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Search & filter all 9 schools Compare 9 schools in Dublin

Affordable International Schools in Dublin, Ireland

Edited by · Chief Marketing Officer

About international schools in Dublin, Ireland

Dublin’s affordable international-school sector is small but varied: families will find schools that teach the International Baccalaureate alongside French, German and British-style programmes, plus a few bilingual options, with most day schools delivering lessons in English. Because many fee-charging schools in Ireland receive partial state support for teacher salaries, annual fees in Dublin tend to sit well below the highest European levels; current published guides put the broad range for international and language-specific schools at roughly €4,500 to €28,000 a year depending on the school and year group. Admissions commonly follow an academic-year rhythm with fixed entry points (early years and the start of primary and secondary), required documentation such as passports and recent school reports, and in some cases entrance assessments or waiting lists. Relocating families should compare not just fees but the curriculum’s transferability (IB and national routes travel differently to third-level systems), language provision, school size and whether the school is a state-subsidised fee-charging day school or a fully independent fee-funded provider.

Compare 9 Affordable international schools in Dublin, Ireland. Filter by curriculum, fees (average EUR 9,714), location, and more to find the right international school now.

At a glance 9 schools · avg fee EUR 9,714
Schools listed
9
Curricula
6
Average annual fee
EUR 9,714
Fee range
EUR 5,900 – 16,650
Most common curriculum
Bespoke Curriculum (3 schools)
Average school size
483 pupils
Largest by enrolment
St. Kilian's Deutsche Schule Dublin
Oldest
St. Andrew's College Dublin (1894)
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FAQs for Ireland

What does “affordable” mean for international schools in Dublin?
In Dublin “affordable” is relative: international and language-specific schools publish annual fees that can start in the low thousands and rise into the mid-to-high tens of thousands of euros for premium IB provision. Published guides for 2026 show a wide band (roughly €4,500 - €28,000) depending on the curriculum, facilities and whether boarding or extra services are included, so families should request the full fee schedule and any additional charges before deciding.
Which curricula are commonly available and how do they differ?
Dublin’s international schools typically offer the International Baccalaureate, the French national programme, German-language options and British-style (IGCSE/A-level) pathways, while the Irish national curriculum is widely available through fee-paying and state schools. The IB is explicitly designed for international transfer and university entry worldwide, national systems prepare pupils for their country-specific exams, and British qualifications are commonly accepted by UK and many international universities; curriculum choice affects subject options, assessment styles and university recognition.
What languages of instruction and language programmes can I expect?
Most international schools in Dublin teach primarily in English, but there are recognised French and German international schools and a number of bilingually oriented programmes that keep a child’s home language or a second language active. Secondary schools commonly offer French, Spanish and German as taught languages, and specialist language schools follow the partner country’s curriculum and assessment, which can be important for families planning a return to that country.
When should we apply and what documents are typically required?
Families should start enquiries several months before the intended start date because places are limited and popular entry points (early years and the start of primary or secondary) fill first; some schools also operate waiting lists or offer mid-year transfers if capacity exists. Typical application packs request a completed form, passport and proof of immigration status, recent school reports or transcripts (translated if necessary), immunisation records and payment of any non-refundable application fee.
What ages and stages do Dublin international schools cover?
The sector covers a full range from early years through secondary in different providers: some schools specialise in primary or early years, while a smaller number provide continuous schooling up to post-16/18 qualifications. Check whether a school offers the specific senior qualification you want (IB Diploma, French Baccalauréat, A-levels or the Irish Leaving Certificate) because that determines university pathways and how smoothly a child can move between systems.
What should relocating parents look for beyond fees and curriculum?
Inspect the school’s class sizes, pastoral support, language support for non-native speakers, inspection or accreditation status and how well the school helps pupils move between national systems or into higher education. Also ask about transport options, extra charges for activities, how the school supports new arrivals during the first term and whether sibling discounts or bursaries are available; these practical elements often shape the real affordability and fit for a relocating family.