International School Fees in Brussels: What Families Pay in 2026

Brussels is home to some of the best international schools in Europe — and some of the most expensive. For families relocating to the Belgian capital, school fees often represent the single largest cost after housing. Understanding the full picture before you move is essential: fees are high, additional costs add up quickly, and some schools require significant upfront payments at enrolment.

This guide presents verified 2025/2026 tuition figures for every major international school in Brussels, alongside the additional costs families frequently overlook.

Fee Overview: Brussels International Schools 2025/2026

The table below summarises annual tuition for the main schools across year groups. Figures are approximate ranges; fees vary by year group and some schools charge differently for new versus returning families.

School	Curriculum	Approx. Annual Fee Range (2025/26)
European Schools (Cat. I/II)	European Baccalaureate	Heavily subsidised (a few hundred € per year)
European Schools (Cat. III)	European Baccalaureate	€4,370–€8,195
Lycée Français Jean Monnet	French Baccalauréat (AEFE)	~€8,930 (first year, all-in)
St. John's International School, Waterloo	IB PYP/MYP/DP	€11,900–€53,000
Antwerp International School	IB PYP/MYP/DP	€12,800–€37,260
The British School of Brussels (BSB)	IGCSE / A Level / IB / BTEC	€34,400–€44,015
The International School of Brussels (ISB)	IB PYP/MYP/DP + US AP	€22,590–€49,715

Sources: school official fee pages and internationalschools.brussels, 2025/2026 figures. Always verify with the school directly as fees change annually.

Detailed Fee Breakdown by School

European Schools (EEB1–EEB4)

The four Brussels European Schools operate a three-tier fee system based on the employer of the parent:

• Category I (EU institution employees): Fees are almost entirely subsidised. EU civil servants pay only a nominal annual contribution, sometimes as low as a few hundred euros per year. This is one of the most significant employer benefits in Brussels and a major reason EU jobs are so sought after by internationally-mobile families.
• Category II (employees of affiliated organisations, some NATO staff): Also subsidised, though typically at a higher rate than Category I. Exact amounts depend on the parent organisation's agreement with the European Schools.
• Category III (private/free places, all other families): Annual fees for 2025/2026 are set at approximately €4,370 for nursery, €6,009 for primary, and €8,195 for secondary. A non-refundable 25% deposit of the annual fee is required as a condition of enrolment.

Category III places are extremely limited. Most families spend years on waiting lists before receiving an offer. Do not base your school budget on European School fees unless you have already secured a Category III place or qualify for Category I or II.

The International School of Brussels (ISB)

ISB's fees are detailed and graduated by year group. For 2025/2026:

Year Group	Approximate Annual Fee
Preschool (ages 2.5–3)	€22,590
Pre-Kindergarten (age 4)	€25,030
Kindergarten (age 5)	€37,760
Grades 1–2 (ages 6–7)	€40,670
Grades 3–6 (ages 8–11)	€41,400
Grades 7–9 (ages 12–14)	€46,825
Grades 10–12 (ages 15–18)	€49,715

The application fee is €2,000 (non-refundable). IB examination fees are charged separately on top of tuition. School bus for a return journey is approximately €3,140 per year; one-way approximately €2,385.

The British School of Brussels (BSB)

BSB's annual tuition for 2025/2026 runs from approximately €34,400 in the lower year groups to €44,015 in the senior secondary years. A separate registration fee applies for new students. School bus costs range from approximately €2,000 to €3,500 per year depending on route. Examination fees for IGCSE and A Level subjects are charged additionally.

St. John's International School, Waterloo

St. John's has a particularly wide fee range, from approximately €11,900 at early years to €53,000 at the senior secondary IB Diploma level — the upper end of which is among the highest fees in Belgium. New students pay a one-time enrolment fee of €1,000 and a campus development fee of €700.

Lycée Français Jean Monnet

The Lycée Français Jean Monnet sits at a much lower price point than the Anglophone schools. First-year enrolment is approximately €8,930 including all one-time fees. Sibling discounts are meaningful: 5% off for a second child, 25% for a third, and 50% from the fourth child. An international section supplement of €600 per year applies if that track is chosen. School trips, books, meals, and bus are charged separately.

The Hidden Costs Brussels Families Must Budget For

Annual tuition is only the start. Families new to Brussels are often surprised by the volume of additional costs:

Enrolment and registration fees: One-time fees of €700–€2,000 at most schools. Some (like ISB) charge a non-refundable application fee even if the child is not accepted.

School bus: Brussels traffic is notoriously difficult, and many families rely on school bus services. Budget €2,000–€3,500 per year for a return bus pass at ISB or BSB.

Uniforms and supplies: BSB operates a uniform requirement; budget around €400–€700 for a complete set in the first year. ISB does not require a uniform.

IB and A Level examination fees: Typically €150–€350 per subject depending on examining body and level. A full IB Diploma or A-Level suite can add €1,000–€2,500 to the final year.

School trips: Residential trips, particularly at secondary level, can run €500–€2,000 per trip and several may be offered each year.

Extracurricular activities: Many clubs, sports teams, and performing arts programmes carry additional fees of €50–€400 per activity per term.

After-school care: If both parents work and school hours do not cover the full working day, after-school care typically runs €500–€1,500 per year.

Who Pays Fees in Brussels: Employer Packages and Tax

Many families in Brussels are on international assignments with employer-funded education packages. EU institution employees receive the Category I benefit directly. Multinational employees on expat packages often receive a school fee allowance; negotiate this with your employer before accepting an assignment, as Brussels school fees are among the highest in Europe.

Belgian tax rules on employer-paid school fees for expats have specific provisions — consult a Belgian tax adviser or an international mobility specialist to understand whether fees are treated as a taxable benefit in kind under your specific employment arrangement.

How Global Investments Can Help

School fees in Brussels can easily reach €40,000–€50,000 per child per year at the premium English-medium schools. For families with two or three children, total education costs represent a significant annual commitment. Global Investments works with internationally-mobile families to structure their financial affairs efficiently — from property acquisition and rental planning to broader international wealth management. Understanding the full cost of living in Brussels, including education, is the foundation of smart financial planning for any international assignment.

Speak to our advisers about Brussels relocation planning, or read our full international schools overview for Brussels.

All fees quoted are from 2025/2026 published schedules and are subject to annual revision. Verify directly with each school before making financial commitments. This guide does not constitute financial advice.