This guide covers the main types of international schools in Belgium, what to expect from fees and admissions, and how to easily narrow down a shortlist.

How we selected the best schools

The best international school in Belgium depends on your child’s age, academic background, language skills, university goals, budget, and how long your family plans to stay. Rather than focusing on prestige alone, we considered the factors that matter most to families, including curriculum and accreditation, academic outcomes, language support, admissions, fees, location, facilities, learning support, and parent feedback, so you can find the school that best matches your child’s needs and your long-term plans.

Top international schools in Belgium

Belgium’s international schools offer a wide choice of curricula, languages, and learning environments across Brussels, Antwerp, Mons, and other major cities. Families can choose from IB, British, American, European, French, German, Japanese, bilingual, and alternative education pathways, with options ranging from early years through secondary school.

Quick comparison table

Let’s compare the key features of Belgium’s leading international schools at a glance.

School	City / Region	Curriculum	Ages	Language	Day / Boarding	Best for
The British School of Brussels	Brussels	A Levels, IB, BTEC	3–18	English	Day	University preparation
The International School of Brussels	Brussels	IB	3–18	English	Day	EU institution families
BEPS International School	Brussels	IB	2½–18	English	Day	Younger children
Antwerp International School	Antwerp	IB (all three programmes)	3–18	English	Day	Expat families
St. John’s International School	Waterloo	IB, American Diploma	3–18	English	Day	Flexible pathway choice
British Junior Academy of Brussels	Brussels	British curriculum	3–15	English	Day	Younger, secondary transition
SHAPE International School	Mons	American curriculum	K–12	English	Day	NATO and military families
European School of Brussels (I–IV)	Brussels	European curriculum, EB	3–18	Multilingual	Day	European School route
European School of Mol	Mol	European curriculum, EB	3–18	Multilingual	Day	Bilingual education
Lycée Français International d’Anvers	Antwerp	French national curriculum	2–18	French	Day	French curriculum
Internationale Deutsche Schule Brüssel	Brussels	German curriculum	3–18	German	Day	German-speaking families
Japanese School of Brussels	Brussels	Japanese curriculum	Primary/secondary	Japanese	Day	Japanese community families

Explore our selection of these top international schools in Belgium to find the best fit for your child’s education and your family’s future plans.

Types of international schools in Belgium

Belgium offers a wide range of international schools, allowing families to choose the curriculum, teaching approach, and language environment that best suits their child’s needs.

Curriculum	Best For	University Pathway
IB (International Baccalaureate)	Internationally mobile families seeking a globally recognised, multilingual education	Recognised worldwide
British (IGCSE & A Levels)	Those planning to return to the UK or pursue a British-style education	UK and international
American	Families moving to or from the US, including military and NATO families	US and international
European Baccalaureate	Those employed by EU institutions seeking multilingual education	EU and international
French, German & Other National Curricula	Families intending to return to their home country or continue a national curriculum	Home country and international
Bilingual & Multilingual	Families wanting children to become fluent in two or more languages	Varies by curriculum offered
Montessori & Alternative	Those seeking child-led or holistic education, particularly in the early years	Typically transitions to IB or national curricula for secondary education

Understanding the different types of international schools can help you narrow your options and find the right fit for your family’s educational goals.

International school fees in Belgium

Fees for private international schools Belgium-wide typically range from around €6,000 to over €35,000 a year, depending mainly on your child’s age, the curriculum, and the facilities on offer. A few patterns worth knowing:

Secondary fees are usually higher than primary, since exam-based curricula need smaller classes and specialist teachers.
European Schools linked to EU employment are often free or heavily subsidised, unlike most other international schools.
Boarding exists at a small number of schools but adds significantly to the annual cost.
Extras such as buses, meals, and trips are often billed separately, so ask for a full cost breakdown before enrolling.

If you’re relocating for work, check whether your employer offers an education allowance, since many companies moving staff to Brussels do.

How can parents make the right choice?

Start with your child’s current curriculum and how many more years you expect to stay in Belgium. A short posting favours continuity with the curriculum your child was already following, while a longer-term move gives you more freedom to consider language immersion or a switch to IB.

From there, narrow things down by:

Location and commute – Brussels has the widest choice, but a long daily commute can affect family routine more than a school’s reputation.
Language goals – decide between English-medium teaching, a bilingual structure, or a specific national curriculum.
Budget – factor in the full cost, including transport and extras, not just headline fees.
Support needs – ask directly about SEN provision, since this varies considerably between schools.
Admissions requirements – some schools test academically or by language ability, so check early if timing is tight.

Visiting schools in person, or speaking with admissions staff, tends to reveal more than a website ever will.

How does the admissions process in Belgium work?

Most international schools in Belgium require proof of identity, Belgian residence, vaccination records, and previous school reports, with some also assessing language proficiency. Depending on the school and your child’s age, the admissions process may include an interview, assessment, or both.

As popular schools, particularly in Brussels, often fill up well in advance, it’s best to apply as soon as your relocation is confirmed. If your child has additional learning needs, providing an enrolment report from a guidance centre can help streamline the admissions process.

Pros and Cons of Studying at International Schools in Belgium

Advantages

Excellent location for exploring Europe, with major cities in neighbouring countries just a few hours away.
Strong multilingual culture, giving students daily exposure to English, French, Dutch, and often additional languages.
Safe, family-friendly communities with excellent public transport, healthcare, and cultural opportunities.

Challenges

Traffic around Brussels can be surprisingly time-consuming, making school commute an important factor when choosing where to live.
International school fees can be substantial if they are not covered by an employer or relocation package.
Belgium’s regional languages and administrative systems can take time for newcomers to understand, particularly outside Brussels.

Best Tutors in Belgium

Starting at a new school in a new country is an exciting step, but it can also bring academic and personal challenges. Whether your child is adapting to a different curriculum, learning in a new language, or preparing for important exams, the right support can make the transition much smoother.

TutorsPlus provides personalised tuition for students attending international schools across Belgium, with expert tutors for the IB, IGCSE, A Level, American, French, and other leading curricula, as well as university admissions guidance. Flexible online lessons fit easily around school life, helping students strengthen their academic skills, gain confidence, and settle into their new learning environment.

Conclusion

Belgium offers one of Europe’s strongest selections of international schools, combining globally recognised curricula with a truly multicultural environment. Whether your family is relocating for an EU institution, an international company, or a shorter assignment, you’ll find schools that support both academic success and a smooth transition into life abroad.

The key is to look beyond rankings and focus on what will work best for your child. Consider your expected length of stay, preferred curriculum, language goals, daily commute, and long-term university plans. Visiting schools, speaking with admissions teams, and planning ahead will help you find a school where your child can feel confident, supported, and ready to thrive in Belgium.

FAQ

How does the Belgian education system work for expat families?

Belgium has three language communities (Dutch, French, and German), each running its own public system, with compulsory schooling from age 6 to 18. Expat families most often choose international schools instead, since they teach in a familiar language and follow curricula that transfer more easily if the family relocates again.

What are the best schools in Brussels?

Brussels has the largest concentration of international schools in Belgium, including BEPS, The International School of Brussels, The British School of Brussels, St. John’s International School, and the European Schools of Brussels. The right choice depends on curriculum preference, age, and whether your family is linked to an EU institution.

How much do private and international schools in Belgium usually cost?

Fees generally range from about €6,000 to over €35,000 a year, depending on the school, curriculum, and age group. European Schools linked to EU employment are often subsidised or free for eligible families, unlike most other options.

Which curricula can families choose from?

Families can choose from IB, British (GCSE/A Level), American, European (leading to the European Baccalaureate), French, German, and Japanese curricula, along with Montessori and Steiner Waldorf approaches for younger children.

What is the difference between international schools and European Schools?

European Schools are public institutions run jointly by EU member states, generally reserved for children of EU institution staff, and lead to the European Baccalaureate. Other international schools are privately run, open to any family able to pay fees, and follow curricula such as IB, British, or American systems.

Are international schools in Belgium a good choice for expat children?

International schools tend to offer smaller class sizes, internationally recognised qualifications, and an easier transition if your family relocates again. The trade-off is less exposure to Belgian culture and language long-term, so families settling permanently sometimes weigh this against a local school instead.

Do schools in Belgium offer boarding options?

While a few international schools offer boarding, most are day schools, particularly in and around Brussels. Ultimately, the best choice is the school that suits your child’s needs, your family’s plans, and your daily life in Belgium. Visiting your shortlisted schools and speaking with their admissions teams will often provide the clearest insight before making a decision.

Best International Schools in Belgium