Stockholm has built one of the strongest tech and life-sciences scenes in Europe. With Spotify, Klarna and a long list of multinationals headquartered or expanding here, international families increasingly land in Sweden looking for schools that pair English-medium teaching with a Scandinavian education culture.
This 2026 family guide walks through the international school options in Stockholm: which curricula are available, the schools to look at first, realistic 2026 fees, and how the admissions process actually works.
Available Curricula in Stockholm
- International Baccalaureate (IB): PYP, MYP and Diploma Programme available at multiple Stockholm schools.
- Swedish national curriculum with English profile: Many fristående (independent) schools deliver the Swedish curriculum but teach the majority of subjects in English. These are largely tuition-free for residents.
- British curriculum: A small number of campuses offer the English curriculum with IGCSE and A-Level pathways.
- French and German programmes: Long-established options for francophone and German-speaking families.
Top International Schools in Stockholm
Stockholm International School
An IB World School in the city centre offering PYP, MYP and Diploma. The longest-running international school in the country.
British International School of Stockholm
Follows the English national curriculum with IGCSEs and A-Levels at senior level. A clear option for families on a UK university trajectory.
International School of the Stockholm Region
A publicly funded international school for children of staff posted to Sweden, offering the Swedish national curriculum in English and Swedish. Heavily oversubscribed.
Futuraskolan International School of Stockholm
An English-profile fristående school covering compulsory years (grundskola). Tuition-free for resident families; a popular long-term option.
Internationella Engelska Skolan Norr
Part of the Engelska Skolan group, delivering the Swedish curriculum primarily in English from middle school onwards. A widely used route for families settling in Sweden.
International School Fees in Stockholm
Indicative 2026 fee ranges (SEK, annual):
- Fristående English-profile schools (tuition-free for residents): SEK 0, plus modest fees for trips and lunches.
- Private international primary: SEK 90,000 - 160,000
- Private international secondary: SEK 120,000 - 200,000
- IB Diploma at private international schools: SEK 140,000 - 220,000
Note that Swedish residents have access to extensive tuition-free options through the fristående system, which is why the headline private fees in Stockholm are lower than in Zurich, London or Paris.
Neighbourhood Considerations
- Östermalm and Vasastan: Central, well connected, several international and IB schools within walking distance.
- Djursholm and Danderyd: Family-friendly northern suburbs popular with expat communities, with good school bus networks.
- Lidingö: Island just east of the city, lots of green space and an attractive option for families wanting a quieter base.
- Bromma and Sundbyberg: West of the city, with a mix of fristående and private schools.
Admissions Tips for 2026
- Register early. Some of the most in-demand schools have queues that span multiple years.
- If you are coming through an international assignment, ask your employer to confirm your eligibility for the International School of the Stockholm Region.
- Plan for Swedish language support. Even at fully English schools, the local environment outside school is Swedish-speaking.
- Coordinate the school search with your residence permit timeline so neither blocks the other.
Build your Stockholm shortlist
Compare international school options across Sweden on International School Advisor, filtering by curriculum, language model and Stockholm neighbourhood.
FAQ
Can foreign families access tuition-free schools in Stockholm?
Yes, once your child has a Swedish personnummer and is registered as resident. Tuition-free fristående schools and the public system are then available, although places at the most in-demand schools can be limited.
Are international schools in Stockholm taught entirely in English?
Many fristående schools teach the majority of subjects in English but include Swedish language daily. Private international schools such as SIS run almost entirely in English, with Swedish as a separate subject.
What is the school year calendar in Stockholm?
The Swedish academic year runs from mid-August to mid-June, with a two-week winter holiday in February and a one-week sports break.