Prague has become one of central Europe's most attractive expat capitals, with strong tech, finance and creative industries drawing international families. The international school market is smaller than in Vienna or Berlin but well established, and admissions are usually less competitive than in those cities. This 2026 admissions guide covers timelines, required documents, fees and curriculum-specific application notes for parents applying to schools in Prague.
Curricula available in Prague
Prague's international schools mostly offer one of three pathways: the IB Continuum (PYP, MYP, DP), the British system (UK National Curriculum, IGCSE, A-Level) and the American (US K-12 with AP). A handful of schools deliver bilingual Czech-English programmes that combine the Czech national curriculum with English-medium subjects. Choose the pathway that aligns with your home university system and your expected length of stay.
Top international schools in Prague
Prague British International School (PBIS)
UK National Curriculum from Early Years to Year 13, with IGCSE and A-Level at the top end. Strong fit for British and European families targeting UK universities. View Prague British International School.
Perrott Hill British School Prague
UK Curriculum with a more boutique feel and smaller cohort sizes; popular with families wanting a less corporate environment. View Perrott Hill British School Prague.
BASIS Prague International School
The Prague campus of the US-based BASIS group, offering a high-rigour AP-focused curriculum from primary onwards. View BASIS Prague International School.
Leonardo Da Vinci Academy
An IB-influenced inquiry-based primary school in Prague with strong arts and project-based learning. Fits families who want a less traditional environment for the early years. View Leonardo Da Vinci Academy.
Royal Primary School (Královská základnà škola)
A bilingual Czech-English primary school for families looking to combine Czech curriculum integration with strong English. View Royal Primary School Prague.
The 2026 admissions timeline
Most Prague international schools accept applications from October the year before entry, with offers issued from January through April. Popular years (Reception, Year 7 and Year 12 / DP1) tend to fill first. Mid-year admissions are common in Prague because expat turnover follows assignment cycles, so do not assume a place is impossible just because your move falls outside September. Ask each shortlist for the current waiting list status by year group.
Documents you need to prepare
Standard application package: a completed application form, the application fee (CZK 2,000–5,000), passport copies for parents and child, the child's birth certificate (with apostille and Czech translation if non-EU), the last two years of school reports (translated to English where applicable), a reference letter from the current head teacher, immunisation records meeting Czech public health requirements, and proof of address (rental contract or trvalý pobyt registration). For non-EU families, schools also request the visa or residence permit status.
Assessment process
From Year 3 onwards, most schools run an in-house assessment in English literacy and maths. Year 7 and Year 12 entrants are also typically invited to a parent-and-child interview. Plan to spend half a day on campus for the assessment day. Schools will support EAL learners but most expect at least beginner conversational English from Year 5 onwards.
2026 fee guidance
Annual tuition for Prague international schools sits in these bands:
- Reception / Year 1: CZK 280,000–410,000
- Primary (Years 2–6): CZK 320,000–460,000
- Lower Secondary (Years 7–9): CZK 360,000–510,000
- IB Diploma / A-Level: CZK 410,000–560,000
Add registration (CZK 8,000–20,000), capital levy (CZK 25,000–50,000, sometimes annual), bus, lunch, residential trips and external exam fees in the final two years.
Practical tips for a smooth application
Apply 4–9 months before your target start date. Visit the campus before signing — Prague schools have very different campus cultures despite a similar curriculum mix. If your child is below B1 English, prioritise schools with documented EAL programmes (PBIS and BASIS publish theirs publicly). For Year 12 entrants, line up subject choices for the IB Diploma or A-Levels at application stage; many schools cap subject combinations to keep classes viable.
Compare every school in detail
Use ISA to compare regulated international schools across the Czech Republic: Compare international schools on ISA.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need Czech residency before applying?
No. Schools accept applications from non-resident families, but enrolment paperwork (signing the contract, paying the registration fee) typically requires a residence permit application in progress for non-EU families.
Do international schools in Prague teach Czech?
Most do at primary level as part of the foreign-language programme. Bilingual schools include daily Czech instruction. Few international schools require Czech as a condition of enrolment.
How competitive is Year 12 entry?
Year 12 (DP1) is the most competitive entry point in Prague because schools cap class sizes for the Diploma. Apply by November of the previous academic year and pre-confirm subject choices early.