There is no single useful price for education or childcare in Bali. Age, curriculum, hours, provider and included services change what you are buying. A daycare place, a nanny and an international-school place should not be compared as though they provide the same service.
Online discussions can reveal questions to ask, but an old comment is not a current quote. Obtain a written schedule from providers that actually suit your child and intended dates.
Ask for a complete quotation
| Cost | Question to ask |
|---|---|
| Application and registration | Is the charge refundable, and does it secure a place? |
| Tuition or care | Which days, hours and calendar are covered? |
| Deposit | When and under what conditions is it returned? |
| Meals and transport | Included, optional or separately billed? |
| Activities and materials | Which additional items are compulsory? |
| Extra hours and holidays | Is coverage available when normal sessions end? |
A hypothetical annual tuition fee of IDR 90 million plus IDR 12 million in recurring extras equals IDR 8.5 million per month when annualized. An additional IDR 15 million non-refundable entry fee raises first-year spending to IDR 117 million. These are invented inputs illustrating the calculation, not Bali fee estimates.
Compare suitability as well as cost
For schooling, confirm the curriculum, age placement and any accreditation relevant to future transitions. For care, consider staff, supervision, communication, routines and the practical arrangements for your child. The cheapest option is not necessarily an equivalent substitute.
A nanny may provide flexible care at home, while a group setting offers a different structure. If you require both, budget both rather than assuming one automatically replaces the other.
Plan for gaps in coverage
School or daycare hours may not align with work commitments. Check holiday schedules and whether additional care is needed. Add the transport time and cost for the adult responsible for drop-off and collection.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an international school in Bali cost?
Request the age-specific current fee schedule from suitable schools. There is no reliable universal figure, and headline tuition can omit entry charges, deposits, transport and other requirements.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare?
The services, hours and responsibilities may differ. Obtain comparable quotes for the coverage you need, then assess suitability. Do not compare a part-day place with full-time individual care.
How should admission fees be budgeted?
Show non-refundable admission fees as first-year spending and refundable deposits as cash committed. Keep ongoing tuition separate so later-year costs are not confused with the arrival requirement.
Related reading
- Bali Family Cost of Living: Calculate the First Year
- Thailand Family Cost of Living: Housing, School and Setup
- Kuala Lumpur Family Budget: Condo, School and Daily Life
- Bali guides
Reader discussions behind this guide
These discussions informed the questions addressed here. Personal accounts are not verified market prices; any hypothetical calculations in this article are labelled separately.
