The French Riviera has long been one of Europe's most international corners — diplomats, finance professionals, retired Anglophones and an increasing wave of tech entrepreneurs working remotely from Sophia Antipolis. Nice anchors the family-friendly end of the Cote d'Azur, and over the last decade its international school market has matured into a genuine choice between French-immersion, British, IB and bilingual pathways.
This 2026 guide explains how to choose an international school in Nice: which curricula are available, the schools English-speaking families gravitate towards, fees in euros, and the practical considerations of admissions on the Riviera.
Curricula on offer in Nice
Despite being a mid-sized city, Nice covers most of the major international paths:
- French national curriculum (with international sections). Public lycees in Nice, including Lycee International Massena and Ecole Centre Internationale de Valbonne, offer a state-funded route to the Bac with strong English, Italian or German tracks.
- British curriculum. Cambridge IGCSE and A-Levels at the private internationals.
- International Baccalaureate (IB). The IB Diploma is available at International School of Nice and a handful of regional partners.
- Bilingual French-English programmes at private internationals from Maternelle through to Terminale.
Top international schools in Nice
International School of Nice (ISN)
An IB World School from age 3 to Grade 12, delivering a fully English-medium pathway through to the IB Diploma. Long-established, accredited by CIS, and the default choice for globally mobile families on short-to-medium postings. View International School of Nice profile.
Ecole Internationale Bilingue de Nice (EIB)
Bilingual French-English from Maternelle through Lycee, with the option of the French Bac OAB (international option). A strong pick for families planning to stay long-term who want children fully fluent in both languages. View EIB profile.
ABC International School
Smaller English-medium school covering Early Years through to age 11. Useful for families with younger children who want fully English-language primary before transitioning to a larger secondary option. View ABC International profile.
Mouratoglou International School
Hybrid academic / high-performance sports school, partnered with the famous Mouratoglou Tennis Academy. Cambridge curriculum with daily training, mainly suited to families with a sports specialist. View Mouratoglou profile.
School fees on the Cote d'Azur
Annual tuition for 2025/26 in euros, before levies:
- Maternelle / Early Years: €5,500 – €11,500
- Primary (Years 1–6): €10,000 – €17,500
- Lower secondary (College, Years 7–9): €13,500 – €19,500
- Lycee / IGCSE / IB Diploma (Years 10–13): €15,500 – €25,000
Add one-off enrolment fees of €1,500 – €4,000 and annual capital levies of €600 – €1,200 at the international schools.
Practical tips for choosing in Nice
- Decide French-immersion vs English-medium early. The two paths look similar at age 5 but diverge sharply from secondary. Switching in Year 9 or 10 is costly in terms of language and exam-track adjustment.
- Watch the commute. Schools cluster on the western side of Nice and around Cap d'Antibes. Living in Old Nice or Le Port will mean a long drive at peak hours.
- Check the IB Diploma pipeline. Only a few schools deliver IB Diploma — confirm if it matters for your child's university plans before committing at Year 11.
- Use the international sections of state schools. If French is the family's long-term language, the state sections internationales offer Bac OIB at a fraction of private fees.
- Budget for the wider Riviera lifestyle. Trips, sports clubs and ski camps at the international schools can add €2,000–€5,000 a year.
See the rest of France
For Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux and the rest of the country, see the best international schools in France ranking on International School Advisor.
FAQ
Can my child join a French state school without speaking French?
Yes, primary state schools accept non-French-speaking children with a CASNAV bridging support programme, typically lasting one year before children integrate into mainstream classes.
How early should I apply to an international school in Nice?
Aim for January–March of the year before entry. International School of Nice and EIB consistently fill Year 7 spots by April.
Do international schools in Nice offer the IB Diploma?
Yes, primarily at the International School of Nice. Other private internationals deliver Cambridge IGCSE/A-Levels or the French Bac OAB rather than the IB.