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Search & filter all 16 schools Compare 16 schools in Ireland

International Schools in Ireland

Compare 16 international schools in Ireland. Filter by curriculum, fees (average EUR 12,701), location, and more to find the right international school now.

Edited by · Chief Marketing Officer

Schools listed
16
Curricula
7
Average annual fee
EUR 12,701
Fee range
EUR 4,400 – 36,322
More school facts
Most common curriculum
Bespoke Curriculum (5 schools)
Average school size
461 pupils
Largest by enrolment
St. Kilian's Deutsche Schule Dublin
Oldest
Villiers School (1826)
With boarding
4
About international schools in Ireland

International schools in Ireland are a small but growing sector that tends to cluster around Dublin, offering alternatives to the state system for expatriate and internationally mobile families. You will find a mix of curricula - the International Baccalaureate (PYP/MYP/DP), British programmes (IGCSE/A-level), American high-school models and a few French or bilingual European schools - with English as the principal language of instruction and Irish (Gaeilge) plus French, Spanish and German commonly taught. Fees vary widely by school and age: day-school tuition commonly sits in the low thousands of euros at the more modest end and can exceed €25,000 a year at fee-charging secondary or boarding schools; many international schools also charge enrolment and activity extras. The school year normally starts in late August or early September, applications are commonly handled in the autumn for the following September intake (with some schools offering mid-year places), and relocating families should check curriculum recognition, EAL and special-needs provision, travel/transport options and the school’s admissions timeline before committing.

View by curriculum (3)

View by curriculum

IB (5) French (2) German (1)

Choosing an international school in Ireland

Curricula

There are 16 international schools in Ireland covering 7 curricula. The most widely offered are Bespoke Curriculum (5), IB (DP) (4), French Curriculum (2), IB (PYP) (2), IB (MYP) (2). 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 Ireland runs from about EUR 4,400 to EUR 36,322, averaging roughly EUR 12,701. Budget for one-off costs on top — application and enrolment fees, a refundable deposit, uniform, transport and exams.

Admissions & timing

Sought-after schools in Ireland 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

4 of the 16 schools offer boarding — useful if you're relocating or want weekly or full boarding.

How doris stays impartial

doris lists every international school in Ireland 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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FAQs for Ireland

Which curricula do international schools in Ireland typically offer and how do they differ?
International schools most commonly offer the International Baccalaureate (primary, middle and diploma programmes), British curricula leading to IGCSEs and A-levels, and occasionally American or national French programmes. The main differences are structure and assessment: the IB emphasises a broad, inquiry-based programme and external assessment at diploma level; British routes specialise in subject choices in the final two years (IGCSEs then A-levels); American programmes use a credit-and-transcript model with Advanced Placement options. Families should choose the curriculum that best matches their child’s learning style and the qualifications required by universities they may target.
How much do international schools in Ireland cost?
Tuition varies considerably between schools, ages and whether a school is day or offers boarding: annual fees at smaller or less costly schools can be in the low thousands of euros, while some fee-charging secondary or boarding schools charge well into five figures per year. Many schools also levy non-tuition charges such as enrolment or registration fees, activity costs, exam or subject levies and capital or development fees. Always request a full fee schedule from the school and ask what is included - transport, meals, trips and exam course fees are commonly extra.
When should we apply and what is the usual admissions rhythm?
The standard school year begins in late August or early September, and many schools open their main application window in the autumn for the next September intake; state guidance restricts some public admissions activity to the year before entry. International and private schools may also run rolling admissions and offer mid-year entry if places are available, but popular year groups can fill early and waiting lists are common. Start enquiries as soon as you know your move dates, and confirm each school’s deadlines, assessment or interview requirements and any documentation they require for visa or residency purposes.
At what ages or stages do international schools in Ireland teach?
International schools cover the full range from early years and kindergarten (commonly from age three) through primary (roughly age 4 - 12) to secondary/sixth form (approximately 12 - 18). Compulsory education in Ireland runs from about age six to 16, so some families use international schools alongside or instead of the Irish national system depending on location, curriculum and university plans. Check the exact year groups each school offers, because not every international school provides both primary and upper-secondary programmes.
Is instruction in English and what language support is available?
Most international schools in Ireland teach in English, though a handful are bilingual or use another national curriculum (for example German or French immersion schools) and will teach many subjects in that language. Irish (Gaeilge) is commonly taught as a subject in many schools, and continental languages such as French, Spanish and German are widely offered. Schools that cater to internationally mobile families usually provide English as an Additional Language (EAL) support and often have intake programmes to help recent arrivals settle academically and socially.
What should relocating parents look for when comparing international schools in Ireland?
Look for curriculum alignment with your child’s previous schooling and future university goals, clear information about fees and what they cover, and accredited inspection or authorisation of the programme (for example IB authorisation or recognised exam boards). Also check pastoral care and safeguarding policies, EAL and special-educational-needs support, class sizes and teacher qualifications, transport and extra-curricular provision, and practical matters such as term dates, waiting lists and the school’s record for integrating newly arrived pupils.