Brussels is a naturally bilingual city, officially French and Dutch, and the de facto capital of the European Union. For international families, that multilingual setting makes bilingual schooling one of the most attractive options in Europe. This 2026 guide explains how bilingual schools in Brussels work, the main language models, dual-credential pathways, fees and the schools worth shortlisting.
Why choose a bilingual school in Brussels?
Bilingual education does more than teach a second language: it develops genuine fluency by delivering subjects across two languages, building cognitive flexibility and giving children a real advantage for university and careers. In a city as international as Brussels, a bilingual education also helps families integrate locally while keeping doors open to English-medium higher education.
Language models you will find
Brussels schools use several approaches, and understanding them helps you match a school to your child:
- English with French (or Dutch) as a strong second language — common in international schools, ideal for globally mobile families.
- Dual-language immersion — subjects split across two languages so children become academically literate in both.
- European School model — multilingual sections leading to the European Baccalaureate.
- Bilingual IB pathways — the IB Diploma can be awarded with a bilingual designation when students study literature and subjects in two languages.
Dual-credential and curriculum options
Several Brussels schools allow students to graduate with internationally portable credentials such as the IB Diploma or IGCSE and A-Levels, while maintaining a second language to a high level. If your family expects to move again, prioritise a credential recognised worldwide; if you plan to stay, a stronger local-language component will help with integration and Belgian university entry.
Top bilingual and international schools in Brussels
The schools below have detailed profiles, reviews and fees on International School Advisor. Confirm the exact language model with each school, as programmes vary by year group.
St. John's International School
A well-established international school offering the IB with strong language provision, St. John's International School is a popular choice for diplomatic and corporate families. See the profile, reviews and prices for St. John's International School.
BEPS International School
Known for its inclusive, internationally minded community and IB Primary Years ethos, BEPS International School supports children developing English alongside French. Explore facilities, fees and reviews for BEPS International School.
Bogaerts International School
Offering an international curriculum with multilingual provision, Bogaerts International School is centrally located and worth shortlisting. Read the profile and prices for Bogaerts International School.
Bilingual school fees in Brussels
As a 2026 guide, annual tuition at international and bilingual schools in Brussels typically falls within:
- Primary: EUR 14,000 to EUR 25,000 per year.
- Lower secondary: EUR 20,000 to EUR 30,000 per year.
- IB Diploma / upper secondary: EUR 25,000 to EUR 38,000 per year.
Plan for registration and assessment fees, a deposit, lunches and transport. EU-institution families should check whether subsidised European School places are available to them.
Find and compare schools in Brussels
Ready to shortlist bilingual schools? Browse profiles, reviews and fees on International School Advisor to compare options across Brussels side by side.
Frequently asked questions
Are schools in Brussels bilingual by default?
Brussels is officially a bilingual French-Dutch city, but international schools vary. Many teach mainly in English with French or Dutch as a strong second language, while others offer full dual-language immersion.
Can my child get a bilingual diploma in Brussels?
Yes. Some schools offer the IB Diploma with a bilingual designation, and the European School model leads to the multilingual European Baccalaureate.
How much do bilingual schools in Brussels cost?
Annual fees generally range from around EUR 14,000 in primary to EUR 38,000 for the IB Diploma years, before extras such as registration, deposits and transport.