For Parents

All CIS member schools are committed to incorporating international and intercultural perspectives into their programmes 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.

To become members of CIS, schools participate in a rigorous application process which includes a visit to the school by a CIS staff member. Schools must agree to support and uphold the CIS Code of Ethics and meet our membership standards. Search the membership directory for CIS member schools and universities.

CIS International Accreditation is a rigorous school-wide evaluative process that measures alignment with internationally benchmarked standards and provides guidance for continuous improvement. Through their achievement of these standards, CIS-Accredited schools have been verified as delivering high-quality international education focused on the development of knowledge, skills and attributes necessary to prepare students as global citizens.

If your child attends a CIS-accredited school, you can be confident the school is committed to high-quality international education. Achieving this mark of quality, recognized across the world, shows that your school:

• has a clear purpose and direction
• focuses on the quality of teaching and student progress
• prioritorizes student safeguarding and well-being
• is committed to global citizenship
• knows itself and has thought deeply about the services
• it offers to students, families and the community
• delivers what it promises
• is constantly seeking to improve its performance in all areas
• to achieve relevant learning outcomes for its students
• is devoted to its mission and vision for students, and
• adheres consistently to the CIS Code of Ethics
• plans strategically for the future

CIS International Accreditation is recognized by ministries, departments of education, and universities worldwide, demonstrating a school’s commitment to high-quality international education and is a mark of quality-assurance. Learn more about our global recognition. Students educated at CIS Accredited schools are sought after by universities due to the rigour of their international education and their preparation for life no matter where their paths may take them. CIS university members from the following countries actively recruit students from CIS Accredited schools.

CIS is a not-for-profit membership organization providing high-quality international education services to more than 1,545 schools and higher education institutions in 124 countries. Our membership community works collaboratively to shape the future of international education as we collectively inspire the development of global citizens through relevant, high-quality international education: connecting ideas, cultures, and educators from every corner of the world.

CIS college and university members from around the world that are dedicated to international education. Their primary interests in joining CIS are:

• to recruit globally-minded students from CIS member schools
• to be part of a membership community that brings together school and higher education professionals in the field of international university admission and guidance.

University members demonstrate their commitment to building vibrant international education communities on their campuses through their membership, their participation in CIS events around the world, and the support and services they provide to international students. In order to become a member, colleges and universities must be accredited by their ministry of education and/or a US regional accrediting organization, provide evidence that supports the institution’s commitment to international education and international students, and agree to support and uphold the CIS Guiding Principles for Higher Education.