International School Admissions in Luxembourg: 2026 Step-by-Step Guide

Quick answer: how do international school admissions work in Luxembourg? Apply online six to twelve months ahead, send school reports, passports and proof of address, and expect an assessment or interview. Private schools such as ISL and St. George's charge an application fee and may have waiting lists. Public international schools are free, but places depend on residence and language level.

Last reviewed: September 2026 by Emma from ISA. Fee ranges are indicative; always confirm with the school.

Luxembourg is one of the most international countries in Europe: close to half of its residents hold a foreign passport, and in the capital the share is even higher. That makes international school admissions in Luxembourg a busy process, with strong demand at private schools and a fast-growing public international sector. The good news is that the system is well organised and transparent once you know the steps. This guide walks you through the timeline, the documents and the choices that matter, whether you are arriving for a job at an EU institution, a bank or a tech company.

Understanding Luxembourg's school landscape

The Luxembourg state school system is trilingual. Children learn in Luxembourgish in early years, then mostly in German in primary, with French added early and becoming more important in secondary. It is an excellent system for families staying long term, but it can be hard for children who arrive at eight or twelve with no German or French.

That is why most expat families look at three groups of schools. First, private international schools that charge fees. Second, the European Schools, which give priority to children of EU institution staff. Third, public international schools, a network the government has expanded over the last decade, which follow international programmes and are free for residents. Getting around is easy: public transport has been free across the whole country since 29 February 2020, so a school on the other side of the city is often more reachable than it looks on the map.

Curricula you can choose from

International Baccalaureate (PYP, MYP and Diploma), offered at several private and public schools.
British curriculum leading to IGCSE and A Levels.
European Baccalaureate at the European Schools and the accredited public European schools, taught in language sections.
French curriculum leading to the French baccalauréat.
Luxembourg national curriculum, including international sections in some state lycées.

Five Luxembourg schools and how they admit students

International School of Luxembourg (ISL)

ISL is the oldest English-language private school in the country and runs the IB programmes from early years to the Diploma. Admissions are rolling, with an online application, previous reports and a teacher reference. Some year groups fill up, so applying in the autumn for the following September is wise.

St. George's International School

St. George's follows the British curriculum through IGCSE and A Levels. The school asks for reports, a reference and, for older pupils, an assessment in English and maths. It is popular with British families and with those who want a structured, exam-focused path.

European School Luxembourg

The European School Luxembourg admits children in categories. Category I, children of staff of EU institutions, has a right to a place and pays no fees. Other families can apply only where places remain, and those places are limited. Applications open in the spring for the following school year.

Lycée Michel Lucius International School

Lycée Michel Lucius is a public school with an English-language international section, and it is free for residents. Demand is high and admission depends on residence, language level and available places. Families should contact the school early and prepare to show proof of address in Luxembourg.

Athénée de Luxembourg

The Athénée is the country's oldest secondary school and offers the IB Diploma in English alongside the national curriculum. It suits teenagers who want a rigorous public option. Entry to the IB section typically requires good English and a solid academic record.

Fees, deposits and what to budget

Admissions costs depend heavily on which group of schools you choose.

Private international schools: tuition of roughly €15,000 to €35,000 a year depending on age, plus an application fee of a few hundred euros and a one-off enrolment or capital fee that can reach several thousand euros.
European School for non-priority families: fees apply and vary by cycle, when places are available.
Public international schools: no tuition for residents, though you will pay for some books, trips and meals.
Extras: school meals, after-school care (maison relais for younger children), uniforms at British schools and exam fees for IGCSE, A Levels or the IB.

Many employers in finance and the EU institutions contribute to school fees, so ask HR before you choose. The contract details often decide whether a private school is realistic.

A step-by-step admissions timeline

Nine to twelve months before: shortlist schools, check curriculum fit and ask about waiting lists. For public international schools, check the rules on residence and the application window, as they differ from private schools.

Six to nine months before: submit applications with the last two years of school reports, passports, birth certificates, vaccination records and any learning support reports. Pay application fees where required.

Three to six months before: attend assessments or interviews, which may be online if you are still abroad. Once you receive an offer, pay the deposit within the deadline or you may lose the place.

On arrival: register your address at the commune. Public schools will need this certificate of residence, and it is also useful for private school paperwork.

Mistakes families make and how to avoid them

Applying to only one school. Even strong candidates can miss out when a class is full. Apply to at least two or three schools, ideally mixing private and public options, and keep every offer letter until your plans are settled.

Ignoring the language pathway. A child who starts in an English-only programme at ten may struggle to move into the state system later. Think about how long you expect to stay in Luxembourg and whether a French or German section would keep more doors open.

Leaving housing until last. Where you live affects which public schools you can access and how long the daily commute takes, even with free transport. Decide on the school shortlist and the neighbourhood together.

Compare Luxembourg schools before you apply

Admissions is easier when your shortlist is right from the start. Use our ranking to compare curricula, languages and parent reviews in one place: see the best schools in Luxembourg.

More guides to schools in Luxembourg

Frequently asked questions

Can my child join a public international school in Luxembourg for free?

Yes, public international schools do not charge tuition to residents. Admission depends on residence in Luxembourg, the child's language level and available places, and popular schools fill quickly. Contact the school well before your move and have proof of address ready, as this is usually needed to complete registration.

Do I need to speak French or German to enrol my child?

Not at English-language international schools, which teach mainly in English and include French or German as a subject. The state system is different: children learn in Luxembourgish, German and French, so older children arriving without those languages usually find an international or European school an easier start.

Is there a waiting list at Luxembourg international schools?

Some year groups at private schools and the European School have waiting lists, especially in early years and at entry points such as the start of secondary. Applying six to twelve months ahead improves your chances. If you are placed on a list, ask how it is ordered and whether siblings or employer agreements take priority.