Best International Schools in Ljubljana: 2026 Guide for Families

Quick answer: What are the best international schools in Ljubljana? Four English-medium schools cover different ages: British International School of Ljubljana (ages 3 to 18, IGCSE and A Level), Danila Kumar International School (state-run IB primary, EUR 6,056 to 7,150 a year), ERUDIO International School (IB MYP and Diploma) and Vector International Academy (IGCSE then IB Diploma, ages 15 to 18).

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

Ljubljana is a small capital, and its international school scene is small too. That is not a weakness. With only a handful of English-medium options, most families can visit every school in a week, and the differences between them are easy to see: age range, curriculum, price and whether the school is public or private. The best international schools in Ljubljana are best for different children, and the age of your child often decides the shortlist on its own.

A family with a five-year-old and a fourteen-year-old may well end up at two different schools, because only one of the four below teaches the full age range from nursery to 18. We look at each one, what it costs in euros for 2026-27 and the practical questions that tend to settle the decision.

Ljubljana for families: where the schools are

Many international families arrive through diplomatic posts, EU and international organisations or private companies, and stay because daily life in a small capital is manageable with children. The city is compact and the ring road makes most journeys short by car, although bus connections vary from school to school.

All four sit north of the old town, which makes the northern half of the city the natural place to rent. Danila Kumar is in a quiet residential part of Bežigrad, which the school says is about ten minutes from the centre and half a kilometre from the ring road, served by city bus lines 6, 8, 11 and 14. The British International School is further north in Črnuče, across the Sava. ERUDIO International School is on Litostrojska cesta in the Litostroj area to the north-west, and Vector International Academy shares the grounds of the St Stanislav's Institute on Štula, on the north-western edge of the city. A family living in Bežigrad or Šiška can reach any of them in a reasonable time; one living south of the centre, in Vič or Rudnik, should check bus connections carefully.

Curricula taught in Ljubljana's international schools

English National Curriculum, IGCSE and A Level: British International School of Ljubljana, from Early Years to Sixth Form.
IB Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme: Danila Kumar International School, from kindergarten through the first three MYP years.
IB Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme: ERUDIO International School, for students aged 11 to 19.
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE followed by the IB Diploma: Vector International Academy, a four-year high school for ages 15 to 18.
Slovenian public education: nine years of compulsory primary school in Slovene, open to all children who live in Slovenia.

Four schools compared

British International School of Ljubljana

BISL was founded in September 2008 with 22 students, and joined the Orbital Education group in 2015; its website now lists it within the Ariston Education network. It follows the English National Curriculum from Early Years to Sixth Form, with IGCSE and A Level exams. The school lists a 2021 British Schools Overseas inspection by PENTA International that rated it outstanding, a 2024 ISI compliance inspection, accredited membership of COBIS, and re-accreditation by the Bell Foundation in June 2025 for its English as an Additional Language provision.

It is non-selective, with no admission or language test up to Year 6; from Year 7 a working level of English is needed, and entry to Year 12 depends on IGCSE or equivalent results. Children aged 6 and above take the CAT4 test before or shortly after starting. Class sizes are typically 12 to 18. BISL accepts students throughout the year when places are available, which suits families who arrive in January or March. Fees are sent on request, so ask for the schedule when you book a tour.

Danila Kumar International School

DKIS is the international department of a state-owned primary school, Osnovna šola Danile Kumar, and has run its programme since 1993 after a request from the Slovenian Ministry of Education. The school says the ministry covers more than half of its operating costs, which explains why its fees are far lower than elsewhere. It offers the IB PYP and the first three years of the MYP, so it suits children up to about age 14. Classes have 12 to 20 pupils, and last school year the school welcomed children from 36 countries.

For 2026-27, annual fees are EUR 6,055.50 for Grades 1 and 2, rising to EUR 7,150 for Grades 7 and 8, and EUR 8,545.90 for kindergarten with meals included. The fee covers books, stationery, accident insurance and, for school-age pupils, excursions and activities. Because the programme ends after MYP 3, plan the move to a secondary school from the start, not in the final year.

ERUDIO International School

ERUDIO International School belongs to the ERUDIO education group, established in 1993, and offers the IB Middle Years Programme from Grade 6 to Grade 10 and the IB Diploma Programme for ages 16 to 19. The school reports a student to teacher ratio of 4:1 and says it builds arts and sport into each student's programme. Selection includes a written essay, an interview and entrance exams.

The full 2026-27 tuition is EUR 18,015, but the school is offering a 15% discount, which brings it to EUR 15,312.75 if paid in one instalment by 31 August 2026. It suits families with children aged 11 and over who want the IB from middle school onwards, especially those moving from a PYP school such as DKIS.

Vector International Academy

Vector is a high school only, for students aged 15 to 18. Students take Pearson Edexcel International GCSEs in the first two years, typically nine subjects, then the IB Diploma in the final two. The school says its programmes are accredited by Pearson Edexcel, the IB and the Slovenian Ministry of Education. IGCSE classes usually have around 10 students and Diploma classes fewer than 10, and on-site dormitories may be available to Diploma students aged 17 and 18.

For 2027-28, tuition is EUR 16,060 in Year 10, EUR 14,600 in Year 11, EUR 17,320 in DP1 and EUR 15,750 in DP2, with no registration fee and no deposit beyond 5% of tuition to secure a place. The school notes that fees may differ for non-Slovene residents. Deadlines for 2027-28 are 27 November 2026 for early admission and 31 March 2027 for regular admission, so families arriving next summer should apply this winter.

School fees in Ljubljana, 2026-27

Ljubljana is one of the more affordable European capitals for international education. At the public end, DKIS charges roughly EUR 6,000 to EUR 7,200 a year for school-age children. Private secondary tuition at ERUDIO and Vector falls between roughly EUR 14,600 and EUR 18,015, or roughly USD 17,000 to USD 21,000 at a rough 1.16 dollars to the euro. BISL quotes fees on request.

The free alternative is worth understanding before you pay. According to the Slovenian government, primary education is compulsory and lasts nine years, children enrol in Grade 1 in the calendar year in which they turn six, so they start between five years and eight months and six years and eight months old, and the school year runs from 1 September to 31 August. All children who live in Slovenia have the right to primary education under the same conditions, normally at the public school in their catchment area.

Application fee: EUR 685 a year at ERUDIO, non-refundable; Vector charges none.
Deposits: one month's fee at DKIS, returned or used as the final instalment; a EUR 3,000 reservation fee at ERUDIO, credited against tuition; 5% of tuition at Vector.
Afternoon care: EUR 2,499.20 to EUR 2,926 a year at DKIS for Grades 1 to 5.
Registration and deposit at BISL: both payable on acceptance of an offer; ask for the amounts.
Not included at Vector: textbooks, exams, trips, specialist equipment, extra learning support and help with residence status.
Discounts: DKIS offers 5% for full payment at the start of the year and 10% for the youngest sibling.

Practical advice for choosing a school in Ljubljana

Map the whole school career, not just next year. Only BISL runs from age 3 to 18. If you choose DKIS for primary, your child will need a new school at about 14, and Vector only accepts students from 15. Sketch out each child's route from now to graduation, including any gap years between programmes, before you decide.

Ask about Slovene from day one. Even in an English-medium school, children who learn Slovene settle faster outside school, in sports clubs and with neighbours. BISL lists Slovene among its secondary subjects; ask the others how much local language and culture they include, particularly if you might stay longer than planned.

Apply early for secondary. Small class sizes are a real benefit in Ljubljana, but they mean a single year group can fill quickly. With Vector's early deadline in November, and IB schools generally preferring students to start the Diploma at the beginning of the two-year course, families relocating with a 15 or 16-year-old should contact schools as soon as the move is likely.

See the national ranking

For schools elsewhere in the country, see our ranking of the best international schools in Slovenia.

More guides to schools in Ljubljana

Frequently asked questions

What is the cheapest international school in Ljubljana?

Danila Kumar International School is the lowest-cost option because it is part of a state-owned primary school and the Ministry of Education covers more than half of its operating costs. For 2026-27, its fees run from EUR 6,055.50 for Grades 1 and 2 to EUR 7,150 for Grades 7 and 8, with books, insurance and excursions included.

Which school in Ljubljana offers the IB Diploma?

Two schools do. ERUDIO International School offers the IB Middle Years Programme from Grade 6 and the Diploma for ages 16 to 19, with 2026-27 tuition of EUR 15,312.75 after a 15% discount. Vector International Academy teaches two years of International GCSE followed by the IB Diploma, with DP1 tuition of EUR 17,320 for 2027-28.

Can expat children attend a public school in Ljubljana for free?

Yes. According to the Slovenian government, all children who live in Slovenia have the right to primary education under the same conditions, normally at the public school in their catchment area. Teaching is in Slovene, schooling lasts nine years and children start Grade 1 in the calendar year they turn six.