education and Pearson Edexcel programs dominate overwhelmingly, while the International Baccalaureate is gaining ground but remains a minority compared to British streams.

According to BANBEIS statistics, 140 government-registered English-medium schools are already operating, with new projects such as Glenrich International, Haileybury Bhaluka, and New Horizon Canadian International School being added. Among these 140 schools, about 30 offer O-Level programs, 90 offer A-Levels, and 17 are primary schools.

But this rapid development also poses regulatory challenges. The absence of a clear legal framework on fees allows some schools to impose very high admission and tuition fees, accompanied by many additional costs (exams, activities, materials, transportation, cultural events). Parents denounce price increases deemed “illogical,” especially when admission fees are charged repeatedly at each level change.

Faced with these criticisms, institutions justify their pricing by the ambition to offer services “at international standards”: expatriate teachers, modern laboratories, educational technology, personal development programs, and structured extracurricular activities. For families, the question is no longer just finding an international school, but distinguishing those that truly deliver an excellent education, consistent with the costs involved.

International schools

Major International Curriculum Models

Before comparing schools, it is essential to understand the major curricular frameworks that structure the offerings in Bangladesh. Three models dominate: Cambridge, Edexcel, and the International Baccalaureate. In addition, there are several national variants (American, Canadian, Australian).

The Cambridge Curriculum

The Cambridge system is divided into several stages, from primary through high school. It is particularly widespread in international schools in Dhaka and Chittagong.

Many Bangladeshi schools prepare students for the IGCSE around age 16, then for AS/A Levels between ages 17 and 18. These qualifications are widely accepted by universities in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, the United States, and… Bangladesh, where they are equivalent to the national SSC and HSC exams.

The Pearson Edexcel Curriculum

Pearson Edexcel offers a similar structure, with a strong emphasis on modular assessments and the practical application of knowledge.

The number of Edexcel schools in Dhaka has grown significantly in recent years. By the way, exam fees are not negligible: a Cambridge O-Level exam costs around 10,000 to 15,000 BDT per subject, and an A-Level between 15,000 and 20,000 BDT. However, students typically take 7 to 9 subjects at O-Level and 3 to 5 at A-Level.

The International Baccalaureate (IB)

More recent in Bangladesh, the International Baccalaureate stands out for its holistic approach based on critical thinking, intercultural openness, and community engagement. It offers four programs:

The IB Diploma requires the study of six subjects from six subject groups, at least three at Higher Level (HL) and the rest at Standard Level (SL). Additionally, three core components are mandatory: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), a 4,000-word Extended Essay, and a Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) program totaling 150 hours.

American, Canadian, and Australian Systems

A few schools stand out by directly adopting foreign national programs. Examples include the American International School Dhaka, Canadian schools like Canadian International School Bangladesh or Canadian Trillinium School, and the Australian International School.

These institutions generally offer:

– a system of cumulative credits toward a High School Diploma (for the American stream);

– the opportunity to take Advanced Placement (AP) courses or obtain provincial diplomas (Nova Scotia for Canadian International School Bangladesh);

– continuous assessment based on GPA (Grade Point Average).

These pathways are particularly suitable for students who directly plan to pursue higher education in North America or at universities very familiar with these systems.

Leading IB Schools: International School Dhaka and AISD

Among the best international schools in Bangladesh, institutions offering the IB in a comprehensive manner stand out clearly, both in terms of their accreditations and their university outcomes.

International School Dhaka (ISD): The Comprehensive IB Benchmark

Founded in 1999 and located in Dhaka (Block‑E), International School Dhaka has established itself as a model IB school in the country. It is recognized by the Bangladesh Ministry of Education, accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), and most importantly, authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization to offer the three programs PYP, MYP, and DP.

ISD claims to be the only school in Bangladesh offering the full continuum of IB programs for ages 2–19, from early childhood to the Diploma. The core of its pedagogy rests on the IB Learner Profile and inquiry-based learning. The stated goal is clear: to educate “global citizens” capable of thinking critically, acting ethically, and engaging with their community.

ISD also devotes about 1.5% of its annual budget to ongoing professional development, reflecting an institutional culture of pedagogical growth. In terms of guidance, the school reports that its 2025 graduating class gained admission to 18 of the world’s top 100 universities, confirming its ability to position its graduates in the global university market.

ISD also stands out for its inclusion policy: a member of the Next Frontier Inclusion initiative, the school offers support for English as an Additional Language (EAL) at all levels and a Learning Support system for students with special needs.

American International School Dhaka (AISD): American DNA, IB in High School

Founded in 1972, the American International School Dhaka is another flagship institution. An independent, coeducational day school, it enrolls students of all nationalities from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. Its program is American-inspired – based on a transferable curriculum towards high schools or universities in the United States, Canada, or elsewhere – while also offering the IB Diploma in grades 11 and 12.

The academic year is divided into two semesters (mid-August to mid-December, then January to early June), following the North American calendar. AISD emphasizes a blend of academic rigor, cultural openness, and community service. For families aiming primarily for American universities, the combination of a High School Diploma and the IB Diploma is a significant asset.

Focus on International School Dhaka: Admissions, Fees, and School Life

In the world of international schools in Bangladesh, ISD is also a good indicator of what it practically means to join a premium IB institution: structured admissions process, high fees, personalized support.

A Multi-Step Admissions Process

Applications are accepted throughout the year, from Playgroup to Grade 12. However, it is recommended to apply before June 1 for an August entry (first semester) and before December 1 for a January entry (second semester). ISD strongly advises that students not join after March 31 to minimize pedagogical disruptions.

The typical process includes several phases:

Entries in August and January are preceded by a two-day orientation. On the first day, each new student is assigned a counselor and a “buddy” or student ambassador to facilitate integration.

A Fee Structure Commensurate with Ambitions

ISD also illustrates the price level reached by premium international schools in Bangladesh. Generally, an analysis of several top institutions shows annual costs ranging from about 4,000 US dollars (approximately 432,000 BDT) to over 37,000 dollars (about 4 million BDT), depending on the level and type of program.

In the case of ISD, we find:

– a non-refundable application fee of 250 dollars;

– a one-time non-refundable admission fee of 8,000 dollars, required after acceptance to confirm the place;

– annual tuition fees starting around 4,980 dollars for a half-time Playgroup (2,490 dollars per trimester), and potentially much higher at the upper levels.

To these amounts is added a particular feature: the “Week Without Walls”, a mandatory program of local or international excursions for students in grades 4 through 12. These fees, paid in May with the first trimester, vary significantly by grade.

In parallel, the school charges optional meal services: snack (570 dollars) and lunch (2,110 dollars) for nursery through grade 2, lunch at 2,347 dollars for grades 3 through 12. Optional piano or guitar lessons round out the offerings.

If we compare this positioning to the indicative fee grid of schools in the country, ISD clearly falls into the “premium” category:

In addition to these official amounts, there are ancillary costs (uniforms, transportation, clubs, coaching, cultural events) estimated at between 10% and 30% more. For a family, long-term budget planning and the issue of scholarships therefore become central, even in a high-income context.

Major Cambridge and Edexcel Schools in Dhaka

Alongside IB schools, a constellation of Cambridge and Edexcel institutions structures the landscape of “best international schools in Bangladesh.” Some are long-established and enjoy a solid academic reputation, with remarkable exam success rates and a history of admissions to the world’s most selective universities.

Maple Leaf International School: A Pioneer in A-Levels

Founded in 1972 in Dhanmondi, Maple Leaf International School is considered one of the most respected English-medium schools in Dhaka. Under the Edexcel curriculum (GCSE, International Advanced Level), it boasts a university placement rate of 98%, with graduates heading to prestigious institutions in the United States (Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Stanford, Brown), the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, or Bangladesh.

The school emphasizes learner-centered pedagogy and strong academic rigor, which positions it among the top choices for families aiming for a solid A-Level pathway and further studies abroad.

Oxford International School: Campus Network and University Placement

Present in Dhanmondi, Gulshan, Banasree, Uttara, and Gandaria, Oxford International School follows the Cambridge curriculum from early childhood through A-Level. The institution has a dedicated university placement department that supports students in their applications abroad. Some cohorts have achieved global distinctions in individual subjects in Cambridge exams.

Aga Khan School, Dhaka: Prestige and Green Environment

The Aga Khan School in Uttara follows the Cambridge curriculum from Playgroup to A-Level. Founded in 1988 and part of the vast Aga Khan Development Network (over 200 institutions), it enjoys the image of a great British school in Bangladesh. The campus is presented as a “green campus” with modern laboratories and art workshops.

IGCSE exam results are particularly high, with a pass rate of around 94% and many students achieving top grades. In parallel, the Aga Khan Academy in Baridhara aims for full IB authorization (PYP to DP), which will further expand the Aga Khan network’s offerings in the country.

Sunbeams, Sunnydale, Scholastica, and Other Heavyweights

Schools like Sunbeams (Dhanmondi), Sunnydale (campuses in Dhanmondi and Bashundhara), Scholastica (Uttara, Mirpur, Gulshan, Dhanmondi) are among the most recognized institutes in Dhaka. They mostly follow the Cambridge curriculum, with IGCSE pass rates around 90% to 93% and a significant proportion of A* and A grades.

Canadian and Hybrid Schools

The landscape of best international schools in Bangladesh also includes institutions aligned with Canadian provincial programs:

– Canadian International School Bangladesh in Banani follows the Nova Scotia curriculum from pre-kindergarten through grade 12, with an academic year from August to June;

– Canadian Trillinium School in Gulshan also offers a complete Canadian program up to secondary level;

– Canadian Maple International School, located on Madani Avenue (Satarkul United City), follows a Cambridge curriculum through A-Level, while presenting itself as a benchmark of excellence with an O-Level pass rate of 95% (including 78% A* or A).

These formats are particularly suitable for families targeting Canadian universities or wanting an environment aligned with North American standards.

International Schools in Chittagong and Other Regions

While Dhaka concentrates most of the best international schools, Chittagong also offers a respectable range of Cambridge and American institutions.

Chittagong: A Secondary Hub on the Rise

These include notably:

– Chittagong Grammar School (Kotwali), CIE from kindergarten through grade 12;

– CIDER International School (Bayzid), CIE through grade 12;

– Sunshine Grammar School (Nasirabad), combining CIE and Edexcel through grade 12;

– International Hope School Bangladesh (Muradpur), CIE K‑12;

– Little Jewels School (Katalgonj), CIE / Edexcel K‑12;

– Presidency International School (Panchlaish), CIE K‑12;

– Frobel Academy (Quaish) and AUW Laboratory School (Chatteswari) for more limited levels.

In parallel, institutions like Union Halls (Sitakunda), which offers a mixed American/Canadian curriculum from PreK to grade 16, or William Carey Academy (Nasirabad), following an American K‑12 curriculum, round out the landscape.

Other Divisions: Rajshahi, Rangpur, Sylhet

Outside the two major metropolises, the supply remains more limited but not negligible. Blue Bell English Medium School in Rajshahi follows Edexcel through A-Level, while STEMAYS SCHOOL in Sylhet (founded in 2018) is also on an Edexcel curriculum from pre-kindergarten through A-Level, with recruitment in December-January and June-July.

In the north, Saint Mathews International English Medium School in Dinajpur offers schooling from Playgroup to grade 5, providing an English-medium entry point from primary level.

International Hope School Bangladesh: A Network Gaining Visibility

International Hope School Bangladesh (IHSB), founded in 1996, holds a unique place. Present in Dhaka and Chittagong with five branches, the institution follows a complete Cambridge program, from “toddler” level through A-Levels. It is presented as one of the leaders in English-medium education in Bangladesh, with nearly 2,000 students across its campuses (Uttara, Gulshan, etc.).

IHSB students have distinguished themselves in national and international events, such as the Global Media and Information Literacy Week 2025 (with winners in the quiz) or themed weeks like Anti-Bullying Week. The historic partnership with the British Council – which established its first Young Learner English Centre outside its main Fuller Road site at the Uttara Campus – further enhances the school’s international visibility.

Haileybury Bhaluka and Pledge Harbour: Luxury Boarding Schools, Bangladeshi Style

Another strong trend is the emergence of ultra-premium residential campuses. Haileybury Bhaluka, a branch of a prestigious British school, opens an international boarding school in the Mymensingh district. Fees reach 34,500 dollars per year for a Year 7 student, including tuition, accommodation, meals, healthcare, and a vast co-curricular program. The institution announced a scholarship fund of 15 million dollars, presented as the largest in the country in this sector.

Costs, Inequalities, and Public Debate

The rise of international schools has inevitably highlighted the issue of educational inequalities. Analysts like Principal Kazi Faruk Ahmed remind us that too large gaps between streams undermine Bangladesh’s founding principles of equality, human dignity, and social justice.

In the absence of laws or clear guidelines on fee structures, each institution sets its own rates, fueling suspicions of overcharging. Deputy Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel acknowledges that the government is still struggling to establish a uniform framework, although work is underway.

For families, the response often involves a complex trade-off: aiming for a premium school like ISD, AISD, or Haileybury Bhaluka, or opting for an “affordable but solid” school with Cambridge or Edexcel, complemented by a targeted investment in higher education abroad.

How to Choose Among the Best International Schools in Bangladesh?

Faced with this diversity, the crucial question remains: how to select the right school among the “best”?

The following elements, drawn from the report, constitute concrete criteria.

1. Accreditations and Authorizations

An excellent international school is recognized by the strength of its accreditations:

– IB: IB World School status for PYP, MYP, DP (ISD, AISD, Pledge Harbour, Aga Khan Academy Dhaka, etc.);

– Cambridge/Edexcel: official recognition by Cambridge International Education or Pearson Edexcel, often through the British Council;

– international accreditations: CIS, NEASC, EARCOS for some (ISD, Haileybury Bhaluka, etc.);

– recognition by the Bangladesh Ministry of Education.

These labels guarantee a minimum of standards in terms of governance, teaching quality, and student protection.

2. Exam Results and University Placement

The best institutions generally publish success statistics for IGCSE, A-Levels, or IB Diploma (pass rates, proportion of A* / A, average IB scores), as well as lists of university destinations. Maple Leaf International School and International Hope School Bangladesh, for example, claim admissions to top global universities, while ISD mentions acceptances to 18 of the top 100 universities for its 2025 graduating class.

3. Student-Teacher Ratio and Faculty Diversity

A ratio of 15:1 or lower is often associated with better pedagogical support. Schools like Canadian Maple International School (15:1), Dhaka International School (18:1), Aga Khan School (16:1), Sunbeams (17:1), or ISD (6:1) fall within this range. The presence of experienced, even expatriate, teachers and a structured ongoing training program add to the institution’s credibility.

4. Quality and Variety of Extracurricular Activities

One of the markers of the best international schools in Bangladesh is the richness of their extracurricular life: sports tournaments (football, cricket, basketball, swimming, athletics, badminton, table tennis), science clubs, debate, music, theater, MUN, community projects, cultural festivals (Pahela Baishakh, Language Day, etc.).

5. Fee Transparency and Scholarship Options

In a context of fee deregulation, the most reliable schools are those that:

Parents are encouraged to also inquire about “hidden fees” (coaching, mandatory outings, uniforms, events) and to compare several institutions with comparable academic levels.

6. Prior Visit and Dialogue with Administration

Serious schools encourage families to visit the campus before any enrollment. This is the case, for example, of the American International School Dhaka, which offers visits by appointment during the week, or Islamic schools like EISD that invite discovery of why they present themselves as “the best Islamic school in Dhaka.”

Campus tours, meetings with the Admissions team and teachers, detailed information on assessment procedures and language requirements are all positive signals.

The Impact of International Schools on Student Trajectories

Behind the numbers and curricula, the rise of international schools is profoundly changing the future prospects for a segment of Bangladeshi youth.

On one hand, these institutions:

On the other hand, the high cost and urban concentration of these schools accentuate an educational divide between those who can access them and others, embedded in an already highly competitive national system. In the long run, the challenge for Bangladesh will be to transform this private sector into a driver of overall quality improvement, rather than an archipelago reserved for an elite.

Conclusion

The best international schools in Bangladesh sit at the crossroads of several dynamics: families’ aspirations for a world-class education without necessarily sending their children abroad for secondary school, educational entrepreneurs’ willingness to invest in highly qualitative models, and the slow adaptation of public authorities to a booming sector.

For parents, the key is to go beyond labels and superficial prestige: closely examine accreditations, results, teacher quality, the richness of extracurricular life, fee transparency, and above all, the alignment between the school’s educational philosophy and their child’s profile. Only under this condition can the choice of an international school in Bangladesh transform, for students, into a genuine springboard towards higher education and careers on a global scale.

Cyril Jarnias

Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.

On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.

Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.

Find me on social media: