International school fees in Brussels are some of the most varied in Europe, and the headline tuition number rarely tells the whole story. Belgium hosts the EU institutions, NATO, hundreds of multinationals and dozens of embassies, so demand is steady — but families are increasingly cost-conscious. This 2026 guide breaks down the actual costs of an international school in Brussels in euros, including the extras that catch new arrivals out: capital levies, the bus, the lunch, language support and exam entry.
Brussels International School Fees: The Headline Ranges for 2026
Annual tuition at established international schools in Brussels typically sits within these ranges:
- Early years (ages 2-5): €11,000-€20,000
- Primary (Years 1-6): €18,000-€28,000
- Lower secondary (Years 7-9): €22,000-€32,000
- Upper secondary, IB DP and A-Levels (Years 10-13): €27,000-€38,000
The top end is anchored by the largest British and American schools; the lower end by smaller bilingual or single-language schools. The European Schools (publicly subsidised, for EU staff) sit outside this market.
Top Schools and Where Their Fees Land
British School of Brussels (BSB)
The largest British curriculum school in the city, in Tervuren. Fees sit at the upper end of the range, with the highest year groups landing around €35,000-€38,000 once the IB or A-Level option is added. See the school profile.
St. John's International School
An IB World School in Waterloo, popular with families from the EU institutions. Tuition for the Diploma Programme is typically in the €30,000-€35,000 band. See the school profile.
International School of Flanders Tervuren (ISF)
A smaller English-medium school with primary and secondary sections. Fees are generally a few thousand euros lower than BSB or St. John's. See the school profile.
BEPS International School
Brussels-Limal site, IB Primary and Middle Years. A mid-priced option with a strong community feel. See the school profile.
British Junior Academy of Brussels
Primary-only British curriculum, central Brussels. Tuition is lower since there is no secondary infrastructure to fund. See the school profile.
The Extras: What Goes On Top of Tuition
The tuition number is rarely what you actually pay. Budget for these on top:
- Registration fee: €150-€500, paid with the application, non-refundable.
- Capital levy (one-off enrolment fee): €2,000-€7,000 per child, sometimes refundable after a long stay.
- Deposit: typically the equivalent of one term's fees, held until the child leaves.
- Bus service: €1,800-€3,500 per child per year, depending on distance.
- Lunch (catered): €1,200-€2,000 per year.
- Uniforms: €300-€600 in year one, lower after that.
- IB or A-Level exam entry: €700-€1,400 in the final two years.
- Trips and overnight excursions: €300-€2,500 depending on year group.
- Additional English support (EAL): €1,500-€4,000 per year if needed.
Realistic Annual Budget Examples
Three illustrative budgets for one child for the 2026-2027 year:
- Year 3 at a mid-range school: Tuition €19,500 + capital levy (year one) €4,000 + bus €2,400 + lunch €1,400 + extras €1,200 = €28,500.
- Year 10 IGCSE at BSB: Tuition €30,000 + capital levy (year one) €5,000 + bus €2,800 + exam-related extras €600 + trips €1,500 = €39,900.
- Year 13 IB Diploma at St. John's: Tuition €33,500 + IB exam entry €1,200 + lunch €1,800 + trips and CAS €2,000 = €38,500.
Discounts, Sponsorships and Payment Options
Many Brussels schools recognise the city's strong corporate and diplomatic base:
- Sibling discounts of 5-15% are common from the second child onwards.
- Corporate accounts: companies on the school's preferred-employer list sometimes get fee guarantees or expedited admissions.
- Diplomatic and NATO discounts are case by case — ask the bursar directly.
- Payment plans: schools typically allow termly billing at no extra cost; monthly direct debits sometimes carry a small administrative charge.
Tax Considerations
School fees are not normally deductible for individuals in Belgium. However, where school fees are paid as part of an expat package (article 30bis or the special tax regime for inbound taxpayers), the treatment depends on the structure of the package. Get a written opinion from a Belgian tax adviser before signing — the right structure can save thousands.
Compare All International Schools in Brussels
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FAQ
What is the average international school fee in Brussels for 2026?
Across all year groups and schools, the average annual tuition sits around €22,000-€26,000. Add 15-25% for the extras to get the realistic total cost per child.
Are there cheaper alternatives to the big international schools?
Yes. Smaller English-medium schools, French-Flemish bilingual schools and the European Schools (for EU staff) all sit well below the €25,000 tuition mark.
Do schools refund the capital levy when we leave?
Some do, partially, after a minimum residency. Others treat it as a non-refundable enrolment fee. Always check the term sheet before signing.