Munich is the most international working city in Germany after Frankfurt — global HQs for BMW, Siemens, Allianz, Linde and a fast-growing tech scene continuously pull in expat families. What still surprises many newcomers is how serious Munich is about bilingual education: the city has the densest cluster of accredited bilingual primaries in Germany, and a healthy choice of fully international secondaries with the IB Diploma and the German Abitur.
This 2026 family guide explains how bilingual and international schooling works in Munich, the schools English-speaking families consistently choose, fees in euros, and the practical considerations of admissions in Bavaria.
Three pathways for expat families in Munich
Munich offers a clearer three-way choice than most European cities:
- Fully international schools. English-medium from Kindergarten through to the IB Diploma. Tuition is at European premium levels but the path is fully portable.
- Bilingual private schools. Genuine 50/50 English-German delivery from age 5 onward, leading to either the German Abitur or the IB Diploma. Fees are typically 30-40% below the fully international option.
- State Gymnasium with bilingual or English-section. Bavarian state secondary schools with English-stream classes — most affordable, but require German fluency by lower secondary.
Top bilingual and international schools in Munich
Bavarian International School (BIS)
The largest fully English-medium IB World School in southern Germany. Full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, Diploma) and the only Munich school where children can take the IB across the full age range. Two campuses (Haimhausen and Munich city). View Bavarian International School profile.
Munich International School (MIS)
Established in 1966, IB World School from age 4 to 18 in Starnberg. Strong reputation among long-term expat families. View Munich International School profile.
St. George's The British International School Munich
Cambridge IGCSE and A-Levels from Reception through Year 13. The default pick for British expats and the most portable curriculum back into the UK. View St George's Munich profile.
Phorms Bilingual School Munich
Genuinely bilingual German-English from Kindergarten through Gymnasium, leading to the German Abitur with an internationally validated English stream. A favourite of mixed German-international families. View Phorms Munich profile.
International Bilingual School Munich (IBSM)
Bilingual programme with a focus on small classes and active partnerships with Bavarian universities. Strong fit for families who want German integration alongside English-medium learning. View IBSM profile.
European School Munich
One of fourteen European Schools founded by the EU. The European Baccalaureate is the exit qualification. Heavily subsidised for children of EU and ESO institution staff; otherwise charges market-rate fees. View European School Munich profile.
Fees in Munich (2025/26)
Annual tuition in euros:
- Bilingual private primary: €11,000 – €17,000
- Bilingual private secondary: €13,000 – €19,000
- Fully international primary: €17,000 – €23,000
- Fully international secondary: €20,000 – €28,000
- IB Diploma (Years 12–13): €22,000 – €30,000
Add one-off enrolment fees of €1,500 – €4,500 and annual building or capital levies of €600 – €1,500.
How the bilingual model works in Munich
The Bavarian model is comparatively strict: bilingual schools must follow the Bavarian state curriculum, taught roughly 50/50 across English and German. Children typically:
- Start with whichever language is stronger and transition to the other through immersion.
- Sit the Probeunterricht (state primary assessment) in German at Year 4 if they intend to move to a state Gymnasium.
- Reach Abitur-level fluency in both languages by Year 10.
- Can switch to the IB Diploma or A-Level at Year 11 if they prefer a more portable upper secondary qualification.
Practical tips for choosing in Munich
- Apply absurdly early for BIS and MIS. Year 7 and Year 12 entry are perennial waitlist queues.
- Confirm Bavarian state recognition (Anerkennung). Without it, the Abitur path closes — important for long-term family planning.
- Watch the location. BIS and MIS are out of the city core (Haimhausen, Starnberg). Living in Schwabing, Bogenhausen or Maxvorstadt keeps you close to the bilingual privates.
- Plan for German. Even children at fully English-medium schools benefit from German tuition to integrate into Bavarian society.
- Use the Probeunterricht selectively. Only relevant if you plan to switch to a state Gymnasium.
Explore international schools across the world
To compare Munich with Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt and the rest of Europe, browse the rankings on International School Advisor.
FAQ
Can expat children join a Munich bilingual school without speaking German?
Yes, in Kindergarten and early primary years. By Year 4 a working German level is expected to remain in the dual-curriculum path.
Do Munich bilingual schools follow the Bavarian Abitur or the IB Diploma?
Bilingual schools mostly lead to the Bavarian Abitur. Fully international schools like BIS and MIS deliver the IB Diploma instead.
How much do bilingual schools in Munich cost in 2026?
Tuition runs €11,000 – €19,000 a year at bilingual privates, rising to €20,000 – €30,000 at the fully international schools.