Dublin sits in an unusual position for international families. Ireland's national education system is highly regarded and free for residents, while the international school landscape is small but specialised, anchored by IB, French and German programmes. For expats arriving on tech, pharma and financial-services packages, the right answer often combines a serious look at selective Irish private schools alongside the dedicated international options. This 2026 family guide explains both, profiles the strongest schools, lays out fee ranges and the practical tips you need to navigate Dublin's distinctive admissions culture.
Dublin's school landscape: international vs Irish private
The Department of Education recognises and inspects all schools in Ireland. Most international families end up choosing between three groups:
- Full international schools running IB, US or French/German national curricula.
- Selective fee-paying Irish private schools following the Irish Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate.
- Bilingual or embassy-linked schools for French and German national families.
The Irish Leaving Certificate is well respected globally and feeds into UK, Irish, Dutch and US universities, but families planning to leave Ireland mid-cycle usually prefer the IB or a national curriculum that travels.
Top international schools in Dublin
SEK International School Dublin
SEK Dublin is part of the SEK International network and offers all three IB programmes from primary through to the IB Diploma. It is a strong choice for internationally mobile families and accepts mid-year transfers when capacity allows.
Nord Anglia International School Dublin
NAISD is part of the global Nord Anglia network, delivering an English National Curriculum to the IGCSE level and the IB Diploma in Sixth Form. The school appeals to families relocating between Nord Anglia campuses worldwide.
St. Andrew's College
St. Andrew's is a co-educational Dublin school offering both the Irish Leaving Certificate and the IB Diploma. It is one of very few Irish-rooted schools running the IB, which makes it a natural bridge for families arriving from international backgrounds who plan to remain in Ireland long term.
International School of Dublin
A primary-focused IB PYP school in central Dublin, ISD is often the first stop for families with younger children landing in Ireland. Many families then transition to SEK, Nord Anglia or a strong Irish private school for secondary.
Fees and what to budget
For 2026/27, plan for:
- International IB schools (SEK, NAISD): EUR 14,000 to EUR 22,000 per year depending on age group.
- International primary (ISD): EUR 12,000 to EUR 16,000.
- Selective Irish private day schools (St. Andrew's, Wesley, Belvedere): EUR 7,000 to EUR 10,500 day fees.
- Embassy-linked French and German schools: EUR 6,000 to EUR 12,000.
Add an enrolment fee (EUR 200 to EUR 1,500), uniforms, lunches, school bus and external exam fees in Diploma and Leaving Cert years. Several Dublin schools charge a non-refundable acceptance deposit on offer.
Location and admissions tips
Most expat families settle in south Dublin (Dublin 4, 6, 14 and 18), Sandyford, Stepaside or along the DART corridor towards Dún Laoghaire. Pick a school and a neighbourhood together; commutes can stretch to an hour each way during school-run traffic. Practical points:
- Apply 6 to 12 months in advance for SEK, NAISD and St. Andrew's.
- Selective Irish private schools maintain long waiting lists and prioritise siblings and past pupils' children.
- If your stay in Ireland may extend beyond five years, factor the strength of Irish state and private schools into your decision.
- Confirm whether your relocation package covers the enrolment deposit, which can be substantial in IB schools.
For a wider Irish and European comparison, browse our directory at International School Advisor for verified profiles and parent reviews.
Frequently asked questions
Can my child take the IB Diploma in Dublin?
Yes. SEK International School Dublin, Nord Anglia International School Dublin and St. Andrew's College all offer the IB Diploma alongside other pathways.
Are international schools in Dublin tax deductible?
Ireland does not currently allow general income tax relief for school fees, although college tuition relief exists. Always check with an Irish accountant given personal circumstances.
Will an Irish Leaving Certificate be accepted by US universities?
Yes. The Leaving Certificate is widely recognised by US, UK, Irish and continental European universities. Top US universities review it alongside SAT or AP scores where applicable.