For German speaking families relocating to the European capital, the choice among international schools in Brussels often comes down quickly to the iDSB, because it is the school that delivers the full German curriculum and the nationally recognised Abitur. It teaches from the creche and kindergarten through the Grundschule and Gymnasium to the German International Abitur, the school leaving diploma that opens German and wider European universities. The school describes a tradition of German schooling in Brussels reaching back to 1803, with the present German School Association established under Belgian law in 1951, and it has been certified as an Excellent German Foreign School since 2008. This profile sets out what GlobalSchoolGuide Editorial has verified about its programme, fees and admissions.
We are independent and no school pays to be listed. Where the school does not publish a current figure, we say so rather than guess.
At a glance
Curriculum and academics
The iDSB follows the German curriculum as set by the German federal states, taught largely in German, and culminates in the German International Abitur, the version of the Abitur awarded at recognised German schools abroad. A Fachabitur route is also available for students heading towards more applied higher education. Because the qualification and the syllabus match the home system, a family rotating back to Germany or moving on to another German school abroad finds the transition straightforward, which is the main reason German diplomatic, corporate and EU households choose it.
The school runs the complete age range, from a creche for the youngest children through the primary Grundschule and into the secondary Gymnasium, so siblings can attend one campus. German language support and, for some children, German as a second language help newcomers settle into the language of instruction. For how the iDSB compares with the British, French and European routes in the city, our roundup of the best international schools in Brussels places it in context.
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Deutsche Schule Brüssel fees
Deutsche Schule Brüssel fees sit in the independent band for the city, and as a non profit association school the iDSB sets tuition to cover costs rather than to return a margin. The school publishes its current schedule for families, and tuition is structured by stage, so confirm the live figures with the office before you budget. Our international school fees in Brussels guide shows where the German school sits against the premium English medium campuses and the heavily subsidised European Schools.
- Registration: a one off enrolment or registration charge
- Deposit: a place deposit on acceptance
- Association membership: contributions tied to the school association where applicable
- Extras: the school bus, lunches, materials and trips
Admissions
The iDSB admits to a late summer start in line with the German academic year, and considers applications through the year where places exist. Admissions looks at previous school reports and at the child's German language level, since most teaching is in German, and may set placement assessment for the year group. Families moving from another German school at home or abroad usually transfer smoothly because the curriculum aligns.
Demand is steady from German speaking diplomatic, EU and corporate families, so register early for popular year groups and ask about language support if your child's German is still developing. Confirm the exact application window and the documents required directly with the school.
Location and who goes there
The campus is in Wezembeek-Oppem, a municipality in Flemish Brabant just east of the Brussels region, in the green eastern belt where many international and embassy families live. The location places it within reach of the residential communes of the south east and the European quarter, and the school runs bus routes to serve families across the area.
The community is predominantly German speaking, drawn from diplomatic missions, German companies and the EU institutions, with families who specifically want a continuous German education and the Abitur. For the full landscape of districts, curricula and fees across the capital, see the Brussels city hub.
Reviews
We do not yet have verified parent reviews for Deutsche Schule Brüssel. GlobalSchoolGuide is independent and no school pays to be listed, so we publish reviews only once we can confirm they come from real families. If your child attends or has attended the school, we would value your first hand account. Share your experience through the school reviews hub and help the next relocating family decide with better evidence.
Frequently asked questions
How much are Deutsche Schule Brüssel fees?
The iDSB sits in the independent fee band for Brussels and publishes a current schedule for families, structured by stage. As a non profit association school it sets tuition to cover costs. Budget for registration, a deposit and extras such as the bus and lunches, and confirm the live figures with the office. Our Brussels fees guide shows the wider range.
Does the iDSB offer the Abitur?
Yes. The iDSB teaches the full German curriculum and leads to the German International Abitur (DIAP) in grade 12, with a Fachabitur route also available. The qualification is recognised for entry to German and wider European universities.
When was the German School in Brussels founded?
The school describes a tradition of German schooling in Brussels reaching back to 1803, while the present German School Association was founded under Belgian law in 1951. It has been certified as an Excellent German Foreign School since 2008.
Is teaching at the iDSB in German?
Yes, teaching is mainly in German, following the German curriculum. The school offers language support and German as a second language for some children, but a working level of German helps a child settle, particularly in the upper years.
Where is the iDSB located?
The campus is in Wezembeek-Oppem in Flemish Brabant, just east of Brussels, in the green eastern belt favoured by international and embassy families.
