In this answer
The short answer
Brussels has an unusually wide fee spread because of its mix of school systems, so a single average would mislead. The cheapest realistic route is the Belgian state system, which is close to free for residents and taught in French or Flemish. The middle of the market is the European Schools, which charge full fees of roughly 13,000 to 18,000 euro a year for families without an institutional entitlement, and little or nothing for the children of European institution staff. The top of the market is the premium private internationals, around 22,000 to 30,000 euro a year. Where your child lands in that range depends on the school, the year group and your eligibility for the subsidised routes. For the complete picture, our international school fees in Brussels guide breaks down every tier.
The 2026 fee tiers in Brussels
The table below summarises the bands. These are indicative annual figures drawn from the city's published fee landscape and the schools' own listings; confirm the exact fee for a specific year group with the school, as fees rise each year and vary by stage.
| Tier | Annual fee range (EUR) | Typical schools |
|---|---|---|
| Premium private international | 22,000 to 30,000 | British School of Brussels, International School of Brussels, St John's International School |
| European Schools (full fee) | 13,000 to 18,000 | European School Brussels I to IV |
| European Schools (institution staff) | 0 to 5,000 | Same schools, for eligible categories |
| Belgian state | 0 to 1,500 | French or Flemish-medium state schools |
Match the fee to the right school
The school finder shortlists Brussels schools by curriculum, district and stage, so you can compare the fee tiers against the schools that actually fit your child.
Use the school finderWhat drives the cost
Three things move a Brussels fee up or down. The first is the system: the subsidised European Schools and the free state sector sit far below the premium privates, so eligibility for a subsidised route is the single biggest lever on cost. The second is the year group, because senior and sixth-form years cost more than early years at every school; St John's International School in Waterloo, for instance, charges far more for the upper secondary IB years than for its early years classes. The third is the programme and the extras, since full IB provision, boarding and specialist support all add to the headline figure. Families weighing the senior years against the cost can read our shortlist of the best schools for sixth form in Brussels.
The fees beyond tuition
The headline tuition is rarely the whole bill. Almost every private school charges a non-refundable registration or application fee in the first year: the International School of Brussels lists a 2,000 euro application fee, and St John's International School charges an enrolment fee of 1,000 euro plus a campus development fee. On top of that, budget for lunches, school transport across Brussels traffic, uniform where it is required, educational trips, and any boarding option if you are considering one. These extras can add a meaningful sum to the first-year cost, so factor them in when you compare schools rather than reading the tuition figure alone. Our full Brussels fees guide sets out the billing rhythm and the one-off charges in detail.
Frequently asked questions
How much are international school fees in Brussels in 2026?
It depends on the tier. The premium private international schools in Brussels, such as the British School of Brussels, the International School of Brussels and St John's International School, charge roughly 22,000 to 30,000 euro a year. The European Schools charge full fees of around 13,000 to 18,000 euro for families without an institutional entitlement, and little or nothing for European institution staff. The Belgian state system is close to free for residents.
Which is the most expensive international school in Brussels?
The premium private international schools sit at the top of the range. St John's International School in Waterloo, which offers the full IB, spans a wide fee band across its grades that reaches into the high tens of thousands of euro for the senior years, and the British School of Brussels and the International School of Brussels are similarly placed at the premium end. Senior years cost more than early years at every school.
Are there affordable international schools in Brussels?
Yes, relatively. The European Schools are markedly cheaper than the premium privates for families paying full fees, and free or near-free for eligible European institution staff. Smaller international schools such as BEPS sit a little below the top tier. The Belgian state system, in French or Flemish, is close to free for residents and is the most affordable route of all.
What extra fees apply on top of tuition in Brussels?
Expect a non-refundable registration or application fee in the first year. The International School of Brussels lists a 2,000 euro application fee, and St John's International School charges an enrolment fee of 1,000 euro plus a campus development fee. Add lunches, transport, uniform where required, trips and any boarding option. Budget for these on top of the headline tuition.