Cambodia’s Education Boom: Understanding the Rise of International Schools

Cambodia’s education landscape is undergoing a significant transformation in recent years, and a key aspect of this evolution is the rising number of international schools. Our directory schoolscambodia.com have listed over 100 schools entities with over 500 schools branches in Phnom Penh alone. [source]

Table of Contents

• The Growing Demand for International Education
• Factors Contributing to the Increase in International Schools
• Benefits of Attending International Schools in Cambodia
• Challenges and Considerations
• The Impact on the Cambodian Education System

The Growing Demand for International Education

The demand for international education is increasing globally, and Cambodia is no exception. Parents are seeking educational opportunities that provide their children with a competitive edge. This demand is fueled by several factors, including:

• Globalization: There’s a greater need for individuals with cross-cultural understanding and global perspectives.
• Career Aspirations: Many parents aspire for their children to attend universities abroad and pursue international careers.
• ”Perceived” Quality: International schools are often perceived to offer a higher quality of education compared to traditional public schools, with smaller class sizes, modern facilities, experienced teachers, and a better chance for international oppotunities.

Factors Contributing to the Increase in International Schools

Several factors have contributed to the increase in international schools in Cambodia:

• Economic Growth: Cambodia’s steady economic growth has led to a rise in disposable income, allowing more families to afford international school fees.
• Foreign Investment: Increased foreign investment has brought more expatriate families to Cambodia, creating a demand for international schools that cater to their children’s educational needs.
• Government Policies: The Cambodian government has been supportive of international schools, recognizing their role in attracting foreign investment and improving the overall quality of education.
• Growing Middle Class: The expansion of Cambodia’s middle class has created a larger pool of families who prioritize education and are willing to invest in their children’s future.

Benefits of Attending International Schools in Cambodia

International schools in Cambodia offer a range of benefits, including:

• Globally Recognized Curriculum: International schools typically follow internationally recognized curricula such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge International Examinations, or American curriculum.
• Experienced Teachers: These schools often employ experienced teachers from around the world, bringing diverse perspectives and teaching methodologies to the classroom.
• Modern Facilities: International schools typically boast modern facilities, including well-equipped classrooms, libraries, science labs, and sports facilities.
• English Language Proficiency: Instruction is primarily in English, providing students with a strong foundation in the language, which is essential for higher education and international careers.
• Cultural Diversity: International schools attract students from diverse backgrounds, fostering a multicultural learning environment that promotes understanding and tolerance.
• Preparation for Higher Education: International schools prepare students for admission to top universities around the world.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite the many benefits, there are also challenges and considerations associated with the rising number of international schools in Cambodia:

• High Tuition Fees: International school fees can be significantly higher than those of public schools, making them inaccessible to many Cambodian families.
• Accreditation and Quality Control: It’s important to ensure that international schools are properly accredited and meet quality standards.
• Cultural Integration: International schools need to ensure that their curriculum and activities are culturally sensitive and promote integration with the local community.

The Impact on the Cambodian Education System

The rising number of international schools in Cambodia is having a positive impact on the overall education. However this rapid growth can put pressure on public school, by offer better wages for qualified teachers.

The goverment has annouced in early 2025 that they are awared of this issues and are taking meseaure to keep the education system under control and has set a 2 years gold in raising standard and setting competitive wages. [source]

• Increased Competition: raising the bar for education quality, encouraging public schools to improve their standards.
• Innovation and Best Practices: introducing innovative teaching methods and best practices that can be adopted by public schools.
• Teacher Training: providing training opportunities for Cambodian teachers, helping to improve their skills and knowledge.

Final Thought

The growing number of international schools in Cambodia shows how much the country is improving. Even though not every family can easily join these schools, and some schools still need to prove how good they are, there’s no doubt that international schools bring many great things.