Dublin's international school market is small, distinctive, and increasingly competitive. Most expat families relocating to Ireland in 2026 will be choosing between a handful of long-established international schools concentrated around the city's south-eastern suburbs and along the DART rail line. The good news: the application process is more transparent than in many European capitals. The catch: places at the leading schools are filled 9 to 18 months in advance.
This step-by-step guide walks through international school admissions in Dublin: how the calendar works, what documents you need, what the entry assessment looks like, and how to navigate the Irish residency requirements that often catch families off guard.
The 2026 admissions calendar
- September – November (the year before entry): School visits, shortlist, online enquiries. Many Dublin international schools open their formal application window in October.
- December – February: Application submission, entry assessment, family interviews.
- March – April: Offers issued for the following September.
- May – June: Place confirmations, fee deposits, uniform and book orders.
- August – early September: Start of school year.
The Irish school year runs early September to late June. Mid-year arrivals are possible, but the most established schools are typically full by January for the current year.
Documents the schools will ask for
- Apostilled birth certificate.
- Apostilled academic transcripts from the last two years.
- Two academic references (current class teacher and either head of year or principal).
- Passport copies and details of Irish residency status or visa application.
- PPS number for the student if already issued.
- Vaccination records (translated into English if not already).
- Recent psychoeducational assessments if the student has any learning support need.
Entry assessment and language testing
Most international schools in Dublin assess applicants in English language, mathematics and a short cognitive ability test, age-appropriate. For non-native English speakers, the language assessment determines whether the school can offer the right level of EAL (English as an Additional Language) support. SEK International School Dublin and the international schools below all run structured EAL programmes; some have language-conditional admission.
Top international schools and what their admissions process looks like
SEK International School Dublin
Bilingual IB Continuum school (PYP, MYP, DP), part of the SEK education group. Strong fit for families wanting an IB pathway from age 3 onwards. Admissions open in October for the following September; entry assessment is age-appropriate and runs through January. School profile on ISA.
Nord Anglia International School Dublin
Newer entrant offering the National Curriculum for England with IB Diploma in Sixth Form. A growing campus that often has more available places at lower year groups than longer-established schools. School profile on ISA.
International School of Dublin
Primary-only IB PYP school, popular with families on shorter assignments who want the international qualification and warm transition. Smaller cohort with individualised attention. School profile on ISA.
St Kilian's German School Dublin
Bilingual English-German school with the Irish Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate, plus the German Sprachdiplom. Useful for families with German connection or planning onward German postings. School profile on ISA.
Lycée Français d'Irlande
French-curriculum school for francophone families, also widely used by Irish families wanting a French education. Strict French entry requirements at upper secondary. School profile on ISA.
St Andrew's College Booterstown
Day school offering the Irish curriculum (Junior Cycle, Leaving Certificate) and IB Diploma. Strong fit for families staying in Ireland medium-term who want a recognisable Irish credential plus international option. School profile on ISA.
Sutton Park School
Independent international-friendly school in north Dublin offering the Irish curriculum and a long history with expat families. Smaller and more selective than the larger Dublin schools. School profile on ISA.
2026 fee context
Dublin international school fees are quoted in euros and sit roughly between Madrid and London for comparable schools. Indicative 2026 annual tuition (excluding extras):
- Early Years and Primary: €11,500 – €18,500
- Junior Cycle / Lower Secondary: €14,500 – €22,000
- Leaving Certificate / IB Diploma / A-Level: €17,500 – €26,500
Enrolment fees of €500–€2,500 are typical and usually non-refundable. Lunch, transport, uniforms and trips are additional. Some schools offer modest sibling discounts; ask in writing.
Step-by-step admissions checklist
- Confirm curriculum preference (IB Continuum, British, French, German, Irish + IB).
- Shortlist three to four schools across neighbourhoods.
- Book visits 9–12 months before the intended start date.
- Gather and apostille academic records.
- Submit applications by each school's deadline (most close in January or February).
- Sit the entry assessment and complete the family interview.
- Accept the offer with the required deposit by the school's deadline.
- Lock in uniform, transport and after-school commitments.
Frequently asked questions
How early should I apply for a Dublin international school?
For the most established schools (SEK Dublin, St Andrew's, St Kilian's), aim to apply 12 to 18 months before the intended start date. For newer schools such as Nord Anglia, 6 to 9 months is usually sufficient for lower year groups.
Do my children need an Irish PPS number to enrol?
You can usually start the application without a PPS number, but it will be required before the place is formally confirmed. Apply for the PPS number as soon as you arrive — appointments are available through the Department of Social Protection.
Are international schools in Dublin private or public?
Almost all named international schools in Dublin are private fee-paying schools. Ireland's free public school system delivers the Irish curriculum in English, with strong EAL support in many schools, but international qualifications such as IB or A-Level are only offered at private and a small number of fee-paying voluntary schools.
Compare Dublin international schools side by side, with admissions notes and verified profiles, on International School Advisor.