Choosing the right school is one of the biggest decisions parents make for their children. In Bangladesh, the demand for English medium schools has grown rapidly, with parents recognizing the value of international curricula, global exposure, and advanced teaching methods. Yet, one of the first questions that comes to mind is simple: How much does it cost?
In this guide, we’ll take an in-depth look at English Medium School Fees in Bangladesh, covering tuition, admission charges, extracurricular expenses, annual school costs, and even Cambridge exam fees. Whether you are considering affordable schools in Dhaka or evaluating the international school cost of premium institutions, this blog will give you the clarity you need.
Understanding English Medium School Fees in Bangladesh
English medium schools in Bangladesh follow diverse curricula such as Cambridge IGCSE, O/A Levels, or the International Baccalaureate (IB). The fees vary widely depending on location, facilities, reputation, and the qualifications of teachers.
For parents, it’s important to view school fees as more than just tuition. Beyond classroom learning, expenses can include admission fees, exam registration, extracurricular activities, and other annual costs. A proper fee structure comparison helps families make informed decisions while balancing affordability and quality.
Tuition Fees – The Core Cost
Private School Tuition Fees in Dhaka
Tuition fees make up the largest portion of English Medium School Fees in Bangladesh. On average, parents in Dhaka pay anywhere from BDT 7,000 to BDT 25,000 per month for mid-range schools. At the higher end, premium institutions charge between BDT 30,000 and BDT 80,000 per month, depending on grade level.
Affordable Schools in Dhaka
Not all schools in Dhaka are expensive. Some affordable schools in Dhaka offer strong academic programs at lower costs, typically between BDT 5,000 and BDT 12,000 per month. These schools balance quality education with budget-friendly options, making them an excellent choice for families seeking value.
International School Cost (Premium Tier)
Elite institutions such as those offering Canadian, American, or British curricula with expatriate teachers and state-of-the-art facilities, often have much higher tuition fees. Parents should expect annual tuition fees to exceed BDT 10–15 lakh (1–1.5 million). While costly, these schools offer global learning standards, small class sizes, and advanced teaching methods.
Admission Fees and One-Time Charges
Most schools in Bangladesh require an admission fee before a child begins classes. These charges cover administrative costs, registration, and sometimes development fees for school facilities.
- Affordable private schools: Admission fees range from BDT 20,000 to BDT 80,000.
- Mid-level English medium schools: Admission fees usually range between BDT 1 lakh and 2 lakh.
- Premium international schools: Some charge up to BDT 3–5 lakh or more as a one-time admission fee.
It’s important for parents to clarify whether these charges are refundable and if they include items like lab or library deposits.
Annual School Expenses Beyond Tuition
When evaluating English Medium School Fees in Bangladesh, parents should also account for annual expenses beyond tuition. These include:
- Books and study materials – Can cost between BDT 15,000 to 50,000 annually, depending on curriculum.
- Uniforms – Average annual cost is BDT 10,000 to 20,000.
- Transport fees – Range from BDT 5,000 to 15,000 per month, depending on distance.
- Cultural events and trips – Costs vary but typically add BDT 5,000 to 20,000 per year.
Altogether, these additional charges can raise annual costs by 10–30% beyond tuition fees.
Cambridge and O/A Level Exam Fees
Another significant cost for parents is Cambridge O-Level and A-Level exam fees. These are charged separately from school tuition.
- O-Level exams: Around BDT 10,000–15,000 per subject.
- A-Level exams: Can cost BDT 15,000–20,000 per subject.
- Students often take 7–9 subjects in O-Levels and 3–5 subjects in A-Levels, making total exam costs quite high.
For families with multiple children, this becomes a major expense. Planning ahead for exam costs is crucial to avoid financial stress.
Extracurricular and Co-Curricular Charges
Parents often underestimate the cost of extracurricular activities. While these programs enrich students’ lives, they do add to annual school expenses.
- Sports fees: Participation in football, basketball, swimming, or cricket programs can cost between BDT 5,000 and 20,000 per year.
- Arts and music programs: Typically cost around BDT 10,000 to 30,000 annually.
- Clubs and competitions: Debate clubs, robotics clubs, and cultural competitions may have extra fees.
At international schools, extracurricular costs are often bundled into tuition, while other schools may charge separately.
Fee Structure Comparison – Affordable vs. Elite Schools
Here’s a quick comparison to give parents a sense of how costs vary:
| Category | Affordable Schools in Dhaka | Premium International Schools |
| Monthly Tuition Fees | BDT 5,000–12,000 | BDT 30,000–80,000 |
| Admission Fees | BDT 20,000–80,000 | BDT 3–5 lakh |
| Annual Books/Materials | BDT 15,000–25,000 | BDT 40,000–50,000 |
| Exam Fees (O/A Levels) | Standard rates | Same rates, but higher due to more subjects |
| Extracurricular | BDT 5,000–15,000 | BDT 20,000–50,000 |
This fee structure comparison shows that while affordable schools in Dhaka keep costs manageable, elite schools come with significantly higher international school cost due to advanced facilities, expatriate teachers, and global exposure.
Factors That Influence English Medium School Fees in Bangladesh
Several factors explain why English Medium School Fees in Bangladesh vary so widely:
- Location – Schools in Dhaka, especially in Gulshan, Banani, and Dhanmondi, tend to charge higher fees compared to schools in other cities.
- Curriculum – Schools offering Cambridge, IB, or Canadian curricula are generally more expensive than those offering national English version curricula.
- Facilities – Advanced labs, libraries, digital classrooms, and sports complexes increase costs.
- Teacher Qualifications – Schools employing expatriate teachers or those with international certifications have higher salary costs, reflected in tuition.
- Reputation and Alumni Network – Established schools with a track record of international university placements often charge premium fees.
Tips for Parents to Manage Annual School Expenses
Managing education costs is one of the biggest financial challenges for families. Here are some tips:
- Plan for the long term – Budget not just for tuition, but for books, extracurriculars, and exam fees.
- Compare fee structures – Don’t decide based on reputation alone; do a full fee structure comparison between schools.
- Ask about hidden charges – Inquire about lab fees, technology fees, and extracurricular costs in advance.
- Consider affordable schools in Dhaka – Many provide excellent quality without the high international school cost.
- Explore scholarship opportunities – Some schools offer sibling discounts, merit-based scholarships, or financial aid programs.
Final Insights
Education is one of the most valuable investments parents can make. Understanding English Medium School Fees in Bangladesh helps families prepare financially and choose wisely. From tuition to annual school expenses, from admission fees in private schools to Cambridge O/A Level costs, being informed allows parents to balance affordability with academic excellence.
At Canadian Maple International School (CMIS), we believe transparency is key. By knowing what to expect in terms of costs, parents can focus less on financial stress and more on what truly matters: helping their children thrive in an inspiring learning environment.