Admissions for international schools in Paris run on a tighter calendar than many newcomers expect. Premium schools open registration in October for the following September, with most decisions finalised by April. This 2026 guide explains the Paris admissions calendar, the documents you will need, the typical assessment formats, fee ranges in euros and the French legal requirements (such as the obligatory certificat de radiation) that every relocating family must understand.
The Paris international school landscape
Paris and the ÃŽle-de-France region host roughly 30 fully international schools delivering British, American, IB, French bilingual and national-curriculum options (German, Japanese, Swedish and others). Most are concentrated in the 7th, 8th and 16th arrondissements, the western suburbs (Neuilly, Saint-Cloud, Boulogne) and along the RER A line toward Saint-Germain-en-Laye. Choice in central Paris is high but seats fill early; western suburbs offer more space, larger campuses and shorter waitlists.
Admissions calendar at a glance
The French academic year starts in early September. Premium international schools open applications between October and December for the September intake. Assessments and parent interviews are typically scheduled January to March, with offers issued February to April. Mid-year intakes are possible but limited; the most reliable window for a January start is to apply by the previous September.
Step-by-step admissions process
1) Shortlist three to five schools based on curriculum, fees and commute time (assume 35 to 45 minutes door to door from central Paris to the western suburbs at school-bus times). 2) Submit the online application form with the registration fee (typically €150 to €500). 3) Provide the documents listed below. 4) Sit the school's assessment — typically Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT4), an in-house entrance test for older students, or play-based observation for Maternelle. 5) Attend the parent and child interview. 6) Receive offer and pay the deposit (often €1,500 to €5,000). 7) Sign the contract and complete onboarding (school bus, lunches, after-school activities).
Documents you will need
French international schools typically request: child's passport copy, parents' passport and visa or residence permit copies, the child's last two school reports translated into English or French (sworn translation), a certificat de radiation from the child's previous school (mandatory in France for any new enrolment from a French school, and increasingly requested for foreign transfers), birth certificate, vaccination record matching the French calendar (DTP and others are compulsory), recent passport-style photograph, and proof of address in Paris (utility bill, lease or employer letter). Plan certified translations early, particularly for non-Latin alphabet documents.
Leading Paris international schools to consider
International School of Paris
An IB World School in the 16th arrondissement offering the full PYP, MYP and DP continuum, ISP is a popular choice for families relocating from English-speaking countries. Profile: International School of Paris.
American School of Paris
The American School of Paris in Saint-Cloud is the city's flagship American-curriculum option with AP and IB Diploma pathways, an extensive co-curricular programme and a large green campus. Profile: American School of Paris.
The British School of Paris
Located in Croissy-sur-Seine, the British School of Paris delivers the English National Curriculum from Reception through Year 13 (IGCSE and A Level). Strong with families on UK or Commonwealth track. Profile: The British School of Paris.
Ecole Jeannine Manuel
A founding member of the French bilingual movement, Ecole Jeannine Manuel offers a French-English bilingual programme leading to the French Baccalauréat and IB Diploma. Highly competitive entry from age 5. Profile: Ecole Jeannine Manuel.
Bilingual International School of Paris
BISP in the 17th arrondissement offers a French-English bilingual primary and a strong reputation for personalised attention. Profile: Bilingual International School of Paris.
Fees, deposits and what to expect
Annual tuition at Paris international schools typically ranges from €18,000 in early years at bilingual schools to €35,000 to €42,000 at the upper IB Diploma level in flagship campuses. Plan to pay a non-refundable application fee (€150 to €500), an enrolment fee (€2,000 to €5,000), a refundable deposit (often €1,500), and recurring annual costs for school bus (€2,500 to €3,500), lunches, books and trips. Some schools require a one-off contribution to a parents' association.
Language support and the French context
Most Paris international schools provide English as an Additional Language (EAL) support and French as a foreign language at all levels. However, capacity varies and bilingual schools expect a baseline level of French from age 7 upward. If your child does not speak French, prioritise schools with a structured beginner-French stream, or plan a summer immersion before September.
Use our France school ranking
For a side-by-side comparison of fees, curricula and reviews of Paris and France-wide international schools, browse our independent ranking of the best international schools in France for 2026.
Frequently asked questions
When do Paris international school applications open?
Most premium schools open registration in October for the following September. To secure a place at the most competitive schools, apply between October and December.
Is the certificat de radiation always required?
Yes for transfers from a French school. Many international schools also request an equivalent letter from a foreign previous school confirming end of enrolment, to comply with French school-attendance law.
Do Paris international schools provide language support?
Most provide English as an Additional Language and French as a foreign language. Capacity varies — confirm placement and level on offer before accepting the place, especially for older children.