Berlin's international school market has matured into one of the most varied in continental Europe, but the admissions process is also one of the more layered. If you are relocating to the German capital with school-age children, the difference between landing your first-choice school and joining a long waiting list often comes down to timing and paperwork. This 2026 guide walks through the private and international school admissions process in Berlin step by step, with realistic timelines, the documents you will need, and the language and assessment expectations you should plan for.
How private school admissions work in Berlin
Berlin operates a mixed system. State Gymnasien remain the default for most German families, but a parallel network of private bilingual and fully international schools serves the diplomatic community, expatriates, and German families seeking an English-medium or IB pathway. Most private schools manage their own admissions independently of the Berlin Senate, which means each school has its own deadlines, application portals, fees and assessment style.
For relocating families, the practical implication is that you should treat each shortlisted school as a separate application track. There is no Berlin-wide centralised allocation for international schools.
Admissions timeline at a glance
- September to November (year before entry): open days, virtual tours and waiting list registrations open at the major schools.
- October to January: application windows for August intakes typically open. Some schools accept rolling applications throughout the year.
- January to March: assessment days, parent interviews and school visits.
- February to May: offers issued, deposits requested and contracts signed.
- April to July: late and waitlisted families assessed against remaining places.
For families arriving mid-year, applications are usually possible at any time, but secondary entry into Years 10 and 11 (IGCSE / MSA preparation) is the most competitive and often closed by Easter.
Documents you will need to submit
Every Berlin private and international school will request a similar core file. Have these ready before you start applications to avoid delays:
- Completed application form and registration fee (typically EUR 100 to EUR 300, non-refundable)
- Copy of the child's passport and parents' passports
- Last two academic years of school reports, in English or German (translations should be certified)
- Birth certificate
- Vaccination record, including measles status (mandatory in Germany under the Masernschutzgesetz)
- Anmeldung (proof of Berlin address registration) once available
- Any educational psychology assessments or learning support reports
- A short letter or essay from the child for older year groups
You do not need German residency to apply; most schools will accept conditional applications subject to the visa and Anmeldung being completed before the start date.
Assessment and interview process
Most Berlin international schools assess candidates in three areas: English language proficiency, academic readiness in maths and literacy, and a short interview with the child and at least one parent. Reception and Year 1 entries focus on social readiness rather than formal testing. From Year 3 onwards, expect short written tasks. From Year 7 onwards, expect a more formal CAT4 or in-house assessment plus a written component.
For German bilingual schools, an additional assessment of German language ability is normal. Schools differ on whether they accept students with limited German into bilingual streams.
Top private and international schools in Berlin to shortlist
Berlin Brandenburg International School (BBIS)
BBIS in Kleinmachnow is one of Berlin's longest-established full IB continuum schools, offering PYP, MYP and the Diploma Programme to students from age 3 to 18. The school has a residential boarding option and a strong reputation for university placement. View BBIS profile.
Berlin International School
Located in Schöneberg, Berlin International School (BIS) follows the IB framework and is a popular choice for families who want central access and an established international community. Admissions are competitive and demand is high in Reception and Year 7. View Berlin International School profile.
John F. Kennedy School Berlin
JFK is a unique German-American bilingual school operated as a public school by the Berlin Senate, with a sizeable cohort of US passport-holding students. Places are limited and admissions favour families holding US or German citizenship; spaces for other internationals depend on year-group capacity. View JFK School profile.
Berlin Cosmopolitan School
An IB World School in Berlin Mitte, Cosmopolitan offers a full PYP through Diploma pathway with a focus on multilingualism. The central location works well for families based in the inner-city districts. View Berlin Cosmopolitan profile.
Berlin Metropolitan School
Berlin Metropolitan School in Mitte is a state-recognised bilingual school running PYP, MYP and the IB Diploma. It draws a balanced mix of German and international families and is widely seen as one of the more accessible IB options in the city. View Berlin Metropolitan School profile.
Tuition fees and what they include
Realistic 2026 ranges for full international and private bilingual schools in Berlin:
- Early Years and Reception: EUR 9,000 to EUR 16,000
- Primary (Years 1 to 6): EUR 12,000 to EUR 21,000
- Lower Secondary (Years 7 to 9): EUR 14,000 to EUR 23,000
- IGCSE / MYP (Years 10 to 11): EUR 16,000 to EUR 25,000
- IB Diploma (Years 12 to 13): EUR 18,000 to EUR 28,000
JFK School (state-funded) charges a small annual fee. Most fees do not include lunches, transport, school trips or after-school activities. A registration deposit (often EUR 1,000 to EUR 3,000) and an annual building or capital levy is common.
Language support during admissions
If your child does not yet speak fluent English, ask each school directly about their EAL (English as an Additional Language) support model and whether places in their EAL programme are capped. The same applies to German support: bilingual schools will often expect rapid German uptake and may limit non-German-speaking entrants per year group.
Compare top international schools across Germany
For a wider view of leading international schools in Germany and their fee bands, see the latest International School Advisor school directory and use the country and region filters.
FAQ
When should I apply to private schools in Berlin?
Aim to apply 9 to 12 months ahead for autumn intake at top schools. For mid-year arrivals, applications can be made at any time but availability narrows quickly in Years 7 to 11.
Do I need to speak German to enrol my child in a Berlin international school?
No. Fully international schools teach in English and accept non-German-speaking children. Bilingual schools may require German proficiency for higher year groups or assess language readiness as part of admissions.
Are vaccination records mandatory for Berlin school entry?
Yes. Under the Masernschutzgesetz (Measles Protection Act) all children attending school in Germany must show proof of measles vaccination or immunity before enrolment is finalised.