For German speaking families among the international schools in Brussels, the iDSB is the natural first stop. It is the established German curriculum school in the capital, teaching mainly in German and leading children all the way to the Abitur, the qualification that opens German and wider European universities. With around 560 students it is a smaller, community minded school rather than a large international campus, which many German and Austrian families relocating with the institutions value. This profile sets out what GlobalSchoolGuide Editorial has verified about its curriculum, fees and admissions.
We are independent and no school pays to be listed, so this is a reference for relocating parents rather than promotion. Where a fact could not be confirmed, we mark it as not published.
At a glance
Curriculum and academics
The iDSB follows the German curriculum, specifically the programme of the German state of Thuringia, which lets students move smoothly between the school and the system back home. The school carries pupils through the full set of German qualifications: the Realschulabschluss at the intermediate stage, the Fachabitur, and the German International Abitur at the top of the school. The Abitur is recognised across the European Union and grants access to universities throughout the continent, so a family posted to Brussels for a few years can keep a child on the German track without disruption.
Teaching is mainly in German, with the structured, subject led approach familiar from the German system, and the school's modest size keeps classes small and the community close. It serves children from early years through to age eighteen. Families weighing the German route against the English medium options can read our wider guide to the best international schools in Brussels.
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Internationale Deutsche Schule Brüssel fees
Internationale Deutsche Schule Brüssel fees sit below the premium Anglophone independents in the city, helped by the school's link to the German state model and its smaller scale. Our Brussels school fees guide sets out the wider tiers, from the premium independents at the top to the European Schools and the state system, and the iDSB lands more affordably than the large English medium campuses. The school publishes a current schedule each year, so confirm the live figures with the office rather than relying on a number found second hand.
- Registration: a one off application or registration charge, normally non refundable
- Deposit: a place deposit on acceptance where required
- Examination entry: entry costs for the Abitur and earlier German certificates in the senior years
- Extras: transport, lunches, materials and trips
Admissions
The iDSB admits for an August or September start in line with the German academic year and reviews applications through the year where places exist. Because teaching is in German, the admissions conversation usually turns on a child's German language level and their previous schooling, with placement set to suit the year group and the German qualification framework. Families moving from another German school abroad or from Germany itself transfer most smoothly.
Places in popular year groups can be limited given the school's size, so contact the office early. Turnover in the diplomatic and institution community does open occasional places through the year, which can help families relocating outside the standard cycle.
Location and who goes there
The school sits in a green part of Wezembeek-Oppem on the eastern edge of Brussels, a quieter residential area beyond the city centre. That location suits families living in the eastern communes and the leafy suburbs that many institution and embassy households favour, and it keeps the school in calm surroundings rather than the dense centre.
The community is built around German speaking families, including those posted to Brussels with the European institutions, NATO and the German diplomatic and business presence, alongside Belgian families who want their children educated in German. For the full landscape of districts, curricula and fees across the capital, see the Brussels city guide.
Reviews
We do not yet have verified parent reviews for the Internationale 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 iDSB, 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 Internationale Deutsche Schule Brüssel fees?
The iDSB sits below the premium Anglophone independents in Brussels, with fees supported in part because it follows the German state model. The school publishes a current schedule each year, and registration and extras such as transport and lunches sit on top of tuition, so confirm the live figures with the school office before you budget.
What curriculum does the Internationale Deutsche Schule Brüssel follow?
The iDSB follows the German curriculum, specifically the programme of the state of Thuringia, and leads to recognised German qualifications including the Realschulabschluss, the Fachabitur and the German International Abitur, which gives access to universities across Europe.
Is the Internationale Deutsche Schule Brüssel a German school?
Yes. The iDSB is a German curriculum school teaching mainly in German, and it suits German speaking families and those who want their children to graduate with the Abitur. It serves children from early years through to age eighteen.
Where is the Internationale Deutsche Schule Brüssel located?
The school sits in a green part of Wezembeek-Oppem on the eastern edge of Brussels, which puts it within reach of the eastern communes and the residential areas favoured by families working with the EU institutions and NATO.
When do Internationale Deutsche Schule Brüssel applications open?
The iDSB admits for an August or September start in line with the German academic year and reviews applications through the year where places exist. Contact the school office early for sought after year groups, especially as families rotate in and out of the diplomatic community.
