Deutsche Schule Bratislava vs École Française Internationale Bratislava
Deutsche Schule Bratislava and École Française Internationale Bratislava are both in Bratislava, about 6 km apart. Both schools offer Bespoke programmes, and École Française Internationale Bratislava also offers French and SEN. Published annual fees are close, at €7,716 for Deutsche Schule Bratislava and €6,690 - 8,140 for École Française Internationale Bratislava. Deutsche Schule Bratislava takes pupils from 3 to 18, and École Française Internationale Bratislava from 2 to 17. Deutsche Schule Bratislava is the larger school, with around 475 pupils to École Française Internationale Bratislava's 343. Typical class sizes are 20 at Deutsche Schule Bratislava and 17 at École Française Internationale Bratislava.
French Curriculum, SEN focussed, Bespoke Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
475
Pupils
343
Typical class size
Typical class size
20
Typical class size
17
Instruction language
Instruction language
German
Instruction language
French, Slovak
Opened
Opened
2005
Opened
2003
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
The Deutsche Schule Bratislava is located in Bratislava, Slovakia, on a modern campus near the city center. The address is Bárdošova 33, Bratislava 831 01. It lies in the tri-border area of Slovakia, Hungary and Austria.
Location
Bratislava, Slovakia. Address: Marie Curie-Sklodowskej 1, 85104 Bratislava. It is a private French–Slovak integrated school serving both French and Slovak communities.
Stages
Stages
Kindergarten, Grundschule (primary school), and Gymnasium (secondary school) are on a single campus. The school also offers a Ganztagesangebot (full-day program).
Stages
Kindergarten (ages 2–5), Elementary (ages 6–10), Middle School (ages 11–14), High School (ages 15–17).
School type
School type
The school is a German international school (Deutsche Auslandsschule) in Bratislava. It offers the Slovak language and literature Abitur and the German International Abitur (DIA). It follows the Baden-Württemberg curriculum and provides an eight-year gymnasium with a focus on multilingualism, natural and humanities sciences, and in artistic and athletic areas.
School type
Private integrated school (French–Slovak).
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
School psychology, special education, and study counseling are available.
Additional learning support
Non-French-speaking students receive a targeted FLSco program in the last year of Kindergarten and in Elementary school. FLSco teachers help students acquire French and communicate, with small-group sessions (2–4 students) and regular progress assessments.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
It is a German Auslandsschule (German international school). The Central Office for Auslandsschulwesen (ZfA) funds eight teachers from Germany and provides support; Germany funds the school annually; it offers the Matura in Slovak language and literature and the German International Abitur (DIA); German quality standards are applied; regular Bund-Länder inspections from Germany take place; it collaborates with German institutions and companies in Slovakia (e.g., the German Embassy, Goethe-Institut, and DSIHK).
Country affiliation
Affiliated with France through the AEFE network.
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
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Bus service details
Bus service details
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Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application / Admission fees and deposit - One-time admission fee (Aufnahmegebühr) per child: EUR 1,500. - Kindergarten reservation fee (optional, payable in advance to reserve a place): EUR 500; this is credited against the admission fee at enrolment (if used). If the reservation is cancelled more than one year before the planned start date, 50% (EUR 250) is refundable; no refund if cancelled within one year. - One-time refundable deposit per child: EUR 1,000 (returned without interest when the child leaves, less any claims).
Annual tuition (by year group) — amounts and breakdown - Base annual tuition (Basissatz) for every year group (Kindergarten, Vorschule, Grundschule Klassen 1–4, Sekundarstufe / Gymnasium Klassen 5–12): EUR 7,716 per year. - Monthly equivalent: EUR 643 per month (calculated as 12 monthly instalments of the annual tuition). - Per half‑year / per school term (school half‑year): EUR 3,858 (6 months of the annual tuition; the school treats each started school half‑year as payable in full).
Sibling, loyalty and employee discounts (examples and structure) - Sibling discount examples applied per child (illustrative values shown in the school's schedule): 2 children — 15% discount per child (monthly example EUR 547 / annual EUR 6,564); 3 children — 25% discount per child (monthly example EUR 483 / annual EUR 5,796). - Loyalty (Treuerabatt): after eight years at the school (beginning in the 9th year) a loyalty discount of 5% applies for Grundschule and Gymnasium; example reduced figures are published (monthly EUR 611 / annual EUR 7,332 for a single child with 5% loyalty). - Employee children: special employee rate for full‑time employees' children is EUR 153 per month per child.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Payment methods accepted: cashless bank transfer in EUR to the school's account (IBAN: SK97 0900 0000 0051 3169 0040; SWIFT/BIC: GIBASKBX). Tuition is invoiced and must be paid by bank transfer. - Payment timing options (parents choose one of the following): - Single annual payment due by 15 September; or - Two instalments: 50% due 15 September and 50% due 15 February; or - Twelve monthly instalments: each instalment due by the 3rd day of each month. - If a pupil is admitted during the school year, tuition is charged pro rata starting from the month of commencement; reductions for a started month are not available. The school treats each started school half‑year as payable in full. - Late payments: after two weeks in arrears the school issues a reminder. Each reminder incurs a reminder fee of EUR 10. Late‑payment interest is charged at 0.05% per day on the outstanding sum. Continued non‑payment may lead to legal action and contract termination.
Cancellation, refunds and related fees - Admission fee refund: if the school withdraws from the enrolment contract because the child does not demonstrate sufficient German language level in the entry assessment, the paid admission fee is refunded. - Reservation fee refund (kindergarten): 50% refunded if reservation cancelled in writing more than one year before planned start; no refund if cancelled within one year. - Cancellation of an application (Stornierung) by the applicant: a cancellation fee equal to one month's tuition is payable; the admission fee is offset against that cancellation fee. The board may waive this fee in hardship cases. - Deposit refund: the EUR 1,000 deposit is refunded without interest when the child leaves, subject to deduction of any outstanding claims.
Boarding / accommodation - No boarding or school accommodation charges are provided in the school's fee regulations; the school operates as a day school and does not publish boarding fees.
Other costs and typical additional billing items - The Schulgeldordnung explicitly lists the admission/reservation fee, deposit, tuition and related charge rules, reminder and cancellation fees, and discounts. Additional items commonly billed separately (and typically charged outside the annual tuition) include extracurricular course fees, school‑trip charges, school lunch / catering and specific programme costs; those items are handled and billed separately from the base tuition. Specific amounts for such extras are not part of the base Schulgeld figures above and are charged as incurred.
Fee payment options (practical details) - Required currency: EUR. Payments are made by bank transfer to the school's designated account (IBAN and SWIFT/BIC shown above). The school offers three payment schedules (annual, two instalments, or monthly) and requires cashless transfer; parents must choose and adhere to one of the schedules. Reminder fees and late‑payment interest apply for missed payments.
Key administrative deadlines (billing and contract termination related) - For school (Vorschule and Grundschule/Gymnasium) termination by parents: notice may take effect 31 August (end of school year) or 31 January (end of first half‑year). Termination to take effect 31 August must be submitted in writing by 31 May; termination to take effect 31 January must be submitted in writing by 31 December. The tuition for a started half‑year is payable in full.
If you require the central numeric items above incorporated into a database field format, they are contained in the sections here (admission fee, deposit, annual tuition, monthly equivalent, half‑year amount, reservation and cancellation fees, reminder/late fees, discounts and employee rate).
Fee details
First-time (application) fee
- First‑time registration (application) fee: EUR 700 per pupil. This fee is payable at registration and is non‑refundable.
Tuition fees by year group (annual, per-term and per-month instalments)
- Nursery school (maternelle): Annual tuition EUR 5,770. - Monthly instalment (10 payments): EUR 577.00 per instalment. - Quarterly instalment (4 payments): EUR 1,442.50 per instalment.
- Primary school (école élémentaire): Annual tuition EUR 6,040. - Monthly instalment (10 payments): EUR 604.00 per instalment. - Quarterly instalment (4 payments): EUR 1,510.00 per instalment.
- Secondary school / Collège: Annual tuition EUR 6,800. - Monthly instalment (10 payments): EUR 680.00 per instalment. - Quarterly instalment (4 payments): EUR 1,700.00 per instalment.
- High school / Lycée: Annual tuition EUR 7,150. - Monthly instalment (10 payments): EUR 715.00 per instalment. - Quarterly instalment (4 payments): EUR 1,787.50 per instalment.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Available payment frequencies: monthly (10 instalments), quarterly (4 instalments) or annual (single payment). - Monthly instalment due dates (10 instalments): 14 June, 14 September, 14 October, 14 November, 14 December, 14 January, 14 February, 14 March, 14 April, 14 May. - Quarterly instalment due dates (4 instalments): 14 June, 14 September, 14 December, 14 March. - Annual instalment due date (single payment): 14 June. - Confirmation of continuation for the following school year must be submitted in writing before 31 March; the first monthly instalment for the following year must be paid before 14 June. All fees are deemed paid only when credited to the Association's bank account. Payments are accepted by bank transfer or by standing order; cash payments are not accepted. Bank account details (IBAN/BIC) are published for fee payment.
Boarding fees
- Boarding is not applicable to this school (no boarding / internat provision listed).
Other compulsory and routine costs
- Annual school materials fees: - Nursery: EUR 80. - Primary: EUR 130. - Secondary / Collège: EUR 150. - High School / Lycée: EUR 150.
- School meals (canteen): - Price per meal: Nursery EUR 4.80; Primary EUR 4.60; Secondary EUR 4.60; High School EUR 4.80. - Annual forfait (typical full‑year canteen charge): Nursery EUR 840; Primary EUR 805; Secondary EUR 805; High School EUR 840. - Badge renewal in case of loss: EUR 5.
- After‑school / extracurricular (CP–CM2 club): hourly rate EUR 3; down payment per semester EUR 100.
- Other potential additional costs (charged separately): extra‑curricular activity fees, sports association fees, school trips/exchanges/stays, specialised services, and any transport costs if provided by a third party. These items are billed in addition to the tuition and routine fees.
Refund and withdrawal rules
- The registration fee (EUR 700) is non‑refundable. - To terminate enrolment for the coming academic year, the school requires written notice by the stated deadline for that year (the school specifies a withdrawal notification deadline). If a pupil ceases attendance under conditions other than timely written withdrawal, an additional charge equal to three monthly instalments of the annual tuition fee is payable, unless the departure is for an unpredictable and justified relocation to another city/country or for health reasons. Prepaid tuition paid in advance will be refunded pro rata for full months not attended after deduction of amounts due under the withdrawal rules. Temporary absences do not give entitlement to fee reduction. If the school is closed for reasons outside its control (for example public health measures), there is no legal right to obtain a refund of tuition (exceptions apply for canteen and after‑school care).
Fee payment options and bank details
- Accepted payment methods: bank transfer or standing order (direct debit). Cash payments are explicitly not accepted. - Bank details for fee payment (as published for payer use): IBAN SK72 1100 0000 0029 4346 2074; Bank: Tatra banka, a.s.; SWIFT/BIC: TATRSKBX. Account and invoicing details are provided by the Association for the French School in Bratislava.
Other practical fee notes
- Family discounts: the school applies sibling reductions on tuition fees (10% on the second child, 20% from the third child) as specified in the school's financial conditions. - Registration, billing and re‑enrolment conditions require timely payment of the initial instalments as specified in the billing schedule and financial conditions; unpaid amounts can affect re‑enrolment and confirmation of place.
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 provides Kindergarten, Grundschule (primary) and Gymnasium (secondary), with a Ganztagesangebot (full‑day program) on a single campus. The pedagogical concept promotes holistic, individual development and community life from kindergarten through Abitur, grounded in democratic and ethical values. The school offers a double qualification: Abitur in Slovak language and literature and the German International Abitur (DIA); the eight‑year Gymnasium follows the Baden‑Württemberg curriculum with emphasis on multilingualism, natural and human sciences, and arts and sports. Since September 2021, EIVA (Eigenverantwortliches Arbeiten) enables asynchronous learning on Tuesdays for classes 8–12; in 5–7, the first to fourth periods are free work time with teachers acting as learning guides. On EIVA days, 5–7 cover German, Slovak language and literature, English, and Religion; 8–12 cover German, Slovak language and literature or Slovak as a foreign language, English, French, and History, with Geography added from grade 8, Economics from grade 9, Ethics from grade 10, and Biology and Mathematics from grade 11. There are spaces for language certificate courses (English, French, Spanish, Italian) or clubs, and the learning environment is designed as open learning spaces with flexible furniture and learning landscapes.
Curriculum details
EFIB delivers a schooling in cycles from kindergarten to the baccalauréat, aligned with the French national education programs. The curriculum runs from maternelle (cycle 1) through elementary (cycles 2–4), then collège and lycée, with progression organized to cover the full range from early years to lycée. Knowledge and skills to be acquired from ages 6 to 16 are formalized in the socle commun across five domains, with the languages domain comprising four objectives evaluated across disciplines. The lycée prepares students in three years for the baccalauréat and for entry to higher education, and students enrolled at EFIB or in other French-language schools abroad are admitted to the lycée without entrance exams, based on the assessment of the class council. The DNB is awarded at the end of collège and the baccalauréat at the end of lycée; the baccalauréat is the first university degree in France and opens access to higher education. EFIB offers a distinctive program in Slovakia enabling students to follow a French curriculum from kindergarten through the baccalauréat while also preparing for the Slovak maturita; a program supports welcoming non-French-speaking students.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
The Diplôme National du Brevet (DNB) attests knowledge at the end of collège and is earned by combining 400 points for the socle commun with 400 points from five exam papers, for a maximum of 800 points. A bonus of 10 or 20 points may be awarded for an additional subject (ELCE or Slovak) if learning goals are met or exceeded, and a student passes with at least 400 points in total. The Baccalauréat counts 40% of the final grade from continuous assessment and 60% from five exam papers; a final average of at least 10/20 is required to be admitted, with possible mentions: Assez Bien (over 12 to under 14), Bien (over 14 to under 16), Très Bien (over 16 to under 18), and Très Bien avec les félicitations du jury (18+). The diploma records the final mention and the terminal specialty studied in Terminale.
Higher education progression
Higher education progression
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Higher education progression
EFIB is the only school in Slovakia offering a program aligned with French education. It enables students to follow a continuous French curriculum from Kindergarten to the Slovak maturita and the French baccalauréat, within a single institution. The baccalauréat opens access to higher education, and the school's dual French‑Slovak pathway supports progression to universities in France, Slovakia, and beyond.
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)
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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
Step 1. Registration for Gymnasium is completed via the gymnasium registration form on the DSB website. Step 2. Admission is based on an overall assessment of the applicant's performance within the admissions procedure. For students coming from schools other than German schools, a trial day with tests in various subjects is part of the admissions process. Step 3. Admission uses internal criteria that include end-of-year grades (class 3) and behavior, mid-year grades (class 4), and tests in core subjects; German language skills, social behavior, readiness for the Gymnasium, and extra-curricular achievements are also taken into account. Step 4. Tests are conducted on designated dates; tests for students with special educational needs or health issues are adjusted as needed. Step 5. Applicants achieving at least 70% of the total points meet the admission requirements; ranking is by total points, and in a tie the school leadership prioritizes the applicant with limited working ability, then the applicant with better performance in classes 3 and 4. Step 6. The order of applicants is posted by code at the school entrance and on the school's site; acceptance letters are sent in writing, and guardians must confirm acceptance within five working days; there is a right to appeal within five days.
Admissions
EFIB is a French-Slovak private integrated school in Bratislava serving children from Kindergarten through High School (ages 2 to 17). Kindergarten is for 2–5 years; Elementary 6–10; Middle School 11–14; High School 15–17. It is a member of the AEFE network and delivers education aligned with the French national education system, including the Diplôme National du Brevet (DNB) in collège and the Baccalauréat exam in lycée. The school welcomes non-French-speaking students through a special program. The address is Marie Curie-Sklodowskej 1, 851 04 Bratislava, Slovakia. Prospective families can attend an Open Day (Open Day 2025) and there is an admission enquiry form on the site.
Scholarships
Scholarships
Stipendienordnung: The Parents' Association may award scholarships each year, depending on available funds, and the conditions for awarding, granting and revocation are governed by this scholarship regulation. The board may publish a call for scholarships each year and will specify the type of scholarship, criteria for selecting recipients, amount and payment method, duration, application procedures and deadlines, and the composition of the selection panel. The board is not obliged to award a scholarship and may cancel a call for applications. A scholarship contract is signed with the guardians of the recipient, and scholarships may be revoked for disciplinary reasons or other violations listed in the Parent Information for the awarding of scholarships. Changes to the regulation are made by the board. Stand: 17.07.2023.
Elterninformation zur Vergabe von Stipendien (Social, Merit and Subject Scholarships): Begabten children from families that cannot afford the school fees or particularly high-achieving children may apply for a scholarship; the amount and number of scholarships depend on available funds and eligible applicants; no scholarship is legally enforceable; the school may grant up to 75% of tuition fees as a scholarship; eligibility is reassessed annually. Applications for the Social Scholarship require a program-specific application and supporting documents; selection is by a committee of at least three people including the DSB principal, a board member, the administrator, and the Parents' Association chair; the process is documented and decisions are by consensus. The Social Scholarship requires demonstrating low family income (thresholds are reviewed yearly) and showing at least 25% parental/self-financing of tuition; families must not have tuition arrears; annual reviews of financial need, performance and social conduct occur. The Merit Scholarship may be offered for exemplary students with very high academic achievement and outstanding social behavior; the selection considers teachers' recommendations and motivation letters; applications for next school year are due by May 15; the Stipend Committee meets in early September. The Subject Scholarships can be awarded for outstanding achievement in specific subjects; teacher recommendations and motivation letters are used in the decision; deadlines and documents are the same as for social scholarships. Documentation for the social scholarship includes data sheet, photos, copies of IDs, last utility bills, employer confirmation of payment status, proof of financial situation, academic records, motivation letter, and other relevant documents. Stand: 17.07.2023.
Scholarships
AEFE scholarships are available for students who are French nationals and meet criteria including being at least 3 years old on December 31 of the school year, living in Slovakia with a parent, being listed in the Register of French citizens resident outside France, and being enrolled or in enrollment at EFIB. Scholarships cover all or part of the first-time registration fee, the annual fee, the school canteen fees, or exam fees. The scholarship must be renewed each year, and the application file is submitted to the Consular section of the French Embassy in Slovakia during January–February (or September for new arrivals). Contact: French Embassy in Slovakia (Consular section). Scholarship application form is available via the linked form. Address: École Française Internationale de Bratislava, Marie Curie-Sklodowskej 1, 851 04 Bratislava, Slovakia.