How Much Do International Schools in Krakow Cost? A 2026 Fee Guide for Expat Families
Krakow has become one of the most popular destinations for expat families in Central Europe, thanks to its thriving tech and business community, excellent quality of life and relatively low cost of living compared to Western European cities. For families considering a relocation here, understanding international school fees in Krakow is an essential part of budgeting. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of what to expect in 2026.
Why Krakow's International Schools Represent Strong Value
Poland's cost of living is considerably lower than the EU average, and international school fees in Krakow reflect this. Families relocating from cities like Zurich, London or Singapore will typically find that a comparable quality of international education costs significantly less in Krakow. This makes it an attractive destination even for families without a generous schooling allowance from their employer.
The city's international schools have expanded substantially over the past decade, improving in quality and breadth of curriculum as the expat and business traveller community has grown. Most schools are IB-authorised or follow British and American curricula, ensuring that qualifications earned in Krakow are recognised globally.
Tuition Fee Ranges at Krakow International Schools
Annual tuition fees at international schools in Krakow vary by school and year group. As a general guide for 2026:
- Early Years / Nursery (ages 3–5): PLN 35,000–55,000 per year (approximately €8,000–€12,500)
- Primary (ages 6–11): PLN 45,000–70,000 per year (approximately €10,500–€16,000)
- Middle Years (ages 11–14): PLN 55,000–80,000 per year (approximately €12,500–€18,500)
- Secondary / IB Diploma (ages 14–18): PLN 65,000–95,000 per year (approximately €15,000–€22,000)
Note that fees fluctuate with the PLN/EUR exchange rate. Families paid in euros or US dollars should budget with a small exchange rate buffer. Most schools quote fees in PLN and invoice accordingly.
Top International Schools in Krakow and Their Fee Profiles
International School of Krakow
One of the most established and respected international schools in the city, ISK offers the full IB continuum (PYP, MYP and DP). It is the most academically well-regarded school in Krakow and consequently commands tuition at the upper end of the local range. Annual fees for the IB Diploma years typically sit between PLN 75,000–90,000. The school offers a capital levy for new enrolments and charges separately for lunch, transport and some extracurricular activities.
View International School of Krakow on ISA
British International School of Cracow
Following the English National Curriculum and preparing students for IGCSEs and A Levels, BISC is a strong choice for British families and those seeking a well-structured British education pathway. Fees are competitive within the Krakow market and typically fall in the mid-range. The school is known for transparent fee structures with few unexpected additional charges — a genuine plus point for families managing tight relocation budgets.
View British International School of Cracow on ISA
Da Vinci's International Schools
Da Vinci's is a growing private school group offering an international curriculum with a creative and project-based approach. Its fee schedule is at the lower end of the international school range in Krakow, making it accessible for families who need quality education without the premium price of the top-tier IB schools. It is a particularly popular option for families arriving mid-year, as the admissions process is flexible and straightforward.
View Da Vinci's International Schools on ISA
Embassy International School
Embassy International School occupies a mid-market position in Krakow's international school landscape, offering a solid English-medium curriculum from Early Years through to secondary. Fees are competitive and the school is known for its welcoming community and well-managed admissions process. For families with a moderate schooling allowance, Embassy represents a reliable choice with predictable annual costs.
View Embassy International School on ISA
Cracow International School
Cracow International School is one of the city's smaller private schools, offering an English-medium programme with fees at the more affordable end of the spectrum. It suits families looking for a personalised environment and lower overall cost, particularly at primary level. The smaller scale means fewer extracurricular options than at ISK or BISC, but the core academic offer is solid.
View Cracow International School on ISA
Additional Fees and Levies: What to Budget For
Beyond tuition, families should budget for the following additional costs at most Krakow international schools:
- Registration / application fee: PLN 500–1,500 (non-refundable, due at application)
- Enrolment deposit: PLN 5,000–15,000 (typically deducted from first semester's fees)
- Capital levy / development fee: PLN 5,000–20,000 at some schools (one-off payment, due on enrolment)
- School lunch: PLN 6,000–10,000 per year depending on the school and days attended
- Transport: PLN 5,000–12,000 depending on distance from home
- Extracurricular activities: PLN 2,000–6,000 per year depending on choices
- IB exam fees (Diploma years): Approximately PLN 3,000–5,000 per subject group
Employer Schooling Allowances in Poland
Many multinational companies and international organisations operating in Krakow include a schooling allowance in their expat packages. In Poland, employer-paid school fees for dependent children can be structured as a tax-efficient benefit under certain conditions — families should verify this with their employer's HR or relocation team and, if necessary, consult a local tax adviser. The key point is that the allowance should be clearly defined in the relocation contract before you start evaluating schools.
Fee Payment Terms and Currency
Most Krakow international schools charge fees in Polish Zloty (PLN) and offer annual or semester payment options. Some schools offer a small discount for full annual payment upfront. Families paid in euros, US dollars or GBP should note that the PLN/EUR rate can fluctuate meaningfully — budgeting an extra 5–10% for exchange rate movement is prudent. A small number of schools accept payment in euros for foreign national families, so it is worth asking.
Ready to compare all international schools in Poland by curriculum, year group and fees? See the full ranking of international schools in Poland on ISA and get detailed fee information directly from each school.
FAQ: International School Fees in Krakow
Are international schools in Krakow expensive compared to other European cities?
No — Krakow is one of the most affordable European cities for international school education. Annual fees typically range from €8,000 to €22,000, which is significantly less than equivalent schools in London (€20,000–€45,000), Zurich (€25,000–€45,000) or Amsterdam (€15,000–€30,000). This makes Krakow an attractive option for families without a large schooling allowance.
Do international schools in Krakow charge fees in PLN or euros?
Most schools charge in Polish Zloty (PLN). Some schools serving primarily foreign national families may quote or accept payment in euros, but PLN invoicing is the standard. Families paid in other currencies should budget for exchange rate fluctuations throughout the year.
What is the most affordable international school in Krakow?
Da Vinci's International Schools and Cracow International School are generally the most affordable options, with fees at the lower end of the international school range. Both offer English-medium instruction and are a solid choice for families on a tighter budget. The International School of Krakow commands a premium reflecting its IB accreditation and academic track record.