International Curriculum International Schools in Germany
Compare 3 International Curriculum international schools in Germany. Filter by curriculum, fees (average EUR 15,408), location, and more to find the right international school now.
IPC (International Primary Curriculum) (3 schools)
Average school size
330 pupils
Largest by enrolment
International School of Bremen
Oldest
International School of Hamburg (1957)
With boarding
1
About international schools in Germany
International Curriculum international schools in Germany are predominantly English-medium or bilingual schools that teach non-German programmes such as the International Baccalaureate, British (Cambridge/IGCSE and A-level) pathways and US-style diploma programmes, and they mainly serve expatriate and internationally mobile families. Many schools operate either as wholly private international schools or as state-recognised bilingual private schools (Ersatzschulen) that combine an international syllabus with substantial German language tuition and local recognition. Annual tuition varies considerably by city and school; a typical range for many international schools is roughly €6,000 - €19,000 a year with a commonly quoted figure near €13,000, though both lower-cost and premium options exist. Admissions normally follow the German school calendar (the school year usually begins in August/September), so families relocating to major hubs such as Berlin, Munich and Frankfurt should plan applications several months ahead and expect waiting lists at in-demand schools.
Which curricula will I find under the label “International Curriculum” in Germany?
You will commonly find the International Baccalaureate (PYP/MYP/DP), British curricula that lead to Cambridge IGCSEs and A-levels, and US-style high school diplomas or Advanced Placement options; some schools also follow other national curricula or a mix of programmes. Many schools offer more than one pathway (for example IGCSE followed by the IB Diploma) to keep university routes open internationally.
What languages are used and how much German will my child learn?
English is the dominant language of instruction at most international curriculum schools, while many schools offer bilingual English - German streams or intensive German as an additional language so pupils can integrate locally. German education rules mean German remains a compulsory subject in many bilingual programmes, and arrangements vary by school, so check how quickly the school expects children to achieve functional German.
How much should I budget for school fees and extra costs?
Tuition fees vary widely by region and school type; many international schools list annual tuition in the mid-range of roughly €6,000 - €19,000, with a commonly reported typical figure around €13,000, and some premium boarding or specialist schools charging more. In addition to tuition you should budget for enrolment or capital fees, meals, school transport, uniforms and extracurriculars, all of which can add several hundred to several thousand euros a year.
When should we apply and how do admissions usually work?
Admissions commonly follow the German school year, which typically begins in late summer, so families moving during the summer should start enquiries and applications several months in advance; many schools run waiting lists and some offer rolling entry points. Application processes usually require an application form, recent school reports, and language assessment; interview or assessment days are common for older children.
If we later move to the German public system, will credits and qualifications transfer?
Transferability depends on the school’s legal status and the specific programmes taken: state-recognised private schools (Ersatzschulen) align with local requirements and make transfers to public schools smoother, whereas wholly private international schools may prepare students for qualifications such as the IB Diploma, which is widely accepted by universities but does not automatically equate to a German Abitur. Check each school’s recognition status and ask how they document attainment and support transfers to the German system or local Gymnasium pathways.
