Schools in Phnom Penh — LFRD, ISPP, NISC, iCAN

In 3 bullets

• Lycée français René Descartes (LFRD): the only AEFE-accredited school in Cambodia, French programme from kindergarten to terminale, school scholarships available for French citizens.
• ISPP: leading anglophone, IB (PYP / MYP / DP), 9,500 to 29,000 USD/yr. NISC (Nord Anglia, IB) and iCAN (British curriculum) for those who prioritise English.
• Enrolments very tight on the LFRD side: francophone sections full, plan 6-12 months ahead. More flexibility on English-language international schools.

Eligibility

All international schools accept expat pupils with no nationality condition. General admission conditions:

• School records of the last 2 years.
• Level test or interview by age.
• Health record / vaccinations up to date.
• Long-stay visa of parents (EB / ER) — not mandatory but the school prefers.

French abroad are priority for AEFE scholarships at LFRD, subject to income conditions and actual on-site enrolment.

Lycée français René Descartes (LFRD)

Overview

• AEFE-accredited establishment (Agency for French Education Abroad), conventioned since 2011, under contract with the French Ministry of Education.
• Programmes: kindergarten (PS / MS / GS), elementary (CP to CM2), college (6e to 3e), lycée (2nde, 1ère, Tale) — French brevet and baccalauréat.
• Enrolment: ~ 1,200 pupils, over 50 nationalities, predominantly French-speaking.
• Status: non-profit association, run by the Parents’ Association (APE) under AEFE oversight.

School fees

According to the official financial regulations published at descartes-cambodge.com, 2025-2026 annual fees range from 51,024,378 KHR to 127,344,331 KHR by level (≈ 12,400 to 31,000 USD/yr at 4,100 rate). Fees increase with level (higher in lycée than kindergarten).

Fees included / not included:

• Included: teaching, facility access, textbooks (by level), pedagogical support.
• Not included: school catering (~ 4-5 USD/meal), transport, school trips, supplies, optional languages, extra-curricular activities.

AEFE school scholarships

The French Embassy in Cambodia runs two scholarship campaigns each year:

• Main campaign: January — for the following school year.
• Complementary campaign: September — for newcomers.

Criteria:

• Pupil enrolled or in process of enrolment at LFRD.
• French family (at least 1 FR parent + FR pupil).
• Consular registration (register of French abroad).
• Income conditions (AEFE schedule).

The scholarship can cover 20% to 100% of fees. File at kh.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/famille/bourses-scolaires-nord (services to French → school scholarships section).

Enrolment

100% online procedure via the EDUKA platform (link on descartes-cambodge.com/apply-now):

1. Parent account creation.
2. Digital file: civil status documents, school record, medical certificate, photos.
3. File review fees: payable.
4. Establishment response within 4-8 weeks per availability.
5. Confirmation by payment of the 1st quarter.

ISPP — International School of Phnom Penh

Overview

• Non-profit private school, founded in 1989.
• International Baccalaureate (IB) programme: Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP).
• Final diploma: IB Diploma + US high school diploma.
• Enrolment: ~ 700 pupils, over 50 nationalities.
• Modern campus south of the Independence Monument: 5 teaching blocks, illuminated football pitch, 2 pools (learning + olympic 50 m).

Fees

9,500 to 29,000 USD/yr by level, capital fees included per package. Details at ispp.edu.kh.

Enrolment

Online enrolment, school record + admission test. Variable lead times, count 4-8 weeks.

NISC — Northbridge International School Cambodia

Overview

• Nord Anglia Education group member (50+ schools worldwide).
• IB programme (PYP / MYP / DP) + British curriculum in secondary track.
• 20-acre campus, science labs, design studio, sports infrastructure.

Site: nordangliaeducation.com/nisc-cambodia.

Fees

12,000 to 28,000 USD/yr by level. Capital fee + admission fee to budget on top.

iCAN British International School

Overview

• Pure British curriculum: International Primary Curriculum (IPC), International Middle Years (IMYC), National Curriculum for England.
• Kindergarten to Year 9 (FR equivalent 4e/3e).
• No complete secondary track at publication.

Fees

5,000 to 13,000 USD/yr — significantly cheaper than ISPP / NISC.

International schools comparison

Cost and duration

Beyond gross tuition fees, budget for:

Realistic total for 1 child: tuition + 3,000 to 7,000 USD/yr in extras.

Required documents

• Birth certificate + translated family record book.
• School records of the last 2-3 years (reports, skills booklet).
• Health record + up-to-date vaccinations.
• Recent ID photos.
• Passport and visa of parents and child.
• Cambodia address proof.
• Recent bank statement (proof of payment capacity).
• Motivation letter (often requested from college level).

Common pitfalls

FAQ

And if we arrive mid-school year?

LFRD accepts mid-year arrivals if a place opens (rare in French sections, more flexibility in international sections). ISPP / NISC are more flexible. Frequent plan B: distance schooling via CNED for 6 to 12 months while waiting for a place.

Which school for a child with special needs (ADHD, dyslexia, autism)?

LFRD has limited specialised support. ISPP and iCAN have more structured programmes (Learning Support, EAL). For heavy situations, carefully verify the establishment’s actual capacity before signing.

Are there francophone schools other than LFRD?

To my knowledge, no — LFRD is the only AEFE establishment in Cambodia. A few Khmer-French bilingual schools exist in PP (École française internationale, etc.) but outside the AEFE network and with comparable USD rates.

And in Siem Reap, Sihanoukville?

Siem Reap: Lycée français de Siem Reap (under different AEFE management, to confirm for 2026), international school AISL (anglophone). Sihanoukville: no French school, variable private international schools.

Can my children take the bac in PP?

Yes, LFRD is an accredited exam centre for the brevet and the French baccalauréat (all tracks), plus DELF / DALF. ISPP issues the IB Diploma, NISC too.

What level of English to expect from ISPP pupils?

ISPP is English-medium of instruction — your children should have a decent English level, otherwise EAL (English as Additional Language) classes are offered in parallel (sometimes at additional cost).

How does school transport work?

LFRD, ISPP, NISC have their own bus service with routes in Phnom Penh: pickup and return. 1,000-2,000 USD/yr typical. Many families prefer the private driver (300-500 USD/month for a car + driver shared between 2-3 families).