Berlin's international school sector has expanded rapidly since 2018, with a wider mix of British, American, IB and bilingual schools than almost any other German city. For expat families moving from London, New York, Singapore or further afield, that abundance is a double-edged sword: more options, but also more confusing paperwork, more competing timelines and more language hurdles. This 2026 step-by-step guide walks through international school admissions in Berlin from first enquiry to signed enrolment contract.
Step 1: Understand which schools require Anmeldepflicht
German law requires every child between 6 and 15 to attend school. Berlin enforces this through Anmeldepflicht (registration duty) with the local Schulamt. Some international schools are state-recognised Ergänzungsschulen (supplementary schools) and you must inform the Schulamt that your child is enrolled. Others are Ersatzschulen (replacement schools) and the school itself files the paperwork.
Ask each school directly which category they fall under and whether they handle the Anmeldepflicht for you. The wrong assumption here can delay your residence permit.
Step 2: Build your shortlist (target 4 to 6 schools)
Berlin's international school cluster splits roughly into three groups:
- Full English-medium IB / American schools – Berlin Brandenburg International School, Berlin British School, Berlin International School, JFK American School, Wangari Maathai International School
- Bilingual German-English schools – Phorms Bilingual School Berlin (Mitte and Süd), Berlin Cosmopolitan School, Platanus School Berlin, Nelson Mandela School
- Niche / progressive schools – International Montessori School Berlin, Swiss International School Berlin
Visit each school's website and confirm three things: curriculum, age range, and language of instruction. Then book tours for your top 4 to 6 — most schools offer monthly open mornings.
Step 3: Confirm available places by year group
Before submitting full applications, email each school and ask explicitly whether your child's year group has open spaces for the August 2026 intake. Berlin's most sought-after primary year (Year 1 or Klasse 1) and the Diploma start year fill earliest, often by November. Mid-year arrivals can sometimes find places in less-known year groups.
Step 4: Prepare the application file
Each school will have its own application form, but the underlying documents are similar. Prepare:
- Completed application form (per school)
- Birth certificate (translated if not in English or German)
- Passport or ID
- School reports for the last 2 to 3 academic years (translated into English or German)
- A teacher or principal reference letter
- Vaccination records (Berlin requires proof of measles vaccination)
- Recent passport-style photos
- For older students: a sample of written work and any standardised test results
Step 5: Pay application fees and book assessments
Application fees in Berlin range from EUR 100 to EUR 350 per school. Most schools also require an entry assessment for ages 7+. Typical formats include:
- CAT4 or MAP testing for English-medium schools
- Internal reading and maths assessments
- A short interview with the head of section and the child
- For bilingual schools, a German language baseline check
Assessments are often held on a single open day each month, so book early.
Step 6: Featured Berlin schools to consider
Berlin Brandenburg International School (BBIS)
A full IB World School in Kleinmachnow offering PYP, MYP and the Diploma, with boarding from Year 9. Strong fit for diplomatic and transient assignments. View BBIS on ISA.
Berlin British School
Independent British curriculum school in Charlottenburg, IGCSE and A-Level outcomes, with a structured EAL programme for new arrivals. View Berlin British School on ISA.
Berlin International School
State-recognised bilingual school offering the IB Diploma alongside the Abitur. A strong choice for families planning to stay long-term in Germany. View Berlin International School on ISA.
Phorms Bilingual School Berlin Mitte
Central Berlin location with a bilingual German-English programme from kindergarten through Abitur. Popular with dual-career families working in Mitte and Friedrichshain. View Phorms Berlin Mitte on ISA.
Berlin Cosmopolitan School
Bilingual school in Mitte with an explicit international focus, offering both German Abitur and IB tracks. Strong arts and music programmes. View Berlin Cosmopolitan School on ISA.
Step 7: Understand language support
Almost all Berlin international schools accept children with limited German, but the type of support varies. Full-immersion bilingual schools expect basic German at older ages (typically Klasse 5 and above). Pure IB or British-curriculum schools accept zero German and provide pull-out EAL classes plus host-language German. Ask each school for their entry threshold by year.
Step 8: Sign the enrolment contract and notify the Schulamt
Once accepted, schools send a Schulvertrag (enrolment contract). Read carefully — terms of withdrawal (usually 1 to 6 months notice) and annual fee increases (typically capped at 5%) are buried in the small print. Pay the registration deposit (EUR 1,500 to 3,000) and then either you or the school files the Anmeldung with the local Schulamt. Keep the confirmation — you will need it for residence and Kindergeld applications.
Admissions timeline at a glance (2026/27)
- Sept–Oct 2025: shortlist 4–6 schools, book tours
- Nov 2025–Jan 2026: submit applications and pay fees
- Feb–Apr 2026: assessments and interviews
- Apr–May 2026: offer letters, accept place
- Jun–Jul 2026: sign contract, register with Schulamt
- Aug–Sept 2026: term begins
Browse the full Berlin ranking
For the complete list of international schools in Berlin with profiles, fees and reviews, see the best international schools in Berlin on ISA.
FAQ
Can my child join an international school in Berlin mid-year?
Yes. Most Berlin international schools accept mid-year transfers if places are available, especially between January and Easter. Apply at least 6 to 8 weeks before the planned start date.
Do international schools in Berlin require German?
English-medium IB and British schools do not require German at entry. Bilingual schools usually require basic German from Klasse 5 onwards. All schools teach German as a host language so children make rapid progress regardless.
How much do international schools in Berlin cost?
Expect EUR 8,000 to 22,000 per year depending on year group and school. Bilingual schools that receive state subsidy are at the lower end; full English-medium IB and British schools sit toward the upper end. Add EUR 1,500 to 3,000 in enrolment fees and EUR 2,000 to 4,000 in annual extras.