Compare 5 international schools in Zagreb, Croatia. Filter by curriculum, fees (average EUR 12,820), location, and more to find the right international school now.
Bright Horizons - International British School of Zagreb - Secondary (2013)
With boarding
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About international schools in Zagreb, Croatia
International schools in Zagreb offer a mix of national and international programmes: English-medium British and American schools sit alongside German and French national schools (the latter two share the Eurocampus), and several schools offer or prepare students for the International Baccalaureate or Cambridge IGCSE/A-level pathways. Instruction is typically in English, German or French, with Croatian taught either as a host-country language or as a mother-tongue option and most schools offering English-as-an-additional-language support. Published annual tuition at Zagreb international schools varies substantially by age and programme - roughly from mid-thousands of euros at francophone or primary levels up to around €18,000 - €20,000 a year for some upper secondary/boarding places - and schools itemise extra charges (enrolment, capital fees, meals and activities) separately. The academic intake rhythm follows the Croatian school year with a main September intake; many schools accept late or rolling admissions but use application forms, previous-school records, language placement tests and vaccination/ID documents, so relocating families should apply early and check each school’s current fee and admissions schedule.
What kinds of curricula will we find in Zagreb’s international schools?
You will find British curricula (Key Stages leading to IGCSE and AS/A-level), American programmes using AERO/US diploma frameworks with some schools offering the IB Diploma as an option, and German and French national curricula that lead to the Abitur or French baccalaureate respectively; a number of schools also run IB programmes or IB elements. Check each school’s published programme pages to confirm which years and formal qualifications they offer.
What is the usual language of instruction and what language support exists?
Language of instruction depends on the school: English is the primary medium at British and American schools, German at the Deutsche Schule and French at the French school on the Eurocampus, while Croatian is taught either as a local language option or as a mother-tongue course. Most international schools publish English-language support (EAL/ESL) provisions and expect arriving pupils to take placement assessments so the school can plan support.
How much should we budget for school fees in Zagreb?
Published fees vary by school, age and programme: the French international school publishes mid-range annual fees (roughly €5,500 - €8,100 by level), while British and American schools publish higher figures for secondary and boarding years (examples in the public fee schedules reach the high-teens of thousands of euros). Expect additional one-off enrolment or capital fees plus charges for lunches, transport and extracurriculars; always check the school’s latest fee schedule before budgeting.
When should we apply and what documents or tests are typically required?
Apply as early as possible for a September start because places for popular year groups can fill and many schools operate waiting lists; several schools also accept transfers or late enrolment but this varies by grade. Typical requirements are a completed application form, recent school reports and translated transcripts, passport/ID and vaccination records, plus an entrance or English placement assessment and sometimes references or interviews.
What practical checks should parents make when comparing schools in Zagreb?
Compare curriculum alignment with your child’s future university plans, the language(s) of instruction and the strength of EAL support, accreditation or authorisation status, class sizes and pastoral services, and the full breakdown of fees and payment terms. If multilingual experience is important, note the Eurocampus model where French and German schools share facilities and activities; always request the most recent prospectus, fee schedule and the school’s policy on special educational needs and inclusion.
