The Jakarta Schools Market
Jakarta has approximately 180 schools operating under the SPK (Satuan Pendidikan Kerjasama) framework - the Indonesian government's licensing system for schools delivering international curricula. Of these, four are consistently identified as the premium tier by the international community:
JIS (Jakarta Intercultural School) - the largest international school in Jakarta. American-international curriculum with both AP and IB Diploma pathways. WASC and CIS accredited. Located in Cilandak, South Jakarta. Approximately 2,500 students. Fees: $17,341-$35,916 per year.
BSJ (British School Jakarta) - British curriculum (Cambridge IGCSE to IB Diploma). CIS and BSO accredited. Located in Bintaro, South Tangerang. Approximately 1,400 students. Fees: $8,919-$32,910 per year.
ISJ (The Independent School of Jakarta) - British independent school, currently Pre-Nursery to Year 8 (secondary campus opening September 2028). Located in Pondok Indah, South Jakarta. Targeting 500 students at optimal enrolment. Fees: $8,827-$28,809 per year.
AIS (Australian Independent School) - Australian curriculum transitioning to IB Diploma at Years 11-12. Located in Pejaten, South Jakarta. Calendar-year academic cycle (January-December). Fees: $5,975-$26,308 per year.
Below the premium tier, credible mid-range options include NAS (Nord Anglia School Jakarta), ACG Jakarta, NJIS and Binus Simprug. Fees at these schools range from $6,000-$25,000 per year depending on year group. Quality is more variable, and the co-curricular and university counselling infrastructure is less developed than at the premium tier.
For a full comparison, see our guide to the best international schools in Jakarta.
Fee Structure and Total Cost
International school fees in Jakarta are billed annually. The total cost includes several components beyond headline tuition.
| Cost Component | Typical Range (Premium Tier) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $17,000-$33,000 | Annual |
| Capital levy / development fee | Bundled into total at JIS, BSJ, ISJ. Separate at some schools | Annual |
| Application fee | $200-$500 | One-time |
| Enrolment / registration fee | $1,000-$3,500 | One-time |
| Technology fee | $395-$1,380 (JIS) | One-time (some schools annual) |
| EAL support | $0-$4,239 (varies by school) | One-time or annual |
| Exam fees (IGCSE, IB) | $1,500-$4,000 per exam session | Per exam session |
| Bus transport | $3,800-$4,100 (JIS) | Annual, optional |
| Uniform | $300-$600 | As needed |
| School trips | $500-$2,000 per trip | Variable |
For two children (one primary, one secondary): Budget $55,000-$75,000 for total annual school costs at the premium tier. See our guide to total cost for worked examples.
Building the Relocation Package
The school fees component of a Jakarta relocation package should address five areas.
1. Fee coverage level. Specify whether the package covers tuition only or total annual fees (including capital levies, exam fees and mandatory charges). The difference can be $3,000-$8,000 per child per year at the premium tier. Best practice: cover total annual fees, not tuition alone.
2. Fee escalation. Jakarta's international school fees rise 3-7% per year in IDR terms. A three-year assignment starting at $35,000 per child could reach $38,000-$40,000 by year three. Include a fee escalation clause - either matching the school's published increase or capped at a defined percentage.
3. Number of children covered. Most corporate packages cover all dependent children. Confirm whether the cap applies per child or in aggregate. Two children at JIS high school cost $71,832 per year in tuition and mandatory fees alone.
4. One-time fees. Application fees, enrolment fees and technology deposits are payable in the first year. These add $1,500-$5,000 per child at the premium tier. Confirm whether the package covers these separately.
5. Currency. Fees are billed in IDR. If the employee's compensation is in USD, EUR or another currency, exchange rate movement affects the real cost. Specify whether the company bears the currency risk or the employee does.
Admissions Timeline
International school admissions in Jakarta are not instant. The premium schools have competitive entry points and a structured application process.
| Timeline | Action |
|---|---|
| 12-18 months before arrival | Apply to first-choice school at Nursery, Year 1 or Year 7 entry points (the most competitive). Register on the waiting list if the year group is full |
| 6-12 months before arrival | Apply to first-choice and one or two backup schools. Complete assessments and interviews |
| 3-6 months before arrival | Confirm place. Pay enrolment fee. Arrange uniform, transport, orientation |
| On arrival | Attend orientation week. Child begins school |
| Short-notice relocations (under 3 months) | Contact schools directly for year-group availability. Premium schools may be full at popular entry points. Mid-tier schools (NAS, ACG, NJIS) are more likely to have immediate availability |
Corporate relocations with children entering at popular entry points (Nursery, Year 1, Year 7) should begin the school application process as soon as the posting is confirmed - even if the move date is 12+ months away. A confirmed school place reduces family anxiety and makes the relocation smoother.
For families arriving at short notice, see our guide to which year groups are easiest to enter.
School Selection by Family Profile
| Family Profile | Recommended Schools | Why |
|---|---|---|
| American expat families, US university track | JIS | US transcripts, AP courses, WASC accreditation. Strongest US university counselling in Jakarta |
| British expat families, UK university track | BSJ, ISJ | British curriculum pathway (Cambridge IGCSE to IB or A Levels). BSJ has Russell Group relationships. ISJ offers a British independent school experience |
| Australian expat families | AIS | Australian curriculum heritage, IB Diploma for Years 11-12, Go8 university connections |
| Families wanting the largest school with broadest offerings | JIS | 2,500+ students, dual AP/IB, extensive co-curricular, widest curriculum choice |
| Families wanting smaller year groups and individual attention | ISJ | Targeting 500 students, British independent school character, strong pastoral care |
| Families on a tighter budget | NAS, ACG, Binus Simprug | $10,000-$25,000 range. Credible IB or Cambridge qualifications at lower cost |
| Short-term assignments (1-2 years) | Any school with availability | Schools are accustomed to short-tenure families. Apply to whichever school has space in the relevant year group |
For families with specific needs - learning support, EAL, gifted provision - see our specialist guides: SEN and learning support, EAL support, gifted students.