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SEK Budapest International School

Hungary, Budapest

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Hungarian
Fees HUF 3,605,000 - 4,288,000
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 500
Type Co-educational
Opened 1997
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP)
Taught languages Spanish, Hungarian, English
Typical class size 20
Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Social and Hobbies
Stages Preschool, Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

SEK Budapest International School is a co-educational international school in Budapest serving students from age 3 to 18. The curriculum blends the Hungarian National Curriculum with SEK's International Education System adjustments and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for Grades 11–12. The school teaches in English and Hungarian, with Spanish taught as a second language, and Hungarian Matura available to Hungarian speakers. Founded in 1997, it became an IB World School in 2005 and draws an international student body from more than 30 countries. The campus uses state‑of‑the‑art technology—interactive whiteboards, iPads in classrooms, robotics and programming materials, and the IXL online platform—while emphasising values‑based education and the development of soft skills alongside core subjects. SEK Budapest offers a Diploma Programme in Grades 11–12 and the Hungarian Matura as an alternative. Extracurriculars span sports, arts, and international exchanges, including a Soccer Clinic with the Real Madrid Foundation and SEK/IES trips abroad annually.

Budapest, Hűvösvölgyi út 131, 1021 Hungary

The Essentials

SEK Budapest International School has 500 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English, Hungarian.

Location
1021 Budapest, Hűvösvölgyi út 131, Hungary. In the safe, green area of the Buda Hills, the campus is accessible from central Budapest and serves as SEK Budapest International School's site.

Stages
Pre-K to 12

Type
International school; IB World School offering the Diploma Programme; Hungarian National Curriculum base

Pupil Nationality Mix
More than 50 countries represented.

Additional learning support
Inclusion Policy is in place.

Country affiliation
Affiliated with SEK International Education System (IES) and the SEK International Organization.

School day structure
Preschool: 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Grades 1–6: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; Grades 7–8: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.; Grades 9–10: 8:00 a.m. – 2:20 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.; Grades 11–12 (Non-IB): 8:00 a.m. – 1:20 p.m. to 2:20 p.m.; Grades 11–12 (IB): 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Bus service
SEK Budapest does not offer a school bus service. Families arrange transportation; public transport is available nearby (bus stop in front, tram stop at back).
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
All IES and SEK students wear the same school uniform. The Everyday Uniform includes a white polo shirt with the school logo; navy blue V-neck sweater with the logo; navy blue or burgundy zip hoodie with the logo; knee-length plaid skirt for girls; grey trousers for boys; blue or black socks; and black shoes (no patterns or sport shoes). Shoes recommended by the school include black Graceland/Jenny Fairy ballet shoes for girls and black Lasocki/Lanetti/Bugatti for boys. The Physical Education Uniform includes white and navy blue shorts for boys; navy blue skort for girls; SEK sweat suit; grey T-shirt with the school symbol; white socks; and white sport shoes.

Governance and Ownership
The school belongs to the SEK International Institution and has been part of IES since 2006 to provide services to SEK schools outside Spain and Latin America.
Fees

Annual tuition at SEK Budapest International School ranges from HUF 3,605,000 to HUF 4,288,000 for 2026/27.

Application & admission fees

- Entrance fee (new students, payable on acceptance): HUF 555,000.
- Admission charge payable on the day of admission: HUF 35,000.
- Registration fee for returning students: HUF 185,000 if paid by the stated early deadline, or HUF 265,000 if paid after that deadline.

Tuition fees by year group (per instalment and annual totals)

- Preschool (Early Years): HUF 235,000 per instalment (10 instalments) — Annual total HUF 2,280,000.
- Grades 1–3: HUF 269,000 per instalment (10 instalments) — Annual total HUF 2,609,000.
- Grades 4–6: HUF 270,000 per instalment (10 instalments) — Annual total HUF 2,619,000.
- Grades 7–9: HUF 314,000 per instalment (10 instalments) — Annual total HUF 3,046,000.
- Grades 10–12: HUF 330,000 per instalment (10 instalments) — Annual total HUF 3,201,000.
- IB supplement for Grades 11–12 (where applicable): HUF 104,000 per instalment (10 instalments) — Annual total HUF 1,040,000.

Compulsory additional fees (per instalment / annual or yearly where shown)

- Meals (compulsory): Preschool HUF 65,000 per instalment — Annual total HUF 631,000; Grades 1–4 HUF 66,000 per instalment — Annual total HUF 640,000; Grades 5–11 HUF 68,000 per instalment — Annual total HUF 660,000; Grade 12 listed on a 9-instalment basis HUF 68,000 per instalment — Annual total HUF 594,000.
- School materials (annual): Preschool HUF 72,000; Grades 1–12 HUF 72,000; Grade 11 IB graphic calculator (where required) HUF 96,000.
- Development levy (annual): HUF 14,700 per instalment (10 instalments) — Annual total HUF 147,000 for Preschool and Grades 1–12.
- Books and online subscriptions (annual, by grade): Preschool HUF 5,000; Grades 1–2 HUF 137,000; Grades 3–4 HUF 156,000; Grades 5–6 HUF 162,000; Grades 7–8 HUF 114,000; Grades 9–10 HUF 208,000; Grades 11–12 (non-IB) HUF 47,000; IB Grade 11 materials HUF 196,000; IB Grades 11–12 online subscriptions HUF 70,000. Field trip costs and other activity charges are invoiced separately after the activity and charged based on attendance and parental consent.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Standard tuition billing structure is shown as instalment-based (10 instalments for most items) with specific provisions for certain items (for example Grade 12 meals on a 9-instalment basis). Tuition and compulsory charges are billed on the instalment schedule indicated.
- Invoices are issued in Hungarian forints (HUF) only; a 1.5% administrative charge applies to cash settlement of invoices (admission fee excepted). The school provides bank account details for payment. Field trip fees are invoiced in the month following the trip.
- Contributions and Fees are due monthly or yearly as invoiced; late payment may incur interest (the terms allow for interest/late payment charges and other contractual remedies for non-payment). A one-month written notice is required to withdraw a student; withdrawing on less than one month's notice incurs fees in lieu of notice as described in the terms.

Boarding fees

- SEK Budapest operates as a day school and does not publish boarding fees. There is no boarding provision applicable.

Other costs and practical items

- Uniform: a school uniform is required; uniform items are sold via the school webshop/price list (everyday uniform and PE kit are specified). Parents should budget separately for the uniform purchase.
- Extra tuition, extracurricular activity charges, transport, exam fees, individual instrument tuition, and similar optional services are charged in addition to the compulsory fees and will appear on invoices as applicable; some extras (educational visits, trips) are charged after the event.

Refunds and withdrawal rules

- Contributions and Fees are not refundable or waivable for absence due to sickness, shortened semesters, extended vacations, or similar causes, except in exceptional circumstances at the Head's discretion or where there is a legal obligation to refund. If a student is expelled or removed, there is generally no refund of Contributions/Fees; any unspent balance of a lump-sum prepayment is refundable without interest. Withdrawal on less than one month's notice triggers payment of Fees in lieu of notice. The school's full terms set out penalties for late payment and collection remedies.

Payment methods and administrative notes

- Payments are handled in HUF; the school lists K&H bank accounts for the different fee categories and expects payment to those accounts as shown on invoices and the fee schedule. Cash payment is subject to a 1.5% administrative fee (admission fee excepted). Card payment facilities are not specified in the published fee schedule; payments by a third party are accepted only with the understanding that parents remain contractually liable for fees. The school's invoicing and payment instructions (including account numbers) are provided on the fee schedule and on invoices.
Academics

SEK Budapest International School teaches IB (DP) for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
SEK Budapest International School is a trilingual school offering national and international programs in Budapest. The curriculum is primarily based on the Hungarian National Curriculum, with adjustments from International Education Systems (IES) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) for grades 11–12. English and Hungarian are teaching languages, with Spanish taught as a second language. The school regularly revises the curriculum and integrates digital tools, and emphasizes values-based learning and the development of soft skills alongside traditional subjects. It is an IB World School offering the Diploma Programme (DP) for upper secondary students.

Exam Results
100% of graduates attend universities, including SOTE, BME, Corvinus and ISB.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates pursue higher education at prestigious universities, including SOTE, BME, Corvinus and ISB.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
SEK Budapest uses interactive methodology to support social and emotional learning. The approach uses projects, activities, games, portfolios and learning strategies to develop interpersonal skills of communication and group work. These skills include constructive dialogue, active listening, negotiation, appreciation of diversity, personal responsibility, commitment and supportive relationships. The school embraces a student centered and personalized approach and promotes cooperation between teachers and parents in service of student development. The school aims to develop students who are collaborative, communicative, enquiring, respectful and creative with a passion for lifelong learning.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
SEK Budapest is a multilingual environment that fosters an international perspective by embracing diversity and valuing integrity. Bilingual from Kindergarten. The curriculum is English and Hungarian, with an intensive language program in Spanish as a second language at all ages.

Mental Wellbeing
Care, cooperation and collaboration are central to the school culture. The community believes that caring and working together toward common goals makes the school community happy and motivated with high student results.
Parent Experience

History
SEK Budapest International School was founded in 1997 as part of SEK-International Education Systems, a network with more than a hundred years of educational experience. It belongs to the SEK International Institution and has been part of IES since 2006 to support SEK schools outside Spain and Latin America. The curriculum is based on the Hungarian National Curriculum from age 3 in preschool through 8 years of primary and 4 years of secondary, with an option to pursue the IB Diploma Programme in 11th grade; Hungarian Matura is available for Hungarian speakers. The school was authorized as an IB World School in 2005. The school has an international student body with over 30 countries represented.

Community
The school has an international community with students from over 30 countries. The environment is multilingual and bilingual from Kindergarten, with instruction in English and Hungarian and Spanish offered as a second language. SEK International Institution provides international programs and opportunities for intercultural learning and exchanges through InterSEK and related activities. Open Day invites families to explore the campus through interactive experiences, meet teachers, and connect with the SEK Budapest community.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
SEK Budapest International School offers preschool, primary and secondary education in three levels for ages 3 to 18. The curriculum is bilingual in English and Hungarian, with Spanish taught as a second language. The campus uses state-of-the-art technology in teaching, including interactive whiteboards, iPads in classrooms, robotics and programming materials, and the IXL online learning platform. The school hosts students from over 30 countries, fostering an international community. An IB Diploma Programme is available in Grades 11-12, and the Hungarian Matura is available for Hungarian speakers.

Academic Facilities
The curriculum is based on the Hungarian National Curriculum with adjustments from IES and includes the IB Diploma Programme for 11th and 12th grade. English and Hungarian are teaching languages, with Spanish as a second language. SEK Budapest emphasizes regular curriculum revision and integration of digital platforms, aligning with modern teaching methods. The school focuses on teaching soft skills and thoughtfulness alongside traditional subjects. An IB Diploma Programme is available for Grades 11-12, and the Hungarian Matura is available for Hungarian speakers.

Extra Curricular Facilities
SEK Budapest offers a wide range of sports, arts, and after-school activities. The Soccer Clinic is offered in collaboration with the Real Madrid Foundation, providing a one-week immersive experience in Madrid. International Programs provide opportunities for student exchanges and international trips (USA, UK, Spain, Costa Rica) through SEK/IES. InterSEK cultural and Deportivo events connect SEK Budapest with a network of SEK schools.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Extracurricular lessons include math reinforcement and math talent development; history exam preparation and essay writing; Hungarian as a foreign language for beginners; Spanish language support including DELE exam preparation; IT++ and digital culture projects; and language/academic clubs such as chess and Dungeons & Dragons. The school is IB World School offering the Diploma Programme and is bilingual in English and Hungarian with Spanish taught as a second language from kindergarten. The Diploma Programme is available in grades 11–12 and Hungarian speakers may pursue the Hungarian Matura as an alternative.

Arts & Creative
Art Club – Creative Canvas; Creative Studio – Photoshop, video production and magazine editing; Theatre Club. These activities provide opportunities for creative expression and performance beyond the core curriculum.

Cultural & Language
The school is multilingual with English and Hungarian taught as languages and Spanish taught as a second language. After‑school offerings include Spanish reinforcement and DELE exam preparation (A1 Escolar, A2‑B1) and Spanish conversation; Chinese is offered within the IB DP program.

Social & Hobbies
Extracurricular options include SEK DnD (Dungeons & Dragons) Club; Chess (beginners and advanced levels); IT++ and Creative Studio; Theatre Club, plus other after‑school clubs that foster collaboration and teamwork.

Community & Service
A minimum of 50 hours of community service is required over the four years of study.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
A broad slate of after‑school sports and movement options includes volleyball, basketball, football, freestyle football, trampoline, badminton and yoga; there are also physiotherapy and motor development activities and theatre/arts offerings as part of holistic well‑being.
Languages

Language Provision
English and Hungarian are the teaching languages. Spanish is taught as a second language. The school is a trilingual institution offering English, Hungarian, and Spanish.

Bilingual Teaching
The school offers bilingual education in English and Hungarian. Spanish is introduced as a third language. Native-speaking teachers from England, Latin America, and Hungary support language development. The curriculum is based on the Hungarian National Curriculum with adjustments from the International Education Systems (IES) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP).

Immersion Programs
Intensive language program in Spanish as a second language is offered at all ages. The school adopts a trilingual approach in English, Hungarian, and Spanish. A personalized language plan supports individual language development.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Schedule an Appointment. Contact Ms. Alternatively, you can complete the contact form on our site. The admissions team will respond with available times and next steps.
2. Admission Interview and Testing. Preschool and Grades 1–4 have an interview with the School Psychologist. Grades 5–12 have an interview with the Admission Manager and entrance tests in English, Math, and Hungarian (Hungarian speakers only). Interviews and tests inform placement decisions and determine readiness for SEK Budapest's programmes.
3. Submission of Required Documents. After successful test results, submit birth certificate with an official English or Hungarian translation, a school report or official translation into English or Hungarian. Also provide a leaving certificate from the previous school and a reference letter; include medical records, Social Security Number, and immunisation records. Add one passport-sized photograph; provide a residence permit for non-Hungarian students, and proof of guardianship if applicable; include a special needs certificate if applicable.
4. Trial Period. Once admission is confirmed and a place is offered, the student will be invited to attend a two-day trial period in their prospective class at the school. Families may observe during the trial and the school will use the experience to finalize placement.
School Events
The school has not added events
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