International Schools in Brussels: The Complete Guide for Expat Families
Brussels is, by any measure, one of the most international cities in Europe. Home to the European Union's main institutions, NATO's headquarters, and hundreds of multinational organisations, the Belgian capital attracts globally-mobile families from virtually every country. The result is a school ecosystem unlike almost anywhere else in the world — four European Schools, multiple IB campuses, A-Level provision, French and German international schools, and a well-developed network of bilingual options.
For families relocating to Brussels, the choice of school is often the first — and most consequential — decision. School placement strongly influences which neighbourhood you rent or buy in, which commute you can sustain, and how quickly your children settle. This guide gives you the full landscape.
Belgium's Three Language Communities
Understanding Belgian education requires a brief primer on the country's structure. Belgium has three language communities — French-speaking (Wallonia and most of Brussels), Dutch/Flemish-speaking (Flanders), and German-speaking (a small eastern region). Brussels itself is officially bilingual (French and Dutch), which means local state schools operate in either French or Dutch, not both together.
Most internationally-mobile expat families opt for English-medium international schools rather than immersing children directly into the Belgian state system, though some families — particularly those on longer assignments or with younger children — do integrate into French or Dutch state schools successfully.
The European Schools: A Unique Network
The most distinctive feature of Brussels's school landscape is the network of European Schools (Écoles Européennes, Europäische Schulen). These are not ordinary private schools. They were established by the European Union specifically to educate the children of EU civil servants, offering multilingual education culminating in the European Baccalaureate (EB) — a recognised qualification for university entry across Europe and beyond.
Four Campuses in Brussels
As of 2026, Brussels has four operational European School campuses:
| Campus | Location | Common Name |
|---|---|---|
| European School Brussels I | Uccle (Avenue du Vert Chasseur) + Berkendael annex | EEB1 |
| European School Brussels II | Woluwe-Saint-Lambert (Avenue Oscar Jespers) | EEB2 |
| European School Brussels III | Ixelles (Boulevard du Triomphe) | EEB3 |
| European School Brussels IV | Laeken (Drève Sainte-Anne) | EEB4 |
A fifth Brussels campus (EEB5), to be built on the former NATO site in Neder-Over-Heembeek, is expected to open by September 2028 (at the latest) to address the chronic capacity shortfall. The project has been repeatedly delayed, so confirm the latest timeline before relying on it.
Who Qualifies for the European Schools
The European Schools operate a three-category admissions system:
- Category I: Children of EU institution staff (European Commission, Parliament, Council, etc.). Admission is guaranteed; fees are heavily subsidised (typically a few hundred euros per year).
- Category II: Children of staff at bodies officially affiliated with the European Schools (certain NATO and other international organisation employees). Subsidised fees, priority admission.
- Category III: All other families — so-called "private" or "free" places. Admission is not guaranteed, waiting lists are often years long, and fees are charged at the full rate.
Category III fees for 2025/2026 run from approximately €4,370 per year for nursery to €8,195 for secondary. While this sounds modest compared with private international schools, availability is the real constraint — most Category III applicants wait years, and places are released only when EU-affiliated enrolment allows.
If you are not working for an EU institution or affiliated organisation, do not count on securing a European School place. Plan around the independent international schools instead and treat any European School offer as a bonus.
The European Baccalaureate
The European Baccalaureate is awarded at the end of S7 (the final year of secondary, equivalent to Year 13 in the UK or 12th grade in the US). It is recognised by UK universities, and UCAS publishes approximate guidance for admissions officers: as a rough guide, an overall EB average of around 16/20 (80%) is broadly comparable to A-level grades of about AAB, though this is indicative only and each university sets its own requirements. Belgian and most EU universities accept the EB directly. See our detailed guide on university admissions from Brussels international schools.
The Main Independent International Schools
For families not eligible for the European Schools, Brussels has several outstanding independent options.
The British School of Brussels (BSB)
Located in Tervuren, about 20 minutes east of central Brussels, BSB is the primary provider of British-curriculum education in Belgium. It is the only school in the country offering IGCSE and A Levels alongside the IB Diploma and BTEC vocational courses. With around 1,350 pupils from over 70 nationalities on a 10-hectare campus near the Royal Museum of Central Africa, BSB combines British educational traditions with genuine international character. Annual fees for 2025/2026 range from approximately €34,400 to €44,015 depending on year group. See British schools in Brussels and GCSE and A Levels in Brussels for detail.
The International School of Brussels (ISB)
ISB sits in Watermael-Boitsfort in south-eastern Brussels and offers the full IB continuum — Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP), plus US Advanced Placement (AP) courses. With around 1,400 students from over 70 nationalities, it is one of the largest international schools in Belgium. Fees for 2025/2026 range from €22,590 (preschool) to €49,715 (senior secondary). The application fee alone is €2,000. See IB schools in Brussels for a full comparison.
St. John's International School, Waterloo
Located in Waterloo, about 20 kilometres south of Brussels, St. John's is a full-IB school (PYP, MYP, Diploma) with approximately 525 students from over 60 nationalities on a peaceful residential campus. Founded in 1964, it has held IB accreditation since 1978. Annual fees range from approximately €11,900 to €53,000 depending on year group and programme, with a one-time enrolment fee of €1,000 for new students.
Lycée Français Jean Monnet
Uccle's Lycée Français Jean Monnet is part of the AEFE (Agence pour l'Enseignement Français à l'Étranger) network and serves around 2,650 pupils from nursery through to the French Baccalauréat. Fees start at around €8,930 for the first year of enrolment and are significantly lower than the Anglophone schools, with sibling discounts available. A strong choice for French-speaking families or those seeking an alternative to English-medium education.
Curriculum Comparison at a Glance
| School | Curriculum | Ages | Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| European Schools (EEB1–4) | European Baccalaureate | 5–18 | Multilingual (EN/FR/DE/NL sections) |
| BSB (Tervuren) | IGCSE, A Level, IB Diploma, BTEC | 2–18 | English |
| ISB (Watermael-Boitsfort) | IB PYP / MYP / DP + US AP | 2.5–18 | English |
| St. John's (Waterloo) | IB PYP / MYP / DP | 1–18 | English |
| Lycée Jean Monnet (Uccle) | French Baccalauréat (AEFE) | 2–18 | French |
Language Learning in Brussels
One advantage of Brussels that all international schools exploit is the city's linguistic diversity. European School children study in their mother-tongue language section but receive substantial instruction in at least two additional languages from an early age. ISB, BSB, and St. John's all offer rigorous additional language programmes. French is often the most practical to acquire, given its prevalence throughout the city, and most international school alumni leave Brussels with at least conversational French.
Neighbourhoods and Schools
School choice and neighbourhood choice in Brussels are inseparable. BSB families typically live in Tervuren, Wezembeek-Oppem, or the Woluwe communes. ISB families cluster in Watermael-Boitsfort, Uccle, and southern Brussels. St. John's draws families from Waterloo, Rhode-Saint-Genèse, and Lasne. European School families often live near whichever campus their section is assigned to. See our guide on best areas in Brussels near international schools for a detailed neighbourhood breakdown.
Settling Children Into School Life
Moving a child to a new country and school is challenging regardless of age. Brussels has well-developed expat family support networks, and most international schools assign buddies or mentors to new arrivals. The Belgian school year broadly runs September to June, with autumn, Christmas, carnival, and Easter breaks aligned broadly with the French-speaking Belgian community. See our settling children into school in Brussels guide for practical detail on Commune registration, healthcare, and the language reality on the ground.
How Global Investments Can Help
Choosing a school shapes every other decision you make in Brussels — where you live, how much you spend on transport, how your family settles. Global Investments works with internationally-mobile families relocating to Brussels and beyond, helping you navigate property search, legal and tax structuring, and the practical logistics of an international move. Whether you are arriving from another EU country, the Gulf, Asia, or further afield, our advisers understand what expat families need and can connect you with the right local specialists.
Contact our team to discuss your Brussels relocation, or explore our residency and international mobility guides for wider context on living and investing abroad.
Property values, school fees, and admissions policies change regularly; verify all figures directly with schools and relevant authorities before making decisions. This guide does not constitute legal or financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
What makes Brussels's international school landscape unique?
Brussels hosts the EU institutions and NATO headquarters, creating exceptionally high demand for international schooling. The city has four European Schools — a unique EU-funded network — alongside well-established British, American, and IB schools serving over 100 nationalities.
Are the European Schools open to all families?
European Schools prioritise children of EU institution and NATO staff (Category I and II). Places for private families (Category III) are extremely limited and subject to a waiting list. Non-staff families typically have better luck applying to ISB, BSB, or St. John's.
Which curriculum is most widely recognised for university entry?
The IB Diploma, A Levels (via BSB), and the European Baccalaureate are all widely recognised by universities worldwide. The right choice depends on your likely destination country and your child's learning style.
How far in advance should I start looking at schools in Brussels?
At least 12–18 months for European Schools (waiting lists can be longer), and 6–12 months for ISB, BSB, and St. John's. Popular year groups at the major schools fill quickly.
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.