Collège International Français de Sarajevo

Bosnia And Herzegovina, Sarajevo

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The school at a glance

Instructs in French

Fees Fees not listed

Ages 2 - 18 years

Pupil numbers 270

Type Co-educational

Opened 1998

Bus Service No

Academic offering

Curriculum French Curriculum

Taught languages English, Bosnian

Typical class size 25

Strengths Sport, Languages, Visual and Creative Arts

Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Social and Hobbies

Stages Kindergarten, Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, High School, Sixth Form

Introduction

CIFS Sarajevo is a private international French school in Sarajevo, offering the French National Education program under AEFE and part of the Odyssey Education Group. From nursery to Terminale, the school serves students aged 2 to 18 and currently welcomes around 266 pupils across 15 classes in a single, spacious, Austro-Hungarian-styled building. Lessons are taught in French, English and Bosnian, with a curriculum that follows the French system from early years through lycée, where the Diplôme National du Brevet attests competencies at the end of collège, and the baccalaureate is prepared at the attached Belgrade lycée. CIFS emphasizes a citizenship-oriented approach, blending theory and practical learning while respecting individual trajectories. The school is the only French institution in Bosnia and Herzegovina approved by the French Ministry of Education and Sarajevo Canton. Extracurriculars include multisport, Chinese language, arts and piano, chess, offering opportunities for language learning and cultural exchange after school.

Gallery

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The Essentials

Location

Paromlinska 66, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The school is located in the city of Sarajevo. CIFS provides school transport with buses covering almost the entire city, bringing students to the campus around 8:20 a.m.

Stages

Kindergarten (2-6 years); Elementary School (6-11 years); Middle School (11-15 years); High School (15-18 years).

Type

The school is a private international French school in Sarajevo. It is part of the Odyssey Education group and follows the French National Education program under the partnership with AEFE. It is the only French school in Bosnia and Herzegovina approved by the French Ministry of Education and by Sarajevo Canton.

Pupil Nationality Mix

Open to all nationalities. The curriculum is multilingual from kindergarten onward with lessons in French, English and BHS.

Additional learning support

Small class sizes with groups of fewer than 25 students. Language support for non-French speakers (FLE-FLSCO) begins from kindergarten to help transition to French.

Country affiliation

France

School day structure

Daycare runs from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.; after-school care continues until 5:30 p.m. Extracurricular activities take place on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Bus service

The CIFS offers a school bus service. Morning pickups bring students to CIFS around 8:20 a.m. Afternoon drop-offs are scheduled: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday at 4:10 p.m. and 5:10 p.m.; Wednesday at 12:30 p.m., 4:10 p.m., and/or 5:10 p.m.; Friday at 12:30 p.m. Buses cover almost the entire city of Sarajevo.

Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement

The school has a uniform. Uniform items include polo shirts (long-sleeve and short-sleeve), T-shirts, and a hoodie; sizes range from 4 to XL.

Governance and Ownership

The school is part of Odyssey Education Group, a French international education group. Odyssey Education has a framework agreement with the AEFE, and offers education in French, English and the host-country language from nursery through high school.

Fees

Application fees
- A registration (application) fee is required; the school's registration form lists "FRAIS D'INSCRIPTION" as part of the enrollment charges.

Tuition fees by year group
- No published schedule of tuition amounts by year group (maternelle / élémentaire / collège / lycée) for the 2026/27 academic year was found in the school documents available for review. The registration paperwork identifies "FRAIS DE SCOLARITÉ" (tuition fees) as a billed item but does not publish per-grade or per-term figures in the publicly available registration materials. The detailed tuition tariff is handled in the school's financial regulations.

Per-term / per-year detail
- The public enrollment documents do not provide numeric per-term or per-year tuition figures by year group. The registration form and related documents indicate that specific amounts and billing rules are set out in the school's financial regulations and the contract signed at the start of the school year.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Billing and payment modalities are governed by a contract/"règlement financier" that is signed at the beginning of each school year. The publicly available registration materials and internal regulations state that parents sign the financial regulation at enrolment, but they do not publish a standard invoicing calendar, installment schedule, or specific payment deadlines in the documents reviewed.

Boarding fees
- Boarding is not offered; the school's services are described as day-school services (canteen, morning and after-school care options, and school transport), with no boarding/internat program or boarding fees indicated in the school materials.

Other costs and fees (explicit amounts found)
- School meals (canteen): when reported in a version of the registration materials, hot meals are shown with a daily price of 5.70 KM per day.
- Own packed lunch option: one registration form version lists a cost of 1.00 KM per day for bringing a home meal.
- School transport (big-bus): a registration-form variant lists a standard figure of 130 KM per student per month for school bus service. Bus stops and timetables are published in the transport section of the registration materials.
- Morning daycare: a morning drop-off/daycare service 07:30–08:20 is stated as a free service in the registration materials. Afternoon extended-care options exist but their tariffs are set in the financial regulations (not published in the registration form).
- School uniform: the school operates an online uniform order page (polo, T‑shirt, sweatshirt, etc.); prices are not published on that page. Families are expected to purchase required uniform items through the school's uniform order process.
- School materials, textbooks and certain consumables: the registration form lists "FRAIS DE MATERIEL" / material fees as a line item; specific amounts are not published in the form.
- Extracurricular activities and camps: these are listed as charged items ("ACTIVITÉS EXTRA-SCOLAIRES" / camps), but specific fees and schedules are not published in the registration materials reviewed.

Refund information
- Refund rules (refundability of registration, tuition or ancillary fees) are governed by the school's financial regulations and contract signed at the start of the year. No explicit refund policy text or refund amounts were published in the registration form or internal regulations available for review.

Fee payment options
- The available public documents (registration form, internal regulations) do not list specific payment methods (credit card, bank transfer, direct debit) or bank account details in the materials reviewed. The registration materials and internal regulations indicate that payment modalities are defined in the financial regulation (contract) executed at enrolment. Parents arrange payment under that contract.

Brief summary of missing items found during review
- The school's published registration forms and internal regulations identify the categories of fees and show a small number of explicit ancillary charges (canteen per‑day amount, packed lunch option, transport monthly rate, free morning daycare) but do not publish a full tuition fee schedule (per year group or per term), billing calendar, detailed payment methods, or refund terms in the documents available for the 2025/26 materials reviewed. The registration paperwork repeatedly directs that the definitive tariff and payment rules are set in the school's financial regulations and contract to be signed at the start of each school year.

Academics

Curriculum

Collège CIFS welcomes students aged 11 to 15. It strengthens acquisition of fundamental knowledge by combining theoretical and practical learning, while respecting each student's individuality to enable success. The objective is to give middle school students new competencies adapted to the modern world and to make the collège a place of growth and citizenship, a community where individual experience and collective activity are valued. The collège comprises five domains of competency: language for thinking and communicating (French, foreign and local languages, mathematical language, etc.); methods and tools for learning (digital tools, projects, organization, etc.); formation of the person and the citizen (moral formation, life in society, respect, etc.); natural and technical systems (sciences, curiosity, problem solving, etc.); representations of the world and human activity (history, culture, geography, etc.). At the end of 3e, the Diplôme National du Brevet (DNB) attests the competencies acquired through the socle commun of knowledge, skills and culture. In the Lycée, from Seconde to Terminale, after four years of consolidation, the lycée prepares for the general baccalaureate and higher education, mainly in university or in preparatory classes. The bac examinations are taken at the CIFS-attached lycée in Belgrade.

Student Teacher Ratio

Less than 25 students per class

Higher Education Progression

The general path in the lycée prepares for the general baccalaureate and higher education, mainly in university or in preparatory classes. The baccalaureate is pursued under the French system, with exams conducted at the attached CIFS lycée in Belgrade, supporting entry into higher education.

Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

CIFS Sarajevo focuses on social and emotional development as part of its international education. The school aims to help students grow in respect for others and in self-confidence. This is achieved through a pedagogical organization adapted to the needs of students and the requirements of the programs. The multilingual environment and emphasis on dialogue support intercultural understanding and personal growth. The entire educational community fosters a climate that promotes self-awareness, empathy and social skills as part of daily learning.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

English is taught from nursery school. CIFS Sarajevo offers a multilingual curriculum from kindergarten onward with lessons in French, English and Bosnian. English instruction is integrated from early years to support language development across the curriculum. The school emphasizes English as part of its international education and aims to equip students for global communication. English language learning is embedded throughout different grade levels to foster multilingual proficiency.

Mental Wellbeing

CIFS Sarajevo blends high educational standards with a focus on student well-being. The mission includes helping students grow in self-confidence and respect for others through adapted pedagogy designed to meet learner needs. Well-being is embedded in the educational philosophy and is supported by a pedagogy that responds to student needs and program requirements. An international, dialogue-oriented environment supports social and emotional growth and personal development. The school's approach aims to create a climate of trust and belonging for every student.

Safeguarding

Internal rules of procedure establish safeguarding across the school community. They guarantee protection against all psychological, physical or moral violence and promote a climate of trust, along with clearly defined rights and duties for students, families and staff. The rules are reviewed at least annually by the Governing Board to ensure safe schooling. The procedures apply to all age groups from kindergarten through high school and encompass organizational and disciplinary measures to protect students.

Parent Experience

History

Founded in 1998, the French International School of Sarajevo (CIFS) now accommodates 266 students from nursery to the end of high school. With a dynamic and committed teaching team, the school aims to provide each student with extensive knowledge and skills and an educational approach open to Europe and the world. CIFS is recognized for its educational philosophy and is one of the most prestigious French schools in Bosnia and Herzegovina; the teaching programs are guaranteed by the partnership with AEFE. CIFS is part of the Odyssey Education Group, led by Odyssey Executive President Luc Che2tel.

Community

The CIFS offers after-school activities on Wednesdays and Fridays in the school building, with options including arts, dance, ballet, and piano. During school holidays, a leisure centre is run by school staff in French, with activities depending on numbers and season, indoors or outdoors. After-school options also include multisport, Chinese language, arts, chess, and piano.

Facilities

Facilities Overview

CIFS Sarajevo currently has 266 students distributed across 15 classes. The school brings together students from nursery (Maternelle) to the final year of high school (Terminale). The building is spacious, quiet, bright and well‑equipped, built in the Austro‑Hungarian style. Small classes provide individual attention and support in a friendly atmosphere conducive to learning.

Academic Facilities

The school building is spacious, quiet, bright and well‑equipped to support teaching across all levels from Maternelle through Terminale. It houses all grades on a single site, with 266 students across 15 classes. Small class sizes enable personalized attention and support. Lessons are taught in three languages: French, English and Bosnian.

Extra Curricular Facilities

CIFS offers a range of extracurricular activities held in the school building on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Parents can choose from multisport, Chinese language, arts, chess and piano. The program supports intellectual and social development by imparting fundamental knowledge and culture. It also encourages language learning and cultural exchange through structured activities.

Extra-Curricular Activities

Arts & Creative

After-school activities include arts and piano. These activities offer opportunities for creative expression through visual art and music. Parents can choose between multisport, Chinese, art, chess, and piano.

Cultural & Language

Chinese is offered as an after-school activity. The program runs after school on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays in the school building. The CIFS mission emphasizes directing children to speak multiple languages and to engage in cultural exchange.

Social & Hobbies

Chess is offered after school. Multisport is offered after school. The activities take place in the school building on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Other options include art and piano.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Multisport is offered after school. The activities occur on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays in the school building. Other after-school options include Chinese, art, chess, and piano.

Languages

Language Provision

English and Bosnian are taught from nursery school. French is taught as part of CIFS language offerings. Other languages taught at CIFS include Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian (BCS), English, Latin, Spanish and German.

Admissions

The admissions procedure includes 3 steps: 1. Application form: Initial contact with the Admissions Office and submission of the application form. Required documents: school reports, photocopies of the parents' and child's passports. 2. Educational meeting and admission decision: After submission of the application file, an educational interview will be offered within 5 working days. Confirmation of your child's place will then be sent by email. 3. Payment of enrollment fees: After admission has been confirmed, families are invited to pay the first enrollment fee. In the event of withdrawal, these fees are non-refundable. Final enrollment confirmation will be sent by email within 7 days after payment.

School Events

The school has not added events

FAQs

Where is Collège International Français de Sarajevo located and what are your opening hours for morning arrival?

The school is at Paromlinska 66, 71000 Sarajevo in the city centre. Morning daycare runs from 07:30 to 08:20 and school buses bring students to campus at around 8:20 a.m..

What age groups and school levels do you teach at CIFS Sarajevo?

CIFS teaches children aged 2 to 18 across Kindergarten (2–6 years), Elementary (6–11), Middle School/Collège (11–15) and High School/Lycée (15–18). The school offers the full French National Education programme from maternelle through Terminale under the AEFE framework and Odyssey Education Group affiliation.

Is CIFS co-educational and what curriculum do you follow?

Yes, CIFS is co-educational and follows the French National Education curriculum under an AEFE partnership within the Odyssey Education Group. Lessons are taught in French, English and Bosnian and the collège and lycée follow the French progression toward the Diplôme National du Brevet and the baccalaureate.

How do I apply to CIFS and what is the admissions timeline?

Admissions follow three steps: submit the application form with required documents, attend an educational interview offered within 5 working days after file submission, and complete payment of enrollment fees once a place is offered. Final enrollment confirmation is sent by email within 7 days after payment and the registration contract is signed at the start of the school year.

Do you charge an application or registration fee?

Yes, a registration (application) fee is required and listed in the enrollment paperwork as “FRAIS D'INSCRIPTION.” The registration paperwork notes that enrollment fees paid at confirmation are non-refundable in the event of withdrawal.

What ancillary fees should I expect for transport and school meals?

The registration materials show a standard school-bus rate of 130 KM per student per month, hot school meals priced at 5.70 KM per day, and a home-packed-lunch option listed at 1.00 KM per day. Morning daycare (07:30–08:20) is provided free of charge, while other ancillary tariffs (afternoon care, extracurriculars, materials) are defined in the school's financial regulations.

What is taught in the collège and what exams do students take there?

The collège (ages 11–15) follows the French middle-school programme structured around five competency domains including languages, learning tools, citizenship, sciences and human activity. At the end of 3e students sit the Diplôme National du Brevet (DNB) to attest competencies from the socle commun of knowledge, skills and culture.

How large are classes and how much individual attention do students receive?

Classes are kept small, with fewer than 25 students per class, which the school says allows for personalised attention and support across grade levels. The school operates 15 classes serving around 266 students on a single site.

Does the lycée at CIFS prepare students for higher education?

Yes, the lycée programme prepares students for the general baccalaureate and higher education, mainly university admission or entry into preparatory classes. The baccalaureate examinations are taken at the CIFS-attached lycée in Belgrade.

Can you describe the school's building and academic facilities?

CIFS occupies a single, spacious Austro-Hungarian‑style building that is described as bright, quiet and well‑equipped to support teaching from maternelle through Terminale. All grades are located on the same site, which the school uses to facilitate continuity and shared resources across levels.

Does the school offer school transport and what areas does it cover?

Yes, CIFS operates a school-bus service that covers almost the entire city of Sarajevo. Morning pickups bring students to campus at about 8:20 a.m., and afternoon drop-offs are scheduled at 4:10 p.m. and 5:10 p.m. on most days, with adjusted times on Wednesdays and Fridays as published in the transport section of the registration materials.

What extracurricular activities and clubs are available after school?

After-school options include multisport, Chinese language, arts, chess and piano, with activities taking place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays in the school building. The programme is designed to promote language learning, cultural exchange and creative or physical development.

Do you run holiday camps or leisure programmes during school breaks?

Yes, during school holidays the school runs a leisure centre staffed by school personnel in French, with activities organised indoors or outdoors depending on season and numbers. These holiday programmes are scheduled according to demand and the school's published holiday activity calendar.

What language support is available for children who do not speak French?

CIFS offers language support for non-French speakers (FLE‑FLSCO) starting from kindergarten to help children transition into French instruction. English and Bosnian are also taught from nursery and language support is integrated into the school's multilingual curriculum.

How does the school support students' social and emotional wellbeing?

The school integrates social and emotional learning into its pedagogy, emphasising self-confidence, respect for others and dialogic intercultural understanding. Teachers use an organisation adapted to student needs and the wider school community fosters a climate of trust and belonging to support personal growth.

What safeguarding and child-protection measures are in place?

Internal rules of procedure establish safeguarding across the entire school community, guaranteeing protection against psychological, physical or moral violence and defining rights and duties for students, families and staff. These procedures are reviewed at least annually by the Governing Board to maintain safe schooling for all age groups.

Is boarding available or is CIFS a day school?

CIFS is a day school and does not offer a boarding/internat programme. Services provided include a canteen, morning and after-school care options, and school transport.

Do students wear a uniform and how do families purchase it?

Yes, the school operates a uniform system with items such as polo shirts, T‑shirts and sweatshirts available through an online uniform order page. Sizes range from 4 to XL and families are expected to order required items via the school's uniform ordering process.

Is CIFS officially recognised or affiliated with French education authorities?

CIFS is the only French institution in Bosnia and Herzegovina approved by the French Ministry of Education and by Sarajevo Canton. The school is part of Odyssey Education Group and operates under a framework agreement with AEFE to guarantee French educational programmes.

What is the school's history and how large is the school community?

Founded in 1998, CIFS serves around 266 students across 15 classes from nursery through Terminale and describes a dynamic, multilingual teaching community. The school emphasises openness to Europe and the world and is led locally by Head of School Nordine MEBARKI within the Odyssey Education framework.

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