How to Find and Choose Public Bilingual Schools? Bilingual Education under the 2030 Bilingual Policy
Public bilingual schools are public elementary and junior high schools that follow the national curriculum and conduct some subjects or activities in Chinese and English (bilingual). They are part of the government's '2030 Bilingual Policy' and differ from private bilingual schools and foreign/international schools in terms of tuition, curriculum, and student status. The list of bilingual schools (or bilingual experimental curriculum schools) in each city/county is announced by the local education bureau. You can search by school district and admission method. The following is a neutral summary; actual curriculum and admissions are subject to the latest announcements from each school and the competent authority.
FAQ
What is the difference between public bilingual schools, private bilingual schools, and international schools?
Public bilingual schools are established under the national education system and promote bilingual teaching with government support. Tuition follows public school standards, and enrollment is based on school districts and national student status. Private bilingual schools set their own fees and curriculum. Foreign/international schools often adopt foreign curriculum systems and may have nationality restrictions. The three differ in tuition, curriculum, and educational pathways; actual details depend on each school's registration and admission explanations.
How can I find public bilingual schools near me?
The list of bilingual schools or bilingual experimental curriculum schools in each city/county is announced annually by the local education bureau. You can search by city/county and district on the bureau's website or on this site. Whether a school is designated as bilingual and the proportion of bilingual courses should be confirmed with the school's and education bureau's latest announcements.
What is the '2030 Bilingual Policy'? How does it affect children?
The '2030 Bilingual Policy' was launched by the National Development Council and the Ministry of Education in 2018, and has been extended to the 114th academic year (2025). Its goal is to enhance national English proficiency and global competitiveness by expanding bilingual schools, increasing English-medium instruction, and improving teacher training. According to government data, the cumulative number of subsidized bilingual teaching cases in schools below senior high school level has grown annually: approximately 1,202 cases in 2024, an estimated 2,130 in 2025, and a target of about 7,450 by 2030. This means the list of bilingual schools in each city/county will change and increase each year. Implementation varies by city and school; it is recommended to refer to the actual curriculum at your child's school and the annual announcement from the city/county education bureau.
Do public bilingual schools charge tuition? How do I apply?
Tuition for public bilingual schools is the same as for regular public elementary and junior high schools, typically with enrollment based on school district assignment. Some bilingual experimental courses or special admissions may have separate application procedures and quotas. The admission method (school district, lottery, or selection) for each school should be confirmed with the school and the city/county education bureau.
Will attending a bilingual school affect Chinese or other subjects?
Bilingual teaching uses both Chinese and English for some subjects or activities, not full foreign language instruction. Core subjects still follow the national curriculum. Learning outcomes vary by student and school. Parents can inquire about each school's bilingual course proportion and support measures, and then assess based on the child's language foundation and interests. This site provides neutral information and does not offer individual academic advice.
Is a bilingual school the same as a 'full English/immersion' school?
Not necessarily. 'Full English' or 'immersion' programs are often offered by private schools or cram schools with a high proportion of English instruction. Public bilingual schools, on the other hand, conduct a certain proportion of bilingual teaching within the national education system. The name does not guarantee the actual curriculum; it is recommended to confirm the language proportion, faculty, and course content directly with the school.
Official Source:National Development Council — 2030 Bilingual Policy (Bilingual Policy Portal)、Ministry of Education — Bilingual Education、K-12 Education Administration, Ministry of Education
This page is a neutral compilation of information for reference only, not admission advice, and does not constitute any admission or enrollment promise.