International school fees in Paris are a defining part of any relocation budget, and the headline tuition figure is only the start. Between registration charges, refundable deposits, capital contributions and the day-to-day extras, the true cost of a place can be meaningfully higher than the number on the website. This 2026 guide breaks down what international schools in Paris actually charge, age band by age band, and shows you where the additional costs hide so you can plan with confidence.
What drives the cost of international schooling in Paris
Three factors shape the fee you will pay. The first is curriculum: schools offering the International Baccalaureate, the British system or an American programme price differently from bilingual French-English schools. The second is age: tuition rises steadily from early years to the final pre-university years. The third is the school's status, because not-for-profit and association-run schools often price differently from premium private institutions.
International school fees in Paris by age band
As a 2026 planning guide, expect annual tuition in roughly these ranges. Treat them as indicative and always confirm current figures with each school:
- Early years and kindergarten: about EUR 12,000 to EUR 22,000 per year.
- Primary: about EUR 16,000 to EUR 28,000 per year.
- Lower secondary: about EUR 20,000 to EUR 32,000 per year.
- Upper secondary and the IB Diploma or A-Levels: about EUR 25,000 to EUR 38,000 per year.
Bilingual French-English schools and association-run schools can sit below these ranges, while the most prestigious English-medium schools sit at or above the top end.
The extra costs that catch families out
Tuition is rarely the full story. Build these into your budget from the start:
- Application and assessment fee: typically EUR 100 to EUR 500, usually non-refundable.
- Registration or enrolment fee: a one-off charge on acceptance, often EUR 1,000 to EUR 3,000.
- Deposit: commonly one term of fees, sometimes refundable on departure with notice.
- Capital or building levy: an annual or one-off contribution at some schools.
- Extras: lunches, school transport, uniform where required, devices, trips and exam entry fees.
When you compare schools, ask each for an all-in annual figure for your child's specific year group rather than relying on the published tuition alone.
Leading international schools in Paris and their positioning
The schools below illustrate the range of options in and around the capital. Confirm current fees directly, as they are reviewed each year.
Ermitage International School
A well-established bilingual school west of Paris offering the IB alongside French qualifications, popular with families wanting a dual-language route. See Ermitage International School on ISchoolAdvisor.
Lycee International (American Section)
Part of a respected state-linked international structure offering an American section within a bilingual framework, often more affordable than fully private peers. View the Lycee International American Section.
Rise International School
An English-medium international school in Paris with a modern, student-centred approach. View Rise International School.
Malherbe International School
A bilingual school offering an international pathway for younger learners, with English and French taught side by side. See Malherbe International School.
How to manage the cost
Ask your employer about education allowances. Many corporate relocation packages to Paris include school fee support, and it is worth clarifying exactly what is covered before you choose a school.
Consider bilingual and association schools. These can deliver a strong international education at a lower price point than premium English-medium schools.
Lock in sibling discounts. Some Paris schools reduce fees for second and third children, which adds up over several years.
Watch the payment schedule. Termly billing can ease cash flow, while some schools offer a small discount for paying annually in advance.
To compare schools, fees and reviews in one place, browse the ranking of the best international schools in France on ISchoolAdvisor as you shortlist options in Paris.
Frequently asked questions
How much do international schools in Paris cost per year?
Annual tuition typically ranges from around EUR 12,000 in the early years to about EUR 38,000 at pre-university level, before extras such as registration fees, deposits, levies and transport. Bilingual and association schools tend to sit at the lower end.
Are there registration or enrolment fees on top of tuition?
Yes. Most Paris international schools charge a non-refundable application fee, a one-off registration fee on acceptance and often a deposit equal to one term, in addition to annual tuition.
Are bilingual schools cheaper than English-medium international schools?
Often, yes. Bilingual French-English schools and association-run schools frequently price below premium fully English-medium institutions, while still offering an internationally recognised pathway.