There are several major bodies of international accreditation - including U.S.-based accreditation as well as IB (International Baccalaureate) World Schools. The schools typically go through a rigourous process to achieve these qualifications and must keep them updated regularly.
Registered International schools are sometimes only allowed to accept students with a citizenship outside the host country.
Kindergartens and pre-schools may exist in the gray area - not official international schools and also not official local kindergartens. It's worth checking closely as they may only hold a training license.
CIS
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The Council of International Schools (CIS) is a membership community committed to high quality international education. As a global non-profit membership organization, CIS provides services to primary and secondary schools, higher education institutions and individuals. Programs and offerings include international and intercultural perspective so that students can move forward with the attitudes and understanding that will provide them with a solid base wherever their studies or work may take them. The CIS community includes 711 schools and 512 colleges and universities representing 112 countries.
For more information: www.cois.org
COBIS
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The Council of British International Schools (COBIS) is a global membership association committed to supporting and promoting high-quality British international education worldwide. As a not-for-profit organisation, COBIS works with British international schools, educational organisations, and professionals to ensure high standards in teaching, safeguarding, leadership, and school governance. Its programmes and services focus on quality assurance, professional development, student enrichment, and school improvement, helping institutions deliver an authentic British-style education while fostering global outlook and intercultural understanding. The COBIS network includes more than 400 member schools and supporting associates across over 75 countries worldwide.
IBO
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IBO (International Baccalaureate Organization) World Schools offer one of the IBO-accredited programs. In order to offer one or more of the International Baccalaureate (IB) programs of education, schools must complete an authorization process. Once they have been authorized, they are known as IB World Schools.
The process may include the different age levels that the IB covers: PYP, MYP, Diploma Programme (DP) and the Career-related Programme (CP).
For more information: http://www.ibo.org/
NEASC
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Founded in 1885, the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) is a major U.S.-based accreditation. The organization has been working to establish and maintain high standards for all levels of education – from pre-kindergarten to the doctoral level – longer than any other accreditation agency in the United States.
NEASC is an independent, nonprofit membership organization which connects and serves over 2,000 public and independent schools, technical institutions, colleges and universities in New England plus International Schools in more than 65 nations worldwide.
For more information: www.neasc.org
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WASC
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The Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC), is one of the six regional accrediting agencies in the United States. The organization works closely with the Office of Overseas Schools under the U.S. Department of State. ACS WASC provides assistance to schools worldwide.
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ACAMIS
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The Association of China and Mongolia International Schools (ACAMIS) is a non-profit membership network of international schools across mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and Mongolia. Founded to foster collaboration and connections among international schools, ACAMIS supports professional development for educators while providing students with opportunities to engage in regional sports tournaments, cultural events, and leadership activities. Today the network includes 50+ international schools across the region, creating a platform for academic collaboration, extracurricular exchange, and professional learning within the international school community.
For more information: https://www.acamis.org/
FOBISIA
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The Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA) is a regional membership network of British international schools across Asia. As a not-for-profit organisation, FOBISIA focuses on collaboration, professional development, and student enrichment, supporting schools in delivering high-quality British-style education. Its programmes include teacher training, leadership development, and a wide range of student events such as sports, music, and academic competitions. The FOBISIA network includes 100+ member schools across Asia, fostering strong connections within the British international education community.
For more information: https://www.fobisia.org/
EARCOS
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The East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS) is a non-profit organisation that connects international schools across East Asia. Rather than an accreditation body, EARCOS serves as a professional network that supports leadership development, teacher training, and collaboration among member schools. Its annual conferences, workshops, and student events provide platforms for sharing best practices and strengthening international education standards across the region. The EARCOS community includes 200+ member schools in over 20 countries, making it one of the most established international school networks in Asia.
For more information: https://www.earcos.org/
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award
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The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award is a globally recognised youth development programme founded in 1956, operating in more than 120 countries worldwide. Open to students aged 14 to 24, the Award encourages personal growth through a structured framework of activities including community service, skills development, physical recreation, and adventurous journeys. Widely offered in international schools, the programme helps students build resilience, leadership, and real-world skills beyond the classroom, while earning an internationally recognised certification.
For more information: https://www.intaward.org
Cognia (former named AdvancED)
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Cognia is a non-profit, non-governmental U.S. organization that accredits primary and secondary schools in both the United States and internationally. Cognia works with more than 32,000 schools and school systems, and is the largest community of education professionals in the world.
For more information: https://home.cognia.org/
