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International German School of Brussels

Belgium, Brussels

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The school at a glance
Instructs in German, English, French
Fees €13,900 - 20,660
Ages 0 - 18 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 1803
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum, German Curriculum
Taught languages English, French, Spanish, Dutch, Latin, German
Strengths Sport, Languages, Performing Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

International German School of Brussels (iDSB) is Brussels' oldest German school, offering a German curriculum from kindergarten to final exams (DIAP). The campus near Brussels serves 590 students. Classes follow the Thuringian Educational Plan, aligned with German states to support transfers within German schools abroad. Primary instruction is German; English and French start grade 1, bilinguals grade 6. From grade 8, students choose language or science focus, with Spanish and Dutch; Latinum available. The DIAP permits study at universities worldwide. Class sizes 16–24, with two per grade. Hours 8:00–15:40, early dismissal Wednesdays and Fridays for grades 5–9, longer hours up to 17:20 for grades 10–12. Facilities include two gymnasia, a ball court, two libraries, a Science Lab; GSplus/OSplus provide extended activities. The school runs art and music productions and participates in Model United Nations and European Games for German Schools Abroad. DaZ/DaF support is provided when needed to assist students.

Lange Eikstraat 71, 1970 Wezembeek-Oppem, Belgium

The Essentials

International German School of Brussels has instruction in German, English, French.

Location
The iDSB campus is located in Wezembeek-Oppem, about 8 km east of Brussels, on extensive green grounds in a residential area near the E40 and the R0 motorway ring road. The address is Lange Eikstraat 71, B-1970 Wezembeek-Oppem. The school is easily accessible by private and public transport, with nearby routes connecting to Brussels.

Stages
Bilingual Pre-school (ages 3 months to 6 years); Elementary School (four-year primary); Realschule (from grade 5 to around grade 9/10); Technical College (Fachoberschule, two years); Secondary School (Gymnasium) with the German International Abitur (DIAP).

Type
The school is an international German school in Brussels offering German curricula for students from kindergarten through final exams (DIAP).

Additional learning support
German as a Second/Foreign Language (DaZ/DaF) is offered as comprehensive support for children whose mother tongue is not German.

Country affiliation
Germany; German international school abroad (iDSB is described as a German school abroad and follows German curricula).

School day structure
Classes begin at 8:00 a.m. and end at 1:15 p.m., 3:40 p.m., or 5:20 p.m., depending on subject choice. There is an all-day program with after-class activities and lunch (AG/MAG).

Bus service
The school provides an independent taxi transport option through Taxi-Walter Zaventem; the transport contract is between parents and the taxi company; vehicles are Mercedes Vito/Viano; drivers speak English, French, and Dutch; registration is handled by contacting Taxi-Walter.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
All-day programme with supervision until 6 pm.

Food Options
Lunchtime options include a hot lunch in the refectory, a picnic brought from home, or a snack from the bistro in the secondary school. The primary school offers cooking in English as an activity within the all-day programme.

Governance and Ownership
The Board of Governors governs the school and was newly elected on 11 December 2023; it works with the school management, the parents' council and the student council. Contact: schulverein@idsb.eu.
Fees

Annual tuition at International German School of Brussels ranges from EUR 13,900 to EUR 20,660 for 2026/27.

Enrollment / Application fee

- Enrollment fee (one-time): EUR 1,000 per student, reduced to EUR 500 from the third child attending the school. The enrollment fee is due upon signing the contract and is non-refundable.

Tuition fees by school branch (annual and per school half‑year)

- Crèche (bilingual Kindergarten with Preschool - Crèche): Annual EUR 20,660. Per school half‑year (annual ÷ 2): EUR 10,330.

- KiBi1 (bilingual Kindergarten with Preschool): Annual EUR 17,077. Per school half‑year: EUR 8,538.50.

- KiBi+ (extended kindergarten/preschool): Annual EUR 19,309. Per school half‑year: EUR 9,654.50.

- Primary School (Grundschule): Annual EUR 13,900. Per school half‑year: EUR 6,950.

- Primary School+ (extended): Annual EUR 15,782. Per school half‑year: EUR 7,891.

- Secondary School (Sekundarschule): Annual EUR 15,343. Per school half‑year: EUR 7,671.50.

- Secondary School (extended, up to grade 8): Annual EUR 17,164. Per school half‑year: EUR 8,582.

(Note: the school defines and charges certain support and optional items on a per‑school half‑year basis; the per half‑year figures above are the annual amounts divided by two to show the equivalent half‑year value.)

Language support and additional instructional fees

- German as a foreign/second language (DaF/DaZ) – fee increase per additional weekly lesson, charged per school half‑year:
- KiBi: EUR 400 per weekly lesson per half‑year.
- Primary School: EUR 600 per weekly lesson per half‑year.
- Secondary School: EUR 600 per weekly lesson per half‑year.

- Intensive remedial teaching in English or French (if required in addition to included basic support): EUR 600 per weekly lesson per school half‑year.

- Latin (as an additional third language, offered with four lessons per week): EUR 1,200 per school half‑year.

Canteen (Mensa) / Lunch fees (per half term and per meal)

- Meal of the day prices:
- KiBi: EUR 5.20 per meal.
- Primary School (GS): EUR 6.50 per meal.
- Secondary School (Years 5 and 6) (OS Year 5 & 6): EUR 6.80 per meal.

- Staggered registration and package prices (charged per half term):
- 1 day/week: KiBi EUR 100; GS EUR 125; OS (Y5–6) EUR 130.
- 2 days/week: KiBi EUR 200; GS EUR 250; OS EUR 260.
- 3 days/week: KiBi EUR 295; GS EUR 370; OS EUR 380.
- 4 days/week: KiBi EUR 395; GS EUR 495; OS EUR 515.
- 5 days/week: KiBi EUR 495; GS EUR 615; OS EUR 645.

- Booking for KiBi and Primary School is made at the beginning of a school term or for an entire school year via the parent portal; Years 5 and 6 have specific registration rules and payment‑card options as indicated.

Discounts and fee reductions

- Sibling discount: 25% for the second child and 45% for each additional child (applied to the lowest applicable school fees if siblings attend different branches).

- Loyalty discount for primary and secondary students (applies progressively by years enrolled): Year 1 = 12.0%; Year 2 = 19.0%; Year 3 = 25.0%; Year 4 = 30.0%; Year 5 and subsequent years = 34.0%.

- Hardship relief and other reductions may be granted in exceptional cases under separate school regulations. Discount applications must be submitted annually with employer confirmation where relevant.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- The full annual school‑fee amount is invoiced at the start of the school year and is generally payable 14 days after the invoice date.

- Payment by instalments: self‑payers and partial self‑payers may pay in 10 equal monthly instalments (September to June) exclusively via direct debit. All other invoices are due 14 days after issue unless otherwise stated.

- Bank account for payments: account holder Deutsche Schulverein Brüssel vzw/asbl at ING Bank, IBAN BE98 3100 3651 1593, BIC BBRUBEBB.

- Late payment: reminders are issued; from the second reminder a late payment fee of 2% can be charged. Continued non‑payment may lead to debt collection, termination of school contracts for the family, and withholding of school reports/certificates until outstanding amounts are settled.

Registrations, cancellations and leave of absence (refund / exemption rules)

- Enrolment during the school year: if places are available, fees are charged from the first day of the month of enrolment.

- Cancellation: written notice with a three‑month notice period to the end of the month is required. After publication of the new school fees (announced immediately after the General Assembly in May/June), there is a special right of termination of 4 weeks; cancellations must be received within 4 weeks after official communication of the new fees. The school fees remain payable until the cancellation becomes effective. Cancellation for the end of the school year must be submitted in writing by 31 May. The full annual fee must be paid for any year in which basic schooling is completed.

- Leave of absence: an approved temporary deregistration (leave of absence) of three calendar months or more may result in an exemption from school fees for the period of absence. A leave of absence may be granted for a maximum of one school year. If a student does not return after leave, written termination must be given in due time.

- Enrollment fee refund: the enrollment fee is explicitly non‑refundable.

Boarding / residential accommodation

- Boarding accommodation is not possible at this school; there are no boarding fees. Assistance may be provided to find a host family, but the school does not offer residential boarding.

Other costs or fees

- Additional instructional or incidental costs that can apply include language support (see amounts above), Latin lessons, mensa/canteen charges, and charges related to project groups or extracurricular offerings where applicable. Specific items such as excursions, teaching materials, examination fees or optional activities are charged separately where applicable. Mensa/canteen fees are published separately and apply in addition to tuition.

Fee payment options

- The published arrangements specify payment to the school bank account (IBAN and BIC above) and allow 10‑month direct‑debit instalments for eligible payers. The official fee schedule references direct debit and bank transfer details for payment processing.

Summary statement

- The school charges a one‑time non‑refundable enrolment fee and annual tuition according to the branch attended (Crèche, KiBi, Primary, Primary+, Secondary, Secondary extended). Mensa/canteen fees, language support, and certain optional subject fees are additional and are charged per half‑year or per half‑term as specified. Invoicing is annual, payable within 14 days, with a 10‑month direct‑debit instalment option for eligible payers; detailed discount, cancellation and leave‑of‑absence rules apply.
Academics

International German School of Brussels teaches Bespoke Curriculum, German Curriculum for students aged 0 to 18.

Curriculum
Secondary education runs from grade 5 to grade 12 and leads to the German International Abitur Examination (DIAP). Teaching is based on the Thuringian Educational Plan, a high quality standard approved by German authorities, and the curriculum is aligned with German states to ensure transfers within German schools abroad and in Germany. The language program develops high language competence with English and French from grade 5, bilingual subjects from grade 6, and from grade 8 Spanish as a third foreign language; in grade 10 Dutch can also be chosen. The primary teaching language is German; bilingual instruction in English and/or French occurs in bilingual subjects from grade 6. The science section includes IT as an additional subject and practical work in the Science Lab. From grade 8, students choose between a language focus or a science focus, with Spanish added for the linguistic track; Latinum is available for pupils with prior language knowledge. Class sizes range from 16 to 24 students, with a maximum of 25, and there are two classes per grade level. Classes run from 8:00 am to 3:40 pm, with early dismissal at 1:10 pm on Wednesdays and Fridays for grades 5–9 and longer hours up to 5:20 pm for grades 10–12. The DIAP entitles students to study at any university worldwide. Our graduates have strong results with 2022 average Abitur grade 1.9 (33 graduates), 2023 average 1.9 (20 graduates), and 2024 average 1.8 (33 graduates).

Student Teacher Ratio
Class sizes are between 16 and 24 students, with a maximum of 25. There are two classes per grade level.

Exam Results
The DIAP entitles students to study at any university worldwide. Graduation results include 2022 average Abitur grade 1.9 with 33 graduates, 2023 average 1.9 with 20 graduates, and 2024 average 1.8 with 33 graduates.

Higher Education Progression
The German International Abitur Examination (DIAP) entitles students to study at any university worldwide.
Parent Experience

History
Brussels' oldest international school, iDSB, has offered education based on German curricula since 1803. Newcomers quickly feel at home due to a family atmosphere, and every child finds a suitable path from kindergarten to final exams. The school serves around 590 students. The campus is located in Wezembeek-Oppem, about 8 km east of Brussels. In the primary school, the primary language of instruction is German, with English or French offered from grade 1.

Community
iDSB hosts alumni meetings and foyer talks to connect students with the broader school community. A spring flea market, circus week, and an Open Day are part of the school's calendar. The calendar includes annual performances such as musical theatre and Christmas concerts, along with a New Year's reception organized by the School Association.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Schulverein (School Association) sponsors the iDSB. The grounds and school buildings are the property of the Federal Republic of Germany and are used by iDSB free of charge under a usage agreement with the German government. The Schulverein was founded in 1951 under Belgian law as a non-profit association and serves as the sponsor of the iDSB. Most German schools abroad are registered associations under host-country law, and the Schulverein concludes contracts for the iDSB in its name. The School Association can be reached at schulverein@idsb.eu.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
iDSB is located in Wezembeek-Oppem, about 8 km east of Brussels, on extensive green grounds and easily accessible by private and public transport. Brussels' oldest international German school serves around 590 students and offers a German curriculum from kindergarten to Abitur in a family atmosphere. The primary language of instruction is German in the elementary and secondary levels, with bilingual options in the kindergarten and English and French offered from early grades. The campus features two modern gymnasiums, a ball court on the playground, and ping-pong tables, with a smaller gym available during lunch. Two libraries (one in the primary and one in the secondary) support reading and research, including foreign-language literature, and a Science Lab supports practical science work. The school also runs a lively all-day program (GSplus and OSplus) with a wide range of activities across language, nature, sport, music, theatre and art.

Sports Facilities
Two modern equipped gymnasiums ensure regular physical activity for students. Swimming lessons take place in 3rd and 4th grade for half a year. The primary and secondary schools have a ball court on the playground, several ping-pong tables, and a small gym used by the secondary during lunch breaks. The iDSB offers a large range of sport AG activities and participates in many sporting competitions with Flemish and German schools. Every two years, the European Games of the German Schools Abroad take place at the iDSB.

Academic Facilities
The science track includes IT as an additional subject and hands-on work in the Science Lab. There are two libraries supporting reading and research, one in the primary school and one in the secondary school, with foreign-language literature available. The school uses digital teaching content from an early stage to support modern teaching.

Extra Curricular Facilities
GSplus and OSplus are the extracurricular all-day programs offering activities during lunch and after school, with numerous AGs in movement, music, creative, extra and supplementary teaching areas. A wide range of activities in language, nature, sport, music, theatre and art take place in both the primary and secondary school, with supervision until 6 pm. Art, music and theatre are highlighted through exhibitions and performances, including the Kunst ist Kult biennial and the Year 12 art show. The iDSB also participates in European Games for German Schools Abroad, and has hosted events like Model United Nations.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The iDSB offers education based on German curricula since 1803, serving around 590 students. The primary language of instruction is German; English and French are taught from grade 1, with bilingual subject teaching beginning in grade 6, and Arabic? No. Spanish and Dutch are added later, and Latinum can be pursued; DaZ/DaF support is provided when needed. The curriculum follows the Thuringian Educational Plan, with a language or science focus from grade 8 onward and IT integrated into science; the German International Abitur Examination (DIAP) qualifies graduates to study at universities worldwide.

Arts & Creative
Art, music, and theater are integrated into iDSB's School Plus. Music theatre is offered for years 4–6 and again for years 10–12, with performances such as the iDSB music theatre productions and the Mona-Lisa Theatre, and annual events like the iDSB Christmas Concert. The school also hosts other cultural productions, including events featuring partner schools and visiting groups.

Cultural & Language
The school fosters internationality with more than 30 nationalities and offers extensive language opportunities beyond the core German program. Modern English and French lessons begin in grade 5 with bilingual subject teaching from grade 6, and Spanish is added from grade 8 with Dutch from grade 10; Latinum is possible for students with prior knowledge. The Model United Nations is among the international activities emphasizing political education, and there are language-learning opportunities across clubs, exchanges, and library resources; a Week in German event also engages students with German language and culture.

Social & Hobbies
A wide range of social and hobby activities includes an annual flea market, circus weeks, and musical theatre productions, as well as poetry slams and student theatre projects. The school hosts events such as the Regenburger Domspatzen performance and the iDSB Christmas Concert, providing opportunities for students to engage in performing arts and community life, as well as clubs and after-school activities that vary by year.

Community & Service
The iDSB runs social projects and encourages community engagement, including Focus Day activities in Brussels through a social-engagement team that participates in local projects such as Serve The City. The school and its community regularly organize and participate in social initiatives and outreach, with alumni and a School Association contributing to community life and partnerships in Brussels; philanthropic activities are highlighted in school communications.

Leadership & Professional
The school offers formal study and career guidance, including individual career counselling, learning monitoring, and support for choosing courses of study and career paths. Each year includes opportunities such as the school's own career fair or a professional career entry fair, professionally supervised work placements, university information days, and preparation for entrance and language tests; counselling is provided by the Federal Employment Agency.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Two modern gymnasiums and swimming for grades 3–4 support physical activity, with regular PE for higher grades and a strong focus on movement throughout the day. The school emphasizes active breaks like the Bewegen­de Pause, a Relaxed Break, and Mindful Monday Morning, along with after-school sports, trips, tournaments, and a varied afternoon activities program to promote physical and mental well-being.
Languages

Language Provision
German is the language of instruction in the primary and secondary school. English and French are offered as foreign languages from grade 1 in the primary school and from grade 5 in the secondary school, with Spanish and Dutch available as additional languages. Latinum is available for learners with prior knowledge, and DaZ/DaF support is provided for newcomers. Bilingual instruction begins in grade 6 (geography); from grade 8 History and Biology are taught epochally, and from grade 10 Economics is taught entirely in English or French.

Bilingual Teaching
Bilingual preschool offers German/English and German/French groups. Bilingual subject instruction begins in grade 6; from grade 8 History and Biology are taught epochally, and from grade 10 Economics is taught entirely in English or French.
Reputation

Awards
null

Accreditations
Internationally accredited

The school is Brussels' oldest international school and has offered a German-curriculum education since 1803. The school has about 590 students and 30 nationalities.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Register your child by completing the online application form. The online form is accessible via the 'Register online now' link. Provide accurate information about your child and family. The form starts the admissions process.

2. Gather the required documents for registration: a copy of your child's birth certificate; a copy of the parents' passports; and the most recent report card (from 1st Grade). The documents listed are needed for registration. For future first-graders, a Confirmation of school readiness is additionally required. These documents are part of the registration materials.

3. For future first-graders, Confirmation of school readiness is additionally required. Include it with the registration materials. This is an additional document requested for those applicants. It accompanies the standard registration documents.

4. Register online now via the portal: use the 'Register online now' link to access the online registration. The online registration directs you to the portal (idsb.phidias.es). Submit the registration through the online portal.

5. There are no deadlines for registration; registrations during the year are possible. Registrations can be made year-round. You can register at any time.

Scholarships
Scholarships to attend the Fachoberschule (FOS) of the iDSB are offered. Applications are open to students of all school types in grade 10 (grade 11 in the school year of the scholarship) who are not yet members of the iDSB school community. Three two-year partial scholarships are offered, which cover the admission fee as well as 60% of the annual fee for the school education at the iDSB technical secondary school. The scholarship does not cover incidental expenses.

The scholarship includes a school visit in our small FOS class, in an inviting school atmosphere with high quality teaching and a wide range of support opportunities, as well as a wide range of activities beyond the regular lessons. Boarding school accommodation is not possible at the iDSB, but assistance in finding a host family can be arranged if necessary.

How to apply: Interested persons can apply by e-mail to our headmaster, Jochen Flohn, with the following documents: Letter of motivation from the student (approx. 1 DIN A4 page); Last school report; Proof of German language skills; Other certificates (optional). If you have any questions, please contact our Welcome Office.

Admission contact: +32 (0)2 785 0135; aufnahme@idsb.eu. Selection criteria include high interest in a job-oriented education with a strong practical orientation; motivation, extracurricular ambitions and professional interest in the field of business & administration; social, civic or political commitment. Applications are open to students in grade 10 who are not yet members of the iDSB community and whose school fees are borne by a natural person. The level of German language skills must be sufficient to follow the lessons (at least level B2).
School Events
The school has not added events
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