How to Apply to an International School in Bali: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
Applying to an international school in Bali involves fewer hoops than in some major Asian cities, but it demands more lead time than many families expect. The schools are small, demand is high for the most sought-after institutions, and places at the right year group are not guaranteed even for families who apply months in advance.
This guide walks through the application process for the main international schools in Bali, the documents you will need, the realistic timelines, and how to manage the process from overseas.
Step 1: Decide on Your Priority School — and Your Backup
Before submitting any applications, clarify your family's priorities:
- Curriculum preference: IB Diploma (Bali Island School, Canggu Community School), Green School Diploma (Green School), Cambridge IGCSE + IB DP (CCS), Australian curriculum (Australian Independent School, AIS Bali).
- Location: Which area of Bali are you targeting for property or rental? School commute in Bali traffic is a significant factor — see Best Areas in Bali Near International Schools.
- Year group: Secondary places are more constrained than primary. If your child is in Year 9 or above, the realistic options narrow to CCS, BIS, and GMIS.
- Budget: Green School fees are substantially higher than CCS or BIS. See International School Fees in Bali.
Identify a first-choice school and at least one backup. Apply to both simultaneously — you can decline a backup offer if your preferred school comes through.
Step 2: Contact the Admissions Office Early
Before starting a formal application, contact the admissions office of each school to:
- Confirm current availability in your child's year group
- Understand the current waiting list position (particularly important for Green School)
- Ask about upcoming intakes — most Bali schools have August and January entry points
- Clarify the application timeline from submission to decision
This conversation will save you significant time and set realistic expectations. Schools are generally responsive to overseas enquiries by email or through their websites.
Step 3: Gather Your Documents
Standard documents required across Bali international schools:
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Completed application form | Via school website or admissions portal |
| Child's passport copy | Full document, all pages |
| Parent/guardian passport copies | Both parents where applicable |
| Academic transcripts | Last 2 years of school records; translated if not in English |
| School reports | Recent end-of-year and mid-year reports |
| Teacher recommendation | From current class teacher or head of year |
| Passport-sized photographs | Typically 2–4; specifications vary by school |
| Medical / immunisation records | Some schools require these at enrolment stage |
For older students (Year 7 and above), schools may also request:
- Samples of academic work (essays, projects)
- An English language assessment if the child's schooling has not been in English
- A written personal statement from the student
Step 4: Submit the Application and Pay the Application Fee
Most Bali international schools accept applications through their own online portals:
- Green School: bali.greenschool.org/admissions
- Canggu Community School: ccsbali.com
- Bali Island School: bisbali.org
Application fees vary:
- Green School: IDR 40,000,000 (non-refundable admission fee, paid on acceptance rather than application at some schools — verify current process)
- Bali Island School: IDR 2,500,000 for new student applications
- CCS: varies — check current fee schedule
Step 5: Assessments and Interviews
Schools use the application documents to assess academic readiness and English language proficiency. Depending on the school and year group:
- Primary-age children are generally assessed informally through documents and sometimes a short online interaction with an admissions coordinator.
- Secondary-age children may sit formal English language and maths assessments — these can often be arranged remotely for overseas applicants.
- Green School places particular emphasis on the family's values alignment with its sustainability philosophy; the admissions conversation will typically explore this.
- A campus visit is strongly recommended before committing to a school, and some schools will request a visit before finalising a place offer.
Step 6: Receive an Offer or Wait List Placement
Following assessment, you will receive one of:
- An unconditional offer — a place available in your target year group for your requested start date.
- A conditional offer — a place subject to further documents, a visit, or satisfactory completion of an assessment.
- A waiting list position — no place currently available; you are in the queue. This is the most common outcome for Green School in popular year groups.
If placed on a waiting list, ask for your numerical position in the queue. Schools are not always forthcoming with this, but it helps you calibrate backup plans. See International School Waiting Lists in Bali for a full guide to managing this.
Step 7: Accept and Pay the Enrolment Deposit
On accepting an offer, you will typically pay:
- A non-refundable enrolment confirmation fee
- A refundable security deposit held for the duration of enrolment
At Green School this totals IDR 70,000,000 (~USD 4,400) including admission and deposit. At BIS and CCS the comparable sum is lower. Confirm refund conditions in writing.
Step 8: Confirm Visa and Residency Status
A school place does not automatically resolve your visa situation. Your child's enrolment requires that the family holds valid Indonesian residency — most commonly a KITAS (limited stay permit) linked to employment, business, or social/cultural sponsorship, or a Second Home Visa for longer-term stays.
Some families arrive on a tourist visa while the KITAS is processed, but children may not formally enrol at school until the family's residency status is regularised. Work with an Indonesian immigration lawyer alongside the school's admissions process. See Residency and Citizenship for Indonesian visa options.
Timeline: Planning Your Application Around a Bali Move
| Months Before Target Start | Actions |
|---|---|
| 18+ months | Initial contact with Green School admissions; research all options |
| 12–18 months | Formal applications submitted to all target schools |
| 9–12 months | Waiting list position confirmed or offer received; arrange campus visit |
| 6 months | Accept offer; pay deposit; begin KITAS/visa process |
| 3 months | Confirm school uniform, supply lists, transport arrangements |
| 1 month | Orientation materials received; medical records submitted |
Applying From Overseas: What to Know
All the main Bali international schools are experienced in handling overseas applications. Key practical points:
- Applications can be submitted remotely
- Document authentication (apostille or notarisation) is not typically required for academic transcripts, though originals may be requested on arrival
- Time zone differences (Bali is WITA, UTC+8) mean European families should expect admissions teams to respond in their morning/afternoon
- A scouting trip to Bali — ideally timed to include school visits — is strongly worthwhile before committing
How Global Investments Can Help
For families coordinating a Bali property purchase or lease with a school application timeline, the two processes need to move in parallel. We work with internationally mobile families to align property timing with school admissions timelines, and can introduce you to Indonesian legal and immigration specialists who handle KITAS applications. Explore Bali property options or view current listings and contact us to begin the conversation.
Admissions processes, fees, and visa requirements are subject to change. Always confirm current requirements directly with each school and with a qualified Indonesian immigration specialist. This guide reflects publicly available information as of 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I apply to international schools in Bali?
For Green School Bali, apply at least 12–18 months ahead of your target start date. For Canggu Community School and Bali Island School, 6–12 months is advisable for most year groups. Last-minute enrolment is sometimes possible but should not be relied upon.
What documents are needed to apply to a Bali international school?
Typically: passport copies for child and parents, recent school reports or transcripts (last 2 years), a completed application form, passport-sized photographs, and a teacher or head-teacher recommendation. Some schools require an English-language proficiency assessment or an in-school visit.
Can I apply from overseas before arriving in Bali?
Yes. All the main international schools in Bali accept overseas applications and can manage much of the process remotely. Some will require a campus visit before confirming a place, which can be timed to coincide with a scouting trip to Bali.
What happens if my preferred school has no place when I arrive?
Many families maintain a place at their second-choice school while remaining on the waiting list for their preferred school. This is common and accepted practice. Schools understand the expat relocation context.
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.