Prague is one of central Europe's quietly important hubs for English-speaking families — anchored by tech and shared-services employers, the European Union Agency for the Space Programme and a deep biomedical research base. International school admissions in Prague are competitive but follow a predictable timeline if you start early enough. This 2026 step-by-step guide walks through the application process from first enquiry to a signed enrolment contract, including the documents the Czech authorities and the schools actually need.
Step 1: Understand the Czech school year and enrolment law
The Czech school year runs from 1 September to 30 June, with three terms separated by autumn, winter, spring and Easter breaks. Czech law (zákon č. 561/2004 Sb.) requires every child resident from age 6 to age 15 to attend compulsory schooling. Foreign-curriculum schools either hold a Ministerstvo školstvà exemption or operate as registered Czech private schools — both are recognised but the paperwork you submit will differ slightly.
Step 2: Shortlist 4 to 6 schools
Prague's English-medium and bilingual cluster is more concentrated than Berlin or Vienna. A balanced shortlist usually includes:
- 1 to 2 IB World Schools (full IB continuum)
- 1 British curriculum school (IGCSE / A-Levels)
- 1 American curriculum option with AP
- 1 bilingual Czech-English school for longer-term integration
Geography matters in Prague. Most established international schools cluster in Prague 5, 6 and the Nebušice / Praha-západ corridor; bilingual options are more central in Prague 2 and Prague 4.
Step 3: Featured schools to consider
International School of Prague
Long-established American curriculum school with the IB Diploma in upper secondary. Strong university outcomes and a large international student body. View International School of Prague on ISA.
Park Lane International School
Full IB World School with the PYP, MYP and Diploma, on a campus in Prague 5. Strong arts and language programmes. View Park Lane International School on ISA.
The English College in Prague
British curriculum secondary school, IGCSE and A-Levels, with consistent UK-university placement and a strong scholarship programme. View The English College in Prague on ISA.
Prague British International School
British curriculum from Early Years to A-Levels, established expat pipeline and modern campus. View Prague British International School on ISA.
Riverside International School
British-curriculum primary and secondary, smaller school with a strong family ethos and EAL provision for new arrivals. View Riverside International School on ISA.
Step 4: Prepare the application file
Application files in Prague are similar across schools. Prepare:
- Completed application form (per school)
- Birth certificate (translated to Czech or English; apostilled if from outside the EU)
- Passport copies for child and at least one parent
- School reports for the last 2 to 3 years (translated)
- A teacher or principal reference letter
- Vaccination record (Czech law requires standard pediatric vaccinations — discuss with your GP early)
- Two passport-size photos
- For older students, recent test scores and a writing sample
Step 5: Pay application fees and book assessments
Application fees in Prague range from CZK 1,500 to CZK 8,000 (roughly EUR 60 to 320) per school. Most schools require an entry assessment from Year 3 / Grade 2 upwards. Expect:
- English reading and writing assessment
- Maths assessment matched to the relevant year group
- A short interview with the head of section
- For older students, CAT4 cognitive ability test and a writing piece
- For bilingual schools, a Czech language baseline check
Step 6: Understand Czech language support
All international schools in Prague teach Czech as a host language, with structured EAL support for English. Most English-medium schools accept zero Czech at entry; bilingual schools usually require basic Czech by upper primary. Children entering before age 9 typically reach conversational Czech within 24 months. Czech is harder than Spanish or Italian, so plan for a longer adjustment.
Step 7: Sign the enrolment contract and pay the deposit
Prague school contracts are annual, automatically renewing. Read carefully for:
- Annual fee escalation (typically 3–6% in CZK)
- Late payment penalties
- Notice period to withdraw without penalty (usually 3 months)
- One-off capital or development fees, where they apply
- Sibling discount terms (most schools offer 5–10% off the second child)
Pay the registration deposit (usually CZK 25,000 to CZK 75,000) by SEPA transfer. Keep the confirmation — Czech residence permit applications for children request proof of school enrolment.
Step 8: Register with the local Town Hall (Magistrát)
Once enrolled, your child's school will issue a confirmation of enrolment for the relevant Magistrát. This document is required for residence permit issuance and renewal, and for accessing the public health system. Most schools handle the school's part of this paperwork directly.
Admissions timeline at a glance (2026/27)
- Sept–Oct 2025: shortlist 4–6 schools, book tours
- Nov 2025–Feb 2026: submit applications and pay fees
- Jan–April 2026: assessments and interviews
- Mar–May 2026: offer letters issued, accept place
- May–Jul 2026: sign contract, pay registration deposit
- Sept 2026: term begins
Browse more international schools globally
For comparative profiles, fees and reviews of international schools across Europe, browse the International School Advisor directory.
FAQ
Can my child join an international school in Prague mid-year?
Yes, mid-year transfers are accepted at most Prague international schools if places are available. Apply 6 to 8 weeks ahead of the planned start date and be ready for an interim assessment.
Do international schools in Prague require Czech?
English-medium IB and British schools do not require Czech at entry. Bilingual schools usually require basic Czech from upper primary onwards. All schools teach Czech as a host language so children make steady progress.
How much do international schools in Prague cost?
Plan CZK 250,000 to CZK 650,000 (approximately EUR 10,000 to EUR 26,000) per child per year depending on year group and school. Add CZK 25,000 to CZK 75,000 in registration fees and CZK 30,000 to CZK 80,000 in annual extras (lunch, bus, IB exam fees).