International School of Budapest vs The British International School Budapest
International School of Budapest and The British International School Budapest are both in Budapest, about 8 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge IGCSE and IB programmes. International School of Budapest also offers Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary) and French, and The British International School Budapest also offers British and EYFS. Published annual fees are HUF 30,000 - 6,518,400 at International School of Budapest and HUF 5,145,600 - 10,848,000 at The British International School Budapest, which puts The British International School Budapest roughly 144% higher. International School of Budapest takes pupils from 5 to 18, and The British International School Budapest from 3 to 18. The two are similar in size, at around 380 and 420 pupils. Typical class sizes are 16 at International School of Budapest and 17 at The British International School Budapest.
Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP), French Curriculum
Curriculum
IB (DP), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Pupils
Pupils
380
Pupils
420
Typical class size
Typical class size
16
Typical class size
17
Instruction language
Instruction language
English, Hungarian
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
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Opened
1992
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
Located in Budapest, Hungary. The BIS Budapest campus is at 1037 Budapest, Kiscelli köz 17, with a campus that sits in verdant surroundings with city views and is about 20 minutes from Budapest city centre.
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
Early Years 3-5; Primary 5-11; Secondary 11-16; IB Diploma 16-18.
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
British international school
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
More than 60 nationalities represented; an international community.
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
English as an Additional Language (EAL) team and specialist learning assistants provide tailored support for students with additional educational needs.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Hungary. The school is based in Budapest, Hungary, offering Cambridge International and Hungarian bilingual curricula.
Country affiliation
United Kingdom
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
—
Religious affiliation
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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.
School day structure
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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).
Bus service details
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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
Enrolment and one-off application fees
- Application Assessment Fee (new students): HUF 175,000 (non‑refundable). - Registration Fee (new students): HUF 500,000 (non‑refundable). - Deposit (new students): HUF 350,000 (refundable; invoiced alongside the first tuition payment).
Tuition fees (2026–27) — amounts shown in HUF
- Early Years (EY1 / Nursery) - Discounted annual fee: HUF 5,145,600 - Annual fee: HUF 5,360,000 - Term 1: HUF 2,251,200; Term 2: HUF 1,554,400; Term 3: HUF 1,554,400.
- Early Years (EY2 / Reception) - Discounted annual fee: HUF 6,681,600 - Annual fee: HUF 6,960,000 - Term 1: HUF 2,923,200; Term 2: HUF 2,018,400; Term 3: HUF 2,018,400.
- Primary (Year 1 & Year 2 / Key Stage 1) - Discounted annual fee: HUF 7,728,000 - Annual fee: HUF 8,050,000 - Term 1: HUF 3,381,000; Term 2: HUF 2,334,500; Term 3: HUF 2,334,500.
- Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9) - Discounted annual fee: HUF 9,552,000 - Annual fee: HUF 9,950,000 - Term 1: HUF 4,179,000; Term 2: HUF 2,885,500; Term 3: HUF 2,885,500.
- Key Stage 4 (Year 10) - Discounted annual fee: HUF 10,080,000 - Annual fee: HUF 10,500,000 - Term 1: HUF 4,410,000; Term 2: HUF 3,045,000; Term 3: HUF 3,045,000.
- Key Stage 4 (Year 11) - Discounted annual fee: HUF 10,320,000 - Annual fee: HUF 10,750,000 - Term 1: HUF 4,515,000; Term 2: HUF 3,117,500; Term 3: HUF 3,117,500.
- Years 12 and 13 (Sixth Form) - Year 12: Discounted annual fee HUF 10,656,000; Annual fee HUF 11,100,000; Term 1: HUF 4,662,000; Term 2: HUF 3,219,000; Term 3: HUF 3,219,000. - Year 13: Discounted annual fee HUF 10,848,000; Annual fee HUF 11,300,000; Term 1: HUF 4,746,000; Term 2: HUF 3,277,000; Term 3: HUF 3,277,000.
School lunch
- Annual school lunch fee: HUF 520,000 (discounted HUF 499,200 if applicable). - Termly: Term 1 HUF 218,400; Term 2 HUF 150,800; Term 3 HUF 150,800. School lunch includes two snacks for EY1, EY2, Year 1 and Year 2.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Fees are quoted and invoiced in Hungarian forint (HUF). - The annual tuition may be paid in full or in three instalments (one instalment per term). A 4% annual discount is applied when the full year fee is paid by the due date shown on the invoice. Students starting after 30 September are not eligible for the annual discount. - Sibling discounts: 2% on the 2nd and 3rd child and 10% on the 4th child and onwards (applies to the sibling(s) enrolled in the lowest year group(s)).
Boarding fees
- The school does not operate a boarding provision; boarding fees are not applicable.
Other costs and optional charges
- Uniform: school uniform is compulsory; uniform is procured through the school's uniform arrangements and is an additional cost borne by families. - Transport: a school bus service is available through the local transport partner (Junior Bus); transport fees are additional and arranged separately with the transport provider. - Extra‑curricular activities, special trips, examination fees (where applicable) and certain optional services are charged in addition to tuition and will be invoiced separately when applicable.
Refund information and withdrawal
- Application Assessment and Registration fees are non‑refundable. The deposit is refundable provided the required written notice of withdrawal is given in accordance with the school's acceptance/withdrawal terms, all accounts are settled in full and all school property is returned in good condition. The deposit is typically refunded within four weeks of the last school day once clearance requirements are met. Lost or damaged property will be charged at replacement cost. - Refunds of fees are carried out by bank transfer to the payer named on the original payment document. The school will only refund as set out in the school's terms and conditions. The school reserves the right to refuse payments originating from sanctioned bank accounts.
Fee payment options
- All fee amounts and invoices are issued in HUF. Refunds are processed by bank transfer to the payer named on the payment documentation. The school's local terms and conditions identify bank transfer as the route for refunds and set restrictions on payments from sanctioned accounts. Specific accepted payment channels for fee settlement (for example, which card schemes or online payment providers are accepted) are handled through the school's finance team and will appear on the invoice.
I have presented the school's 2026–27 fee schedule, enrolment charges, billing arrangements, other likely additional costs, refund terms and payment handling in a concise, parent‑facing format. If any numeric figure above requires verification within your database workflow, use the cited fee schedule and school fee document as the primary reference.
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 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
English National Curriculum is offered from the Early Years Foundation Stage through to IGCSEs, followed by the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). Early Years (3-5) have a teacher-student ratio of 1:9 and an average class size of 15. Primary (5-11) uses the English National Curriculum with languages taught English, Hungarian, and French; average class size 20; teacher-student ratio 1:11. Secondary (11-16) continues the English National Curriculum with six languages taught: English, Hungarian, French, German, Spanish, and Mandarin; average class size 15; teacher-student ratio 1:9. The IB Diploma Programme (16-18) offers six languages: English, Hungarian, French, German, Spanish, Mandarin; average class size 10; teacher-student ratio 1:9.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
Student-teacher ratio is 5:1. Average class size is 14–18 students. [turn0view0]
Student teacher ratio
Early Years: 1:9 with average class size 15. Primary: 1:11 with average class size 20. Secondary: 1:9 with average class size 15. IB Diploma: 1:9 with average class size 10.
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
IB Diploma Programme (class of 2025): 98% pass rate with an average score of 34.4. 21% of IBDP students scored 40+ points. 100% of graduates received an offer from their first-choice university (including Cambridge, Oxford, and ETH Zurich). IGCSE class of 2025: 48% achieved A* or A grades.
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 leading universities worldwide. The class of 2025 saw 100% of graduates accepted by their first-choice universities, including Cambridge, Oxford, ETH Zurich, Imperial College London, and Nanyang Technological University.
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
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. Make an enquiry. Use the online enquiry form to start the BISB admissions process. BISB will respond within 24 hours (local time, Monday to Friday). You can also call or email BISB, or arrange a visit to Budapest or a one‑to‑one virtual discovery tour. A BISB admissions team member will guide you through the next steps.
2. Take a tour. The best way to understand BISB is to visit in Budapest or take a virtual discovery tour if you can't attend in person. The tour introduces you to the BISB community, campus, and environment. BISB will explain the next steps after your visit.
3. Send us your application. Your child can join BISB at any time during the academic year. Complete the online application form and provide the required supporting documents. The admissions team will review your submission and guide you to the assessment stage.
4. Assessment and interview. After receiving your form and documents, BISB will invite your child to an assessment and interview. Depending on age, the assessment may include class observations and tests of English language fluency, writing, and cognitive abilities. The assessment is part of BISB's admissions process.
5. Offering and accepting a place. If all goes well, BISB will offer your child a place and confirm the start date. You must accept the offer in writing to secure the place. Once accepted, BISB will provide the next steps for enrollment and onboarding.
6. Starting school. BISB supports a smooth transition when starting school and helps you settle into the BISB community. The school addresses the needs of new families and aims to make the first weeks comfortable. Staff provide onboarding support during the initial weeks to facilitate settling in.
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.
