The Admissions Timeline: Key Dates by Region

International school admissions doesn't run on a single calendar. Deadlines vary wildly depending on where schools are, their curriculum, even their individual policies. Knowing the key dates in your region saves stress and prevents missed deadlines.

Asia-Pacific Timeline

Most Asian international schools follow the Northern Hemisphere academic calendar, starting in August or September. The admissions cycle typically runs September through March for entry the following August. Applications usually open in September. Assessments happen October through February. Offers come in February and March. Some schools release offers in waves.

In Southeast Asia specifically, many families apply in the August before they move in December or January. If you're planning a move to Bangkok or KL mid-year, start applications immediately. Popular schools have limited mid-year spaces.

Singapore and Hong Kong operate slightly differently. Both are extremely competitive. Applications often open in August for the following August entry. Popular schools close their applications by October. Assessments happen in autumn. Offers come before Christmas. If you're targeting Singapore's top schools, you need to start before September.

Australia and New Zealand follow the Southern Hemisphere calendar, starting in January or February. Applications typically open in April or May for the following year's January entry. Deadlines are usually July or August. This matters if you're relocating between hemispheres.

Middle East Schedule

Most Middle Eastern international schools run the Northern Hemisphere calendar but operate year-round in some cases. Application cycles typically open in September. Many close applications by December, especially for popular schools. Assessments happen November through February. Offers release between January and March.

The summer break is typically June to August, slightly shorter than many Western countries. Re-enrollment deadlines are often earlier than you'd expect, sometimes as early as March for the following year. If you're in the Middle East and haven't enrolled by March, expect limited choice.

Some schools in the Middle East have slightly different dates than you'd expect because of local holidays and school breaks.

European international schools vary more than those in Asia. IB schools often align with each other but British-curriculum schools, German schools, and French schools each have slightly different calendars.

British schools typically follow UK term dates: three terms with breaks at Christmas, Easter, and summer. Applications open in September; many close by October or November. Assessments happen November through January. Offers come in January and February.

Some European schools offer rolling admissions, accepting students throughout the year on a space-available basis. This is less common but does happen, especially at smaller schools.

If you're moving to Europe and need a school quickly, start applications immediately upon deciding. Popular European schools fill fast.

American international schools typically use the August-June calendar common in the United States. Application cycles open in September. Many schools accept applications rolling throughout the year, unlike Asian schools. Offers come in February and March, with some extending into April and May.

If you're moving to the Americas mid-year, you often have more flexibility than in Asia. Many American schools accept students mid-year more readily than British or IB schools.

Canadian schools also follow August-June calendars. Application cycles mirror American schools.

Application open dates: Usually September 1st for most regions.

Application close dates: Vary wildly. Some schools have hard deadlines in November or December. Others stay open until spaces fill. Check each school individually.

Assessment dates: Usually happen monthly or bimonthly from October through February. You want assessment slots early if possible.

Offer notification dates: Typically January through March in most regions. Some schools do rolling offers throughout the year.

Enrollment deposit deadlines: Usually 30 days after offer, though this varies.

Re-enrollment deadlines: For existing families, deadlines to confirm continued enrollment for the next year. These often fall in March or April.

The best strategy: Identify your target schools by August. Check their websites by September 1st. Note their specific deadlines. Apply immediately to your top choice. Then don't wait. Schools that seem to have space now often fill quickly.