Avicenna International College vs International School of Budapest

	A Avicenna International College Budapest, Hungary	I International School of Budapest Budapest, Hungary
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year HUF 8,000 - 3,023,681	Fees / year HUF 30,000 - 6,518,400
Age range	Age range 14 - 18 years	Age range 5 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels	Curriculum Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP), French Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 200	Pupils 380
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 16
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, Hungarian
Opened	Opened —	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location —	Location ISB is located at 1117 Budapest, Budafoki út 97-103. The campus is in Budapest, Hungary. It serves as a K-12 campus housing both primary and secondary education. The building is open to staff from 7:30 to 17:00 on regular school days.
Stages	Stages —	Stages K-12: preparatory, primary and secondary. ISB offers two curricula across these levels: an international Cambridge International-based programme and a bilingual Hungarian programme.
School type	School type —	School type ISB provides two academic pathways: the International Programme (Cambridge International-based, English instruction) and the Bilingual Programme (Hungarian-English), supported by an English-language learning framework. ISB is a Cambridge International School and is an IB World School authorized to offer the IB Diploma Programme.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support English as an Additional Language (EAL) is a paid program that supports students learning in English. EAL works with subject teachers to help pupils access the curriculum, begins in Grade 2, and typically provides 4–8 hours of support per week until the student can join mainstream classes.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation Hungary. The school is based in Budapest, Hungary, offering Cambridge International and Hungarian bilingual curricula.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure The school is open 7:30–17:00 on regular school days. Registration for Primary is 8:00–8:15; Primary first period runs 8:20–9:05; Secondary starts at 8:30. After-school clubs and supervision run until 17:00.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details Bus information is available on the ISB parent page of the ISB website (the parent portal includes a school bus information section).
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details —	Fee details Scope and note - The amounts below are the school's published fees for the applicable academic fee schedule and set out the charges parents are asked to pay for enrollment, tuition and additional services. Application, registration and seat‑reservation fees - Admission (Preparatory for Grade 12 applicants): HUF 30,000 if paid by 30 June; HUF 35,000 from 1 July. - Registration fee (one‑off): HUF 300,000. - Seat reservation fee: HUF 500,000. Tuition contribution – annual and per‑term amounts by year group and programme - Preparatory - Bilingual programme: Lump‑sum annual payment HUF 4,122,500; two‑instalment total HUF 4,250,000 (per term = HUF 2,125,000). - International programme: Lump‑sum annual payment HUF 4,471,700; two‑instalment total HUF 4,610,000 (per term = HUF 2,305,000). - Grades 1–4 - Bilingual programme: Lump‑sum HUF 4,481,400; two‑instalment total HUF 4,620,000 (per term = HUF 2,310,000). - International programme: Lump‑sum HUF 5,199,200; two‑instalment total HUF 5,360,000 (per term = HUF 2,680,000). - Grades 5–8 - Bilingual programme: Lump‑sum HUF 4,743,300; two‑instalment total HUF 4,890,000 (per term = HUF 2,445,000). - International programme: Lump‑sum HUF 5,451,400; two‑instalment total HUF 5,620,000 (per term = HUF 2,810,000). - Grades 9–10 (KS4) - International programme: Lump‑sum HUF 6,169,200; two‑instalment total HUF 6,360,000 (per term = HUF 3,180,000). - IBDP (Grades 11–12) - International programme: Lump‑sum HUF 6,518,400; two‑instalment total HUF 6,720,000 (per term = HUF 3,360,000). Sibling discounts - 2 children: 5% discount on the relevant tuition contribution. - 3 children: 10% discount. - 4 children: 15% discount. English as an Additional Language (EAL) — supplementary fees - 4 lessons per week: HUF 350,000 per semester; HUF 700,000 per year. - 8 lessons per week: HUF 550,000 per semester; HUF 1,100,000 per year. Examination and assessment fees - IGCSE and IB examination fees are charged per subject; specific per‑subject amounts are determined separately and shown where applicable on examination invoices. Familiarisation and review/re‑evaluation fees for IB are charged where applicable (amounts to be determined). Other routine and incidental charges - Student supervision (per every started 30 minutes): HUF 5,000. - Replacement ISB Student/Parent electronic card (per card) and replacement card requested for a 3rd person: HUF 5,000 per card. - Cost of sending a formal notice: HUF 30,000. - Fees for administrative work related to termination of the contract: HUF 30,000. - Uniforms are supplied via the school's uniform supplier; uniform costs are payable separately to the supplier. Boarding fees - Not applicable: the school does not operate boarding accommodation; no boarding fees are listed. Billing schedule and payment terms - Payment options (billing structure): the school offers a single lump‑sum payment option and a two‑instalment option. Where the two‑instalment option is chosen, the instalment total is the two‑instalment figure shown above; the per‑term amounts given above equal one half of the two‑instalment total. - Lump‑sum discount: a 3% reduction on the tuition contribution is offered where the lump‑sum payment is credited by the published deadline (for the published schedule the deadline for the discount was 01 July). Failure to meet payment obligations or deadlines will result in loss of any discount or benefit tied to timely payment. - Invoicing and consequences of late or non‑payment: the school's fee schedule states that parents who do not meet payment obligations lose entitlement to payment benefits and remain liable for full tuition amounts; administrative charges apply for formal notices and contract termination. Refund information and non‑refundable items - The published fee materials list the registration and seat‑reservation charges as discrete items and identify administrative fees connected with contract termination and formal notices. The fee schedule also makes clear that timely payment is required to retain discounts; administrative fees apply where formal action is required. Specific refundable/tax treatment or detailed tuition‑refund scenarios are set out in the school's enrolment/contract documents and in administrative policies. Fee payment mechanics / methods - Fees are invoiced by the school for the chosen payment plan (single payment or instalments). Payment must be credited by the stated deadlines to secure any discounts. Commonly used methods are bank transfer and payment as instructed on the invoice; invoicing and payment details are shown on the school's billing documentation. Summary of key one‑line charges - Registration fee: HUF 300,000. - Seat reservation: HUF 500,000. - Tuition ranges (annual, two‑instalment figures shown in parentheses where applicable): Preparatory HUF 4,250,000 (two instalments) up to IBDP HUF 6,720,000 (two instalments). If you require the fee figures expressed in another currency or broken down in a different way, provide the target currency and I can convert the amounts.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement Uniform policy: Wearing a uniform is compulsory for all students from Preparatory to Grade 12 on all school days and at school events. Everyday Uniform (Prep–Grade 10) includes a white ISB-logo polo shirt or ISB blouse, a light blue jumper or cardigan, and knee-length or long dark blue skirts or trousers; Grades 11–12 wear a blazer with trousers as everyday dress; Formal uniform is required for official events; PE uniform includes a white or dark blue ISB athletics shirt, ISB shorts or skirt, ISB hoodie and ISB trousers; Uniform items are available from unimode.hu.
Food options	Food options —	Food options Catering for the children is provided by the school and includes morning snacks, lunch and afternoon snacks; the meals emphasize a healthy diet with balanced menus and fruits/vegetables, and the school offers two menus daily.
House system	House system —	House system House system exists. The House rules are described in the school's house-related regulations, and the House Rules apply during school events.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership Governing body: Nemzetközi Oktatási Központ Alapítvány (International Educational Center Foundation). ISB is registered for Cambridge International School HU 028 and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme 060246, and holds Cognia accreditation.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details —	Curriculum details The ISB curriculum comprises two parallel frameworks: an International Academic Program using the Cambridge International Curriculum and a Bilingual Academic Program that combines the Hungarian National Curriculum's Curriculum Framework for Bilingual Schools with the Cambridge International Examinations' framework. The International Academic Program follows the Cambridge International Curriculum. The Bilingual Academic Program follows both the Curriculum Framework for Bilingual Schools of the Hungarian National Curriculum and the Cambridge International Examinations' curriculum. Cambridge examinations are available at the ends of Grade 5 (Key Stage 2), Grade 8 (Key Stage 3) and Grade 10 (Key Stage 4, IGCSE). The Secondary School includes the IB Diploma Programme for suitable Grade 11 students, and the Diploma Programme leads to final examinations in six subject areas and is widely recognized by leading colleges and universities. [turn1view0]
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio Student-teacher ratio is 5:1. Average class size is 14–18 students. [turn0view0]
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results IGCSE Test Results for June 2023 and June 2021; English Language Competency Tests for Bilingual Schools results for 2021 (Grade 8) and 2021 (Grade 6) as well as 2019 (Grade 8) and 2019 (Grade 6); Hungarian Competency Test results; Academic Competition Results for 2021-2022 and 2020-2021. [turn2view0]
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression ISB is an IB World School and offers the IB Diploma Programme to suitable Grade 11 students; the Diploma Programme leads to final examinations in six subject areas and is widely recognized by leading colleges and universities. [turn0view0]
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning ISB is a values-based school that focuses on educating the whole person and developing engaged, globally minded citizens. The school emphasizes five core values—Inquiring, Respectful, Motivated, Community-minded, and Responsible—which underpin a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and community involvement to support social and emotional development.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) ISB employs specialist staff for inclusive education, including a psycho-pedagogue and a speech therapist (logopédus), plus a dedicated special education teacher. These roles work with students individually or in small groups to address learning needs and to support inclusive access to the curriculum.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language English as an Additional Language (EAL) is a paid program that supports students needing extra help to access the curriculum. The EAL department collaborates with subject teachers to align support with the Cambridge curriculum, with progress monitored to enable learners to join mainstream classes when ready. EAL begins in Grade 2, with pull-out or push-in provisions (4 or 8 hours per week) and an exit process when proficiency allows.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing Mindfulness approaches are used to support student stress management; a staff member is described as a mindfulness trainer who teaches students how to respond rather than react in challenging situations, helping to reduce stress.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding ISB has an anti-bullying policy stating that bullying is not tolerated and outlining intervention steps, including school-based discussions, involvement of parents, and a focus on empathy, conflict resolution, and consistent supervision to protect pupils' safety and well-being. The policy also emphasises that all children have the right to a secure and happy learning environment.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview The new campus is located in the heart of Budapest's District 11, in a calm, leafy area near Kopaszi Gát and Tüskecsarnok, close to one of Hungary's most modern sports complexes. The school consists of two buildings; Building A houses the preparatory and primary school on the lower floors and the secondary school on the upper floor, including spaces for lessons that require equipment such as music, art, and science. The buildings feature modern, well-equipped classrooms and an enclosed courtyard with large, established trees. The campus is easily accessible from many parts of the city and convenient for students and staff traveling by public transport. Catering for students is provided on-site with morning snacks, lunch and afternoon snacks, with two daily menu options; parking is free for ISB parents within the campus (limited spaces at the new site); entry is controlled by a manned gate and security cameras monitor the premises.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities The campus is located near Kopaszi Gát and Tüskecsarnok, one of Hungary's most modern sports complexes. This proximity provides access to contemporary sports facilities for physical education and after‑school activities. ISB operates an active basketball program with scheduled fixtures against various schools, illustrating an ongoing commitment to team sports. The overall setting supports participation in competitive and recreational sports as part of ISB's student life.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities ISB's campus comprises two buildings; Building A serves the preparatory and primary students on the lower floors and the secondary students on the upper floor. The building also provides spaces for lessons that require special equipment, including music, art and science. The school features modern, well-equipped classrooms to support daily learning. The enclosed courtyard has large, planted trees, contributing to a pleasant learning environment. The campus is easily accessible by car and by public transport.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities A wide range of after-school clubs is offered, including Woodwork Club, Chess Club, Robotics & Programming Club, Boys Football, Girls Football, Model United Nations (MUN), Yoga/Pilates, Art Club, Theater You, Swimming, Cricket, Ceramics Club and Tennis (two clubs for different age groups). Robotics & Programming covers basics of programming and robotics with weekly 90‑minute sessions, including LEGO robotics and block-based coding. The Swimming Club is an exclusive program with ISB‑provided transport to Tüskecsarnok and dedicated coaches. Tennis clubs operate for different age groups, with sessions at the school and nearby Gabányi László Sportcsarnok, and parental pickup arranged by 5:00 pm. Additional clubs include Woodwork, Chess, Theatre, Ceramics, Cricket and more, led by experienced staff and external coaches.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History The International School of Budapest was established in 1996 and is the largest English-Hungarian bilingual international school in Hungary. The school provides education to pupils aged 5 to 18 across preparatory, primary and secondary levels. ISB is registered Cambridge International School and IB World School, offering Cambridge qualifications (including IGCSE) and the IB Diploma Programme for Grade 11-12. It also holds Hungarian accreditation as a Hungarian-English Bilingual Primary and Secondary School (Ministry ID: 035019). Since September 2019, ISB has offered a Pre-IB Year to provide English-language support.
Community	Community —	Community ISB fosters a strong sense of community through active parent involvement, student voice, and open communication. Parents stay connected through iSAMS, regular newsletters, and the school calendar listing key dates. The Parent Association (PA) meets several times a year to relay recommendations and coordinate voluntary help in school activities. The ISB Student Council represents peers, organizes events, and promotes a vibrant community spirit through volunteering; the chairperson is elected by the students.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association The PTA holds a meeting every other month. Parent representatives forward the parents' recommendations, constructive ideas, and offers for voluntary help in organizing the school's educational and other activities to the management. ISB parents are invited to share their opinions in the annual survey. The feedback provided by the parents' questionnaires is analysed and integrated into the educational development plans for the following school year. ISB appreciates parents' suggestions and feedback, which enables continuous improvement of the quality of ISB's education service.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual Robotics & programming club is available for Grade 2, 3 and 4 and meets weekly for 90 minutes. Science clubs offer hands-on experiments and investigations to nurture curiosity and problem-solving. Math Booster and Geography Club are offered at the secondary level, providing enrichment in mathematics and geography. Model United Nations (MUN) develops public speaking, research, and negotiation skills through simulated UN sessions.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative Art Club, Drama Club, Ceramics Club, and Woodwork Club run after school. Drama Club builds confidence, expression, creativity, and improvisation. Ceramics Club provides hands-on pottery and sculpture experiences. Woodwork Club teaches safe use of woodworking tools and making items.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language Hungarian Booster Club provides reading, writing, and comprehension support in Hungarian. Hungarian Singing Club teaches Hungarian through songs and musical activities. German Booster and Spanish Booster help students improve grammar, vocabulary, and conversation skills. Postcrossing Club connects students with peers around the world through postcard exchanges.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies Chess Club offers strategy and critical thinking for all levels. Homework Club provides a space to complete assignments. Reading Clubs create a relaxed environment to listen to stories and read together. Team Games Club focuses on coordination, fitness, and teamwork.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional Model United Nations (MUN) is offered as a Secondary Club. It develops public speaking, research, and negotiation skills. Students participate in simulated UN sessions to debate global issues and propose solutions.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing Yoga / Pilates Club focuses on strength, flexibility, and coordination. Cricket Club for Grade 2–8 develops hand-eye coordination and teamwork with tournaments. Football Club for Grade Prep–5 emphasizes drills, passing, and shooting with monthly tournaments. Tennis Club teaches basic techniques for different age groups, and Volleyball Club for Grade 4–8 fosters teamwork. Swimming is provided by an outside company, with contact details available for information.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision English is the language of instruction in the International Academic Programme, with Hungarian taught as a second language from grade 1 to grade 10. The Bilingual Academic Programme uses the Hungarian National Curriculum alongside the Cambridge Curriculum, with main subjects taught in English and Hungarian and skill-based subjects taught in English; Cambridge exams start from grade 3 and final reports are issued in English and Hungarian. The International Baccalaureate Programme provides all lessons in English for grades 11–12, with IB exams at the end of the programme. English as an Additional Language (EAL) is available to support pupils to access the English curriculum.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching The school offers a Hungarian-English Bilingual Academic Programme. Main subjects are taught in both English and Hungarian, while skill-based subjects are taught in English. The programme uses the Cambridge International Curriculum alongside the Hungarian National Curriculum. Final reports are issued in English and in Hungarian.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards null
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations The International School of Budapest is a Cambridge International School and an IB World School. It also holds Hungarian private school accreditation and can issue official Hungarian school reports. The school is located in Budapest and serves students aged 5–18.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions —	Admissions ISB accepts applications and enrolments throughout the year in all grades provided there are free places. For enrolment, children take part in the Assessment Programme. An admission fee for the assessment programme is payable. After submitting the documents, the school informs parents of the decision in writing and, by accepting the written admission offer, enrolment documents must be handed in at the school office. Primary School assessments include an online (Grades 1–5) and a personal assessment, while Secondary School applicants take part in an online test at school followed by an interview with the secondary academic leaders. By applying, parents consent to ISB assessing their child's English, and if language support is needed, the English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme might be required for admission, which is a fee-paying service. ISB also offers Open Day visits to the campus.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships ISB offers a Scholarship Program for Grade 8 students for the 2026/27 and 2027/28 academic years. The scholarship supports a maximum of four students and can cover up to 50% of the tuition fee for the respective year. Eligible applicants must be active ISB Grade 8 students in 2025/26, have excellent English, maintain an average of at least 4.5 in the last three completed years, and demonstrate outstanding achievement in sports, music, or the arts. The application deadline is January 12, 2026, and submissions must be sent in hard copy to Budapesti Nemzetközi Iskola – International School of Budapest, 1117 Budapest, Budafoki út 97-103. The award decision is made within 30 days of the deadline; non-compliance can result in loss of eligibility and repayment of tuition previously covered. Data protection provisions apply. For more information, contact angela.milne@isb.hu.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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