Schools in Siem Reap — LFI, international schools and French curriculum
French and international schools in Siem Reap — LFI Norodom Monineath Sihanouk (AEFE), Northbridge NISC, CNED and comparison for expat families.
- Cost
- 2 000 USD – 12 000 USD 2,000–12,000 USD/year depending on school and level; CNED ~400–900 EUR/year by distance learning
- Duration
- School year September–June (LFI) or August–June (English-speaking)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Reading
- 6 min
In 3 bullets
- LFI Norodom Monineath Sihanouk — AEFE-affiliated French international school, from nursery to Year 13 with baccalaureate, trilingual French-English-Khmer teaching.
- Northbridge NISC — the reference English-speaking international school, Cambridge IGCSE + A-Levels programme, well established in Siem Reap.
- CNED — a valid option for families wanting the French national programme by distance learning, with the baccalaureate exam taken in Phnom Penh.
LFI — Lycée Français International Norodom Monineath Sihanouk
The LFI in Siem Reap is the city’s French international school, affiliated to the AEFE (Agency for French Education Abroad). It offers teaching from nursery to Year 13 with preparation for the French baccalaureate.
- Levels: nursery, primary, lower secondary, upper secondary (including final year).
- Languages: trilingual teaching — French (main language), English, Khmer.
- Partnerships: AEFE, French Ministry of National Education, Cambridge.
- Address: Lum Street, Krong Siem Reap.
- Contact: +855 (0) 77 546 044 — lfi-siemreap.org
Northbridge International School Cambodia (NISC)
The most established English-speaking international school in Siem Reap. Open since 2008, from nursery to Year 13.
- Programme: Cambridge Primary, Cambridge IGCSE (lower secondary), A-Levels (upper secondary).
- Language: fully English-medium teaching. Khmer classes offered.
- Location: National Road 6, Siem Reap.
- Website: nisc.edu.kh
Indicative 2025 fees (verify at nisc.edu.kh):
| Level | Estimated annual fees |
|---|---|
| Nursery (Early Years) | 3,500–5,000 USD/year |
| Primary | 5,000–8,000 USD/year |
| Lower secondary (1–3) | 7,000–10,000 USD/year |
| Upper secondary (IGCSE / A-Levels) | 9,000–12,000 USD/year |
Indicative fees — consult nisc.edu.kh for official tuition and registration fees.
Other schools in Siem Reap
Schools directory in Siem Reap
All schools and educational structures listed in the Expatolog directory — nurseries, primary and secondary schools.
Apart from the LFI and NISC, several bilingual private schools (English-Khmer) exist in Siem Reap for nursery and primary. Quality and accreditations vary — check with the local expat community (Facebook groups “Siem Reap Expats”) before enrolling.
CNED option — French distance learning
For families wishing to keep the French national curriculum without joining the LFI, CNED remains a viable option.
- Format: correspondence courses and digital platforms, followed at home with parental supervision.
- Fees: approximately 400–900 EUR/year depending on level (public rate for French nationals abroad).
- Baccalaureate: exam taken at an official centre — in Phnom Penh via the Lycée René-Descartes for Cambodia.
- Enrolment: at cned.fr, before 15 June for the September intake.
Options comparison
| School | Programme | Main language | French bac |
|---|---|---|---|
| LFI Norodom Monineath Sihanouk | French (AEFE) | French | Yes |
| Northbridge NISC | Cambridge | English | No (A-Levels) |
| CNED | French national | French | Yes (in PP) |
Cambridge A-Levels are recognised by French universities via Parcoursup international applications.
Enrolment procedure — LFI
- Contact the school directly: +855 (0) 77 546 044 or via lfi-siemreap.org.
- Documents: recent school reports, child’s passport, vaccination record, family record book or birth certificate.
- Plan well ahead of your arrival date — places may be limited, especially for primary and lower secondary.
FAQ
Is the LFI in Siem Reap equivalent to the Lycée René-Descartes in Phnom Penh?
These are two separate AEFE-affiliated institutions. The LFI in Siem Reap covers the same levels (nursery to final year) with the baccalaureate. For comparisons of size, reputation and exact fees, contact both schools directly — enrolment numbers and extracurricular offerings differ.
Can my child sit the French baccalaureate from Siem Reap?
Yes — via the LFI (on-site) or via CNED (exam in Phnom Penh).
Do AEFE scholarships apply to the LFI in Siem Reap?
Yes, if the school is indeed AEFE-affiliated. Scholarships fund tuition at AEFE network schools. Applications must be submitted to the French embassy in Cambodia between January and March for the September intake. See: kh.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/famille/bourses-scolaires-nord.
Is Cambridge A-Level from NISC recognised in France?
Yes — A-Levels are recognised by French universities via Parcoursup (international application). Check with Campus France for specific procedures.
Sources (3)
Every fact in this guide comes from official documents or government sites. An access date is recorded for each source.