Munich combines a strong economy, a thriving tech and engineering sector and a network of well-established international schools that draw expat families across Bavaria. Applying to an international school in Munich for 2026 takes planning. This guide explains the admissions process step by step, including timelines, documents and language support.
The Munich international school landscape
Most Munich international schools follow either the IB continuum, the English National Curriculum, the American framework, or a bilingual programme leading to the Bavarian Abitur. Some are recognised as Ergänzungsschulen and others as Ersatzschulen, which determines the diploma your child receives at the end of secondary school. Read each school's accreditation page carefully before applying.
The admissions calendar
Most international schools in Munich open admissions twelve months ahead of the September intake. The most popular schools open registration in September or October of the previous year, with assessment days from November to February and offers issued from January through April. Mid-year places appear from time to time, but the key intake is the autumn one. Note that German Ersatzschulen sometimes have firmer enrolment windows tied to the Bavarian school year.
Top international schools in Munich
Munich International School
MIS is an established IB World School running PYP, MYP and the IB Diploma on a campus south of Munich. It is the city's most internationally recognised English-medium option. See Munich International School profile on ISA.
Bavarian International School
BIS offers IB programmes from PYP to Diploma, with two campuses in Haimhausen and Munich. The school serves a broad mix of expat and German families. See Bavarian International School profile on ISA.
St. George's The British International School Munich
St. George's follows the English National Curriculum from Early Years through to A Levels and IGCSE, with strong arts and STEM programmes. See St. George's The British International School Munich profile on ISA.
Phorms Bilingual School Munich
Phorms is a bilingual German-English school recognised as an Ersatzschule, leading to either the German Abitur or international qualifications. See Phorms Bilingual School Munich profile on ISA.
European School Munich
The European School Munich serves children of EU institution staff and other international families and delivers the European Baccalaureate in multiple language sections. See European School Munich profile on ISA.
Documents you will need
Plan to gather the following: the last two years of school reports, an official teacher recommendation, your child's passport, proof of vaccinations, and a parental statement. For older children, expect a written assessment in English and Maths and a virtual or on-campus interview. Bavarian Ersatzschulen may also request your registration with the city office once the family arrives.
Language support and EAL
Ask each school whether English as an Additional Language is included in the standard tuition or charged separately, and whether the support is delivered through pull-out lessons, in-class assistants, or both. For families wanting their child to learn German, look at the bilingual schools and the proportion of teaching time spent in each language by year group. The most fluent outcomes happen when both languages are used daily across multiple subjects.
Tuition and the all-in cost of applying
Tuition at fully private international schools in Munich typically ranges from €18,000 to €27,000 per year, with bilingual Ersatzschulen often between €5,000 and €13,000 thanks to state subsidies. Application fees of €200 to €500 and one-off enrolment fees of €1,500 to €3,500 are common. Plan for capital levies, transport and exam fees that can add 10 to 15 per cent.
Tactics for a smooth application
Apply to two or three schools. Munich's competitive market means waitlists move slowly, and a backup option is essential. Visit campuses in person where possible, and ask current parents about pastoral care, transitions and sibling priority. Compare schools across Germany on International School Advisor to weigh nearby alternatives.
Settling in once the place is confirmed
Once you have an offer, secure your residence permit and confirm transport, lunches and uniform requirements. Munich's bus services often run only on certain corridors, so check the route from your accommodation. Many schools host welcome events for new families during the August week before term starts.
FAQs
When should I apply for an international school in Munich?
Submit applications nine to twelve months before the September start. The most popular schools fill earliest, especially in Year 1, Year 7 and Year 12 entry points. Mid-year admissions are possible but limited.
Do international schools in Munich provide language support?
Yes. English-medium schools run EAL programmes for non-native English speakers, while bilingual schools support both German and English. Confirm whether the support is included in tuition.
Can my child sit the German Abitur in an international school in Munich?
Yes. Bilingual Ersatzschulen lead to the Abitur or Internationales Abitur. Fully private international schools typically lead to the IB Diploma or A Levels instead.