Thailand has a very high ratio of international schools per capita compared to other countries in Asia, providing parents with an immense number of choices. However, most international schools in Bangkok offer only British or American curricula, with few other options available. NIST is one of only three full IB international schools, and the only one with not-for-profit status and a central campus in the heart of the city.

The IB philosophy permeates our school, and our values of integrity, caring, community and growth are central to our learning and actions. To inspire, empower and enrich our students, we diligently work to provide unique learning opportunities that you may not find at other international schools in Bangkok.

What Does NIST Offer that Other International Schools in Bangkok Do Not?

In addition to activities that encourage and challenge, such as Action Week and Challenge by Choice, NIST partners with elite organizations around the globe to offer first-class programmes and resources such as the Global Citizen Diploma.

While there are many international schools in Bangkok, few can offer the expansive facilities, resources and programmes available at NIST while also maintaining a strong, caring community.

NIST was founded primarily to serve the children of expatriate families living temporarily in Bangkok. We also welcome Thai and other long-term, Bangkok-based residents who are committed to the mission of the school and can contribute meaningfully to our community.

Approximately 25% of student population is Thai, while the remaining 74% represents over 75 nationalities. Learn more about our community here.

NIST has a well-resourced English as an Additional Language (EAL) department, and in the elementary school we are able to accept beginner English language learners. Because of the curricular demands in the secondary school, we are able to support intermediate and advanced level English language learners.

English is the language of instruction in all year levels and it is important that students are able to successfully access the curriculum within our available EAL support resources. We may therefore limit the number of EAL students in each year level to ensure they have access to needed services and that strong English language standards are maintained throughout the school. However, in line with our values and philosophy, we do not charge any additional fees for this support.

We are a day school and do not have boarding facilities. Students must therefore reside with their parent(s) or other legal guardian appointed by their parents and live at a location within commuting distance to the campus.

We recognize the need to maintain a student-teacher ratio that offers maximum opportunities for instruction and learning. In principle, the maximum number of students per class is as follows:

We take applications for August admissions one school year in advance. Mid-year applications by families coming to Thailand from overseas may be submitted at any time throughout the school year. In all cases we encourage families to visit our campus, if possible, before submitting an application. This gives us a chance to meet with you, answer your specific questions and give you a personal school tour.

Each child must be assessed before being considered for acceptance at NIST. The results of the admissions assessment help determine whether a letter of acceptance will be offered.

NIST follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework for its curriculum, while also incorporating its own unique courses. However, a curriculum is not simply the content that is taught; it also includes teaching methods, approaches, resources and assessments. For a more in-depth explanation of each of these areas, you can download our prospectuses on our pages for the IB Primary Years Programme (Early Years – Year 6), Middle Years Programme (Years 7-11) and Diploma Programme (Years 12-13).

Class placement is not based on ability, but is instead carefully considered to meet the academic and social needs of each student. Educational research has consistently demonstrated that planned implementation of mixed-ability classes results in equal or superior levels of performance. In line with our philosophy of inclusion and diversity, our teachers, administrators and learning specialists work together to place students in learning environments that enrich all learners.

We believe in assigning homework not as “busy work”, but rather as a means of reinforcing concepts, building connections and practicing skills. The amount of homework students receive thus varies by year, teacher and subject. In general, NIST teachers provide enough work to challenge students, while still allowing time for activities. Additional details are available in the parent handbooks.

Traffic can be quite heavy in Bangkok, especially during rush hour, when a 15-minute drive on major roads can quickly change to an hour-long journey. To help families avoid the traffic, the Montri Transportation Corporation provides daily pick-up and drop-off services throughout the city. Additionally, students who travel on the BTS or MRT can take a courtesy shuttle from locations near the BTS to and from the school.

For more information about transportation and busing services, please visit our transportation page or contact the Admissions Office.

One of the great advantages of NIST is its central location in downtown Bangkok. We’re within easy reach of shopping centers, hospitals, dining, green spaces and entertainment the city has to offer. As a result, most NIST families choose to live near the school, and near public transportation. This also helps to substantially reduce the commute time to school.

We are unable to provide specific recommendations for condos, apartments or homes, but many real estate sites can be found through a Google search.

The daily schedule for students varies based on their year levels:

• Early Years: 8:30 AM – 2:15 PM
• Year 1: 8:00 AM – 2:15 PM
• Year 2-6: 8:00 AM – 2:55 PM
• Years 7-9: 8:30 AM – 3:20 PM
• Years 10-13: 8:30 AM – 3:25 PM

Yes, each child attending NIST must wear the school uniform. Uniforms can be purchased at the school shop, which is open from Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM.

NIST Catering operates the elementary and secondary cafeterias, as well as cafés in the Secondary Building and The Hub. All students have accounts created for them through the NIST Catering Campus Online system. This system can be topped up with funds via credit card or cheque, or by cash through the kiosks on campus.

Parents may choose to purchase a meal plan for elementary students, which includes a light morning snack. Secondary students are able to buy snacks and lunch with either cash or through their NIST Catering accounts.

Yes. NIST offers a wide range of activities for students in Years 2 to 13, and a more limited selection is also available for students in Early Years 2 and Year 1. These activities usually take place immediately after school, with activities for EY2 and Year 1 running from 2:15 to 3:00 PM, and activities for Year 1 to Year 13 typically running from 3:00 to 4:00 PM.

Times may vary for some activities, particularly sports. Additionally, some activities–most often those provided by external groups–require an additional fee. You can find out which activities we are currently offering through this link.