Top 10 IB Schools in Macau

Macau, known for its unique East-meets-West culture, is also home to a growing international education scene. While smaller than nearby Hong Kong, Macau offers several excellent International Baccalaureate (IB) schools that cater to both local and expat families.

The IB programme is highly regarded for its academic rigor, focus on inquiry-based learning, and preparation for global university admissions. For families in Macau, IB schools provide an internationally recognized pathway without needing to relocate to larger education hubs like Hong Kong or Shanghai.

Here’s a guide to the top IB schools in Macau worth considering.

Why Choose IB in Macau?

• University Pathways – IB diplomas are widely accepted by top universities worldwide.

• Small Learning Communities – Macau schools often have smaller class sizes compared to Hong Kong.

• Multicultural Environment – Many schools cater to expat families and bilingual learners.

• Proximity to Hong Kong – Families in Macau benefit from easy access to wider IB resources in the region.

  
  

Top IB Schools in Macau

1. The International School of Macao (TIS)

• Full IB Diploma Programme offered in senior years.

• Canadian curriculum foundation leading to IB.

• Strong reputation for academics, arts, and sports.

• University counseling support for global admissions.

  

2. School of the Nations

• Offers IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and IB Diploma.

• Focus on bilingual English-Chinese education.

• Known for character development and holistic approach.

  

3. Macau Anglican College (MAC)

• Offers IB Diploma Programme in secondary school.

• British-style international school with Christian ethos.

• Affordable compared to some premium schools.

4. Macau International School (IB Candidate)

• In process of expanding to offer IB curriculum.

• Already follows international standards preparing for IB pathway.

• Small student-teacher ratio with strong academic support.

  

5. Escola Portuguesa de Macau (EPM)

• Offers Portuguese curriculum with IB Diploma option.

• Popular among Portuguese-speaking expat families.

• Bilingual education with global pathways.

  

6. Sacred Heart Canossian College (English Section)

• Offers IB Diploma in upper years.

• Blends local traditions with international standards.

• Focus on academic excellence and service.

  

7. Hou Kong Middle School (International Section)

• IB Diploma authorized for senior grades.

• Bilingual environment (Chinese + English).

• Affordable option for local families.

  

8. Macau Portuguese School – International Section

• Expanding IB Diploma offerings.

• Strong in languages and multicultural education.

• Serves both expat and local communities.

  
  

9. University of Saint Joseph (USJ) – Affiliated School

• Provides IB-related preparation for students entering international universities.

• Strong higher-education connection for advanced learners.

• Academic focus with bilingual support.

  

10. Regional Option: ESF Hong Kong (for Macau families)

• Many Macau families also enroll children in nearby Hong Kong IB schools (ESF, CIS, CDNIS) with boarding or commuting options.

• This provides access to some of the world’s best IB results just an hour away by ferry or bridge.

  

How to Choose the Right IB School in Macau

When selecting an IB school in Macau, consider:

1. Programme Range – Some schools offer only IB Diploma, others offer MYP and PYP as well.

2. Language Options – Many schools are bilingual (English + Chinese or Portuguese).

3. Class Size – Smaller campuses may provide more personalized learning.

4. University Support – Check for strong counseling and track record of admissions.

5. Tuition Fees – Typically lower than Hong Kong, ranging from MOP 60,000 to 120,000 per year.

While Macau has fewer IB schools than larger regional hubs, families still have access to strong IB Diploma options through schools like The International School of Macao and School of the Nations. These schools provide global-standard education in a more intimate setting, often with bilingual opportunities and strong community support.

At Riforma, we help IB students in Macau excel with personalized tutoring in Math, Chemistry, and other IB subjects. Our expert tutors guide students through coursework, Internal Assessments, and exam preparation, helping them achieve top scores and secure global university admissions.