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Search & filter all 5 schools Compare 5 schools in Bilbao

Affordable International Schools in Bilbao, Spain

Edited by · Chief Marketing Officer

About international schools in Bilbao, Spain

Bilbao has a small number of fully fee-paying international schools, but a much larger pool of more affordable bilingual and concertado centres and ikastolas that combine instruction in Basque, Spanish and English. Fee-paying international options typically follow British, American or International Baccalaureate pathways, while the affordable concertado and ikastola schools deliver the regional Basque/Spanish curriculum with additional English through CLIL or trilingual programmes. Annual costs vary: independent international schools commonly charge several thousand euros a year, whereas concertado and ikastola centres usually ask for modest monthly or voluntary contributions rather than full private-school tuition. Admissions for public and concertado schools follow the regional pre-enrolment calendar (applications and lists are usually processed in late winter - spring) while private international schools run their own application cycles, deposits and waiting lists, so families relocating to Bilbao should start enquiries many months before the school year begins in early September.

Compare 5 Affordable international schools in Bilbao, Spain. Filter by curriculum, fees (average EUR 6,490), location, and more to find the right international school now.

At a glance 5 schools · avg fee EUR 8,113
Schools listed
5
Curricula
12
Average annual fee
EUR 8,113
Fee range
EUR 4,300 – 14,520
Most common curriculum
American Curriculum (2 schools)
Average school size
556 pupils
Largest by enrolment
Lycée Français de Bilbao
Oldest
Deutsche Schule Bilbao (1917)
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FAQs for Spain

What kinds of curricula will I find among affordable international options in Bilbao?
Affordable international-style options in Bilbao most often offer the Spanish/Basque regional curriculum delivered bilingually, with CLIL subjects and some trilingual pathways; a few local private schools run British, American or IB programmes but these are usually fee-paying. If you need a specific curriculum (for example the English National Curriculum or the IB), check whether a school is explicitly accredited or authorised for that programme.
How much should I budget for school fees?
Costs vary a lot: fully private international schools in the Bilbao area commonly charge several thousand euros per year, while concertado schools and ikastolas typically operate with much lower, mostly voluntary monthly contributions plus small registration or service fees. Ask each school for a full fee schedule (tuition, matrícula, activities, transport and meals) because published ranges and what is included differ by centre.
When should I start the application process for a child moving to Bilbao?
For public and concertado schools you must follow the regional pre-enrolment timetable, which opens and resolves over late winter and spring (applications, provisional lists and final enrolments are normally processed in that period). Private international schools run their own application rounds and often require an enrollment reservation fee or deposit, so begin enquiries several months before you want a place and confirm each school’s deadlines.
Will my child be expected to speak Basque, and what language support is available?
Many local schools use model A/B/D language frameworks so Basque and Spanish are central to the curriculum, with English taught as a foreign language or through CLIL; ikastolas put stronger emphasis on Basque from early years. International or private schools may offer instruction primarily in English but should also provide Spanish (and often some Basque) and language-support measures; always ask about entry-level language support and how the school phases pupils into the classroom language.
How do concertado and ikastola schools differ from private international schools in practical terms?
Concertado centres receive public funding and therefore charge much smaller family contributions and follow the regional curriculum and admissions calendar, while private international schools set their own fees, admissions procedures and often different academic programmes. For relocating families this means concertado schools are usually the more affordable route but private international schools may better match a non-Spanish curriculum or specific language needs, so balance cost, curriculum and language provision when choosing.