Munich International School, usually shortened to MIS, is the anchor institution among the international schools in Munich. Founded in 1966, it is an independent non profit IB World School and the largest in the region, with around 1,200 students from more than 60 countries on a single purpose built campus near Starnberg. Although it appears on lists of American schools because it serves many United States families, its curriculum is the full IB continuum rather than an American programme.
Munich International School at a glance
| Curriculum and exam boards | IB World School; IB Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma programmes |
|---|---|
| Stages | Ages 4 to 18, early childhood through to the IB Diploma |
| Founded | 1966 |
| Accreditation | Council of International Schools (CIS) and NEASC; IB authorised since 1980 |
| Language | English medium with German and mother tongue languages |
| Fee band | Premium, the top of the Munich range |
| Campus area | Near Starnberg, south west of Munich |
Curriculum and academics
MIS runs the full IB curriculum, all three programmes in sequence: the Primary Years Programme for the youngest children, the Middle Years Programme through the middle school, and the IB Diploma Programme in the senior years. It has been an authorised IB World School since 1980, which makes it one of the longest established IB schools in Germany. English is the language of instruction, and every student also learns German, with mother tongue and additional language provision alongside.
The IB Diploma is recognised for university entry in Germany and worldwide, which suits the school's highly mobile community of families who may move on again. Although many American families choose MIS, the pathway is IB rather than Advanced Placement, so families specifically wanting the United States system should weigh that. Subject options at Diploma level are broad given the school's size, and are best confirmed in the current course guide.
Compare MIS with other Munich schools
Use the compare tool to put Munich International School side by side with up to two other Munich schools on curriculum and fees.
Munich International School fees
Munich International School fees sit at the premium top of the Munich international school fees range. The school publishes a detailed annual schedule, and for the 2025 to 2026 year tuition rose by grade from roughly EUR 18,000 in the lower primary years to around EUR 27,000 in the final Diploma year, with early childhood places priced separately by hours. These figures change each year, so confirm the current schedule with the school before budgeting.
The larger line item to plan for at MIS is the one time entrance fee for new students, published at around EUR 9,400 per child in the first year, on top of a registration fee and an application fee. Budget further for lunch, a school bus given the Starnberg location, materials and trips. Because the entrance fee is substantial, factor it into a relocation budget early.
Admissions
Admission centres on the main August intake, with mid year places offered where a year group has room. The school reviews previous school reports and assesses English readiness, and given its size it can often accommodate families across a range of year groups. An application fee applies, and a place is confirmed with the registration and entrance fees noted above.
Because MIS is the default choice for many families relocating to the Munich area, popular year groups can fill, so apply as soon as a move is confirmed and share full academic records. Families entering the Diploma years should discuss subject choices early, since prior study shapes what is possible.
Location and who goes there
The campus is near Starnberg, in the lake district south west of Munich, on a large purpose built site rather than a city plot. That setting gives the school space and facilities, but it means a commute for families living in central or northern Munich, usually by school bus or the S-Bahn line that serves the Starnberg area. Families weighing MIS against a city school often decide on the commute as much as the programme.
The community is large and international, with strong United States, British and German contingents among more than 60 nationalities. Many families settle in the southern suburbs and the Fünfseenland to be near the campus. For how the Starnberg area compares with city districts and where international families cluster, the Munich city hub maps the neighbourhoods and their schools.
Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
What curriculum does Munich International School follow?
It runs the full IB continuum, the Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma programmes, and has been an authorised IB World School since 1980. English is the language of instruction with German taught alongside.
How much are Munich International School fees?
Fees sit at the premium top of the Munich range. For 2025 to 2026 tuition ran from roughly EUR 18,000 in lower primary to around EUR 27,000 in the final Diploma year, plus a one time entrance fee of about EUR 9,400 for new students. Confirm the current schedule with the school.
Is Munich International School a good school?
It is the largest and oldest international school in the region, accredited by CIS and NEASC and IB authorised since 1980. We do not publish a star rating without verified parent reviews, so we describe its programme and standing rather than score it.
Where is Munich International School?
The campus is near Starnberg, in the lake district south west of Munich, served by the S-Bahn and school buses, so families in central Munich should plan for a commute.
When was Munich International School founded?
Munich International School was founded in 1966, making it the oldest international school in the Munich region.
Does Munich International School offer the IB Diploma?
Yes. The IB Diploma Programme is the senior pathway, following the Primary Years and Middle Years programmes, and is recognised for university entry in Germany and worldwide.
