BBIS Berlin Brandenburg International School vs Berlin Metropolitan School
BBIS Berlin Brandenburg International School and Berlin Metropolitan School are both in Berlin, about 18 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes. BBIS Berlin Brandenburg International School also offers Reggio Emilia, and Berlin Metropolitan School also offers Cambridge IGCSE and German. Published annual fees are €14,900 - 25,100 at BBIS Berlin Brandenburg International School and €9,430 - 18,216 at Berlin Metropolitan School, which puts BBIS Berlin Brandenburg International School roughly 45% higher. BBIS Berlin Brandenburg International School takes pupils from 3 to 19, and Berlin Metropolitan School from 3 to 18.
IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Reggio Emilia Approach
Curriculum
IB (PYP), IB (DP), Cambridge IGCSE, German Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
840
Pupils
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Typical class size
Typical class size
20
Typical class size
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Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English, German
Opened
Opened
1991
Opened
2004
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
BBIS is located on a peaceful green campus just outside Berlin, BBIS offers students the rare combination of a safe and spacious learning environment with easy access to one of Europe’s most dynamic capital cities.
Set within a forested 360,000 sqm campus in Kleinmachnow, on the southwest border of Berlin, BBIS provides an ideal setting for learning, growth and discovery. While close to both Berlin and Potsdam, the campus offers a calm and inspiring environment where students can focus, explore and thrive.
The school is well connected by school buses and public transport, allowing students to benefit from the cultural, academic and professional opportunities of the capital region while enjoying the safety and community of our campus.
Location
Central Berlin campus at Linienstraße 122, 10115 Berlin. The school is described as the largest international school in the center of Berlin with its campus in central Berlin.
Stages
Stages
BBIS consists of a Primary School and a Secondary School. The Primary School includes the IB Primary Years Programme (Early Education) and IB Primary Years Programme (Grade 1-5). The Secondary School includes the IB Middle Years Programme (Grade 6-10) and the IB Diploma Programme (Grade 11-12).
Stages
Kindergarten through Grade 12.
School type
School type
BBIS is an international day and boarding school.
School type
Private international day school (gGmbH) offering both German state curriculum and international qualifications; it is an IB World School and a Cambridge International School.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
75+ nationalities are represented at BBIS.
Pupil nationality mix
Over 1,000 students from 65 countries attend.
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Learning Support tailors instruction to meet each learner's needs and helps them access the general curriculum. English as an Additional Language provides targeted small-group support and in-class guidance across Primary and Secondary, with EAL specialists collaborating with classroom teachers. In Secondary, EAL work is supported in Humanities and Science, and through the Learning Lab for targeted interventions in academic writing and study skills.
Additional learning support
The school has a dedicated Student Support team including a school nurse, speech therapist, integration specialists, and support teachers; a school counselor and a child protection officer work with families to provide expertise and professional recommendations.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
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Country affiliation
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Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
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School day structure
The whole-day program runs from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Bus service details
Bus service details
The BBIS bus service is provided through PotsdamBus GmbH. They have an office on campus and families should contact them directly to discuss schedules, routes, terms and conditions.
Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Annual tuition — Early Education and Primary (per year and instalment amounts)
- Primary School (Grade 1–5): fees are shown as minimum and maximum annual amounts to reflect the school's fee-adjustment scheme. Instalments below apply to each listed annual amount (60% due 1 August; 40% due 1 January). - Grade 1: EUR 175 to EUR 18,800 per year. Instalment examples: minimum 60% = EUR 105 / 40% = EUR 70; maximum 60% = EUR 11,280 / 40% = EUR 7,520. - Grade 2: EUR 175 to EUR 19,400 per year. Instalment examples: minimum 60% = EUR 105 / 40% = EUR 70; maximum 60% = EUR 11,640 / 40% = EUR 7,760. - Grade 3: EUR 175 to EUR 19,700 per year. Instalment examples: minimum 60% = EUR 105 / 40% = EUR 70; maximum 60% = EUR 11,820 / 40% = EUR 7,880. - Grade 4: EUR 175 to EUR 20,800 per year. Instalment examples: minimum 60% = EUR 105 / 40% = EUR 70; maximum 60% = EUR 12,480 / 40% = EUR 8,320. - Grade 5: EUR 175 to EUR 21,000 per year. Instalment examples: minimum 60% = EUR 105 / 40% = EUR 70; maximum 60% = EUR 12,600 / 40% = EUR 8,400.
Secondary tuition (per year and instalment amounts)
- Grades 6–10: fees are shown as minimum and maximum annual amounts. Instalments (60% due 1 August; 40% due 1 January): - Grade 6: EUR 175 to EUR 21,800 per year. Maximum instalments: 60% = EUR 13,080 / 40% = EUR 8,720. - Grade 7: EUR 175 to EUR 22,000 per year. Maximum instalments: 60% = EUR 13,200 / 40% = EUR 8,800. - Grade 8: EUR 175 to EUR 22,200 per year. Maximum instalments: 60% = EUR 13,320 / 40% = EUR 8,880. - Grade 9: EUR 175 to EUR 23,200 per year. Maximum instalments: 60% = EUR 13,920 / 40% = EUR 9,280. - Grade 10: EUR 175 to EUR 23,500 per year. Maximum instalments: 60% = EUR 14,100 / 40% = EUR 9,400.
- Grades 11–12 (IB Diploma years): - Grade 11: EUR 24,300 per year. Instalments: 60% = EUR 14,580 / 40% = EUR 9,720. - Grade 12: EUR 24,400 per year. Instalments: 60% = EUR 14,640 / 40% = EUR 9,760. Note: the Grade 12 fee does not include IBO examination fees (these are charged separately by the IB).
One-time and registration fees
- One-time registration fee (payable on signing of the school contract / registration): EUR 7,500 (applicable as shown alongside each school-level entry). The registration fee and deposits are due upon receipt of the signed contracts.
- One-time application fee (credited upon conclusion of the school contract): EUR 100 (this amount is applied/credited as described).
Boarding fees and related charges
- Annual boarding fee (Grades 9–12): EUR 25,100 per year. Instalments: normally invoiced in two instalments with 60% due on 1 August and 40% due on 1 January.
- Book deposit (refundable): EUR 300. - BBIS PE clothing (from Grade 6): approximately EUR 30 to EUR 100. - Pocket calculator (from Grade 9): approximately EUR 150. - Extra-curricular activities: approximately EUR 250–360 per student/activity/season. - Annual school trip: approximately EUR 500–2,000. - Annual bus fees (external service provider): from EUR 2,065.10. - Canteen (external service provider): from EUR 6.20 to EUR 7.20 per pre-ordered school lunch. - IBO examination fees: charged separately by the International Baccalaureate Organisation and are not included in the Grade 12 tuition amount.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- School tuition and boarding fees are normally invoiced in two instalments each academic year. The standard due dates are: 60% due on 1 August and the remaining 40% due on 1 January. For families whose contracts were issued before 20 January 2026, the school's existing instalment dates (1 September and 1 January) continue to apply. The school registration fee and deposits are due upon receipt of the signed contracts.
Refunds and refundable deposits
- Refundable items explicitly published: book deposit (EUR 300) and boarding deposit (EUR 2,000) are refundable as stated. The one-time application fee for admissions is credited upon conclusion of the school contract; the boarding application fee is non-refundable. Grade 12 tuition does not include IB examination fees, which are charged separately. No detailed general tuition withdrawal/refund schedule was published on the school fees and boarding-fees pages reviewed here.
Fee payment options
- The school's published fee and boarding pages list invoicing and instalment schedules and deposits but do not specify accepted payment methods (for example, bank transfer or card) on those pages. Payment instructions and accepted methods are typically provided on invoices and in contract documents. The publicly listed fee pages do not include specific payment-method details.
Notes on interpretation and numeric presentation
- Annual figures above are stated in Euros and are presented as published; instalment amounts shown are calculated from the published annual figures using the school's invoicing split (60% / 40%). The school publishes minimum and maximum annual amounts for several year groups reflecting its fee-adjustment programme; examples above show both ends of those ranges where provided.
Fee details
Admission / Application fees
- One-time admission fee: EUR 1,500 per child, payable when the contract is finalised. The admission fee is non-refundable. For families with a gross annual income below EUR 40,000 the one-time admission fee is the same amount as the monthly tuition fee for that family.
Tuition fees (Grades grouped and shown per month, per academic year, and per academic term)
Note: BMS calculates tuition on an income-adjusted basis: monthly tuition is set by the family's gross annual income and by the child's grade band. Tuition is collected monthly by direct debit; yearly and per-term figures below are derived from the published monthly rates (monthly × 12 = annual; annual ÷ 3 = per academic term). The published grade bands are Grades 1–6, Grades 7–10 and Grades 11–12.
(Income bands, monthly rates and the method for calculating an income-adjusted rate are published by the school; if no income documentation is supplied the maximum rate for the relevant band applies.)
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Billing frequency and collection method: tuition and any agreed additional fees are collected monthly by SEPA direct debit. The SEPA mandate authorises monthly withdrawal; the school withdraws on the 3rd day of each month (if the 3rd is a weekend or public holiday the withdrawal occurs on the next working day). Account-holder charges arising from insufficient funds are payable by the account holder.
- Contract term and notice: the standard school contract is ongoing and is automatically extended for one year (August 1 to July 31) unless cancelled in writing with three months' notice; in cases of sudden moves the notice period can be reduced to one month (contract details and exceptions are set out in the school contract). A holding (retainer) option exists to keep a place while abroad; a holding fee applies.
Sibling discounts
- Second child: 15% reduction on tuition. - Third child: 25% reduction on tuition. - Fourth and subsequent children: 100% (no tuition charged).
Media fees, lunches and other recurring charges
- Analog media fee (textbooks and classroom materials): - Grades 1–6: EUR 300 per year — due 1 October. - Grades 7–10: EUR 400 per year — due 1 October. - Grades 11–12: EUR 500 per year — due 1 October.
- Digital media fee (digital infrastructure, software subscriptions etc.): - Grades 1–6: EUR 300 per year — due 1 February. - Grades 7–10: EUR 400 per year — due 1 February. - Grades 11–12: EUR 500 per year — due 1 February.
- Early Learning Center lunches: EUR 23 per month, collected monthly. Primary school lunches are provided free of charge. Secondary students ordering cafeteria meals are invoiced directly by the external caterer (Dussmann); the published cost for Secondary lunches is EUR 5.10 per day and is billed by the caterer. Class trips and external examination fees (IGCSE, IB) are invoiced separately and are not included in tuition.
Holding/temporary enrolment
- Holding fee: a holding option is offered (minimum two months, maximum one year) to reserve places; when the contract is placed on hold a monthly holding fee of 25% of the monthly tuition is charged. Temporary short-term enrolment is possible subject to space and is charged separately.
Low-income provisions and fee waivers
- Families with combined gross annual income below EUR 30,000 are eligible for a specific reduced fee scale for the oldest child and further reductions for additional children; in those cases admission fees are not charged. Teaching–materials costs may be reduced or waived for families receiving designated social benefits; individual financial aid and case-specific solutions are available.
Boarding fees
- Boarding: Not applicable. Berlin Metropolitan School operates as a day school (no boarding provision).
Other one-off or variable costs
- External exam fees: IGCSE and IB Diploma examination fees are charged by the exam authorities and passed on to parents as separate invoices. - Class trips, camps and additional extracurricular activities: invoiced separately as all‑inclusive one‑time charges. - Uniforms and school clothing: BMS clothing is sold via the school's authorised supplier; uniform purchases are additional and are handled through that external shop (vendor payment options vary by vendor).
Refunds and fee adjustments
- Admission fee: non-refundable. - Tuition adjustments: if a family's declared income is subsequently found to be incorrect or incomplete, tuition may be recalculated retroactively and the difference charged. - In the event of contract cancellation, standard contract notice periods and the contractual terms determine final invoicing and any refunds or outstanding charges.
Fee payment options and bank details
- Primary payment method for school fees: SEPA Direct Debit mandate (monthly collection). Fees are usually withdrawn on the 3rd of each month. The SEPA mandate includes the school's bank details and creditor identifier for direct debit.
- Bank transfer / account details: the school's bank and IBAN/BIC are used for administrative transfers and are provided in the school's payment/SEPA documentation. External providers (uniform supplier, caterer) accept their own payment methods (for example card or online payment) according to the vendor's terms.
Key practical points for parents
- Tuition is income-based and requires submission of income documentation to receive an income-adjusted rate; without documentation the maximum published rate applies. - Fees are collected monthly by SEPA direct debit (withdrawal on the 3rd). - Expect separate invoices for class trips, exam fees and some extracurricular charges; media fees and lunch charges follow the annual due dates listed above.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
BBIS offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum. The Primary School uses the IB Primary Years Programme (Early Education and Grades 1–5). The Secondary School offers the IB Middle Years Programme (Grades 6–10) and the IB Diploma Programme (Grade 11–12). BBIS also provides a BBIS High School Diploma as an alternative path alongside or in place of the full IB Diploma. The IB Diploma Programme includes six subject groups and a core consisting of Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) and the Extended Essay. All teaching is in English, with German language exposure in Grades 1–10 and language acquisition in other years.
Curriculum details
Based on the Berlin Framework Curriculum (Berliner Rahmenlehrplan) and the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Primary School uses a transdisciplinary, inquiry-based program. The main subjects are Math, German, and English. Language learning is a central goal; German and English are taught as core subjects and are supported by German as a Foreign Language and English as a Foreign Language programs; English is the main language of instruction. Language support is delivered by in-house experts through small-group or one-on-one sessions. Additional subjects include Art, Music, Theater, Physical Education, and Social Studies. The curriculum emphasizes developing skills and values such as solutions-based thinking, critical reflection, research, public speaking, teamwork, intercultural understanding, and authentic self-expression, and it incorporates the IB Learner Profile and a Programme of Inquiry with six transdisciplinary themes.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
1:7
Student teacher ratio
Class size is 22–24 students in Primary and Secondary. Total enrollment is 1,135 students.
Exam results
Exam results
IB DP results 2023–2025: BBIS average across all subjects was 4.9 (2023), 5.1 (2024), and 5.0 (2025); World averages were 4.7 (2023), 4.7 (2024), and 4.9 (2025).
Exam results
Secondary students prepare for Mittlerer Schulabschluss (Berlin State Grade 10 Leaving Certificate), the Cambridge IGCSE in Grades 9-10, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Grades 11-12. The IB Diploma results are above the IB world average, and a wide variety of subject options are offered within both the IGCSE and the IB DP.
Higher education progression
Higher education progression
BBIS provides a Career and College Counselling programme to support university applications in Germany, Europe, the United Kingdom and beyond. BBIS students are accepted at universities in Germany, across Europe and the UK, as well as North America and Asia.
Higher education progression
Graduates pursue higher education at universities across Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The 2025 cohort achieved 100% university placement with graduates receiving their first or second university placement choice; examples of universities listed include Yale University, The University of Chicago, University of Pennsylvania, New York University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Parsons School of Design, Pratt Institute, and other institutions across Europe and North America.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
BBIS offers Academic Coaching for Everyone (ACE) offering tailored academic coaching and enrichment for Grade 11 and 12 students.
Our ACE coaches collaborate closely with classroom teachers to understand each student’s needs and aspirations, offering personalised guidance that fosters growth, confidence, and independence.
Through ACE, students receive support with:
-Planning, structuring, and editing assessments -Developing academic writing skills -Understanding course content -Preparing for tests and exams -Creating effective study schedules -Maintaining concentration and motivation -Group workshops are held regularly to develop skills in academic writing, study strategies, exam preparation, and assessment planning.
In addition, ACE provides a range of academic support materials to encourage independent learning.
Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
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Community
Community
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Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. Stay & Play at BBIS. For families considering Grade 1 entry, Stay & Play sessions offer a welcoming opportunity to experience BBIS first-hand before formal admissions. Children participate in a short, engaging classroom experience; parents meet members of our school leadership team and gain insight into daily life at BBIS and the transition into Grade 1. Stay & Play sessions are complimentary and places are limited.
2. Book a tour. BBIS is an inclusive international school. A guided private tour provides a first-hand opportunity to get to know BBIS, our students and our facilities. If a face-to-face tour isn't possible, you can explore BBIS by taking a virtual tour.
3. How to apply and start your application. BBIS uses an online application system for all enrolments, and families can start an application at any time by following the link. You can also apply for BBIS Boarding. The Admissions Team is here to help at every stage of the process. Applications are considered throughout the school year based on space availability.
4. What happens next and documentation. Families should submit all the required documentation. A 100 EUR application fee is due per submitted school application and is credited when the contract is signed. An additional 100 EUR boarding application fee applies for boarding. Completed applications are processed by the admissions team and applicants will be updated on their status via the online portal. Students may be tested and screened depending on age and language proficiency.
5. Acceptance, contracts and fees. If the application is successful, you'll receive a letter of acceptance, a school contract, a registration fee invoice and, if applicable, a boarding contract. To confirm your child's place, sign these contracts and pay the registration fee within three weeks of receipt. If the application is unsuccessful, you will be notified. The School Fee Reduction Programme is available for Grades 1–10; applications are processed separately from the admissions process and are handled by the Director's Office.
Admissions
1. Step 1: Application. If you are interested in enrolling your child, fill the online application form. For admissions from the 2nd grade and above, send the last two report cards with the application. If any transcripts are not in English or German, include a free translation and the corresponding grade key in English or German. Families can also participate in virtual Open House sessions or on‑site events to learn about the program. 2. Step 2: Conversation and School Visit. If a place is available and the child meets entry requirements, you will be invited to a conversation and a school visit. If you are not local, the conversation can be conducted online via MS Teams. Plan about one hour for the meeting and school tour, and bring documents showing the child's previous schooling to help support their needs. 3. Step 3: Evaluation. Academic leadership evaluates the submitted documents and past academic results. When available and necessary, students may be invited to Play-Dates or Trial Days to help assess their level. Secondary School students will also have an interview with a member of the academic leadership and take a placement test. 4. Step 4: Admission decision. After completing the admissions process, you will be informed whether a place can be offered. If an offer is made and accepted, a school contract is issued and you will have a reasonable deadline to return the signed contract along with the required documents. 5. Step 5: Welcome to BMS. The team welcomes you and your child on the first day, and a buddy is assigned to help your child settle into the school community.
Scholarships
Scholarships
School Fee Reduction Programme. BBIS offers a School Fee Reduction Programme for students in Grades 1–10; applications are processed separately from the admissions process and are handled by the Director's Office.
Scholarships
Financial assistance is available. Details about financial support are provided in the school's financial assistance resources.