Best International Schools in Krakow: 2026 Guide for Families

Quick answer: Which are the best international schools in Krakow? Families in Krakow usually shortlist the International School of Krakow, the British International School of Cracow, Open Future International School, Cracow International School and Embassy International School. They teach in English with IB, British or Cambridge programmes, and annual fees range roughly from PLN 35,000 to 110,000.

Last reviewed: October 2026 by Catherine from ISA. Fee ranges are indicative; always confirm with the school.

Krakow has become one of Central Europe's biggest hubs for shared service centres, software development and research, and that has brought thousands of international families to a city better known for its medieval Old Town and its universities. The international school offer has grown with them. This guide to the best international schools in Krakow explains what each shortlisted school offers, how much it costs in 2026 and what to think about before you apply.

Where families live in Krakow

Expat families often choose the green southern and western districts such as Zwierzyniec, Wola Justowska, Salwator and Bronowice, which are close to several international schools and to the A4 ring road. Others prefer apartments near the Old Town, Kazimierz or Podgórze for city life, or the suburbs of Zabierzów and Zielonki for houses with gardens. Krakow's tram network is excellent, but school buses or the car remain the norm for younger children, and traffic on the main arteries can be slow at peak times.

How the Polish system shapes the choice

A verifiable change worth knowing: since the 2017/18 school year, Polish primary school lasts eight years, after the education reform of 2016 abolished the three-year lower secondary gimnazjum. If your child may move into the Polish system later, or if you are a bilingual Polish family, ask international schools how their year groups map onto the eight-year primary and four-year liceum structure, and whether they offer the Polish programme alongside the international one.

Curricula available

International Baccalaureate, from the Primary Years Programme to the Diploma at some schools.
English National Curriculum with IGCSE and A Level or the IB Diploma in the final years.
Cambridge International programmes, popular at newer bilingual schools.
Polish-English bilingual tracks, combining the Polish core curriculum with English-medium subjects.

The international schools families shortlist

International School of Krakow

The International School of Krakow is one of the longest-established English-medium schools in the city, with a very international student body and a strong community feel. It suits families who move frequently and want a school used to welcoming new students at any point in the year.

British International School of Cracow

The British International School of Cracow follows a British curriculum through IGCSE, with international qualifications in the final years. It appeals to British and Commonwealth families and to Polish families who want a British education in English.

Open Future International School

Open Future International School is an IB school offering an inquiry-based approach and a strong focus on languages. Its programme suits families who value the IB philosophy and want a smooth path to the IB Diploma.

Cracow International School

Cracow International School offers English-medium education with an international curriculum and smaller classes. It is worth comparing with the larger schools if you prefer a more personal environment.

Embassy International School

Embassy International School combines international teaching with a focus on bilingual Polish and English education, which makes it attractive for mixed families who want their children to be comfortable in both languages.

Other schools worth a look

Krakow Cosmopolitan School and Da Vinci's International Schools complete the list of English-medium options in the city. Both are worth a visit if you live nearby or if your preferred school has no place in your child's year group.

How much do international schools in Krakow cost?

Fees are quoted in Polish zloty, and some schools also publish euro equivalents for relocating families. Tuition at private schools is generally exempt from VAT in Poland. Indicative annual tuition for 2026-27:

IB Diploma and senior years at the premium schools: roughly PLN 80,000 to 110,000 (about EUR 18,500 to 25,500).
Primary and middle years at international schools: roughly PLN 50,000 to 80,000.
Bilingual schools with Cambridge programmes: roughly PLN 35,000 to 55,000.

Extras to budget for:

Application and enrolment fees, roughly PLN 500 to 5,000, partly non-refundable.
A one-off development or entrance fee at some schools, roughly PLN 3,000 to 10,000.
Lunch, roughly PLN 400 to 700 a month.
School bus, where offered, uniforms, trips and IB or IGCSE exam fees.

How to choose between them

Decide on IB or British early. Both are respected worldwide, but switching between them in the middle of secondary school is hard. If you may move to another IB school, an IB continuum school is the safer choice; if the UK is your next stop, a British curriculum school makes the return easier.

Check the language mix. In some schools most children are Polish, in others the majority are expats. Ask what language children speak in the playground and how the school supports students who arrive with little English or no Polish.

Apply before spring. Most schools take applications all year, but places for September fill between January and April, especially in Reception, Year 1 and the IB Diploma.

Settling in: what families wish they had known

Paperwork takes time. Schools will ask for passports, residence documents or a PESEL number, previous school reports and vaccination records. If your child joins from outside the EU, translations may be needed, so collect originals before you move.

Winter shapes the routine. Krakow winters are cold and air quality can drop on still days, so schools often keep children indoors when pollution levels are high. Ask how the school handles these days and what indoor sports facilities it has.

Use the community. Parent associations at international schools in Krakow are active and welcoming, and they are often the fastest way to find a paediatrician, a tutor or an after-school club. Join the parent groups as soon as you have a place, even before the first day of term.

See the full ranking

To compare these schools with others in the region, check our ranking of the best schools in Lesser Poland, with reviews and curricula side by side.

More guides to schools in Krakow

Frequently asked questions

What is the best international school in Krakow?

It depends on the curriculum you need. The International School of Krakow suits highly mobile families, the British International School of Cracow follows a British pathway, Open Future offers the IB, and Cracow International School and Embassy International School provide smaller or more bilingual alternatives. Visit at least two before deciding.

How much do international schools in Krakow cost in 2026?

Annual tuition ranges roughly from PLN 35,000 at bilingual schools with Cambridge programmes to PLN 110,000 for the senior years at premium international schools, about EUR 8,000 to 25,500. Add application or development fees, lunch, transport, uniforms and exam fees. Tuition is generally exempt from VAT in Poland.

Do children need to speak Polish to join an international school in Krakow?

No. International schools teach mainly in English and welcome children with no Polish at all. Most offer Polish as a foreign language, and bilingual schools may require some Polish in certain subjects as children get older. Ask each school how it groups beginners and native speakers in Polish lessons.