Berlin Cosmopolitan School - City Campus vs Berlin Metropolitan School
Berlin Cosmopolitan School - City Campus and Berlin Metropolitan School are both in Berlin, about 1 km apart. Both schools offer IB and German programmes, and Berlin Metropolitan School also offers Cambridge IGCSE. Published annual fees are €1,200 - 14,400 at Berlin Cosmopolitan School - City Campus and €9,430 - 18,216 at Berlin Metropolitan School, which puts Berlin Metropolitan School roughly 77% higher. Berlin Cosmopolitan School - City Campus takes pupils from 1 to 18, and Berlin Metropolitan School from 3 to 18.
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
Early Years; Primary School; Primary Years Programme; Secondary School; Secondary School Programme
Stages
Kindergarten through Grade 12.
School type
School type
Non-profit international school; IB World 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
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Pupil nationality mix
Over 1,000 students from 65 countries attend.
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Academic & Social Emotional Support; English as an Additional Language; German Language Development
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
Germany
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
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Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application & Registration fees - Application (Anmeldegebühr): EUR 50 (one-off; charged when an applicant is invited to an entrance test). Exempt for families with a demonstrated gross annual income under EUR 30,000. - Registration / Admission fee (Aufnahmegebühr): EUR 1,200 (one-off; payable at contract signing). Reduced or exempt for families with lower incomes as specified by the school's fee rules. - Advance payment (Vorauszahlung): EUR 1,350 (one-off; payable at contract signing and credited against the final invoice at contract end). Families with demonstrated lower incomes may be exempt on application.
Tuition fees by year group (monthly and annual amounts; income-based categories) - Tuition is charged as a monthly payment spread over 12 months. The table below shows the monthly charge followed by the equivalent annual charge (monthly × 12). Monthly amounts are shown per family gross-income bracket and by year group.
- Year groups used by the school: - Klassen 1–6 (Primary) - Klassen 7–10 (Lower Secondary) - Abitur 11–12 (Upper Secondary, German Abitur track) - IB Diploma 11–12 (Upper Secondary, IB Diploma track)
- Monthly / Annual (examples by income bracket): - Income from EUR 30,000: Klassen 1–6: EUR 231 / year EUR 2,772; Klassen 7–10: EUR 252 / year EUR 3,024; Abitur 11–12: EUR 265 / year EUR 3,180; IB Diploma 11–12: EUR 293 / year EUR 3,516. - Income from EUR 32,500: Klassen 1–6: EUR 274 / year EUR 3,288; Klassen 7–10: EUR 289 / year EUR 3,468; Abitur 11–12: EUR 301 / year EUR 3,612; IB Diploma 11–12: EUR 327 / year EUR 3,924. - Income from EUR 35,000: Klassen 1–6: EUR 357 / year EUR 4,284; Klassen 7–10: EUR 379 / year EUR 4,548; Abitur 11–12: EUR 398 / year EUR 4,776; IB Diploma 11–12: EUR 414 / year EUR 4,968. - Income from EUR 37,500: Klassen 1–6: EUR 392 / year EUR 4,704; Klassen 7–10: EUR 422 / year EUR 5,064; Abitur 11–12: EUR 453 / year EUR 5,436; IB Diploma 11–12: EUR 471 / year EUR 5,652. - Income from EUR 40,000: Klassen 1–6: EUR 433 / year EUR 5,196; Klassen 7–10: EUR 575 / year EUR 6,900; Abitur 11–12: EUR 569 / year EUR 6,828; IB Diploma 11–12: EUR 593 / year EUR 7,116. - Income from EUR 60,000: Klassen 1–6: EUR 530 / year EUR 6,360; Klassen 7–10: EUR 689 / year EUR 8,268; Abitur 11–12: EUR 737 / year EUR 8,844; IB Diploma 11–12: EUR 772 / year EUR 9,264. - Income from EUR 80,000: Klassen 1–6: EUR 600 / year EUR 7,200; Klassen 7–10: EUR 828 / year EUR 9,936; Abitur 11–12: EUR 892 / year EUR 10,704; IB Diploma 11–12: EUR 932 / year EUR 11,184. - Income from EUR 100,000: Klassen 1–6: EUR 694 / year EUR 8,328; Klassen 7–10: EUR 950 / year EUR 11,400; Abitur 11–12: EUR 1,018 / year EUR 12,216; IB Diploma 11–12: EUR 1,084 / year EUR 13,008. - Income from EUR 130,000: Klassen 1–6: EUR 769 / year EUR 9,228; Klassen 7–10: EUR 1,033 / year EUR 12,396; Abitur 11–12: EUR 1,093 / year EUR 13,116; IB Diploma 11–12: EUR 1,171 / year EUR 14,052. - Income from EUR 160,000: Klassen 1–6: EUR 838 / year EUR 10,056; Klassen 7–10: EUR 1,095 / year EUR 13,140; Abitur 11–12: EUR 1,154 / year EUR 13,848; IB Diploma 11–12: EUR 1,248 / year EUR 14,976. - Income from EUR 180,000: Klassen 1–6: EUR 900 / year EUR 10,800; Klassen 7–10: EUR 1,160 / year EUR 13,920; Abitur 11–12: EUR 1,220 / year EUR 14,640; IB Diploma 11–12: EUR 1,320 / year EUR 15,840.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is calculated on a monthly basis and payable as monthly instalments spread over 12 months. Parents who wish to access income-dependent fees must submit the required annual income tax documentation and a completed self-declaration by the stated deadline; otherwise the highest income category applies. - Specific due dates shown in the fee rules: application fee at invitation to test; admission fee and advance payment at contract signing; Lehr- und Arbeitsmittel (books/materials) charged annually on 1 August. The advance payment is credited against the final school invoice at the end of the contract.
After‑school care / Ganztagsbetreuung (classes 1–6) - If the parent provides a voucher (Hortgutschein) the parental contribution is income-dependent. The documented ranges are: - Hortgutschein up to 18:00: monthly EUR 20–243 (income-dependent). - Hortgutschein up to 16:00: monthly EUR 15–182 (income-dependent). - If no Hortgutschein is provided, a flat additional fee of EUR 480 per month is charged for the afternoon programme. Classes 1–3 can take part in the 13:30–16:00 module without needs assessment.
Meals (Verpflegung) - All students take part in the school lunch programme; the school charges a monthly contribution by age group. The charges are shown as monthly rates: - Klassen 1–5: EUR 18 per month (afternoon snack). For Grade 1 the listed rate for breakfast + afternoon snack is EUR 30. - Klasse 6: EUR 30 per month (breakfast and afternoon snack). - Klassen 7–12: EUR 99 per month (breakfast and lunch). - The document notes that pupils in Klassen 1–6 receive the midday meal without cost contribution in some cases and that the school provides allergy-sensitive options; the meal programme is operated by the school catering team.
Learning materials, exam and other additional costs - Lehr- und Arbeitsmittel (books and core materials): annual flat rate — Klassen 1–6: EUR 250 (due 1 August); Klassen 7–12: EUR 350 (due 1 August). For Abitur and IB Higher Level practical art costs there is an additional one‑off charge of EUR 150 (due 1 August or as stated). Families with gross annual income up to EUR 30,000 are charged EUR 100 per child for these materials. - Other costs billed separately: materials for after‑school activities, external tests/examinations, remedial learning support, class trips, IB examination fees (IB exam fees are charged at the rates set by the IB organization) and similar additional services. Support is available for holders of relevant benefit passes (BuT) where applicable.
Sibling discounts and low‑income concessions - Standard sibling discounts on tuition: - 2nd child: 15% reduction - 3rd child: 25% reduction - 4th child and more: 50% reduction - On application and where justified by family circumstances, higher sibling discounts may be granted (e.g., 25% for 2nd child, 50% for 3rd, 75% for 4th and more). - For families with a demonstrated gross annual income of up to EUR 30,000 the school sets a reduced flat tuition: EUR 100 for the oldest child, EUR 75 for the second child, EUR 50 for the third child and EUR 25 for each additional child. These families are fully exempt from the application fee, admission fee and advance payment; school clothing may be discounted or supplied free of charge on application.
Boarding fees - Boarding is not listed in the school's fee schedule. No boarding fees are charged because the school operates as a day school.
Refunds and contract‑end treatment of payments - The advance payment (Vorauszahlung) is offset against the final invoice at contract termination. The fee rules provide for income-based exemptions and reductions but do not list general automatic refunds for term‑time withdrawals beyond the stated handling of the advance payment; additional refund or cancellation terms are handled per the school's contract and finance procedures.
Fee payment options and contact for finance - The application process accepts credit card details for payment of the application fee. For contracts, invoices and other payments the school's finance office issues payment instructions; the finance contact is finance@cosmopolitanschool.de. Specific payment channels for tuition (bank transfer, direct debit, credit card, etc.) are confirmed in the school's finance correspondence and contractual documentation.
Other practical notes on compulsory items - Official school clothing is compulsory; clothing is available from a designated supplier and through the school's second‑hand shop. Costs vary by item and family needs; discounted or free provision is available for eligible low‑income families on application.
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
The Berlin Cosmopolitan School implements the Berlin state curriculum and follows the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP). The Primary Years Programme anchors the primary curriculum and integrates the Berlin framework with international educational standards through the Program of Inquiry across six transdisciplinary themes. The upper secondary curriculum is bilingual in English and German and offers pathways to the bilingual Abitur or the IB Diploma, with French and Spanish available as additional languages. Mittlerer Schulabschluss is offered at the end of Year 10 via media-based project work, and after Year 12 students can obtain an IB Diploma and the German Abitur. Class sizes are small: primary classes have 18–22 students per class (with up to two classes per year) and secondary classes have a maximum of 22 students per class. The school provides work placements and college counselling, including internships from Year 6 to Year 10 and ongoing guidance through a college counsellor.
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
Primary: 18–22 students per class with up to two classes per year; Secondary: up to 22 students per class.
Student teacher ratio
Class size is 22–24 students in Primary and Secondary. Total enrollment is 1,135 students.
Exam results
Exam results
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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
Graduates are prepared for admission to German and international universities. The school provides college counselling and internships, with a dedicated college counsellor and guidance. After Year 12, students can obtain an IB Diploma and the German Abitur.
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
Gifted and talented or exceptionally able students are recognised and included in the mainstream; they may receive differentiated instruction through a Student Support Plan, with input from teachers, SEN staff and families.
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. Application. Families interested in sending their children to Berlin Cosmopolitan School should complete the online application form. There is a non-refundable application fee for primary and secondary school of 50 EUR due at the time of application. You must complete the first page to receive your login details, and you will not be able to edit the application after submission. After submitting, you will receive an email with your login details and you can check the status of your application; the school can accept only complete applications with all required documents.
2. Kindergarten & Preschool documents. For Kindergarten & Preschool, provide a photo of the applicant(s) (passport/face photo) in JPEG or PNG format. If applicable, upload a document proving sole custody. Children must be at least one year old before entering Kindergarten; applications from parents with unborn children cannot be accepted; submit after birth. You can start the application process, save it, and continue later if you do not have all required documents.
3. Primary & Secondary information. For Primary School & Secondary School, provide a photo of the applicant(s) in JPEG or PNG format. Submit the 2 most recent school reports translated into English or German (PDF); Grade 1 applicants must include a letter of recommendation or evaluation from a teacher or kindergarten director. Include credit card details for payment of the application fee and, if applicable, upload any sole custody documents.
4. What happens after you submit. The information you submit will be reviewed. Waiting List: Students are placed on the waiting list until a change of status occurs; no specific timeframe is given; check your personal dashboard for updates; priority is given to siblings; the admissions process does not use a numbering system. Meeting & Trial Day: If a place becomes available, primary and secondary applicants are invited to an entrance test and, if necessary, a meeting and a trial day; Kindergarten applicants are invited to an introductory interview. Offer: After assessment, a place may be offered; if no places are available, the child is moved to the top of the waiting list; a contract is sent with seven working days to review and return; contracts become valid after the voucher is handed in.
5. Confirmation. Upon signing and returning the contract and completing required documents, your child is enrolled. Do not contact the school office for details of your application status; use your personal login for updates. The application is valid for one year, after which all information is deleted for data protection.
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
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Scholarships
Financial assistance is available. Details about financial support are provided in the school's financial assistance resources.
Waitlist
Waitlist
Waiting List: Students are placed on the waiting list until a change of status occurs; no specific timeframe is given; check your personal dashboard for updates; priority is given to siblings; the admissions process does not use a numbering system.
