Best International Schools in Brussels: 2027 Guide

This guide compares the best international schools in Brussels alongside European, private and public alternatives. It covers curricula, languages, age ranges, fees, locations and admissions to help you make an informed decision. Information reflects published 2027/28 details where available, but fees and availability should be confirmed directly with schools.

Top International Schools in Brussels

The following schools offer different curricula, language pathways and learning environments. Browse the school listings, then read the individual profiles to find out what makes each school different.

International Schools in Brussels at a Glance

This table compares several well-known schools. Fees refer to 2027/28 where published and may exclude registration, meals, transport and support.

Check whether tuition includes compulsory trips, examinations, meals, transport, devices and registration charges. 

A Closer Look at International Schools in Brussels

Here is a closer look at some of the leading international schools in Brussels and what distinguishes each one.

International School of Brussels

Located in Watermael-Boitsfort, the International School of Brussels (ISB) offers personalised education on a green campus bordering the Sonian Forest. Known for its inclusive approach and support for diverse learning needs, ISB also encourages creativity through its 315-seat theatre and regular arts performances. Students can choose from several senior qualifications, including the IB Diploma, AP courses, BTEC and US High School Diploma, providing flexibility for university preparation.

For 2026/27, annual tuition ranges from €22,995 for preschool to €51,105 for Grades 10 to 12, excluding additional charges.

The British School of Brussels

Located in Tervuren, the British School of Brussels (BSB) offers a British-based curriculum for students aged 2.5 to 18, with English as the main teaching language. Students follow GCSE and IGCSE courses before choosing A Levels, BTEC or the IB Diploma, including bilingual options. These pathways provide flexibility for students planning to attend universities in the UK or internationally.

For 2026/27, annual tuition ranges from approximately €20,600 to €46,700, depending on the year group. Additional charges may apply.

Bogaerts International School

Bogaerts offers the full IB continuum across campuses in Uccle and Diegem, with the latter convenient for NATO and the airport corridor. This English-medium international day school welcomes students from early childhood through secondary education, following the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). Families seeking continuity within the IB curriculum may find its programme structure appealing.

Published private fees range from €12,950 in Early Years to €24,500 for the Diploma Programme, while corporate rates are higher and application, lunch, transport and some support services cost extra.

St. John’s International School

St. John’s is in Waterloo, south of Brussels. It provides the full IB continuum from PYP to MYP and DP, with additional senior options including AP courses and a high school diploma. The school teaches primarily in English and serves students from early childhood to age 18. Its combination of IB education, international qualifications and extracurricular opportunities may appeal to families seeking a broad academic experience.

The location works best for Waterloo and nearby communities. The school publishes its fee information through its admissions page, so confirm tuition and any additional charges for the relevant grade.

Montgomery International School

Montgomery is an IB school for ages 5 to 19, providing the PYP, MYP and Diploma Programme through English and advanced bilingual English and French pathways. Located near Montgomery in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, this international day school may appeal to families seeking bilingual education while maintaining continuity within the IB curriculum. Its central location and public transport connections are also practical considerations for families living in Brussels.

It charges published tuition of €26,000 to €33,750, with additional registration or administration fees and extra costs for some activities and the compulsory MYP residential trip.

BEPS International School

Located in Ixelles, BEPS International School welcomes students aged 2.5 to 18, offering international early years and primary education followed by the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP). English is the main teaching language, with French also integrated into learning. Its range of IB pathways provides academic continuity and flexible options for secondary education.

Published corporate fees range from €20,810 to €37,510, while private rates are available from admissions and transport, lunch and some programme costs are charged separately.

European Schools Brussels I to IV

The European Schools in Brussels offer multilingual education from nursery through secondary school, leading to the European Baccalaureate. Campuses are located in Uccle, Berkendael, Woluwe, Evere, Ixelles and Laeken. Primarily serving children of EU institution employees and other eligible families, these schools provide language-based learning pathways and a qualification recognised across European education systems.

Other applicants shouldn’t assume that paying a fee guarantees access.

Lycée Français Jean-Monnet

Lycée Français Jean-Monnet in Uccle follows the official French national curriculum. It leads to the French Baccalauréat, with international options including the Baccalauréat Français International where offered. It isn’t an IB school. This route supports continuity for students from the French system. Teaching is primarily in French, making it a relevant option for French-speaking families or students wishing to continue their education within the French national system.

Confirm the current fees and admissions requirements directly.

Comparing curricula, languages, fees and locations can help families shortlist schools before arranging visits.

Overview of the School System in Brussels

Education in Brussels is organised by the French-speaking and Dutch-speaking communities. Local schools teach mainly in French or Dutch, while international schools typically use English or a bilingual or multilingual model.

Publicly funded options include state-run and subsidised private schools, many of which are Catholic. Fee-charging private and international schools operate separately, and the best route depends on your child’s language, previous curriculum, learning needs and likely length of stay.

Types of Schools in Brussels

Brussels offers several school types, each with different curricula, teaching languages and admissions requirements. Understanding these differences can help families narrow their choices.

International Schools in Brussels

International schools serve mobile and multilingual communities, often teaching mainly in English and offering transferable programmes, language support, extracurricular activities and sometimes transport. As curricula, qualifications and language models vary, check the programme offered in your child’s year group.

English-Speaking and British Schools in Brussels

The term English-speaking schools in Brussels covers several models:

• English medium schools: ISB and St. John’s teach mainly in English but don’t follow a complete British curriculum.
• British schools: BSB follows a British pathway through IGCSE, followed by A Levels, BTEC or the IB Diploma. The British Junior Academy covers primary education.
• Bilingual schools: Montgomery provides English and bilingual English and French IB pathways.
• English medium IB schools: Bogaerts, Montgomery and St. John’s offer the IB continuum in English.

In summary, when it comes to English-medium schools, British schools in Brussels can support UK curriculum continuity, while an IB or American-style pathway can work well for international mobility.

Private Schools in Brussels

In Belgium, many privately organised schools, including Catholic schools, receive public funding and follow community requirements. Independent schools operate separately, set their own admissions policies and usually charge tuition, with class sizes, facilities and academic support varying by school.

Public and Subsidised Schools in Brussels

Publicly funded schools follow the French-speaking or Flemish curriculum and are generally tuition-free, although extras may cost more. Registration and newcomer language support vary between the two systems, which can work well for children learning or fluent in French or Dutch and families planning a longer stay.

European Schools in Brussels

Brussels has four European Schools offering a multilingual curriculum leading to the European Baccalaureate. These institutions give primary consideration to children of European Union employees.

Admission is category-based: eligible Category I pupils are generally tuition-exempt, Category II places depend on specific agreements, and fee-paying Category III applicants are considered only where places are available.

For 2027/28, published Category III fees for newly admitted pupils are approximately €4,457.80 for nursery, €6,129.55 for primary and €8,358.46 for secondary. Confirm eligibility before treating a European School as an available option.

International vs Private vs Public vs European Schools

Brussels offers several types of schools, each with different curricula, languages, funding arrangements and admissions processes.

The decision which school is best for your family depends on eligibility, language, curriculum, budget and plans after Belgium.

Curriculum Comparison: Which Is Right for Your Child?

Your family’s eligibility, language preferences, budget and future plans will help determine which school type is the best fit.

The right curriculum depends on your child’s previous studies, preferred assessment style and likely university destination.

IB Schools in Brussels

Parents comparing IB schools in Brussels should check which programmes each school offers and if they offer the full IB continuum.

• PYP: An inquiry-led framework for ages 3 to 11
• MYP: A broad conceptual programme for ages 11 to 16
• DP: A two-year university preparation programme for ages 16 to 19

St. John’s, Bogaerts and Montgomery deliver the full IB continuum. ISB and BSB include the Diploma but not the PYP or MYP, while BEPS follows international primary curricula before progressing to the MYP, DP and CP.

There is no single ranking of the top IB schools in Brussels. Consider:

• curriculum continuity during international moves
• your child’s learning style
• future university and subject requirements
• language preferences
• assessment methods and available support
• Subject availability

Younger children may benefit from curriculum continuity, while older students should prioritise subject choices and university requirements. The right academic support can also help students settle into a new school and prepare for further study.

How to Choose the Right School in Brussels

Start with your child’s needs and your family’s plans, considering curriculum continuity, teaching languages, age range, support, commute, availability and the full cost of fees and extras. 

International Schools in Brussels

• Curriculum: Check entry points and final qualifications.
• Language: Confirm the teaching language for each subject.
• Age range: Consider whether the school continues into secondary education.
• Support: Ask what is available and which services cost extra.
• Location: Test the journey during school travel times.
• Cost: Include registration, transport, lunch, trips and examinations.
• Availability: Ask about the exact grade and start date.

Tuition fees at international schools in Brussels vary by school, age and curriculum, with European Schools following eligibility-based fee structures. Additional costs may include registration, transport, meals, activities and learning support. Check each school’s official 2026/27 fee schedule to compare total costs.

A school visit and admissions discussion can then help confirm whether the published programme reflects everyday school life.

Admissions and Application Process

Applying to a school in Brussels generally follows the same six steps, though timelines and requirements vary by school:

1. Choose the curriculum, language and preferred area.
2. Check availability and waiting-list status.
3. Submit the online application.
4. Prepare school reports, identification, health information, references and SEN documentation where requested.
5. Complete any required interview or assessment.
6. Accept the offer and pay the registration charge, deposit or first instalment.

Schools will consider spaces available and whether they can meet the child’s needs.

Apply 6 to 12 months ahead where possible. Mid-year entry can be available, but waiting lists depend on the school, grade and language section. European and local schools follow separate registration procedures.

Benefits and Challenges of Schools in Brussels

Schools in Brussels provide diverse curricula and language pathways, but availability, fees and commuting can present challenges.

Benefits

• opportunities to develop English, French and Dutch
• IB, British, American, French, European and Belgian pathways
• established international communities
• transport at several larger campuses
• access to sport, arts, languages and other activities

Challenges

• tuition can exceed €50,000 in senior years
• registration, transport, meals and activities increase the cost
• popular grades can have limited availability
• local schools can require significant language adjustment
• traffic can make a short distance a demanding journey

Weighing these benefits and practical considerations can help you find the right school for your child.

Tutoring Support in Brussels

Changing schools can involve a new language, assessment style or gaps between curricula. Targeted tutoring can help a student adjust. TutorsPlus works with students following IB, IGCSE, A Level, American and French programmes. Support can focus on a subject, study skills, examinations or French and Dutch. Online lessons can fit around school and commuting.

Conclusion

Brussels offers a broad choice of local, European and international education. Compare the exact curriculum, language model, commute, support and full cost, then confirm availability and fee inclusions directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best international schools in Brussels?

The right choice depends on curriculum, language, location, support and budget. Common options include ISB, BSB, St. John’s, Bogaerts, Montgomery and BEPS.

Which international schools in Brussels teach in English?

ISB, BSB, St. John’s, Bogaerts, Montgomery and BEPS teach mainly in English or offer an English pathway. Their curricula differ, so compare the exact programme. Some schools also provide bilingual English and French education.

Are there British international schools in Brussels?

Yes. The British School of Brussels in Tervuren follows a British-based curriculum, including GCSE and IGCSE, with A Levels, BTEC and the IB Diploma available in the senior years. The British Junior Academy of Brussels provides another option for younger children seeking a British primary education.

Which schools offer the full IB programme?

St. John’s, Bogaerts and Montgomery deliver the PYP, MYP and DP continuum, while ISB and BSB deliver the Diploma only.

What are the best international primary schools in Brussels?

Options include ISB, BSB, Bogaerts, St. John’s, Montgomery, BEPS and the British Junior Academy. Compare language, curriculum, commute and secondary continuity.

What is the difference between international schools and European Schools in Brussels?

International schools offer IB, British, American or other recognised curricula, with school-specific admissions requirements. European Schools follow a multilingual curriculum leading to the European Baccalaureate, with priority admission for eligible families linked to EU institutions.

Are there public international school options in Brussels?

Brussels has publicly funded French-speaking and Dutch-speaking schools that follow Belgian curricula rather than international programmes such as the IB. European Schools offer a multilingual alternative, subject to eligibility and availability.

Are public schools free for international students?

Publicly funded compulsory education is generally tuition free. Meals, care, trips, activities and materials can cost extra.

How much do international schools in Brussels cost?

Published tuition ranges from around €13,000 to more than €50,000 at the private international schools compared in this guide, depending on the school and year group. Additional charges may apply. European Schools follow a separate eligibility-based fee structure.

When should parents apply?

Applying 6 to 12 months before the proposed start date is sensible. Mid-year admission depends on availability.

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