BME International Secondary Grammar School vs International School of Budapest

	B BME International Secondary Grammar School Budapest, Hungary	I International School of Budapest Budapest, Hungary
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year HUF 2,200,000	Fees / year HUF 30,000 - 6,518,400
Age range	Age range 14 - 18 years	Age range 5 - 18 years
Type	Type —	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), Indian Curriculum, British Curriculum	Curriculum Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP), French Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 380
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 16
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Hungarian	Instruction language English, Hungarian
Opened	Opened —	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location 1111 Budapest, Egry József u 3-11, Hungary. Central Buda location in the 11th district next to the new University Campus. Easily accessible by public transportation. Entrance from Egry J. street.	Location ISB is located at 1117 Budapest, Budafoki út 97-103. The campus is in Budapest, Hungary. It serves as a K-12 campus housing both primary and secondary education. The building is open to staff from 7:30 to 17:00 on regular school days.
Stages	Stages 4-year secondary program (Year 9 through Year 12). Language of instruction is English. In Year 9, classes feature Advanced English with Spanish, French or German beginner language options; maximum intake is 48 places (24+24). Admission requires English level at B2 and review of Year 7–8 academic records.	Stages K-12: preparatory, primary and secondary. ISB offers two curricula across these levels: an international Cambridge International-based programme and a bilingual Hungarian programme.
School type	School type IB World School offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme; English-language instruction.	School type ISB provides two academic pathways: the International Programme (Cambridge International-based, English instruction) and the Bilingual Programme (Hungarian-English), supported by an English-language learning framework. ISB is a Cambridge International School and is an IB World School authorized to offer the IB Diploma Programme.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support English as an Additional Language (EAL) is a paid program that supports students learning in English. EAL works with subject teachers to help pupils access the curriculum, begins in Grade 2, and typically provides 4–8 hours of support per week until the student can join mainstream classes.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Hungary	Country affiliation Hungary. The school is based in Budapest, Hungary, offering Cambridge International and Hungarian bilingual curricula.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure The school is open 7:30–17:00 on regular school days. Registration for Primary is 8:00–8:15; Primary first period runs 8:20–9:05; Secondary starts at 8:30. After-school clubs and supervision run until 17:00.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details Bus information is available on the ISB parent page of the ISB website (the parent portal includes a school bus information section).
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application fees - No separate application fee is listed. Admission-related administrative or guide fees are paid by the school. Tuition fees (annual and per-term) — 2026/27 where stated; otherwise most recent published year - Non-IB (4-year bilingual secondary program — all classes): HUF 2,300,000 per year. Per term (inferred as two equal instalments): HUF 1,150,000 per term. (Annual figure indexed annually by the Hungarian Central Statistical Office.) - IB Diploma Programme (IB DP): - Year 11 (first year of IB DP): HUF 2,500,000 per year. Per term (inferred as two equal instalments): HUF 1,250,000 per term. - Year 12 (second/final year of IB DP): HUF 1,900,000 per year. Per term (inferred as two equal instalments): HUF 950,000 per term. Billing schedule and payment terms - Fees are payable in two equal instalments before the beginning of each semester (i.e., one instalment due before each semester). Instalment billing is the published schedule for the school support payment. Installments are non-refundable. Per-term figures above are calculated by dividing the published annual fee by two. Sibling allowance / reductions - A sibling allowance applies: the second child and all subsequent children receive a 20% reduction of the payment. (Separate legacy arrangements exist for families enrolled under older terms; earlier cohorts show different reduction levels in older school regulations.) Boarding / dormitory - The school does not operate its own boarding house. The school maintains relationships with external dormitories in Budapest and may provide recommendations; families whose children live in dormitories are responsible for dormitory costs and local arrangements. The school notes that dormitories require an adult responsible in Hungary. Approximate dormitory meal cost was referenced at about EUR 100 per month in communications about dormitory arrangements. Other included services and additional costs - Non-IB program (included): textbooks for the year are provided once (distributed before or at the beginning of the school year). If books are lost or damaged, the student must replace or reimburse the school for the full amount. The school also covers certain excursion items (e.g., up to HUF 6,000 per student toward travel and boarding for the annual 2-day class study trip). Freshmen camp travel, accommodation and full board are paid by the school. Some cultural event costs (museum/theatre) are covered by the school in limited cases. - IB DP program (not included): textbooks, graphic calculator, laptop, external examination fees, and CAS-related expenses are explicitly not included in the published IB DP fee. - Other specific items mentioned in school regulations: one-off Cambridge exam fee organization (school can organize and may cover this once for students depending on circumstances), standard lunch pricing (discounted lunch reference listed), and costs for optional trips and ski program are normally borne by families. The school covers some event costs (e.g., venue rental up to a stated cap for the graduating ball), while personal costume/rental and most trip extras remain the family's responsibility. Refund information - Tuition/support payments are stated as non-refundable once paid. The school's published regulations specify that the support paid for a school year is non-refundable. Fee payment options (methods) - Publicly available school fee pages and program brochures list amounts, billing schedule and instalment policy but do not specify the exact accepted payment methods (e.g., which card networks, whether online card payments are accepted, or the school's invoicing/bank-transfer details) on the published fee pages. Parents are directed to the school's contact channels for payment instructions and invoice/banking details. Brief summary of what was located and where gaps remain - Located and reported: published annual fees for the 2026/27 and most recently documented school years for non-IB and IB programs; the school's stated instalment billing schedule (two equal instalments before the semester) and non-refundable policy; sibling reductions; which services are included versus excluded; and dormitory status (no school-run boarding). - Gaps in published detail: the school's public fee materials do not include explicit line-by-line chargeable extras (a single consolidated line-item fee schedule for every optional service), nor do they list specific accepted payment methods or the exact payment instruction text (bank account number / card processors) on the fee pages. For per-term figures above, instalment amounts were calculated by dividing the stated annual fee into two equal payments.	Fee details Scope and note - The amounts below are the school's published fees for the applicable academic fee schedule and set out the charges parents are asked to pay for enrollment, tuition and additional services. Application, registration and seat‑reservation fees - Admission (Preparatory for Grade 12 applicants): HUF 30,000 if paid by 30 June; HUF 35,000 from 1 July. - Registration fee (one‑off): HUF 300,000. - Seat reservation fee: HUF 500,000. Tuition contribution – annual and per‑term amounts by year group and programme - Preparatory - Bilingual programme: Lump‑sum annual payment HUF 4,122,500; two‑instalment total HUF 4,250,000 (per term = HUF 2,125,000). - International programme: Lump‑sum annual payment HUF 4,471,700; two‑instalment total HUF 4,610,000 (per term = HUF 2,305,000). - Grades 1–4 - Bilingual programme: Lump‑sum HUF 4,481,400; two‑instalment total HUF 4,620,000 (per term = HUF 2,310,000). - International programme: Lump‑sum HUF 5,199,200; two‑instalment total HUF 5,360,000 (per term = HUF 2,680,000). - Grades 5–8 - Bilingual programme: Lump‑sum HUF 4,743,300; two‑instalment total HUF 4,890,000 (per term = HUF 2,445,000). - International programme: Lump‑sum HUF 5,451,400; two‑instalment total HUF 5,620,000 (per term = HUF 2,810,000). - Grades 9–10 (KS4) - International programme: Lump‑sum HUF 6,169,200; two‑instalment total HUF 6,360,000 (per term = HUF 3,180,000). - IBDP (Grades 11–12) - International programme: Lump‑sum HUF 6,518,400; two‑instalment total HUF 6,720,000 (per term = HUF 3,360,000). Sibling discounts - 2 children: 5% discount on the relevant tuition contribution. - 3 children: 10% discount. - 4 children: 15% discount. English as an Additional Language (EAL) — supplementary fees - 4 lessons per week: HUF 350,000 per semester; HUF 700,000 per year. - 8 lessons per week: HUF 550,000 per semester; HUF 1,100,000 per year. Examination and assessment fees - IGCSE and IB examination fees are charged per subject; specific per‑subject amounts are determined separately and shown where applicable on examination invoices. Familiarisation and review/re‑evaluation fees for IB are charged where applicable (amounts to be determined). Other routine and incidental charges - Student supervision (per every started 30 minutes): HUF 5,000. - Replacement ISB Student/Parent electronic card (per card) and replacement card requested for a 3rd person: HUF 5,000 per card. - Cost of sending a formal notice: HUF 30,000. - Fees for administrative work related to termination of the contract: HUF 30,000. - Uniforms are supplied via the school's uniform supplier; uniform costs are payable separately to the supplier. Boarding fees - Not applicable: the school does not operate boarding accommodation; no boarding fees are listed. Billing schedule and payment terms - Payment options (billing structure): the school offers a single lump‑sum payment option and a two‑instalment option. Where the two‑instalment option is chosen, the instalment total is the two‑instalment figure shown above; the per‑term amounts given above equal one half of the two‑instalment total. - Lump‑sum discount: a 3% reduction on the tuition contribution is offered where the lump‑sum payment is credited by the published deadline (for the published schedule the deadline for the discount was 01 July). Failure to meet payment obligations or deadlines will result in loss of any discount or benefit tied to timely payment. - Invoicing and consequences of late or non‑payment: the school's fee schedule states that parents who do not meet payment obligations lose entitlement to payment benefits and remain liable for full tuition amounts; administrative charges apply for formal notices and contract termination. Refund information and non‑refundable items - The published fee materials list the registration and seat‑reservation charges as discrete items and identify administrative fees connected with contract termination and formal notices. The fee schedule also makes clear that timely payment is required to retain discounts; administrative fees apply where formal action is required. Specific refundable/tax treatment or detailed tuition‑refund scenarios are set out in the school's enrolment/contract documents and in administrative policies. Fee payment mechanics / methods - Fees are invoiced by the school for the chosen payment plan (single payment or instalments). Payment must be credited by the stated deadlines to secure any discounts. Commonly used methods are bank transfer and payment as instructed on the invoice; invoicing and payment details are shown on the school's billing documentation. Summary of key one‑line charges - Registration fee: HUF 300,000. - Seat reservation: HUF 500,000. - Tuition ranges (annual, two‑instalment figures shown in parentheses where applicable): Preparatory HUF 4,250,000 (two instalments) up to IBDP HUF 6,720,000 (two instalments). If you require the fee figures expressed in another currency or broken down in a different way, provide the target currency and I can convert the amounts.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) for the final years of secondary school. The IB DP includes six courses, one from each subject group, studied over two years, plus Theory of Knowledge, a Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) component, and a 4,000-word Extended Essay. The program is conducted in English, with English as the common language of the school, and a language policy that supports multilingual communication and language development. Lessons follow 90-minute blocks, with opportunities for clubs and after-school work to support independent study. Course options include English Language and Literature; Language Acquisition (French, German, German Ab Initio, Spanish); Individuals and Societies (Business Management, Environmental Systems and Societies, History, Psychology, Economics); Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Systems and Societies); Mathematics (Mathematical Applications and Interpretation); and The Arts (Visual Arts); higher level and standard level offerings may be available. The IB DP is delivered by IB-trained teachers and supported by dedicated facilities and an emphasis on international-mindedness and academic rigour.	Curriculum details The ISB curriculum comprises two parallel frameworks: an International Academic Program using the Cambridge International Curriculum and a Bilingual Academic Program that combines the Hungarian National Curriculum's Curriculum Framework for Bilingual Schools with the Cambridge International Examinations' framework. The International Academic Program follows the Cambridge International Curriculum. The Bilingual Academic Program follows both the Curriculum Framework for Bilingual Schools of the Hungarian National Curriculum and the Cambridge International Examinations' curriculum. Cambridge examinations are available at the ends of Grade 5 (Key Stage 2), Grade 8 (Key Stage 3) and Grade 10 (Key Stage 4, IGCSE). The Secondary School includes the IB Diploma Programme for suitable Grade 11 students, and the Diploma Programme leads to final examinations in six subject areas and is widely recognized by leading colleges and universities. [turn1view0]
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio Student-teacher ratio is 5:1. Average class size is 14–18 students. [turn0view0]
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results IGCSE Test Results for June 2023 and June 2021; English Language Competency Tests for Bilingual Schools results for 2021 (Grade 8) and 2021 (Grade 6) as well as 2019 (Grade 8) and 2019 (Grade 6); Hungarian Competency Test results; Academic Competition Results for 2021-2022 and 2020-2021. [turn2view0]
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Graduates pursue higher education at universities around the world, across multiple continents. Transcripts of semester grades may be sent to higher education institutes to support admission.	Higher education progression ISB is an IB World School and offers the IB Diploma Programme to suitable Grade 11 students; the Diploma Programme leads to final examinations in six subject areas and is widely recognized by leading colleges and universities. [turn0view0]
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History —
Community	Community —	Community —
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Application 2026-2027 (Year 9). Admission Information and Procedure. a) A student can become a member of the school either by passing a successful English level test or by transferring from another school. Admitting a student is the Principal's sole right. b) The language of instruction is English. The 4-year program is offered; admission requires meeting the appropriate language level (B2) and study requirements. c) The school offers a maximum of 48 places (24+24) for the year 2026-2027. d) Successful completion of elementary/primary school is a precondition for admission. e) A Sibling Allowance provides a 20% reduction of fees for the second child and all subsequent children. f) From 02-19 March 2026 an English level test is conducted for prospective students (written and oral). Students with a B2 Language Certificate and native English speakers are exempt from the written examination; an oral interview will be conducted. Applicants are informed of their results via the school webpage before 20 March 2026. g) Applicants scoring under 70% on the B2 language level cannot be admitted under the bilingual schools regulation in Hungary. h) For applicants scoring 70% or higher, the final admission decision is based on the applicants' previous school report certificates (7th grade and mid-term 8th grade). If more applicants show outstanding performance than places available, a brief interview may influence the final decision. i) If applicants come from Hungarian or foreign secondary schools and wish to join a higher class, supplementary or classifying exams are required; fluent English is a basic requirement. Codes for the 4-year program: 0001 Class 9 – Advanced English (Spanish, French or German beginner). March 20 Preliminary ranking; March 25-27 Modification period for parents; April 27 Final placement; May 4 Final decision on acceptance/rejection posted; June 22-25 Enrolment. B) Hungarian and foreign applicants from foreign schools: Your application is managed by your parents via the Hungarian Central Admission Procedure (Középiskolai Központi Felvételi Eljárás). Deadline: 19 February 2026. Necessary information for the Central Admission Procedure (KIFIR): Name: BME által alapított Két Tanítási Nyelvű Gimnázium; School OM code: OM 035349; Location code (telephely): 002. Codes for the 4-year program: 0001 Class 9 – (Spanish, French or German beginner / 9th grade, English advanced). March 20 Preliminary ranking; March 25-27 Modification period for parents; April 27 Final placement; May 4 Final decision on acceptance/rejection posted; June 22-25 Enrolment. Once a language level test is completed (02-19 March 2026), students with a B2 Language Certificate and native English speakers are exempt from the written examination; an oral interview is conducted. A preassignment to a class occurs after the level test; admission to the first grade (9th) requires English knowledge above 70% on the test. The language level test results and final placement are published by 21 March 2026 and 27 April 2026 respectively. The language of instruction is English.	Admissions ISB accepts applications and enrolments throughout the year in all grades provided there are free places. For enrolment, children take part in the Assessment Programme. An admission fee for the assessment programme is payable. After submitting the documents, the school informs parents of the decision in writing and, by accepting the written admission offer, enrolment documents must be handed in at the school office. Primary School assessments include an online (Grades 1–5) and a personal assessment, while Secondary School applicants take part in an online test at school followed by an interview with the secondary academic leaders. By applying, parents consent to ISB assessing their child's English, and if language support is needed, the English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme might be required for admission, which is a fee-paying service. ISB also offers Open Day visits to the campus.
Scholarships	Scholarships A Sibling Allowance provides a 20% reduction of fees for the second child and all subsequent children.	Scholarships ISB offers a Scholarship Program for Grade 8 students for the 2026/27 and 2027/28 academic years. The scholarship supports a maximum of four students and can cover up to 50% of the tuition fee for the respective year. Eligible applicants must be active ISB Grade 8 students in 2025/26, have excellent English, maintain an average of at least 4.5 in the last three completed years, and demonstrate outstanding achievement in sports, music, or the arts. The application deadline is January 12, 2026, and submissions must be sent in hard copy to Budapesti Nemzetközi Iskola – International School of Budapest, 1117 Budapest, Budafoki út 97-103. The award decision is made within 30 days of the deadline; non-compliance can result in loss of eligibility and repayment of tuition previously covered. Data protection provisions apply. For more information, contact angela.milne@isb.hu.
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