Western International School of Shanghai is a IB Primary Years Programme / IB Middle Years Programme / IB Diploma Programme / IB Career-related Programme / IB school in Shanghai, China. Founded in 2006. It serves 500 students for students aged 3–18. Annual tuition ranges from $23,661 to $38,226 USD.
Explore This School
Location & Getting There
NanaSays Scorecard
Key Details
Scholarships Available
WISS offers merit-based scholarships in five categories: Academics, Sports, Arts, Community Service, and Entrepreneurship/Innovation. Scholarships can provide full or partial annual tuition coverage. Applicants must first complete the standard admissions process, then submit a scholarship application form, supporting documentary evidence, a student essay, and return materials by the stated deadline. Shortlisted candidates attend a final interview with the Scholarship Committee. Recipients must maintain a minimum academic standard equivalent to a 6/7 on the IB scale, uphold academic honesty and character standards. Note: recipients are still responsible for Application Fee, Capital Fee, Transportation Fee and fees for after-school activities and trips.
Key facts
About
Western International School of Shanghai is a private day school in Shanghai, China, authorized by the International Baccalaureate since 2010. The school offers all four IB programmes—Primary Years, Middle Years, Diploma, and Career-related—with instruction in English and Chinese. The school serves coeducational students from early primary through post-secondary levels.
School data verified by NanaSays. Last updated: April 2026.
Why Families Choose
- First full IB school in Shanghai
- First school in Mainland China to offer all four IB programmes
- 18-acre purpose-built campus in New Hongqiao area
- Over 60 co-curricular activities and elite academies
- Rigorous Chinese language and culture programme
- Leadership partnerships with Global Alliance for Innovative Learning, Duke of Edinburgh's Award, and Association of China and Mongolia International Schools
Fees & Financials
| Grade / Year | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten | CNY 229,405~$ 31,686 |
| PYP Grades 1-5 | CNY 250,745~$ 34,633 |
| MYP Grades 6-10 | CNY 264,325~$ 36,509 |
| Pre-Kindergarten | CNY 194,000~$ 26,796 |
| DP/CP Grades 11-12 | CNY 267,332~$ 36,924 |
| Pre-Nursery & Nursery | CNY 165,385~$ 22,843 |
Conversions to USD use exchange rates as of April 2026.
Original currency: ¥171,500 - ¥277,000 per annum. Application fee: $345.
Admissions Process
- 1Start an online application via OpenApply. 2) Upload required documents including birth certificate, passport copies, residence permit/visa documentation, ID photos, medical and immunisation records, and school reports with teacher/principal recommendations. 3) Book an admissions assessment, academic interview and family introduction meeting coordinated by an assigned Admissions Officer; non-native English speakers complete an English language assessment. 4) Pay the non-refundable Application Fee (RMB 2,500) to complete the application. 5) If an Offer of Placement is issued, pay the Placement Fee (RMB 20,000) within five days to secure the place. 6) Receive tuition and other fee invoices; fees must be settled before the student's first day. 7) Complete transportation, meal, medical and BYOD forms before arrival; submit any learning evaluations or IEPs to Student Support Services.
Admissions Details
WISS does not publish a formal public waitlist policy. The school operates rolling admissions and uses a Placement Fee to secure an offered place, though payment alone does not guarantee placement until all admissions requirements are met. Families concerned about seat availability are advised to contact Admissions directly to enquire about availability for specific grades.
School Day
Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. Students are asked to arrive by approximately 8:20 a.m.; campus hours are roughly 8:00 a.m.–3:20 p.m. Division-specific break and lunch times may vary.
Student Life
A complementary set of uniforms is provided per semester for students from Pre-Nursery through Grade 10 and is included in tuition fees. Additional uniform items may be purchased at extra cost.
School meals are included in tuition fees.
Facilities & Programmes
Wellbeing & Safety
WISS operates three on-site nurse stations with a qualified nursing team providing first aid, minor-injury care and emergency response. School counsellors in the Student Support Services Team address emotional regulation, decision-making, identity, relationships and wellbeing. SEL is embedded across all IB programmes through Advisory, Life Skills, PSHE and Approaches to Learning, with proactive and reactive individual and group interventions also available.
WISS states it fully recognises its moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children, with a published Safeguarding Policy. Campus security measures include 24-hour licensed security, perimeter fencing, CCTV and visitor registration. Regular emergency drills are conducted. Student Support Services contributes to welfare through academic and social-emotional support pathways.
Student Demographics
School Background
private