Britannica International School - Budapest vs International School of Budapest
Britannica International School - Budapest and International School of Budapest are both in Budapest, about 5 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge IGCSE programmes. Britannica International School - Budapest also offers British, Cambridge A Levels and Pearson Edexcel IGCSE, and International School of Budapest also offers Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), IB and French. Published annual fees are HUF 6,499,000 - 9,450,000 at Britannica International School - Budapest and HUF 30,000 - 6,518,400 at International School of Budapest, which puts Britannica International School - Budapest roughly 144% higher. Both take pupils from 5 to 18. The two are similar in size, at around 400 and 380 pupils.
British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
Curriculum
Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP), French Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
400
Pupils
380
Typical class size
Typical class size
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Typical class size
16
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English, Hungarian
Opened
Opened
1996
Opened
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Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Budapest, Hungary; 1121 Budapest Kakukk ut 1-3, in central Pest, in the heart of the capital.
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
Primary, Secondary and Sixth Form, for students aged 5–18.
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
International school offering a British curriculum based on the English National Curriculum.
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
50+ nationalities represented.
Pupil nationality mix
—
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme.
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
United Kingdom
Country affiliation
Hungary. The school is based in Budapest, Hungary, offering Cambridge International and Hungarian bilingual curricula.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
School hours: Monday–Friday 08:20–15:30; Extra-Curricular Activities 15:30–16:30; Office Hours 08:00–17:00.
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
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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 & Admission fees
- Application fee: HUF 150,000 (non‑refundable). - Registration (admission) fee: HUF 450,000 payable on enrolment (one‑off, non‑refundable). - Deposit (seat retainer): HUF 250,000 payable on enrolment; refundable when the student leaves provided the required notice is given, all school textbooks and materials are returned and all outstanding payments have been settled.
Tuition fees by year group (2025/26 fee schedule — amounts in HUF)
Note: two payment patterns are published (four‑instalment and two‑instalment). Both options are shown below with the instalment amounts and the annual total.
- Key Stage 1 — Year 1 & Year 2 - Four‑instalment option (payable by dates shown): May 1: HUF 500,000; Aug 1: HUF 2,180,000; Dec 1: HUF 2,010,000; Mar 1: HUF 2,010,000. Annual total: HUF 6,700,000. - Two‑instalment option: May 1: HUF 500,000; Aug 1: HUF 5,999,000. Annual total: HUF 6,499,000.
- Key Stage 2 — Year 3 to Year 6 - Four‑instalment option: May 1: HUF 500,000; Aug 1: HUF 2,640,000; Dec 1: HUF 2,355,000; Mar 1: HUF 2,355,000. Annual total: HUF 7,850,000. - Two‑instalment option: May 1: HUF 500,000; Aug 1: HUF 7,114,000. Annual total: HUF 7,614,000.
- Key Stage 3 — Year 7 to Year 9 - Four‑instalment option: May 1: HUF 500,000; Aug 1: HUF 2,860,000; Dec 1: HUF 2,520,000; Mar 1: HUF 2,520,000. Annual total: HUF 8,400,000. - Two‑instalment option: May 1: HUF 500,000; Aug 1: HUF 7,648,000. Annual total: HUF 8,148,000.
- Key Stage 4 — Year 10 & Year 11 - Four‑instalment option: May 1: HUF 500,000; Aug 1: HUF 3,080,000; Dec 1: HUF 2,685,000; Mar 1: HUF 2,685,000. Annual total: HUF 8,950,000. - Two‑instalment option: May 1: HUF 500,000; Aug 1: HUF 8,181,000. Annual total: HUF 8,681,000.
- Key Stage 5 (Sixth Form) — Year 12 & Year 13 - Four‑instalment option: May 1: HUF 500,000; Aug 1: HUF 3,280,000; Dec 1: HUF 2,835,000; Mar 1: HUF 2,835,000. Annual total: HUF 9,450,000. - Two‑instalment option: May 1: HUF 500,000; Aug 1: HUF 8,666,000. Annual total: HUF 9,166,000.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Published payment schedules (2025/26) permit either four instalments or two instalments; the four‑instalment schedule sets fixed payment amounts due on 1 May, 1 August, 1 December and 1 March. The instalments are treated as fixed instalments and are not pro‑rata payments. - A discount of 3.0% on the total tuition fee is offered if the whole year's fees are paid in advance by 1 August 2025 (per the 2025/26 schedule). The first instalment of HUF 500,000 is commonly due by 1 May as part of either schedule.
Boarding fees
- Boarding is not offered; the school operates as a day school.
Other costs and fees
- Examination fees (IGCSE, AS and A Level) are not included in tuition and are payable separately at the gross cost charged by the examination boards. - The cost of laptop computers for secondary students is not included. (The published fee schedule specifies laptop costs for senior year groups.) - Costs of trips that exceed the School's fixed financial support are not included and are charged separately. - School uniform from a supplier designated by the school is not included and is charged separately. - After‑school activities and clubs organised by external providers are not included; activities organised by school teachers are included in tuition.
Refund information
- Application fee: non‑refundable. Registration (admission) fee: non‑refundable. Deposit: refundable on leaving provided the required notice has been given, school property and textbooks are returned in the required condition and all outstanding payments have been settled.
Fee payment options and bank details
- All published fees are quoted in Hungarian Forint (HUF). Payments should be made in HUF by bank transfer to the school's account or by cash payment at the bank. Specific bank account and IBAN/SWIFT details are provided for tuition, registration, examination and deposit payments. The account is held at K&H Bank Zrt.; IBANs and the SWIFT code are published with the fee schedule.
(End of fee overview.)
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).
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
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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 school teaches a British curriculum based on the English National Curriculum, enhanced to meet the needs of international students from over 50 nationalities, culminating in IGCSE and A Level qualifications.
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
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Student teacher ratio
Student-teacher ratio is 5:1. Average class size is 14–18 students. [turn0view0]
Exam results
Exam results
Britannica International School Budapest is a Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) centre. In 2025, A Level results were 37% A*-A with a 98% pass rate; IGCSE results were 35% A*-A with 78% A*-C. The Class of 2025 pursued university destinations including UCL, King's College London, Exeter University, University of the Arts London, University of Edinburgh, Texas Tech University, Utrecht University, École Ducasse Paris, EU Business School Barcelona and Semmelweis University in Hungary.
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 go on to universities predominantly in the UK and Europe, with destinations including UCL, King's College London, Exeter University, University of the Arts London, University of Edinburgh, Texas Tech University, Utrecht University, École Ducasse Paris, EU Business School Barcelona and Semmelweis University in Hungary.
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
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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)
—
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
STEP 1: Submit an Enquiry. You can register your interest by completing our enquiry form. Upon receiving your enquiry, our Admissions Team will be in touch to provide further information and can arrange for you to come and visit the school. Once you have submitted an enquiry, we will keep you updated with what's going on in school and we'd love to invite you to our community events and open days.
STEP 2: School Tour. Our Admissions Team is always happy to book a tour for you and share information about the programme we offer. During a visit you can get a feel of the school's atmosphere, visit classrooms, see the school facilities and meet a member of our Senior Leadership Team.
STEP 3: Begin Your Application. When you are ready to begin your application to Britannica, you will need to submit your application via our online admissions portal. The admissions portal will remain open for the duration of your admissions journey and guide you through the whole process. You can log in to the portal to view your progress and submit documents at any time, you will also receive a notification when there is an update. However, please note that once you submit forms and sign documents, you will no longer be able to make edits. If you have previously enquired to the school, please use the same email address to log in to the portal because this enables us to identify you and avoids duplicate applications for the same family.
STEP 4: Assessment & Interview. On receipt of your application and supporting documentation, your child will be invited for an assessment. This includes a cognitive abilities test (CAT4), followed by an interview with our Head of Primary or Head of Secondary. Our Secondary applicants are also required to take an English language placement test. These assessments ensure that our school is the right fit and that applicants will be able to achieve their maximum potential whilst at our school. A non-refundable application fee of 150.000 HUF is payable prior to the assessment date.
STEP 5: Offer & Acceptance. Providing that the applicant was successful and there is a place available in the appropriate age group, an official placement offer will be made. The offer will be valid for 5 working days and your child's place at Britannica will be secured upon receipt of the Registration Fee (450.000 HUF) and Deposit (250.000 HUF). Parents must accept the offer by providing their digital signature as outlined in the offer and arrange the payment as outlined on the invoice. The deposit will be fully refunded upon the student's departure, providing all accounts have been settled, all school property has been returned and required notice submitted. The deposit is not refundable if the child does not attend the school after enrolment and a place has been reserved. Please view our Fees section for a full break down of our fees and payment process.
STEP 6: Class Allocation. Placing your child in the right class is very important in their development. Here at Britannica International School, Budapest, we allocate students to a class based on the following criteria: 1. Age according to UK schools' criteria. Date of Birth mapping; 2) Academic background (having already completed a specific year in the British system at a previous school for example); 3) Special circumstances based on special education needs, observations or for specific social/emotional (non-academic) reasons.
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
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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.