Berlin is one of Europe's most diverse capitals and its international school sector reflects that mix. Choosing an international school in Berlin in 2026 means navigating a wider spread of curricula, languages and price points than most cities its size. This guide helps expat families understand how the sector works and shortlist schools that fit your family's plans.
How Berlin's international school sector works
Berlin has a small number of well-established fully private international schools, a growing private bilingual segment, and a network of state-funded Europa Schools and bilingual public Gymnasien. Some private schools are recognised as Ergänzungsschulen and others as Ersatzschulen, which affects how they relate to the German curriculum and what diplomas they can issue. Read the school's official status carefully, since this drives recognition of qualifications later.
Curricula available in Berlin
You will find the IB continuum from PYP to Diploma, the English National Curriculum leading to IGCSE and A Levels, and bilingual programmes leading to the German Abitur or the Internationales Abitur. A handful of schools offer the French Baccalauréat or the American high school diploma. State-funded Europa Schools deliver bilingual instruction in German plus a partner language.
Top international schools in Berlin
Berlin Brandenburg International School
BBIS is an IB World School running PYP, MYP and the Diploma Programme on a campus in Kleinmachnow with day and boarding options. See Berlin Brandenburg International School profile on ISA.
Berlin British School
BBS follows the English National Curriculum from Early Years through Year 13, leading to IGCSE and the IB Diploma in upper secondary. The school sits in the western part of central Berlin. See Berlin British School profile on ISA.
Berlin Metropolitan School
Berlin Metropolitan School is an English-German bilingual IB World School in Mitte, offering PYP, MYP and the IB Diploma. See Berlin Metropolitan School profile on ISA.
Wangari Maathai International School
This bilingual school combines English and German instruction with a focus on sustainability and inclusive learning. See Wangari Maathai International School profile on ISA.
Ecole Voltaire
Ecole Voltaire is a French-German bilingual school for families connected to the French community in Berlin, leading to the French Baccalauréat track. See Ecole Voltaire profile on ISA.
What international school fees look like in Berlin
Fully private international schools in Berlin charge between €15,000 and €25,000 per year for primary and €18,000 to €28,000 for secondary. Bilingual private schools recognised as Ersatzschulen often sit between €5,000 and €13,000 thanks to state subsidies. State-funded Europa Schools are free to residents but have catchment-based admissions.
Practical tips for choosing in Berlin
Decide first whether you want a German recognised diploma like the Abitur or the Internationales Abitur, an IB Diploma, or an English curriculum pathway. Then weigh location: Berlin is a sprawling city and a 45-minute commute is common. Visit at least two schools per shortlist, and ask for sample timetables and language support detail, especially for older children entering the system mid-cycle.
Admissions calendar to plan around
Most Berlin international schools run admissions cycles starting twelve months before the August intake. Ersatzschulen typically open registration in autumn for the next academic year. Private schools often have rolling admissions but the most popular years can fill by January. Have your child's reports translated and book assessment days early.
Shortlist by family priorities
If continuity matters most, the IB-only schools give the cleanest pathway from age 4 to 18. If your family may stay long term in Germany, a bilingual Ersatzschule leading to the Abitur preserves access to German universities. Compare options across International School Advisor to weigh schools against your family priorities.
FAQs
Are there state-funded international schools in Berlin?
Yes. The Staatliche Europa-Schule Berlin network offers bilingual education in German plus a partner language at primary and secondary level, free to residents. Admission is based on language and catchment criteria.
How much does an international school in Berlin cost in 2026?
Fully private international schools charge €15,000 to €28,000 per year. State-recognised bilingual Ersatzschulen charge €5,000 to €13,000. State Europa Schools are free for residents.
Will my child sit the German Abitur or the IB Diploma?
Most fully private international schools lead to the IB Diploma, while bilingual Ersatzschulen typically lead to the Abitur or the Internationales Abitur. Confirm the school's accreditation before committing.