International School Fees in Rome: 2026 Cost Guide
Rome sits in the middle of the international school cost spectrum — more expensive than much of Southern Europe, but well below London, Geneva, Singapore or the top Gulf schools. For families relocating to the city, the headline tuition figure is only the starting point. This guide sets out indicative 2026 fees by school and, just as importantly, the recurring extras that turn a tuition number into a real annual budget.
All figures below are indicative as of 2026 and should be confirmed directly with each school, as fees are revised annually.
Tuition by School
| School | Indicative annual tuition (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rome International School | ~EUR 11,000–28,000 | Range spans early years to IB Diploma |
| St. George's British International | ~EUR 11,000–26,000 | Rises with year group; IB/A-Level highest |
| Ambrit International School | ~EUR 17,000–21,000 | Ages 3–14 (PYP/MYP) |
| Marymount International | ~EUR 14,000–28,000 | First-year total higher with one-off fees |
| St. Stephen's School | ~EUR 34,000 day | Senior school only; boarding much higher |
| The New School Rome | confirm with school | British curriculum, A-Levels |
| Southlands English School | confirm with school | IGCSE/IB + Italian option |
Tuition almost always rises with the age of the child: early-years and primary fees sit at the lower end of each school's range, while IGCSE, A-Level and IB Diploma years sit at the top. St. Stephen's is the outlier — a small, selective senior-only school with a boarding option, so its fees are higher than the broader market.
The One-Off and Recurring Extras
The tuition figure rarely tells the whole story. Budget for these as well:
- Enrolment / registration fee — a non-refundable charge when you accept a place, commonly EUR 3,000–7,500. St. Stephen's, for example, requires a substantial enrolment deposit; Ambrit and St. George's charge enrolment fees in the EUR 4,000 region.
- Re-enrolment fee — some schools charge a smaller annual fee (a few hundred euros) to retain a place each year.
- Lunch — typically EUR 1,300–1,500 per year where catered.
- School bus — Rome's schools run extensive routes; expect EUR 2,200–4,150 per year depending on distance and one-way versus return.
- Uniform, trips, exam entry, and devices — variable but real, especially in the IGCSE/A-Level/IB years where external exam fees apply.
A practical rule of thumb for the first year is to add EUR 5,000–10,000 to the headline tuition for a primary child once enrolment, lunch and transport are included, and more for a teenager in an exam year.
Why Senior Years Cost More
The jump in cost between primary and senior school catches families out. Sixth-form programmes — A-Levels and especially the IB Diploma — are resource-intensive, with smaller classes, specialist teaching and external examination fees. If you are relocating with younger children, factor in that your annual outlay will climb materially as they move up the school.
Putting Fees in Context
Two points help with planning. First, Rome's living costs and property prices are generally lower than in London or Northern Europe, which can offset higher schooling costs in a relocation budget. Second, for higher-net-worth families, Italy's flat-tax regime for qualifying new residents can change the overall financial picture significantly — though the figures changed recently and the regime needs careful, professional structuring. See settling your child into school in Rome for the residency context and our residency and citizenship hub for the wider picture.
For how fees interact with your choice of neighbourhood and commute, see best areas in Rome near schools.
How Global Investments Can Help
School fees are one strand of the much larger financial planning that a relocation demands — alongside property, residency, tax structuring and long-term provision for university. Global Investments has helped internationally mobile families plan for these costs for over three decades, taking a whole-picture view rather than treating each cost in isolation. Speak to our advisers, or explore our other guides.
This guide is for general information only and does not constitute legal, tax, immigration or financial advice. School fees and the extras described change every year and vary by year group; all figures are indicative as of 2026. Investments can fall as well as rise. Always confirm current fees with the school and seek qualified professional advice for your circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average cost of an international school in Rome?
As of 2026, annual tuition at established Rome international schools typically ranges from around EUR 11,000 in the early years to roughly EUR 28,000 in the senior years, with St. Stephen's day fees higher at around EUR 34,000. A realistic all-in budget, including enrolment fee, lunch and transport, often adds several thousand euros on top of tuition in the first year.
Are there one-off fees on top of tuition?
Yes. Most Rome schools charge a non-refundable enrolment or registration fee, commonly between EUR 3,000 and EUR 7,500, payable when you accept a place. Some also charge an annual re-enrolment fee. These are in addition to tuition and are a normal feature of the international school market.
Do fees increase each year?
Generally yes. International school fees tend to rise annually, often broadly in line with or slightly above local inflation. When budgeting for a multi-year stay, assume fees will increase each year and that senior-school years cost considerably more than primary years.
Is financial aid or a scholarship available?
Some Rome schools, particularly the larger or non-profit ones such as St. Stephen's, offer limited financial aid or merit scholarships. Availability is competitive and varies year to year. Ask each school's admissions office directly about current programmes and deadlines.
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.