International School of Budapest vs SEK Budapest International School
International School of Budapest and SEK Budapest International School are both in Budapest, about 8 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes, and International School of Budapest also offers Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE and French. Published annual fees are HUF 30,000 - 6,518,400 at International School of Budapest and HUF 3,605,000 - 4,288,000 at SEK Budapest International School, which puts SEK Budapest International School roughly 21% higher. International School of Budapest takes pupils from 5 to 18, and SEK Budapest International School from 3 to 18. SEK Budapest International School is the larger school, with around 500 pupils to International School of Budapest's 380. Typical class sizes are 16 at International School of Budapest and 20 at SEK Budapest International School.
Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP), French Curriculum
Curriculum
IB (DP)
Pupils
Pupils
380
Pupils
500
Typical class size
Typical class size
16
Typical class size
20
Instruction language
Instruction language
English, Hungarian
Instruction language
English, Hungarian
Opened
Opened
—
Opened
1997
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
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.
Location
1021 Budapest, Hűvösvölgyi út 131, Hungary. In the safe, green area of the Buda Hills, the campus is accessible from central Budapest and serves as SEK Budapest International School's site.
Stages
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.
Stages
Pre-K to 12
School type
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.
School type
International school; IB World School offering the Diploma Programme; Hungarian National Curriculum base
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
—
Pupil nationality mix
More than 50 countries represented.
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.
Additional learning support
Inclusion Policy is in place.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Hungary. The school is based in Budapest, Hungary, offering Cambridge International and Hungarian bilingual curricula.
Country affiliation
Affiliated with SEK International Education System (IES) and the SEK International Organization.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
—
Religious affiliation
—
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 information is available on the ISB parent page of the ISB website (the parent portal includes a school bus information section).
Bus service details
SEK Budapest does not offer a school bus service. Families arrange transportation; public transport is available nearby (bus stop in front, tram stop at back).
Fees
Fees
Fee details
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.
Fee details
Application & admission fees
- Entrance fee (new students, payable on acceptance): HUF 555,000. - Admission charge payable on the day of admission: HUF 35,000. - Registration fee for returning students: HUF 185,000 if paid by the stated early deadline, or HUF 265,000 if paid after that deadline.
Tuition fees by year group (per instalment and annual totals)
- Preschool (Early Years): HUF 235,000 per instalment (10 instalments) — Annual total HUF 2,280,000. - Grades 1–3: HUF 269,000 per instalment (10 instalments) — Annual total HUF 2,609,000. - Grades 4–6: HUF 270,000 per instalment (10 instalments) — Annual total HUF 2,619,000. - Grades 7–9: HUF 314,000 per instalment (10 instalments) — Annual total HUF 3,046,000. - Grades 10–12: HUF 330,000 per instalment (10 instalments) — Annual total HUF 3,201,000. - IB supplement for Grades 11–12 (where applicable): HUF 104,000 per instalment (10 instalments) — Annual total HUF 1,040,000.
Compulsory additional fees (per instalment / annual or yearly where shown)
- Meals (compulsory): Preschool HUF 65,000 per instalment — Annual total HUF 631,000; Grades 1–4 HUF 66,000 per instalment — Annual total HUF 640,000; Grades 5–11 HUF 68,000 per instalment — Annual total HUF 660,000; Grade 12 listed on a 9-instalment basis HUF 68,000 per instalment — Annual total HUF 594,000. - School materials (annual): Preschool HUF 72,000; Grades 1–12 HUF 72,000; Grade 11 IB graphic calculator (where required) HUF 96,000. - Development levy (annual): HUF 14,700 per instalment (10 instalments) — Annual total HUF 147,000 for Preschool and Grades 1–12. - Books and online subscriptions (annual, by grade): Preschool HUF 5,000; Grades 1–2 HUF 137,000; Grades 3–4 HUF 156,000; Grades 5–6 HUF 162,000; Grades 7–8 HUF 114,000; Grades 9–10 HUF 208,000; Grades 11–12 (non-IB) HUF 47,000; IB Grade 11 materials HUF 196,000; IB Grades 11–12 online subscriptions HUF 70,000. Field trip costs and other activity charges are invoiced separately after the activity and charged based on attendance and parental consent.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Standard tuition billing structure is shown as instalment-based (10 instalments for most items) with specific provisions for certain items (for example Grade 12 meals on a 9-instalment basis). Tuition and compulsory charges are billed on the instalment schedule indicated. - Invoices are issued in Hungarian forints (HUF) only; a 1.5% administrative charge applies to cash settlement of invoices (admission fee excepted). The school provides bank account details for payment. Field trip fees are invoiced in the month following the trip. - Contributions and Fees are due monthly or yearly as invoiced; late payment may incur interest (the terms allow for interest/late payment charges and other contractual remedies for non-payment). A one-month written notice is required to withdraw a student; withdrawing on less than one month's notice incurs fees in lieu of notice as described in the terms.
Boarding fees
- SEK Budapest operates as a day school and does not publish boarding fees. There is no boarding provision applicable.
Other costs and practical items
- Uniform: a school uniform is required; uniform items are sold via the school webshop/price list (everyday uniform and PE kit are specified). Parents should budget separately for the uniform purchase. - Extra tuition, extracurricular activity charges, transport, exam fees, individual instrument tuition, and similar optional services are charged in addition to the compulsory fees and will appear on invoices as applicable; some extras (educational visits, trips) are charged after the event.
Refunds and withdrawal rules
- Contributions and Fees are not refundable or waivable for absence due to sickness, shortened semesters, extended vacations, or similar causes, except in exceptional circumstances at the Head's discretion or where there is a legal obligation to refund. If a student is expelled or removed, there is generally no refund of Contributions/Fees; any unspent balance of a lump-sum prepayment is refundable without interest. Withdrawal on less than one month's notice triggers payment of Fees in lieu of notice. The school's full terms set out penalties for late payment and collection remedies.
Payment methods and administrative notes
- Payments are handled in HUF; the school lists K&H bank accounts for the different fee categories and expects payment to those accounts as shown on invoices and the fee schedule. Cash payment is subject to a 1.5% administrative fee (admission fee excepted). Card payment facilities are not specified in the published fee schedule; payments by a third party are accepted only with the understanding that parents remain contractually liable for fees. The school's invoicing and payment instructions (including account numbers) are provided on the fee schedule and on invoices.
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 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]
Curriculum details
SEK Budapest International School is a trilingual school offering national and international programs in Budapest. The curriculum is primarily based on the Hungarian National Curriculum, with adjustments from International Education Systems (IES) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) for grades 11–12. English and Hungarian are teaching languages, with Spanish taught as a second language. The school regularly revises the curriculum and integrates digital tools, and emphasizes values-based learning and the development of soft skills alongside traditional subjects. It is an IB World School offering the Diploma Programme (DP) for upper secondary students.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
Student-teacher ratio is 5:1. Average class size is 14–18 students. [turn0view0]
Student teacher ratio
—
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]
Exam results
100% of graduates attend universities, including SOTE, BME, Corvinus and ISB.
Higher education progression
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]
Higher education progression
Graduates pursue higher education at prestigious universities, including SOTE, BME, Corvinus and ISB.
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
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.
Admissions
1. Schedule an Appointment. Contact Ms. Alternatively, you can complete the contact form on our site. The admissions team will respond with available times and next steps. 2. Admission Interview and Testing. Preschool and Grades 1–4 have an interview with the School Psychologist. Grades 5–12 have an interview with the Admission Manager and entrance tests in English, Math, and Hungarian (Hungarian speakers only). Interviews and tests inform placement decisions and determine readiness for SEK Budapest's programmes. 3. Submission of Required Documents. After successful test results, submit birth certificate with an official English or Hungarian translation, a school report or official translation into English or Hungarian. Also provide a leaving certificate from the previous school and a reference letter; include medical records, Social Security Number, and immunisation records. Add one passport-sized photograph; provide a residence permit for non-Hungarian students, and proof of guardianship if applicable; include a special needs certificate if applicable. 4. Trial Period. Once admission is confirmed and a place is offered, the student will be invited to attend a two-day trial period in their prospective class at the school. Families may observe during the trial and the school will use the experience to finalize placement.
Scholarships
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.