NIST International School Bangkok (NIST)
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$18K – US$31K
Curriculum: IB
Age Range: 3–18
Students: 1,800
Location: Sukhumvit, Bangkok
Updated February 2026
In Brief
NIST International School Bangkok is Thailand's first full IB World School, founded in 1992 as a not-for-profit institution serving 1,500-1,800 students from over 50 nationalities. With recent major facility upgrades and strong IB results (2025 average 37 points, 100% pass rate), it maintains a position among Bangkok's tier-one international schools alongside ISB and Bangkok Patana.
Located centrally on Sukhumvit 15 near Asok station, NIST operates on a compact 25-rai urban campus that has undergone significant expansion in 2025 with new Innovation, Pavilion, and Elementary Buildings. The school's governance structure as a parent-elected foundation distinguishes it from for-profit competitors, with most foundation members required to be current parents. Teacher discussions consistently place NIST among Bangkok's top three schools, with one educator noting experience across multiple international schools including Tokyo and Riyadh before choosing NIST.
Academic outcomes remain strong with 2025 IB Diploma students achieving a 37-point average and 100% pass rate, leading to university placements at top global institutions. The school offers unique programs including the Student Teacher Education Programme (STEP) for Years 10-13 and partnerships with Harvard Business School and Chelsea Football Club. Recent parent feedback emphasizes the supportive environment and well-rounded education, though some note increasing Thai student enrollment may be shifting the school's international character from earlier decades.
What parents value
- –Thailand's first full IB World School with complete PYP, MYP, and IBDP programs
- –Not-for-profit status with parent-elected governance structure
- –Central Bangkok location with easy access to Asok BTS station
- –Strong 2025 IB results: 37-point average with 100% pass rate
- –Recent major facility upgrades including Innovation and Pavilion Buildings
- –Diverse student body from 50+ nationalities
- –Unique programs like STEP and partnerships with Harvard and Chelsea FC
- –Consistently ranked among Bangkok's top three international schools
Points of consideration
- –Ultra-premium fees ranging from THB 567,200 to 1,000,000 annually
- –Compact urban campus may feel constrained compared to suburban alternatives
- –Some parents note increasing Thai student numbers potentially affecting international outlook
- –High academic expectations and rigorous IB program may not suit all learning styles
- –Limited availability due to popularity and smaller size than ISB or Bangkok Patana
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Early Years 1 | 3 | 19,600 |
| Early Years 2 | 3 | 19,600 |
| Year 1 | 5 | 24,857 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 26,295 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 26,295 |
| Year 4 | 8 | 26,295 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 26,295 |
| Year 6 | 10 | 26,295 |
| Year 7 | 11 | 28,819 |
| Year 8 | 12 | 28,819 |
| Year 9 | 13 | 28,819 |
| Year 10 | 14 | 31,318 |
| Year 11 | 15 | 31,318 |
| Year 12 | 16 | 34,148 |
| Year 13 | 17 | 34,148 |
Fees converted from THB. For the most up to date and accurate figures please double check with the school.
Additional Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | 187 |
| Assessment Fee | 78 |
| Registration Fee | 8,268 |
| Campus Development Deposit (Refundable) | 17,940 |
Photos
Academic Results
IB Results (2025): IB Average Score: 37; IB Pass Rate: 100%; Percentage scoring 40+: 28%; IB Diploma Awarded: 110 students; Bilingual IB Diploma: 56% of graduates. University destinations (Class of 2025 highlights): Imperial College London, University of Oxford, UCL, University of Pennsylvania, Cornell University, The University of Melbourne, UNSW Sydney, The University of Sydney, McGill University, University of Toronto, King's College London, ANU, The University of Edinburgh, The University of Manchester, Monash University, The University of Tokyo, UBC, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, UCLA, Yonsei University. NIST Academic Performance, NIST School Profile, BKK Kids.
Extra Curriculars
Sports: Badminton, Basketball, Cross Country, Tennis, Touch Rugby, Softball, Football, Swimming, Golf, Gymnastics, Fencing. Member of SEASAC and BMAC. 14 competitive sports, 109 Falcons teams.
Campus Size: 25 rai (approx. 9.9 acres). Buildings: 10 buildings, over 90 classrooms.
Inspections & Accreditations
Inspection
- ONESQA accredited first school in Thailand for triple accreditation with CIS/NEASC
- Not publicly listed.
Accreditations
- CIS, NEASC
- Not publicly listed.
Memberships
- EARCOS, ISAT, BISAC, SEASAC, BMAC
- Not publicly listed.
Student Body
Total Enrolment: Over 1,800 students. Nationalities: 93 (Official Website) / Over 77 (School Profile). Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1.
Leadership
James Dalziel - Head of School
James Dalziel is a seasoned international educator with over two decades of leadership experience in international schools across Singapore, Switzerland, France, and Thailand, including roles as Principal at Canadian International School Singapore and United World College of South East Asia, and Director of Educational Operations at GEMS Education.
