Compare 4 international schools in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Filter by curriculum, fees (average RON 7,030), location, and more to find the right international school now.
About international schools in Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Cluj-Napoca’s international schools sit in a compact, university-and-tech-oriented city where demand is driven by returning Romanian families, expats and multinational employers. English-medium provision is common and many schools follow British/Cambridge pathways, with a smaller number offering IB programmes or bilingual Romanian - English streams and occasional German or other language options. Annual day-school fees in Cluj tend to be lower than Bucharest but vary strongly by age and curriculum; families should expect school quotes expressed either in RON or in euros and to budget for additional charges (exam, transport, meals, registration). The school year typically runs from late August or early September into June and schools operate their own admissions calendars, so families relocating for September entry should start enquiries several months ahead and ask for written fee schedules and contract terms.
Which curricula will my child typically be offered in Cluj-Napoca and how do they differ?
Most international schools in Cluj use English-medium programmes and commonly follow British/Cambridge sequences; a smaller number offer International Baccalaureate components or bilingual Romanian - English provision. Cambridge (IGCSE/A-Level) and IB follow different assessment models - Cambridge stages with subject-specific external exams, IB emphasises an integrated diploma and broader core requirements - so check subject availability, university recognition and whether the school is an authorised exam centre.
How much should we budget for international school tuition in Cluj-Napoca?
Fees vary by school, year group and whether the school bills in RON or euros, but regional cities such as Cluj typically sit below Bucharest levels; published planning ranges for regional international schools commonly start in the lower thousands of euros per year for early years and can rise to mid-four-figure or low-five-figure sums for older students depending on curriculum and services. Always request the current, itemised fee schedule from each school (including registration, exam, transport and meal charges) and confirm the billing period and currency.
When should we start the admissions process if we are relocating?
The Romanian academic year starts in September and many international schools open their main application window in the months before spring; the busiest enquiry period often runs from January to April. For a September arrival, parents are usually advised to begin enquiries and submit applications several months in advance (three to six months where possible) to secure places and complete any entrance assessments, language screening or document checks.
What language will lessons be taught in and what support is there if my child doesn’t speak English?
Instruction in international schools in Cluj is typically in English, but bilingual Romanian - English streams are common and some schools offer additional languages such as German or French. Most schools publish English as an Additional Language (EAL) or English support services for children joining without fluent English, particularly at primary level, but the intensity and age range of that support varies so ask for the school’s EAL policy, typical class sizes and examples of recent integration plans.
What practical checks should we do when visiting a school in Cluj-Napoca?
On a visit, ask to see the curriculum documentation in practice (timetables, recent reports, external examination centre status), observe class sizes and the balance between English and Romanian lessons, and review pastoral and safeguarding arrangements. Also request a written fee schedule and contract, clarify transport and school-day hours, and check how the school supports transitions (settling-in, EAL, special educational needs) so you can compare real costs and services across campuses.
