International School Fees in Athens: A Complete Cost Guide for Expat Families (2026)
International school fees in Athens represent a significant household budget line for expat families. The headline tuition figure is rarely the whole picture: registration fees, development fund contributions, examination costs, transport, and uniform add up to a total that can be 20 to 40 per cent higher than tuition alone. This guide gives you the full picture so you can plan accurately.
Tuition Fees: School by School
Campion School (British Curriculum, IGCSE, IB Diploma)
| Year Group | 2025–2026 Annual Tuition |
|---|---|
| Years 3–6 | €12,550 |
| Years 7–9 | €13,650 |
| Years 10–13 | €14,950 |
Fees are payable in two instalments: the first on 1 September, the second on 2 February. A 5% discount is available for full payment by 31 July preceding the school year. A 20% sibling discount applies to the third and subsequent concurrent enrolments from the same family.
St. Catherine's British School
| Year Group | 2025–2026 Annual Tuition |
|---|---|
| Nursery | €9,710 |
| Reception–Year 1 | €13,300 |
| Year 2 | €13,970 |
| Years 3–6 | €14,120 |
| Years 7–9 | €14,660 |
| Years 10–11 (IGCSE) | €15,830 |
| Years 12–13 (IB Diploma) | €16,500 |
St. Catherine's charges additional one-off fees at enrolment (see below) and offers sibling discounts of 2.5% (second child), 7% (third child), and 10% (fourth child).
International School of Athens (ISA — Full IB)
ISA operates on the International Baccalaureate curriculum across all three programmes (Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma). For 2026–2027 (note: 2025–2026 fees were approximately €5,980–€13,000 depending on year group; the 2026–2027 schedule shows higher rates), tuition ranges from approximately €8,700 at nursery/pre-kindergarten level to €15,000 at Grades 11–12. A one-time registration fee of €1,700 applies to all enrolments. IB examination fees for Grade 12 are charged separately at approximately €1,200.
Fees at ISA are quoted at the 2026–2027 level above; always confirm current fees directly with the school as ISA has been updating its fee schedule.
Athens College / Psychico College (HAEF)
HAEF does not publish a full public fee schedule online. Annual tuition is broadly in line with the British schools above. A one-time initial enrolment fee of €500 applies. A 4% discount is available for full upfront payment of annual fees. For current fee information, contact the HAEF admissions office at 15 Stephanou Delta St., Psychico.
Doukas School (IB Diploma)
Doukas School does not publish fees publicly. Contact the admissions office directly. An application/assessment fee of €50 applies (deducted from tuition if the candidate is accepted).
One-Off Enrolment Fees
Beyond annual tuition, most Athens international schools charge several one-off fees at enrolment. Plan for:
| Fee Type | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Non-refundable application fee | €100–€200 |
| Registration / enrolment fee | €500–€1,000 |
| Development / capital fund | €500–€1,500 |
| Reservation deposit (some schools) | €1,500–€2,000 |
| Total one-off costs at enrolment | €2,100–€4,700 |
These are typically non-refundable. At St. Catherine's, for example, the total of application fee (€150), registration fee (€1,000), development fund (€1,500), and reservation deposit (€2,000) comes to €4,650 before the first day of school.
Annual Extras
Transport
School buses are widely used in Athens, particularly for schools in outlying suburbs such as Campion (Pallini) and St. Catherine's (Lykovrissi). Annual transport costs vary by distance and pick-up point but typically range from €1,200 to €2,500 per child per year.
Uniform
Most Athens international schools require uniform. Initial outfitting costs — including PE kit, winter and summer uniform, and branded items — typically run €300 to €600 per child. Annual replacement costs are lower.
Lunch and Catering
Where a canteen is not included in fees, school lunch programmes typically add €1,000 to €1,500 per child per year. At some schools this is included; at others it is optional.
Examination Fees
For students sitting IGCSE, A-Level, or IB examinations, external examination registration fees apply. These are set by Cambridge Assessment International Education (for IGCSE/A-Level) or the IB Organisation and are passed through to families by the school. Expect €600 to €1,200 per year for IGCSE years, and up to €1,500 for IB Diploma year groups. See GCSE and A-Levels in Athens and IB schools in Athens for more detail.
Private Tutoring
Athens has an active private tutoring market (known as "frontistírio" in Greek). Some internationally mobile families use tutors for additional support, particularly where children are transitioning from a different curriculum or learning Greek. Budget €30–€70 per hour for qualified subject tutors, depending on level.
Total Annual Cost Estimate
For a family with one secondary-age child at Campion or St. Catherine's, the realistic total annual spend — tuition, transport, uniform allowance, lunch, and examination fees (in qualifying year groups) — is approximately:
| Item | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Tuition (secondary) | €13,650–€16,500 |
| Transport | €1,500–€2,000 |
| Uniform (ongoing) | €200–€400 |
| Lunch | €1,000–€1,200 |
| Exam fees (IGCSE/IB years) | €600–€1,500 |
| Annual total | €17,000–€22,000 |
This is per child. Families with two secondary-age children at the same school should factor in sibling discounts, which meaningfully reduce the second enrolment.
How School Fees Interact with the Golden Visa
Some families considering Greece's Golden Visa residency programme plan to combine a property investment with long-term family relocation. The Athens investment threshold is €800,000 (Attica region, as of 2026) for a single residential unit of at least 120 sq m. Families planning to use schooling in Athens as part of their long-term Greece plan should cost in international school fees across the school-age period — typically a significant multi-year commitment — alongside the property and legal costs.
For a family of four with two primary-age children progressing through international schools over ten years, total school costs in Athens could range from €250,000 to €400,000 at current fee levels, making it a household budget decision of comparable scale to the property itself.
How Global Investments Can Help
Global Investments works with internationally mobile families who are planning long-term moves and need to understand the full cost landscape — property, schooling, healthcare, and tax. Our advisers can discuss property in Greece suited to your timeline and budget, and connect you with trusted professionals for legal and tax guidance in Greece. Browse current listings or contact our team to start a conversation.
This guide is for information purposes only. Fees are subject to change; always verify directly with schools. Investment values can fall as well as rise. Seek professional tax and legal advice before making investment or residency decisions.
Frequently asked questions
How much do international schools in Athens cost per year?
Annual tuition at Athens international schools ranges from approximately €9,700 for nursery-age children to €16,500 for post-16 students at the most expensive schools. Secondary tuition typically falls between €13,000 and €17,000. This is the tuition fee only; total costs including registration, transport, uniform, and examination fees are higher.
Are there additional fees on top of tuition at Athens international schools?
Yes, consistently. Most schools charge a non-refundable application fee (€100–€200), a registration or enrolment fee (€500–€1,000), a development or capital fund contribution (€500–€1,500), and sometimes a non-refundable reservation deposit. Annual examination fees (IGCSE, A-Level, or IB) add a further €500–€1,500 per year for qualifying year groups.
Is there VAT or tax on school fees in Greece?
Private school tuition in Greece is generally not subject to VAT. However, ancillary services such as transport, catering, and some enrichment activities may be charged with VAT. Tax treatment of educational expenses varies; consult a Greek tax adviser for your specific situation.
Do Athens international schools offer sibling discounts or financial aid?
Most schools offer sibling discounts — typically 5% to 20% on the fees for second and subsequent children. Athens College/HAEF has a structured financial aid programme for Greek-resident families. International schools with British or IB curricula generally have limited means-tested bursary availability for non-Greek-resident students.
This guide is for general information only and does not constitute financial, legal or tax advice. Rules, fees and regulations change frequently; verify current requirements with a qualified adviser before acting.