Best International Schools in Brussels: 2026 Guide

This guide compares leading Brussels international schools, along with European, private and public alternatives. It covers curricula, languages, ages, fees, locations and admissions for families researching international schools in Brussels, Belgium so you can easily compare for fit and location. The information reflects published 2026/27 details where available, but schools can make changes. Confirm fees, inclusions and availability directly before applying.

Top International Schools in Brussels

International Schools in Brussels at a Glance

This table compares several well-known schools. Fees refer to 2026/27 where published and may exclude registration, meals, transport and support.

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

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

The profiles below highlight the curricula, locations, programmes and fees of several international schools in Brussels. 

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 2026/27, 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.

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

ISB is in Watermael-Boitsfort, not Waterloo. Its English medium programme runs from early childhood to Grade 12, with the IB Diploma, AP, BTEC and US High School Diploma pathways available in the senior years. Tuition begins at €22,995 for preschool and rises to €51,105 for Grades 10 to 12. Additional charges can apply.

The British School of Brussels

BSB is in Tervuren and teaches a British-based curriculum through GCSE and IGCSE. Students aged 16 and over can choose A Levels, BTEC or the IB Diploma, including bilingual IB options. Fees range from about €20,100 for Kindergarten to €46,700 in Years 10 to 13. Check the current schedule for inclusions.

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. 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 location works best for Waterloo and nearby communities. The school publishes its 2026/27 fee schedule through its admissions page, so confirm tuition and any boarding or 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, 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

BEPS in Ixelles educates students aged 2.5 to 18, using international early years and primary curricula before progressing to the IB MYP, Diploma Programme or Career-related Programme. 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 deliver multilingual sections and a curriculum leading to the European Baccalaureate. Sites are in Uccle, Berkendael, Woluwe, Evere, Ixelles and Laeken. They are primarily designed for children linked to EU institutions and recognised agreements. 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. Confirm the current fees and admissions requirements directly.

These schools provide a range of curricula, language pathways and fee levels, giving families several options across Brussels and the surrounding area.

Curriculum Comparison: Which Is Right for Your Child?

Each curriculum has a different balance of breadth, specialisation, assessment and language learning.

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

Depending if you have young children or teens, and how long you plan to stay, checking for the right level of support to manage the transition and provide flexible options for further study are important factors to consider.

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. 

• 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.

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

This choice helps parents match education with previous schooling and future plans.

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 are the best English-speaking schools in Brussels?

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.

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.

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 cost?

Published tuition ranges from around €13,000 to more than €50,000. Additional charges may apply.

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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