Compare 3 international schools in Bologna, Italy. Filter by curriculum, fees (average EUR 15,495), location, and more to find the right international school now.
Bologna’s international school scene is compact and centred around a full IB continuum school for ages 3 - 18 alongside a handful of bilingual and English-medium options embedded in the city’s wider state and private system. The International School of Bologna offers the IB Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes and positions the city itself as an extension of learning; its published annual tuition rates for 2026/27 range roughly from about €9,660 for part-day Reception up to the low-to-mid €20,000s for Diploma years. Families will also find Italian state licei with international or Cambridge IGCSE options and several private bilingual nurseries and kindergartens that emphasise English plus other modern languages. Admissions practice varies - new pupils commonly need an application, school records, an interview and an English placement check where relevant - so relocating families should contact schools early, investigate language support (EAL/Italian) and budget for admission and registration fees as well as termly tuition instalments.
What international curricula are actually available in Bologna?
Bologna’s clearest international offer is the International School of Bologna, which delivers the IB Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma programmes from early years through to 18. In addition, some state secondary schools in Bologna run international or bilingual sections that use Cambridge IGCSE/A-level qualifications alongside the national curriculum, and private bilingual schools and kindergartens provide a range of English-medium programmes.
How much does international school tuition usually cost in Bologna?
Tuition varies by school and year group but for a private international day school in Bologna the published 2026/27 schedule at the International School of Bologna shows annual fees starting around €9,660 for part-day Reception and rising to about €21,000 - €23,000 in Diploma years; new enrolment also typically attracts a one-off admission fee and an annual registration fee. Expect additional costs for transport, lunches, extracurricular activities and exam fees, and remember fee schedules are reviewed each year so confirm current figures with the school.
What language(s) are lessons taught in, and how will my child learn Italian?
In English-medium international schools most core lessons are delivered in English while Italian is taught as a modern language subject; many schools also offer French, Spanish, Mandarin or German as options. State bilingual sections often teach some subjects in English (CLIL or Cambridge IGCSE formats) so children get substantial exposure to Italian and English; relocating families should ask schools about Italian-language support, EAL provision and how they help pupils integrate into local life.
When should we start the admissions process if we’re relocating to Bologna?
Begin enquiries as early as possible - ideally several months before your planned move - because places at the compact international school community can be limited and some schools operate rolling admissions plus waiting lists. The usual requirements are an online application, copies of recent school reports, an interview or visit and an English placement assessment for non-native speakers; check each school’s published calendar and application deadlines and confirm any required documentation well in advance.
Do international schools in Bologna support pupils who are not native English speakers or who need extra help?
Yes - many international schools and bilingual programmes in Bologna include English as an Additional Language (EAL) or learning support services to help non-native speakers access the mainstream curriculum, and some list formal EAL programmes or targeted support in their published materials. Support levels differ between schools, so ask for details about assessment on arrival, typical group sizes for language support and whether support is included in fees or charged separately.
