BBIS Berlin Brandenburg International School vs SIS Swiss International School - Berlin
BBIS Berlin Brandenburg International School and SIS Swiss International School - Berlin are both in Berlin, about 14 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes. BBIS Berlin Brandenburg International School also offers Reggio Emilia, and SIS Swiss International School - Berlin also offers German and Swiss. Published annual fees are €14,900 - 25,100 at BBIS Berlin Brandenburg International School and €13,970 - 21,338 at SIS Swiss International School - Berlin, which puts BBIS Berlin Brandenburg International School roughly 13% higher. BBIS Berlin Brandenburg International School takes pupils from 3 to 19, and SIS Swiss International School - Berlin from 3 to 18. BBIS Berlin Brandenburg International School is the larger school, with around 840 pupils to SIS Swiss International School - Berlin's 293.
IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Reggio Emilia Approach
Curriculum
IB (DP), German Curriculum, Swiss Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
840
Pupils
293
Typical class size
Typical class size
20
Typical class size
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Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
German, English
Opened
Opened
1991
Opened
2016
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
Yes
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
Located in the west of Berlin, Heerstraße 465, 13593 Berlin, Germany. The campus is surrounded by 60,000 m² of wooded parkland.
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; Primary School; Secondary School (7–10); Secondary School (11–13); International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).
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
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
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Country affiliation
Affiliated with SIS Swiss International School, part of a group with schools in Switzerland, Germany, Brazil and Italy.
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
Day school supervision from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; exact lesson and supervision times vary by school level.
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
A school shuttle is offered for transport.
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
Application / One‑time Entrance Fee - A one‑time entrance fee is charged upon signing the school contract. The standard entrance fee is €850. For families with gross annual income up to €29,420 the entrance fee is €100; that reduced amount is set off against the monthly fees during the first semester. The entrance fee is due at contract signing and is non‑refundable.
Tuition — Preschool (Kindergarten) (school year 2026/27) - Standard tuition for preschool (learning and play time, supervision 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) is €1,085 per month. - Per term (semester, calculated as 6 months): €6,510. - Per year (12 months): €13,020. - After School Care (optional): €32 per month, per weekday booked. - No sibling discount applies to preschool fees. - Shuttle bus: €175 per month per child; flat family rate €252 per month for two or more children. Costs for lunch, school uniform, and field trips are not included in the preschool fee.
Tuition — Primary and Secondary School (school year 2026/27) — Standard (regular) rates - Grades 1–6: €1,253 per month. - Per term (6 months): €7,518. - Per year (12 months): €15,036. - Grades 7–9: €1,399 per month. - Per term: €8,394. - Per year: €16,788. - Grades 10–11: €1,599 per month. - Per term: €9,594. - Per year: €19,188. - Grades 12–13: €1,699 per month. - Per term: €10,194. - Per year: €20,388. - The monthly figures cover instruction and supervision from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (core teaching hours and attendance requirements vary by year group). Shuttle bus, lunch, and other optional services are charged separately.
Income‑based Tuition (Grades 1–13) — School year 2026/27 (monthly rates) - Gross family income up to €29,420: - Grades 1–6: €100 per month; Grades 7–9: €100 per month; Grades 10–11: €100 per month; Grades 12–13: €100 per month. - Gross family income €29,421–40,000: - Grades 1–6: €346; Grades 7–9: €368; Grades 10–11: €394; Grades 12–13: €394. - Gross family income €40,001–50,000: - Grades 1–6: €558; Grades 7–9: €592; Grades 10–11: €657; Grades 12–13: €657. - Gross family income €50,001–60,000: - Grades 1–6: €757; Grades 7–9: €830; Grades 10–11: €921; Grades 12–13: €921. - Gross family income €60,001–70,000: - Grades 1–6: €957; Grades 7–9: €1,053; Grades 10–11: €1,184; Grades 12–13: €1,184. - Gross family income €70,001–80,000: - Grades 1–6: €1,196; Grades 7–9: €1,329; Grades 10–11: €1,488; Grades 12–13: €1,488. - Gross family income more than €80,001: - Grades 1–6: €1,253; Grades 7–9: €1,399; Grades 10–11: €1,599; Grades 12–13: €1,699. - Income‑based tuition levels are calculated on the basis of worldwide gross family income for the previous calendar year and require submission of an evaluation form and supporting documents. Specific sibling reductions apply to income‑based fees (25% for second child, 50% for third child, 75% for additional children).
Sibling Discount (regular tuition) - For families paying the regular tuition rates who enroll two or more children in grades 1–13, a sibling discount of 20% applies to the tuition fees for the second child and any additional children. The sibling discount does not apply to the one‑time entrance fee, lunch, shuttle, or other additional services. Separate sibling discount rules apply to income‑based fees.
Other Mandatory / Optional Fees and Charges - Fee for books and lesson materials: €100 annually (per student). - After School Care (optional): €32 monthly (fee based on one weekday; bookings fixed for at least one semester; additional days possible subject to approval). - Shuttle bus: €175 per month per child; flat monthly charge of €252 for families with two or more children. - Lunch: Lunch can be purchased from an external provider; lunch costs are not included in tuition and are charged separately. - School uniform and field trips: Costs for uniform and field trips are not included in the listed fees. - IB Diploma assessment fees (grade 13) and other assessment/exam charges are not included and will be invoiced separately; such invoices include an administration fee of €50.
Billing Schedule and Payment Terms - The published monthly fees are expressed as monthly average rates based on calculations for 12 months per year (or 6 months per semester). Fees are payable 12 months per year, including holidays. Payment of fees must be made one semester (6 months) in advance unless otherwise agreed. Parents who choose monthly payments will be charged a surcharge of 3% on each payment. Parents who make an advanced payment covering the whole school year are offered a 2% discount. Changes to the agreed payment mode incur an administration fee of €50 per invoice (or per invoice line item within collective invoices).
Refunds and Non‑Refundable Charges - The one‑time entrance fee is non‑refundable. Other specific refund rules and legally binding payment and booking modalities are defined in the school contract. Additional costs arising from optional services (transport, lunch, class trips, excursions, IB assessment fees, etc.) are charged separately and follow their own invoicing terms.
Fee Payment Options and Administrative Details - Parents are asked to indicate their preferred mode of payment; the school will record the chosen payment mode and any subsequent change triggers the stated administration fee. Payment timing, surcharges, discounts, and invoicing modalities are specified in the school contract. Specific payment methods (e.g., bank transfer, direct debit, credit card) are arranged with the school and appear in the invoicing and contract documentation.
Important Notes on Scope of These Fees - Listed tuition figures cover instruction, supervision during the stated core hours, and general school services as described in the fee schedule. They do not include costs for optional or externally provided services and activities (transport beyond the shuttle, lunch, uniforms, field trips, assessment fees, etc.). The school reserves the right to amend fees; the price lists are valid for the stated school year.
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
The school provides bilingual education from Kindergarten through to college. It offers Kindergarten, Primary School, Secondary School (7 to 10), Secondary School (11 to 13), and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). Students can attain the German Abitur or the IB Diploma, enabling them to pursue their chosen educational path.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
1:7
Student teacher ratio
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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
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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
The German Abitur and the International Baccalaureate Diploma are offered, enabling progression to higher education.
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
Make the First Step. SIS Berlin provides information on the admission process. SIS Berlin accepts registrations all year round. Submitting the registration form begins the process; if space is available, the school will contact you; if not, your child's name can be added to the waiting list. A consultation with the school management follows, during which the educational offer is discussed and an admission form is sent to be completed and returned. If visiting in person is not possible, a video conference is available. Trial days allow the child to experience SIS for one or two days. After a positive assessment, the school contract is drawn up and signed. Admission is possible all year round. Most enrollments occur in spring (February to April) for a start in August or September. Enrollment age varies by location and is typically three to five years. There is no entrance examination. If a child does not speak both school languages German and English, enrollment is possible; German and English are learned by immersion, with additional language support offered outside of class or during class time.
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
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Waitlist
Waitlist
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Waitlist
If there is no place available in the corresponding grade, the child's name will be added to the waiting list.
