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Affordable International Schools in Ireland

Edited by · Chief Marketing Officer

About international schools in Ireland

Affordable international schools in Ireland form a small, mainly Dublin-centred sector that families often choose when they need a non-Irish curriculum or a pathway taught in English alongside the local system. These schools commonly offer the International Baccalaureate, British (IGCSE/A-level) and American programmes, and there are also French and Irish-curriculum options; teaching is usually in English with EAL support and additional modern languages available. Many of the more affordable international or fee-charging day schools sit at the lower end of the private-school market - often in the roughly EUR 4,000 - 12,000 per-year band - while larger international campuses and full IB continuums can charge substantially more. Application windows usually open in the autumn for September entry with assessments and interviews during the winter, so relocating families should begin enquiries 9 - 12 months ahead and allow extra budget for transport, uniforms and exam fees.

Compare 10 Affordable international schools in Ireland. Filter by curriculum, fees (average EUR 9,822), location, and more to find the right international school now.

At a glance 10 schools · avg fee EUR 9,822
Schools listed
10
Curricula
6
Average annual fee
EUR 9,822
Fee range
EUR 5,900 – 16,650
Most common curriculum
Bespoke Curriculum (3 schools)
Average school size
453 pupils
Largest by enrolment
St. Kilian's Deutsche Schule Dublin
Oldest
St. Andrew's College Dublin (1894)
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FAQs for Ireland

How do international schools in Ireland differ from state public schools?
International schools normally follow non-Irish curricula (IB, British, American or other national systems) and operate on a fee-paying basis, whereas most state schools deliver the Irish curriculum and are free to attend for residents. International campuses tend to provide more continuous international transfers, structured EAL support and additional modern languages, while state schools offer greater exposure to Irish language and civic subjects.
Which curricula and leaving qualifications should I expect to find?
You will commonly find the International Baccalaureate (PYP/MYP/DP), British pathways leading to IGCSEs and A-levels, and American high-school diploma routes; some schools also offer the French curriculum or the Irish Leaving Certificate. Choice of curriculum affects subject options, assessment style and university recognition, so check each school’s programme and how it aligns with your child’s future plans.
What are typical fees and what extra costs should I budget for?
A number of affordable international and fee-charging day schools in Ireland fall into a lower mid-range of roughly EUR 4,000 - 12,000 per year, whereas larger international campuses or schools offering a full IB continuum commonly charge more. On top of headline tuition, plan for one-off registration or deposit fees, uniforms, books and materials, school transport, lunchtime provision and examination fees; boarding (where available) adds substantially to the total.
When should we apply and what does the admissions process involve?
Most international schools open applications in the autumn for places that start the following September, with age-appropriate assessments, language testing and interviews running through the winter and offers often issued in spring, so begin enquiries 9 - 12 months before your planned move. Mid-year or rolling admissions are sometimes possible but less common at popular entry points, and schools typically ask for recent school reports, proof of identity and references as part of the application.
What languages are used and which modern languages might my child learn?
English is the dominant language of instruction in international schools, with targeted English as an Additional Language (EAL) provision where needed; Irish is part of the national system and may appear in some schools as a subject. Many international campuses and fee-paying schools also offer modern languages such as French, German, Spanish and increasingly Mandarin or other options, depending on the school’s staffing and community demand.