Avicenna International College vs REAL School Budapest

	A Avicenna International College Budapest, Hungary	R REAL School Budapest Budapest, Hungary
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year HUF 8,000 - 3,023,681	Fees / year HUF 14,970 - 18,640
Age range	Age range 14 - 18 years	Age range 5 - 14 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels	Curriculum British Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 200	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened 2019
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location —	Location Located in Graphisoft Park, Óbuda, Budapest, next to the Danube River. Housed in a historic factory building repurposed for learning, it features large, multi-purpose spaces and upcycled furniture. The address is 1031 Budapest, Hungary.
Stages	Stages —	Stages Primary and middle school for ages 5-14.
School type	School type —	School type Not-for-profit, British international school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support The school does not have staffing provision to accommodate children with special needs, severe learning differences or serious behavioural issues.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation British international school (follows the English National Curriculum).
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details —	Fee details Application fees - Application fee: EUR 100 (one-time; non-refundable). - Seat reservation fee: EUR 800 (payable on contracting for new students; for continuing students the seat reservation fee is due by 30 April each year to secure a place). The seat reservation fee is non-refundable and is applied to the first tuition payment (it is not an additional cost). Tuition fees by age / year group (amounts in EUR) - Age 5: - Full year: EUR 14,970. - Term payments: 1st term EUR 5,990; 2nd term EUR 4,490; 3rd term EUR 4,490. - One-payment amount (with 4% discount): EUR 14,370. - Age 6–7: - Full year: EUR 15,970. - Term payments: 1st term EUR 6,390; 2nd term EUR 4,790; 3rd term EUR 4,790. - One-payment amount (with 4% discount): EUR 15,330. - Age 8–9: - Full year: EUR 17,630. - Term payments: 1st term EUR 7,050; 2nd term EUR 5,290; 3rd term EUR 5,290. - One-payment amount (with 4% discount): EUR 16,920. - Age 10–11: - Full year: EUR 18,070. - Term payments: 1st term EUR 7,230; 2nd term EUR 5,420; 3rd term EUR 5,420. - One-payment amount (with 4% discount): EUR 17,350. - Age 12–14: - Full year: EUR 18,640. - Term payments: 1st term EUR 7,460; 2nd term EUR 5,590; 3rd term EUR 5,590. - One-payment amount (with 4% discount): EUR 17,890. Additional tuition-related charges - EAL (English as an Additional Language) pull-out tutoring: 10% of the tuition fee while additional lessons are provided. - Sibling discounts: 10% for the first younger sibling and 20% for all subsequent younger siblings. Billing schedule and payment terms - Term payments are due 30 days before the start of each term. - The one-payment (full-year) discount of 4% applies when the full-year fees are paid by 31 May, or within 7 days of enrolment (whichever is later). No discounts apply to corporate, institutional or diplomatic payments. - Minimum enrolment is for one full school year; any special enrolment agreement shorter than one full year carries a 25% tuition surcharge. - The seat reservation fee is applied to the first tuition payment (it is not an additional cost). The seat reservation fee and the application fee are non-refundable. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable. REAL School operates as a day primary and middle school (ages 5–14); there are no boarding fees. Other costs and typical extras - The fees include plant-based lunches and snacks. - Families should expect to cover transportation and accommodation costs for learning trips. - All students aged 10 and above are expected to have a good quality notebook computer; the family is responsible for acquiring this device. - Additional charges may apply for specific support services (for example, pull-out EAL as noted above). - No specific uniform fee is listed in the school's published fee information. Refund information - The Application fee is non-refundable. - The Seat reservation fee is non-refundable; it is credited against the first tuition payment in the applicable academic year. Fee payment options - Fees are set in Euros but may be paid in EUR, HUF, USD or GBP. - No cash payments are accepted. Notes on discounts and surcharges - A 4% discount is offered for full-year one-payment settlements (conditions above). - A 25% surcharge applies to any enrolment agreement shorter than one full school year. (End of fee overview.)
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options Plant-based meals are served on-site in The Planteen canteen; lunches are colourful, seasonal, and full of flavour.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership Not-for-profit; fully accredited British international school. Founded in 2019 by Barna and Viktória; governance is provided by a Board of Trustees, with Barna having served on the School's Board and later as a Trustee. Licensed by the Hungarian Interior Ministry as Kindergarten to Grade 8; COBIS Accredited Member.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details —	Curriculum details REAL School follows the National Curriculum in England and is COBIS Accredited. It serves children from kindergarten to grade 8 (ages 5-14) and is licensed in Hungary as a primary and middle school. In the lower school (ages 5-9), literacy and numeracy foundations are built with Read Write Inc and Oxford Reading Tree, while science and humanities are woven into projects. In the upper school (ages 10-14), maths is taught as core skills, problem solving, and applied maths; literacy is integrated with Dream to Reality projects when possible, and science is taught both as a project-based and standalone subject. The learning emphasizes project-based experiences across Academics, Nature, Smart tech, Wellbeing, Entrepreneurship, and Regeneration, with weekly excursions and outdoor learning. End-of-term reports track progress against the English National Curriculum and REAL School's learning competencies, and English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is available.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
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 REAL School places wellbeing at the heart of its approach, focusing on nurturing social, emotional, and physical health. Wellbeing is a cornerstone of the school's philosophy. The curriculum balances core academics with nature, smart tech, wellbeing, entrepreneurship, and regeneration. Authentic project-based learning connects knowledge to action, developing 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. In a small, international community, children are known and their voices are heard.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) The school currently does not have staffing provision to accommodate children with special needs, severe learning differences or serious behavioural issues.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language The primary language of teaching at the REAL School is English. The school welcomes students with all English abilities, but preference is given to those with strong English skills so they can access learning opportunities. For students older than 8, conversational English is required to engage in projects and activities. For pupils aged 11 or above, reasonable fluency in spoken and written English is required. English proficiency is assessed as part of the application process.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing Wellbeing is a cornerstone of REAL School's philosophy, with a focus on nurturing the social, emotional, and physical health of its students to develop balanced and resilient learners. The learning approach supports mental wellbeing through project-based learning, peer collaboration, and a supportive community that values each student's wellbeing.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding Safeguarding is a top priority for REAL School. Concerns should be reported to besafe@realschool.hu.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview The learning environment is a historical factory building repurposed to meet the needs of our pedagogy. It is a source of inspiration for environmentally-friendly solutions, including the materials used day to day. The school has large, multi-purpose spaces, upcycled furniture, and technology. The playground is co-designed by the children and is a living garden of play reflecting creativity, sustainability, and stewardship. The campus is located in Graphisoft Park, Óbuda, Budapest, next to the Danube river, offering access to green spaces and urban learning opportunities. From selling products at a nearby market to learning regeneration at a repair café to making films in the city streets, students see their learning come alive in the community.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities Children have direct access to a large green space for free play. The great outdoors is a big outdoor space where learning happens outside and in all weather. The Danube river and Óbudai Island are nearby, providing opportunities for exploration and outdoor activities.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities The makerspace is a container workshop where ideas take shape. It is a space of imagination where children discover that their ideas matter because they can bring them to life. From crafting objects to prototyping student projects, every activity blends creativity, critical thinking, and skill, turning dreams into reality. Lunches and snacks are prepared on-site in The Planteen canteen, serving plant-based meals that are seasonal and flavorful.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities Real-life, project-based learning includes activities such as selling products at a nearby market, learning regeneration at a repair café, and making films in the city streets.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History REAL School Budapest was founded in 2019 by Barna and Viktória, parents who wanted something more purposeful for their own children. Barna led a multi-year strategic-planning project at Green School that uncovered and developed the school's blueprint, including its purpose, learning goals, school model and governance. After four years, they brought their inspiration to Budapest to create an urbanised version of Green School. They sought a community that recognises that 21st-century children need an education focused on skills, mindset and adaptability in addition to content. Barna served on the School's Board and then as a Trustee, and REAL School is governed by a Board of Governors with Barna Baráth as Chair.
Community	Community —	Community REAL School Budapest is a community of passionate families, educators, creators and changemakers who guide your child's journey. They are mentors who listen, entrepreneurs who inspire, artists who nurture creativity, and guides who help children connect with nature and purpose. The community emphasizes regeneration and a shared mission to inspire and empower the next generation to dream and build a beautiful world. REAL School has COBIS accreditation, including Beacon School statuses for ethos/values and for leadership, and is fully licensed by the Hungarian Interior Ministry as a Kindergarten to grade 8 school.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association The REAL Adventure Park is a parent-supported fundraising initiative to create a playground and nature-inspired spaces at REAL School. It will become a reality only with the support of parents. A community planning session brought together children, parents, and educators to reflect on and share ideas for natural play spaces. Donations to fund the project are collected through the Dream to Reality Foundation, with public details published for contributing donors. The initiative demonstrates active parent involvement in school life beyond regular curriculum and events. The project aims to foster stewardship and learning through play, and to enhance community engagement at REAL School.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual The school follows the British curriculum and uses the English National Curriculum alongside REAL School's competencies. End-of-term reports reflect progress against these standards. Learning is project-based, with cross-curricular integration and real-world applicability. Real Zone extends academic learning by offering a language class, arts and music courses, game clubs, and sports for extended study.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative Art & Makerspace provide dedicated lessons where making is central to building confidence and turning ideas into tangible products. Art is woven into projects to enrich learning and foster creative thinking. Students develop design and problem-solving skills through hands-on making within makerspace activities.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language Language classes are available as part of Real Zone's extended learning. A Hungarian language journey option is offered to support language development. Real Zone also includes arts and music courses, game clubs, and sports alongside other learning extensions. External students are welcome to join these activities.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies Game clubs and sports are available as after-school activities. Excursions occur weekly, exploring nature or the city to connect learning with real-world contexts. Time is dedicated to building relationships through social-emotional activities and cultural engagement.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service Real-life project work supports entrepreneurial skill and mindset development through a cross-curricular, project-based process with real-world impact. Paws for a cause is an example of a community-oriented project. The learning approach includes social responsibility initiatives as part of classroom experiences.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional Entrepreneurial attitude and leadership are fostered through Dream to Reality, enabling collaboration across subjects and real-world impact. Student agency gives students voice and choice in learning, supporting leadership development and motivation for lifelong learning. These experiences build professional skills alongside academic knowledge.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing Wellbeing is part of daily life and is a subject with a purposeful curriculum, focusing on social-emotional learning and healthy relationships. The physical education program leverages outdoor spaces and includes swimming, skating, and wall-climbing in locations beyond the campus for older students. Excursions support wellbeing through movement, nature, and community experiences.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision The primary language of teaching is English. REAL School welcomes children from all language backgrounds, and an English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme is available to support learners. The school is described as an English-language, COBIS-accredited British international school.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions —	Admissions Step 1 Research: Get to know the school by reading the website, downloading the brochure, contacting the admissions team, watching the YouTube channel, and following the school's social channels. Review the School Calendar and Fees Schedule to understand term dates and costs. REAL School offers rolling enrolment, accepting families to start throughout the year, with a minimum one-year commitment. The primary language of teaching is English; for students older than 8, conversational English is required to engage in projects, and 11+ applicants must have fluent spoken and written English, with proficiency assessed as part of the application process. Step 2 Register your interest: Indicate your interest for enrolment by providing the name and age of your children and your contact details. Expect to receive a welcome email from the Family Ambassador. This initiates the application flow and helps the school provide the right information for your family. The link to indicate interest for enrolment is available on the admissions page. Step 3 Meet Us!: Join an online call to learn more about the school and answer questions. The Family Ambassador, the Principal, an educator, or the Founders will be happy to meet you. Open Tour sessions are held every Tuesday, and there are other ways to get in touch if you prefer. Step 4 Apply Online: Apply through the online application system and submit supporting documentation. This includes basic data, schooling history to date, any special needs or issues to be aware of, and questions about motivation for wishing to join the school. For applicants aged 11+, a short video introduction and a personal statement are requested. The application fee will be invoiced following submission. Step 5 Meet the Founders: Following the review of the application, families are invited to meet the Founders through an online call to help establish whether the values and intentions of the School meet the expectations and values of the family. This is an important step in the process because the community plays an essential part in the School's ethos and education process. Step 6 Trial Days: After the family meeting, your child would normally be invited for 3 trial days at the school to get a feel for the learning experience and the community, as well as to assess their readiness to join REAL School. Step 7 Contract & payment: Once a formal offer of a place has been made, parents are asked to agree to the contract, and pay the Seat reservation fee to secure a place at the school. REAL School Budapest welcomes families from diverse backgrounds and does not discriminate on race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation or family structure. The school also provides a Privacy Policy for applicant data. Note: REAL School offers rolling enrolment and is currently accepting international students aged 5-14.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships Scholarship programme: A limited number of tuition assistance opportunities are offered for displaced families seeking full-time education at REAL School. Priority will be given to students who have been enrolled at REAL School since March 2022. Sustainable Entrepreneurship: The Ukraine offerings incorporate the Dream to Reality process to build a sustainable entrepreneurial mindset and address environmental and social issues. Saturday School: Every Saturday REAL School becomes a Ukrainian school, organized by the Ukrainian Association Unity. Children have fun, interactive activities; adults can join a Hungarian lesson and Q&A about Budapest; programs are in development for sustainability and entrepreneurship. Summer camps: Financial support is provided to displaced children to join summer camps, cultivating creativity, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, sustainability mindset and skills. Contact: Reach out to Ukrainian support catalyst Olesia at olesia.kuzo@realschool.hu and +36702828087. How you can help: Contributions are managed by the non-profit Dream to Reality Foundation for Sustainability, set up to provide scholarships and fund sustainability initiatives related to REAL School.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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