International Curriculum International Schools in Brussels, Belgium
Compare 3 International Curriculum international schools in Brussels, Belgium. Filter by curriculum, fees (average EUR 21,622), location, and more to find the right international school now.
IPC (International Primary Curriculum) (3 schools)
Average school size
220 pupils
Largest by enrolment
ISF Waterloo International School
Oldest
BEPS International School (1972)
About international schools in Brussels, Belgium
International-curriculum schools in Brussels typically offer a mix of programmes - the International Baccalaureate, British and American curricula, and national systems alongside the multilingual European Schools model - and most are oriented to expatriate and internationally mobile families. Many schools teach primarily in English but place strong emphasis on French and Dutch, with bilingual tracks or home-language provision widely available to support children’s mother tongues. Tuition varies widely, from lower-cost places in the European Schools and some subsidised options to private international schools where annual fees commonly sit in the mid-five-figure range; additional charges for capital levies, transport, meals and extracurricular care are common. Demand is high and the main intake is in September, but application windows, assessment tests and waiting-list practices differ by school so families should prepare reports, passports and references well before a planned move.
Which international curricula will I find in Brussels and how do they differ?
Brussels hosts schools running the International Baccalaureate (PYP/MYP/DP), British and American systems, French and German national curricula and the European Schools’ multilingual programme; each leads to different end qualifications (for example IB Diploma, A-Levels/IGCSEs, national diplomas or the European Baccalaureate). Programme structure and assessment vary: the IB is curriculum-framework based across stages, British schools commonly use IGCSEs and A-Levels, and national systems follow their country’s syllabus and certification. Choosing between them depends on your child’s prior learning, the likely next posting and whether you want continuity with a national system or a broadly transferable international qualification.
What languages of instruction and language support should I expect?
Many international schools teach primarily in English while offering substantial French and Dutch tuition; some schools operate true bilingual programmes where a large part of the timetable is delivered in a second language. Schools also commonly run home-language classes, language support for newcomers and progressive second-language subject teaching in secondary years to help pupils integrate and maintain their native tongue. If maintaining a particular language is important, check each school’s published language policy and the extent of mother-tongue provision.
How much do international schools in Brussels cost and are there extra charges?
Annual tuition varies considerably across the city: European Schools and some subsidised options sit at the lower end, while private international schools frequently charge several tens of thousands of euros per year for secondary places. On top of headline tuition families should budget for one-off registration or capital levies, school meals, transport or bus fees, uniforms and optional activities or wraparound care. Fee schedules and payment terms differ by school and year group, so always request the full fee breakdown and recent schedule of extras from admissions.
When should we apply and what does the admissions process usually involve?
The principal intake across Brussels is for the September term, but many private schools will consider in-year entry where places exist; the European Schools follow defined annual enrolment windows. Admissions typically require recent school reports (with translations if needed), proof of identity, an application form and sometimes an assessment or interview and a teacher reference; waiting lists are common for popular year groups. It is prudent to start the process several months before your move, assemble documentation early and contact admissions for each school’s exact deadlines and entry tests.
What should relocating families look for when comparing international schools in Brussels?
Compare how each school matches your child’s age and academic stage, the qualification pathway on offer, the language provision and the school’s approach to supporting newcomers and transitions. Also check practical matters such as location and transport links, the full fee and extras schedule, class sizes and pastoral care arrangements, and whether the school has experience with mobile families or diplomatic and EU postings. Visits, sample timetables and recent inspection or accreditation reports will help you see how policy translates into daily practice.
