Apply Online
Canadian International School of Hong Kong seeks to admit students who will benefit from our balanced and well-rounded education and who will flourish in our inquiry-based conceptual programme in the Lower School and a rigorous university-preparatory programme in the Upper School.
Before applying to CDNIS, potential families are encouraged to familiarize themselves with our Admissions Policy and Procedures detailed below, joining a school tour, or by watching our Nursery, EY1-Grade 2, Grade 3-5 or Upper School webinars.
Parents interested in our bilingual programmes should review our FAQs prior to submitting their child's online application.
We welcome prospective families to visit our campus, view the facilities, meet our staff and see our school in action by joining a school tour. Tours take place each Tuesday when school is in session. If you are unable to join a scheduled tour or have further questions, please contact our Admissions Department.
- Application
- ADMISSIONS ASSESSMENTS
- School Tours
- Age Requirements
- Assessment Selection Criteria
- Assessment Format
- Acceptance Screening Process
- Acceptance Procedures
Application
SUBMIT AN APPLICATION
- 1. Apply online
- 2. Required documents
- 3. Student Reference Form
- 4. Application and assessment fees
- 5. Confirm receipt of application
- 6. Parental Agreement
1. Apply online
Potential parents should click "New Application" to begin the application process. Please allow 45 minutes to one hour to complete the application process. You may save your data and return to your child(ren)'s application(s) at a later stage, if necessary. Existing CDNIS parents and parents who have already created an account in our Admissions Portal should apply via the "Admissions Portal" using your existing Veracross Login.
The admissions application period for the 2024/2025 school year has passed. Applications for the 2025/2026 school year are currently being accepted.
2. Required documents
Please have the following documents/information ready for the online application:
Nursery* application
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Scanned copy of birth certificate
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Scanned copy of passport
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Scanned copy of a valid Hong Kong visa (if applicable)
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Scanned copy of Hong Kong Identity Card (if applicable)
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One passport size photograph (2 x 3 inches or 150 pixels X 225 pixels in JPG format)
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Scanned copy of playgroup report(s)/school performance or attendance proof (if applicable)
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Credit Card information for application fee payment
*Subject to EDB approval
EY1 to Grade 11 application
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Scanned copy of birth certificate
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Scanned copy of passport
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Scanned copy of a valid Hong Kong visa (if applicable)
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Scanned copy of Hong Kong Identity Card (if applicable)
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One passport size photograph (2 x 3 inches or 150 pixels X 225 pixels in JPG format)
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Scanned copy of school report(s) for the previous and current school years.
(Early Years 1/Early Years 2 candidates can submit this when it becomes available)
- Please scan multiple pages of school report(s) into a single PDF file, or compress multiple reports into a single zip file for upload. - If reports are not issued in English, please also provide a translated copy in English. -
Scanned copy of transcript (for Grade 10 and above applications)
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Credit Card information for application fee payment
Please note that your child’s application will not be processed if the required information and/or required documents are incomplete.
3. Student Reference Form
4. Application and assessment fees
Nursery* application
Subject to EDB approval, the application and assessment fee of HK$1,800** will be collected for processing your child's application and assessment scheduling. It is important to note that it is non-refundable and non-transferable. The fee will be collected through our online admissions portal. (**proposed fee)
*Subject to EDB approval
EY1 to Grade 11 application
Please note the application fee of HK$2,350 and assessment fee of HK$1,650 (should your child be selected for an assessment) are non-refundable and non-transferable. Both fees are required to be submitted through our online system.
5. Confirm receipt of application
6. Parental Agreement
Parental Agreement
Upon successful submission of the application, it is confirmed that Parent(s)/Legal Guardian understand and agree to the following:
- CDNIS requires that all enrolled students are living with and supervised by a parent/legal guardian who are full-time residents of Hong Kong.
- In accordance with regulations of the Hong Kong Education Bureau and Hong Kong Immigration Department, all students joining CDNIS must hold a valid Hong Kong ID card and/or a valid passport with authorized residency status to be eligible for a place at CDNIS. A visitor visa does not entitle the holder to attend any school in Hong Kong.
- Parent(s)/Legal Guardian give CDNIS permission to obtain records from the applicant’s current and previous schools.
- Parent(s)/Legal Guardian are providing true and accurate information for this application. CDNIS reserves the right to restrict entry into, or withdrawal of a place from, the school.
- CDNIS reserves the right to revoke an offer of admission if it is found that any relevant reports have been withheld.
- Parent(s)/Legal Guardian understand data collected will be used for processing the admission application only. Take a moment to learn more by reading our Privacy Policy.
- Application/Processing Fee is non-refundable, non-transferable and valid for the applied academic year only. Collection of the application/processing fee constitutes no assurance that a school place or an admissions assessment will be offered.
- It is the responsibility of the parent(s)/legal guardian to make appropriate visa arrangement for the student(s) prior to start of school.
ADMISSIONS ASSESSMENTS
Admissions Assessments and Interviews for Academic Year 2024/2025
Applicants who successfully submit their application, required documents and meet the academic requirements will be scheduled for an admissions assessment. The types of assessment, on-site, online or hybrid interview, will depend on the grade level applied for. Early Years to Grade 2 assessments are usually conducted in November/December, while assessments for students applying to join Grade 3 or above are generally held in March/April. Nursery* assessments are set to commence in April/May.
*Subject to EDB approval
School Tours
We welcome prospective families who are interested in joining CDNIS to register for a campus tour to learn more about our school.
Age Requirements
| Grade level | age |
|---|---|
| Nursery* | 2-years old on the day of entry |
| Early Years 1 (Early Childhood, PYP) | 3-years old by August 31 of year of entry |
| Early Years 2 (Early Childhood, PYP) | 4-years old by August 31 of year of entry |
| Preparatory (PYP) | 5-years old by August 31 of year of entry |
| Grade 1 (PYP) | 6-years old by August 31 of year of entry |
| Grade 2 (PYP) | 7-years old by August 31 of year of entry |
| Grade 3 (PYP) | 8-years old by August 31 of year of entry |
| Grade 4 (PYP) | 9-years old by August 31 of year of entry |
| Grade 5 (PYP) | 10-years old by August 31 of year of entry |
| Grade 6 (MYP) | 11-years old by August 31 of year of entry |
| Grade 7 (MYP) | 12-years old by August 31 of year of entry |
| Grade 8 (MYP) | 13-years old by August 31 of year of entry |
| Grade 9 (MYP) | 14-years old by August 31 of year of entry |
| Grade 10 (MYP) | 15-years old by August 31 of year of entry |
| Grade 11 (OSSD & IB Diploma) | 16-years old by August 31 of year of entry |
| Grade 12 (OSSD & IB Diploma) | 17-years old by August 31 of year of entry |
Placement for Early Years 1, Early Years 2 and Preparatory will be based on the entry age date. Placement in all other grades will also be based primarily on the entry age date, although exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of Director of Admissions and related respective Principals based on the level of educational attainment.
*Subject to EDB approval.
Assessment Selection Criteria
Applicants who successfully submit their application, required documents and meet the academic requirements will be scheduled for an admissions assessment. A member of the Admissions Team will contact the applicant’s parent(s)/legal guardian to arrange a date and time for the assessment. Please note that admissions assessments are only administered at CDNIS by admissions/academic staff.
Nursery* Admissions Assessments
Subject to EDB approval, admissions assessments for Nursery for the 2024/2025 school year are scheduled to commence in April 2024. The assessment will be conducted onsite at the CDNIS Early Years Centre for applicants and the families located in Hong Kong, and online assessment for overseas applicants. Admissions assessments are administered by admissions/academic staff. Assessments will only be conducted following EDB approval.
*Subject to EDB approval
Early Years 1 to Grade 2 Admissions Assessments
Admissions assessments for Early Years 1, Early Years 2, Preparatory, Grade 1 and Grade 2 are scheduled to commence in November/December of the preceding school year. Applications received after the October 2 deadline will not be accepted or considered.
Grade 3 to Grade 12 Admissions Assessments
Admissions assessments for Grade 3 to Grade 12 are scheduled to commence in March/April of the preceding school year. Applications received after the January 31 deadline may not be considered.
Admissions assessments are only administered at CDNIS by admissions/academic staff.
Early Years & Preparatory
Due to an overwhelming number of applications received, priority for scheduling appointments will be based on the following criteria. Those who fulfill one or more of the following will receive an assessment interview as long as all available documentation is submitted on or before the application deadline:
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Applicants who are nominees under the Capital Debenture Programme
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Siblings of students enrolled at CDNIS
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Applicants who hold Canadian citizenship/Canadian passport (please provide a copy of citizenship certificate or passport with application)
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Children of alumni and staff
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Applicants who passed the admissions assessment and were placed on the waiting list of the preceding school year
Grades 1-12
Assessment Format
After an application is received, the applicant may be invited to the school for an admission assessment. A member of the Admissions Team will contact the applicant’s parent(s)/legal guardian to arrange a date and time for the assessment.
Nursery* Admissions Assessment
The Nursery's assessment format will consist of a play-based activity designed to observe the applicant's progress across various developmental areas, including cognitive, motor skills and interaction with parents. Additionally, the school will invite parents to attend an interview with the school, providing the school with an opportunity to gain further insights into the family dynamics. Subject to EDB approval, the Nursery assessment and parent interview will begin in April/May 2024. Admissions assessments are only administered at CDNIS by admissions/academic staff.
*Subject to EDB approval
EY1 to Grade 2 Admissions Assessments
Admissions assessments for Early Years 1, Early Years 2, Preparatory, Grade 1 and Grade 2 will begin in December for applicants who applied on or before October 2 of the preceding school year. Applications received after the October 2 deadline will not be considered.
Grade 3-12 Admissions Assessments
Admissions assessments for Grade 3 to Grade 12 will begin in March/April for applicants who applied on or before January 31 of the entering school year. Applications received after the January 31 deadline may not be considered.
Admissions assessments are only administered at CDNIS by admissions/academic staff.
Early Years 1
Early Years 2
Preparatory
Grades 1-2
Grades 3-5
Due to the sheer volume of applications received, the priority for scheduling the admissions assessment/interview arrangement will be based on the well-achieved academic performance at the current/previous school and other criteria for Grade 3 to Grade 5 applicants.
After an initial preliminary evaluation of the submitted application documents, Admissions will invite those who have well-achieved academic performance to undergo the 2-step assessment process.
Step 1 - Additional Application Documents Submission
To facilitate our ongoing evaluation of the applicant's application, the following documents will be requested, along with the assessment fee of HK$1,650. It is important to note that the additional application documents provided will be used in the admissions process.
- Your child's most recent school report(s) upon availability.
- One piece of your child’s recent school year “graded” English writing sample (approx. 60-80 words) marked by the teacher with comments/marks.
- One piece of your child’s recent school year “graded” Mathematics classwork/homework marked by the teacher with comments/marks.
- The Student Reference Form to be completed and signed by the teacher in the current year.
Step 2 - Admissions Online Assessment / Interview Arrangement
Upon receipt of the assessment fee and additional required documents for further evaluation, applicants who fulfill one or more of the following prioritized criteria with well-achieved academic performance at their current and/or previous schools, will be shortlisted and scheduled for an online assessment/interview.
Prioritized Criteria for Online Assessment / Interview Arrangement
- Applicants who are nominees under the Capital Debenture Programme/ Applicants who are Potential Debenture Holder
- Siblings of students enrolled at CDNIS
- Applicants who hold Canadian citizenship/Canadian passport (please provide a copy of citizenship certificate or passport with application)
- Children of alumni
- Applicants who passed the admissions assessment and were placed on the waiting list of the preceding school year
Internal Assessments Arrangement
Shortlisted applicants who have well-achieved academic performance but do not fulfill the prioritized criteria for online assessment / interview will undergo an internal assessment for consideration in the admissions process.
After conducting the assessments, all shortlisted applicants who undergo either online or internal assessment/interview will be evaluated together. Applicants who pass the assessment/ interview will be placed in the waiting pool and move on to the next stage - Acceptance Screening Process.
Grades 6-12
On-site Assessments
- Duration 1 to 1.5 hours
- Group activities
- Interview and literacy test to write a short piece about a prescribed topic
- Review of previous and current school year reports, current school year "graded" writing sample and math classwork, school reference (Student Reference Form) and official transcript (for grades 10 and above)
- Current school year standardized test result to be provided (optional)
Off-site Assessments*
(*a Zoom interview will be held if an on-site assessment cannot be scheduled for applicants coming from overseas):
- Duration 15 to 30 minutes
- Review of previous and currrent school year reports, current school year "graded" writing sample and math classwork, school reference (Student Reference Form) and official transcript (for grades 10 and above)
- Current school year standardized test result to be provided (optional)
Acceptance Screening Process
The screening takes place in two stages. Applicants who do not meet the requirements of the first stage will not undergo the second stage of the process.
Stage 1
The following criteria are considered, the weighting of which varies, depending on the applicant’s age/entering grade:
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Admissions assessment/interview results
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Previous and current school results
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Student Reference Form (not applicable to Nursery admissions)
Applicants will then be ranked as follows:
- Excellent: exceeds the school’s expectations for the grade level to which the application is made
- Good: meets expectations
- Marginal: approaching expectations; only admitted in extenuating circumstances
- Not suitable: does not meet school expectations for the grade level to which the application is made
Stage 2
Applicants ranked under Categories 1 (Excellent) and 2 (Good) will proceed to Stage 2 of the screening process. Priorities are weighted according to the following the second stage of the admissions process. Applications are weighted according to the following criteria:
- Debenture Holder/Potential Debenture Holder
- Sibling(s) attends CDNIS
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Applicant holds Canadian citizenship/Canadian Passport
The Director of Admissions, Deputy Head of Admissions and related respective Principals of each of the Lower and Upper Schools make admissions decisions for their respective schools.
Acceptance Procedures
Once a student has been accepted, subject to space availability, placement will be offered by written notification to his/her parents or legal guardian. If the grade level applied for is full, the accepted student will be placed in the waiting pool. The waiting pool terminates at the end of each school year and re-application for the subsequent school year is required.
Nursery* Acceptance
Subject to seat availability, placement will be offered to successful applicants via email to his/her parents or legal guardian. Upon receipt of the acceptance letter for the 2024/2025 school year, placement will only be secured by settling the application fee and reservation deposit with the completion of the online enrollment. Kindly refer to our Tuition & Fees page for further information.
There is no direct promotion from Nursery to Early Years 1 (EY1). All Nursery students will be required to undergo a reassessment process when applying for Early Years 1. Parents will be notified early of the reassessment process timeline with appropiate fee due dates.
*Subject to EDB approval
EY1 to Grade 12 Acceptance
Upon receipt of a letter of acceptance, placement will be confirmed upon receipt of the reservation deposit and completion of the online enrollment. The reservation deposit received will be credited against the first term tuition fee and capital levy.
For students accepted for immediate entry, full payment of the tuition fee on a prorated basis is required prior to the student enrolling.
Kindly refer to our Tuition & Fees page for further information.
FAQ
- When will I hear from your school after the application has been submitted?
- Is admissions assessment guaranteed after the application has been successfully submitted?
- When is the Student Reference Form required to be submitted?
- Is a debenture required for my child to attend CDNIS?
- What is the Waiting Pool?
When will I hear from your school after the application has been submitted?
Is admissions assessment guaranteed after the application has been successfully submitted?
Please refer to the Selection Criteria section in Apply Online on the website.
When is the Student Reference Form required to be submitted?
Is a debenture required for my child to attend CDNIS?
No. A debenture is not compulsory. However, debenture holders receive priority upon meeting the admissions assessment requirements. Please refer to the Screening Process section in Apply Online from the website. Students admitted to CDNIS must either pay an Annual Capital Levy or be covered by a Debenture.
What is the Waiting Pool?
Applicants who pass the admissions assessment will be offered a place in the waiting pool for the school year when placements are full and no immediate seat available. The waiting pool does not carry forward to the subsequent school year and is cleared at the end of the applied school year.
Successful Nursery* applicants in the waiting pool and were born after August 31 of the application year, will be automatically rolled-over to the Nursery waiting pool of the subsequent year. For example, Nursery applicants on the 2024-2025 waitlist who were born after August 31, will be rolled-over to the 2025/2026 school year.
*subject to EDB approval