How to Get Into the Top International Schools in Jakarta
Admissions at Jakarta's best international schools involve assessments, interviews and — at the most popular entry points — waiting lists. Here is how the process works.
Originally published: 25 February 2026 · 6 min read
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TL;DR
Every premium international school in Jakarta assesses applicants - even at nursery level. The assessment format varies by school and year group
Schools prioritise siblings of current students, children of staff, and (at some schools) specific nationality quotas. These priorities are not always published
A strong application includes complete documentation, current school references, and honest disclosure of learning needs
The assessment is not designed to catch children out. It is designed to check readiness and plan support
Apply early, apply to more than one school, and prepare your child without over-coaching them
At every level, schools are assessing three things.
Academic readiness. Can the child access the curriculum at the appropriate level? This does not mean the child needs to be ahead - it means they need to be able to keep up without requiring more support than the school can provide. At nursery level, this is about developmental milestones. At secondary, it is about English proficiency, maths competence, and the ability to manage independent work.
English language proficiency. English is the language of instruction at every school on this list. A child who speaks little or no English can be admitted - most schools have EAL (English as an Additional Language) programmes - but the school needs to assess the level of support required. If the EAL programme is full, or the child's proficiency is below the school's threshold, this can delay admission.
Learning needs. If a child has identified learning differences (dyslexia, ADHD, ASD, or other needs), the school needs to know at application stage. This is not a reason for rejection at most schools - JIS and AIS both have established learning support programmes. But schools need to assess whether they can provide appropriate support. Non-disclosure at application stage creates problems later.
Priority and Preference
Not all applicants are equal. Schools apply priority criteria that are not always published openly.
Siblings. Every premium school in Jakarta gives some degree of priority to siblings of current students. At JIS, sibling priority is significant. At BSJ and ISJ, siblings are favoured but not guaranteed a place in oversubscribed year groups.
Staff children. Teachers' and staff members' children typically receive fee discounts and admissions priority. This is standard across international schools globally.
Returning families. Some schools prioritise families who have attended before - alumni children or families returning after a posting elsewhere.
Nationality and diversity. JIS aims to maintain a diverse student body - over 70 nationalities are represented. Some schools manage nationality quotas to prevent any single group from dominating. This can work for or against you depending on your passport.
Feeder schools. Some schools have informal relationships with nurseries or pre-schools. Children coming from recognised feeder settings may have a smoother path.
None of this is published in admissions brochures. But it shapes how the waiting list moves and who receives offers first.
The Application
A strong application is a complete application. Admissions offices process dozens or hundreds of files per intake. A file that is missing documents, has unclear information, or arrives weeks after the deadline goes to the bottom of the pile.
What to include
Completed application form (each school has its own)
Passport copies - child and both parents
Birth certificate
Current school reports - last 2 academic years
Standardised test results (if available - CAT4, MAP, ISA)
Immunisation records
Passport-size photos
Parent questionnaire (if required)
Confidential school reference (the current school sends this directly)
Learning support documentation (if applicable - IEP, educational psychologist reports)
What to get right
Submit everything at once. Drip-feeding documents delays the process.
The school reference matters more than parents realise. A strong, specific reference from a current teacher carries weight.
Be honest about learning needs. Schools respect disclosure. Schools dislike surprises.
The Assessment
Every premium school assesses. The format depends on the age.
Ages 2-4 (nursery / early years)A play-based session, usually 30-60 minutes. Assessors observe the child in a group setting - how they interact with other children, how they respond to instructions, how they separate from parents. It is developmental observation, not academic testing.
Ages 5-10 (primary)Written tasks in English and maths, sometimes including a writing sample. Some schools use standardised tests (CAT4 at BSJ, for example). A brief interview with the child may be included. The assessment places the child and identifies support needs - it is not a pass/fail exam.
Ages 11-15 (secondary)More formal written assessments in English, maths, and sometimes science or a second language. An interview with the student. At BSJ, secondary applicants sit a structured assessment morning. At JIS, the process includes a writing sample and interview. Schools are assessing whether the student can manage the academic demands of the programme they are entering.
Ages 16+ (sixth form / IB DP)Academic transcripts, predicted grades, a personal statement or letter of motivation, and an interview. Entry is competitive. Schools need confidence the student can handle the workload. Some schools require specific IGCSE grades (or equivalent) for IB Diploma entry.
What Helps and What Hurts
Helps
Applying early - 12-18 months ahead at premium schools
A complete, well-organised file
A strong school reference from the current teacher
Honest disclosure of learning needs - schools can plan support
Visiting the school before applying. Admissions offices notice families who have engaged with the school in person
Hurts
Late applications, particularly for Nursery, Year 1 and Year 7
Incomplete files. Missing documents slow everything down
Coaching your child for the assessment to the point where they perform unnaturally. Assessors see through it. They are looking for the real child, not a rehearsed performance
Concealing learning needs. If the school discovers unreported needs after enrolment, the relationship starts badly
Aggressive or demanding behaviour with admissions staff. The admissions office is small. People remember
Schools do not typically use the word "fail." But yes - a child can be assessed as not ready for the programme. This might mean the school cannot provide the level of learning support required, the child's English proficiency is below the threshold, or the academic gap is too large for the year group. If this happens, the school should explain why and suggest next steps.
Do schools interview parents?
At nursery level, yes - most schools include a parent meeting as part of the process. At primary and secondary, some schools interview parents alongside the child. The purpose is not to assess you but to understand the family context: why Jakarta, how long you plan to stay, any specific needs.
Is there a deposit to hold a place?
Yes. Once an offer is made, schools require a deposit to confirm the place - typically the enrolment fee or a portion of the first term's fees. This is usually non-refundable if you withdraw after accepting.
What if my child needs EAL support?
Disclose this at application. Most schools have EAL programmes, but capacity varies. JIS charges a one-time EAL fee of $4,239. AIS has a detailed, separately priced EAL programme. BSJ and ISJ include EAL within their standard provision. The school needs to assess the level of support required before confirming a place.
Should I hire an admissions consultant?
Jakarta does not have a significant admissions consulting industry the way London or Hong Kong does. The process is direct - you apply to the school, you engage with the admissions office, you attend the assessment. A consultant adds cost without meaningful advantage. Save the money.
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About the author
Mia Windsor is the Managing Editor of The International Schools Guide. She covers school fees, admissions, curriculum and relocation in Jakarta.
