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Search & filter all 3 schools Compare 3 schools in Iceland

International Schools in Iceland

Compare 3 international schools in Iceland. Filter by curriculum, fees (average ISK 252,692), location, and more to find the right international school now.

Edited by · Chief Marketing Officer

Schools listed
3
Curricula
8
Average annual fee
ISK 252,692
Fee range
ISK 65,000 – 580,512
More school facts
Most common curriculum
Bespoke Curriculum (2 schools)
Average school size
418 pupils
Largest by enrolment
Menntaskólinn við Hamrahlíð – IB Programme
Oldest
Menntaskólinn við Hamrahlíð – IB Programme (1966)
About international schools in Iceland

International schools in Iceland are few and almost all are concentrated in the greater Reykjavík area, so families living elsewhere usually need to weigh commuting or enrolling in the local public system. These schools most commonly offer English-medium programmes while also providing Icelandic language tuition or bilingual streams; curricula you will encounter include the International Primary Curriculum, International Baccalaureate (IB) at lower secondary level in some schools, and Cambridge/IGCSE pathways in others. Fees are substantial compared with free municipal schools but vary by school, residency and age; some schools publish monthly or annual tuition schedules and municipalities commonly offer partial subsidies or reduced resident rates. Places are limited relative to demand, so parents should contact schools early about entry requirements, and expect that many schools will accept mid-year starters but will require documentation and registration with local authorities for subsidy eligibility.

View by curriculum (3)

View by curriculum

IB (2) British (1) International (1)

Choosing an international school in Iceland

Curricula

There are 3 international schools in Iceland covering 8 curricula. The most widely offered are Bespoke Curriculum (2), IB (DP) (1), IPC (International Primary Curriculum) (1), IB (MYP) (1), Italian Curriculum (1). If your child may move countries again, an internationally-portable curriculum (IB, or Cambridge/British) keeps options open; if you're likely to settle, a curriculum matching your home or target university system can be the better fit.

Fees & what they cover

Annual tuition across Iceland runs from about ISK 65,000 to ISK 580,512, averaging roughly ISK 252,692. Budget for one-off costs on top — application and enrolment fees, a refundable deposit, uniform, transport and exams.

Admissions & timing

Sought-after schools in Iceland run waiting lists, so apply early — ideally a term or two ahead. Most admissions involve an application, prior school reports and an assessment or interview, with entry points often tied to the school year. Each school's profile shows term dates, open days and how to enquire.

Boarding

Most schools here are day schools; check individual profiles for any boarding options.

How doris stays impartial

doris lists every international school in Iceland we can find — not only those that pay. We take no placement fees and sell no rankings or "top school" spots, so the schools above aren't ordered by who paid most. Details come from the schools' own information and public sources, and you can compare any of them side by side.

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Reykjavík international schoolsGarðabær international schoolsBritish schools in IcelandIB schools in IcelandAmerican schools in Iceland

FAQs for Iceland

What languages and curricula will my child study at international schools in Iceland?
Most international schools teach primarily in English and provide Icelandic either as a separate subject or within a bilingual stream; some schools also offer mother-tongue or home-language support. Curricula commonly advertised include the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) at primary level, the IB Middle Years Programme for lower secondary in some schools, and Cambridge IGCSE/related pathways in others, with individual schools publishing their exact programme choices.
How much do these schools cost and are there subsidies for residents?
Tuition varies widely by school, age and whether you are a local resident or an overseas payer; some schools publish monthly tuition figures while others give annual rates, and published examples from Reykjavík area schools show costs that are materially higher than free public schooling. Municipalities in the greater Reykjavík area commonly provide partial subsidies or reduced resident fee levels for compulsory-age pupils, so your final outlay will depend on residency, local voucher rules and any sibling discounts the school offers.
When should I apply and can my child start mid-year?
Apply as early as you know you will need a place because international schools are small and places fill quickly; many schools publish waiting-list procedures and have limited intake cohorts. Schools in Iceland do often accept mid-year entrants when space is available, but you should contact the school promptly and be ready to supply paperwork such as proof of address and, for certain municipal processes, a local identity number (kennitala).
Will my child pick up Icelandic if we choose an international school?
Children in English-medium international schools are usually offered structured Icelandic lessons or language-support classes, and younger children in particular tend to acquire conversational Icelandic through school and community immersion within a year or two. If long-term integration in Iceland is the goal, families should compare how much Icelandic is taught and whether the school supports transition into the national system; public schools follow the national curriculum and deliver almost all instruction in Icelandic.
What practical factors should parents compare between international schools in Iceland?
Look for the curriculum and language pathways that fit your family’s future plans, the school’s size and cohort stability, accreditation or external quality assurance, the availability of language support and special educational needs services, and total cost including extras such as exam fees, lunches and transport. Also check admissions and billing rhythms (term-dates, deposit and refund rules), whether the school offers school buses or wraparound care, and the proximity to where you will live - most international schools are inside the capital region, so commute time matters.