For information only. This guide is an editorial orientation resource. It does not constitute educational or admissions advice, and does not endorse any specific institution. School profiles, fees, and curricula change; always verify current information directly with each school and confirm your eligibility for any financial assistance through your organisation or mission.
Brussels as a school market
Brussels has one of the most developed international school markets in Europe, shaped by decades of EU institutions and NATO drawing families from every country. The city offers a genuine choice across British, IB, American, French and European Baccalaureate curricula. That choice is also the first complication: which curriculum and which system you target matters more in Brussels than in most cities, because the European Schools (publicly subsidised, very different in character) and the private international schools occupy almost entirely separate markets.
Before looking at any school, determine whether your employment status gives you access to the European Schools. For many families posted to Brussels, this is the single most consequential early decision.
The European Schools
The European Schools in Brussels were created to serve the children of EU institution staff. There are four campuses: Uccle, Woluwe, Ixelles, and Laeken. They follow the European Schools curriculum, taught in language sections (English, French, German, and others), leading to the European Baccalaureate, a qualification recognised by universities in all EU member states.
Admission is organised in three categories:
- Category I (children of EU institution staff): priority and near-zero fees
- Category II (children of European School staff): low fees
- Category III (other families): limited places, by application; fees approximately EUR 12,000-20,000 per year depending on level; subject to availability in the relevant language section
For Category III, the priority order includes children of national officials at embassies, consulates or EU representations, children of non-EU national officials at EU institutions, and children of non-European diplomatic personnel based in Brussels. Admission is not guaranteed and places are limited.
The European Schools information office: eursc.eu
Fee allowances: EU and NATO
Many staff of EU institutions and NATO receive a school fee allowance from their employer. For EU institution staff, the allowance is part of the staff regulations and is administered by each institution’s HR. For NATO personnel, the relevant allowance scheme should be confirmed with NATO HR.
Confirm your entitlement and the list of eligible schools before choosing a school and before signing any contract. The lists and ceilings are reviewed periodically.
Main international schools
The following schools are established institutions in the Brussels international school market. Fees cited are indicative for 2026-27; confirm directly with each school.
British School of Brussels (BSB) Tervuren (eastern suburbs, approximately 14km from central Brussels). The largest British-curriculum school in Belgium, serving around 1,350 students from over 70 nationalities. Offers the full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, Diploma) alongside Cambridge IGCSE. A-Levels also available. Fees: approximately EUR 28,000-38,000 per year depending on year group. BSB operates a waiting list for most year groups; apply at least 12-18 months before your expected arrival. britishschoolofbrussels.be
International School of Brussels (ISB) Waterloo (southern suburbs, approximately 16km from central Brussels). Full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, Diploma). Around 1,350 students. Fees: approximately EUR 28,000-38,000 per year. ISB has the same waiting list dynamic as BSB. Early application is not optional for families on a confirmed arrival date. isb.be
St John’s International School Waterloo. Full IB continuum in a smaller, more community-centred environment than ISB or BSB. Often cited for pastoral support and warm integration of new arrivals. Fees: approximately EUR 18,000-28,000 per year. stjohns.be
Brussels American School (BAS) Sint-Genesius-Rode (south of Brussels). American curriculum (US High School Diploma with Advanced Placement courses). Accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The main option for families targeting US college admissions. bas.edu
BEPS International School Central Brussels (multiple campuses). British curriculum with IB options. Smaller class sizes and a central location that suits families living in Brussels without a car or relying on public transport. Fees: approximately EUR 16,000-24,000 per year. beps.com
Bogaerts International School (BIS) Two campuses: South Campus in Uccle (well positioned for families in the residential south of Brussels) and North Campus in Diegem (particularly convenient for families based near NATO at Evere or commuting through Zaventem airport). Offers the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme. bogaerts.be
Fees
Tuition fees at established international schools in Brussels run broadly as follows (2026-27 indicative ranges):
- Early years: EUR 8,000-18,000 per year
- Primary (Years 1-6): EUR 14,000-24,000 per year
- Secondary (Years 7-11): EUR 18,000-30,000 per year
- IB Diploma / Sixth Form (Years 12-13): EUR 20,000-38,000 per year
These figures exclude capital levies (EUR 2,000-7,000 one-off), registration fees (EUR 150-500), bus, and lunch. Budget an additional 15-20% for the total first-year cost.
The geography question
Where you live in Brussels should be informed by where your children will go to school. BSB families tend to cluster in Tervuren, Wezembeek-Oppem and Woluwe. ISB and St John’s families often live in Waterloo or Uccle. Families needing proximity to NATO tend toward Diegem, Kraainem, and the northern communes. Central locations (Ixelles, Etterbeek, Woluwe-Saint-Lambert) work for European Schools, BEPS and BIS.
Commute times in Brussels traffic can be unpredictable. Test the school-to-home journey at peak hours before signing a lease.
Admissions timing
For ISB, BSB and the European Schools, apply 12-18 months before your expected arrival. Waiting lists are common for popular year groups, and a late application does not guarantee a place.
Documents typically requested:
- Two years of school reports (with translation if not in English or French)
- Head teacher reference
- Passport copy for the child
- Vaccination records
- Language assessment samples for secondary applicants
- Evidence of posting or employment