Brussels is one of the most internationally dense capitals in Europe. EU institutions, NATO, the European Parliament and a long roster of multinational HQs put it on the map for relocating families well before Frankfurt or Amsterdam. That density has built one of the densest concentrations of international schools in continental Europe — and one of the most competitive admissions markets if you're not on a guaranteed EU-institution placement.
This 2026 admissions guide explains how to apply to international schools in Brussels as an expat family: the timeline, the documents, the entry-test format, fees in euros, and the practical considerations that decide whether you get the offer letter.
The Brussels admissions calendar
Most Brussels international schools follow the British or American academic calendar, with the year starting in late August or early September. The 2026 admissions cycle for a September 2026 start runs roughly:
- September – November 2025: applications open. Top-tier schools (St John's, BEPS, ISF Waterloo) start filling Foundation Stage, Year 7 and Year 12 immediately.
- November – February: entrance assessments. English-language and maths tests for Year 7+; cognitive screening for Foundation and KS1.
- December – March: offer letters issued, deposits due within 14–28 days.
- March – June: waitlist movement as families relocate or postpone.
- July – August: registration paperwork, residence permits, transport confirmations.
- September: term starts.
Documents you will need
- Child's passport and residence permit (or proof of pending application).
- Latest 2 years' school reports, translated to English where needed.
- Transfer Certificate from the current school.
- Reference letter from the current head teacher.
- Vaccination card and recent medical certificate.
- Family Composition certificate from the commune (Compositie van gezin / Composition de ménage) once you've registered residency.
- For Year 12 / IB Diploma entry, predicted IGCSE grades or equivalent.
- Recent IELTS / Cambridge B1 (KS3) or B2 (Sixth Form) if the child's primary language of instruction has not been English.
Top international schools in Brussels
St John's International School
Catholic-founded, IB World School delivering the PYP, MYP and Diploma from age 2 to 18. The default for many UN and NATO families. Located in Waterloo, southern Brussels. View St John's International School profile.
International School of Flanders Waterloo (ISF)
Trilingual (English-French-Dutch) primary and secondary, IB Diploma at sixth form. Strong fit for families wanting genuine multilingual immersion. View ISF Waterloo profile.
BEPS International School
Brussels-based primary IB PYP school (ages 2.5–11) followed by a separate IB MYP/DP campus. Small cohort, highly multilingual student body, central location. View BEPS profile.
Bogaerts International School
Anglophone, secular K–12 school. Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level pathway. Centrally located, smaller scale, useful for short-posting families. View Bogaerts International School profile.
The British Junior Academy of Brussels
English National Curriculum primary specialist (ages 3–11) preparing children for entry to senior British or international schools. Good middle-ground for British families on 3–5 year postings. View British Junior Academy profile.
Brussels American School
SHAPE / military-connected K–12 American school delivering the American high school diploma and AP courses. Strong fit for US Department of Defense families. View Brussels American School profile.
Fees in Brussels (2025/26)
Annual tuition ranges in euros:
- Early Years / Kindergarten: €10,500 – €18,500
- Primary (Years 1–6): €14,500 – €24,500
- Lower secondary (Years 7–9): €19,500 – €28,500
- IGCSE / MYP (Years 10–11): €22,500 – €31,500
- IB Diploma / A-Level (Years 12–13): €25,500 – €35,500
Add a one-off enrolment fee of €1,500 – €5,000 and an annual capital levy / building fund of €750 – €1,500. EU-institution families and NATO/SHAPE personnel often have fees covered by their employer's education allowance.
Practical admissions tips
- Register two terms early. Top schools fill Year 7 and Year 12 by late spring. EU-institution families often have priority allocation — non-institution families need to be on the waitlist sooner.
- Confirm the curriculum match. IB Diploma vs A-Level vs French Bac vs American HS diploma — switching mid-secondary is costly and often impossible after Year 10.
- Get the residence first. Many schools require a Belgian residence registration before issuing a final offer.
- Use the European School (EEB) option if eligible. Children of EU institution staff get fully subsidised places at one of Brussels' four European Schools.
- Live near the school. Tervuren, Waterloo, Sint-Genesius-Rode and the southern communes cluster the biggest international school bus loops.
Browse more international schools
For a wider European or global comparison, browse the rankings on International School Advisor.
FAQ
Do EU staff children have priority at Brussels international schools?
At the four European Schools (EEB), yes — children of EU-institution staff have fully subsidised guaranteed places. Other international schools allocate places on merit and waitlist order.
What is the difference between St John's and ISF Waterloo?
St John's is English-medium with French as second language and a Catholic ethos. ISF Waterloo is genuinely trilingual (English-French-Dutch) and secular. Both deliver the IB Diploma.
How much do international schools in Brussels cost in 2026?
Tuition runs €10,500 in Early Years to €35,500 at the IB Diploma level, depending on the school. EU and NATO families typically have these fees covered by their employer.