European School Karlsruhe

76139 Karlsruhe, Germany. The European School Karlsruhe is located in the Rhine valley between Heidelberg, Mannheim, Stuttgart and Strasbourg. The campus is easily accessible and well connected by public transport, with the buildings dispersed over 10 hectares in a green, wooded environment.

The European School system consists of two years of early education (nursery cycle), five years of primary and seven years of secondary education. Classes take place in the mother tongue – in three language sections – from Nursery through Primary to Secondary culminating in graduation with the European Baccalaureate.

The school provides nursery, primary and secondary education culminating in the European Baccalaureate.

The school provides educational support with multiple forms and levels of assistance to ensure appropriate help and equal opportunities for all pupils, including those with additional needs or who are gifted.

Affiliated with the European Union as part of the European School network.

Secondary day runs Monday to Friday with a timetable starting at 08:05 and finishing at 15:40, including breaks and nine periods. Primary timetable includes a harmonised schedule with a European Hour block (1 hour 30 minutes) and a lunch break.

Transport for students is organized by the Transport Committee, which coordinates school buses and trams in close cooperation with Karlsruhe's transport authorities (KVV) and Südwestbus. Bus/tram routes include lines used by the school, and participation involves a fee and registration.

Application / Registration fee

- A one-time registration fee of EUR 200 is charged for new registrations. This registration fee is non-refundable. The registration fee is waived for Category I pupils and for existing corporate partners.

Tuition fees (annual amounts by category and cycle)

- Category I: No tuition fees (children of staff of authorised EU institutions).

- Category II: Tuition for the school year 2025–2026 is EUR 15,443.17 per pupil (new financing agreement).

- Category III (annual tuition by cycle and sibling discounts):
- Kindergarten (first child): EUR 4,195.58 per year. Second child: EUR 3,356.46 per year (20% discount). Third and subsequent children: EUR 2,517.34 per year (40% reduction).
- Elementary (first child): EUR 5,768.99 per year. Second child: EUR 4,615.19 per year (20% discount). Third and subsequent children: EUR 3,461.39 per year (40% reduction).
- Secondary (first child): EUR 7,866.79 per year. Second child: EUR 6,293.43 per year (20% discount). Third and subsequent children: EUR 4,720.07 per year (40% reduction).

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Invoices are sent by e-mail to the main payer specified at registration. Parents receive a partial invoice before the start of the new school year equal to 25% of the expected annual tuition; this partial payment is not refundable under any circumstances and must be paid on time to secure the place. A second invoice for the remaining tuition for the current school year is issued in autumn. The school year runs from 1 September to 31 August.

- Administrative and other mandatory fees (see next section) are invoiced for the full school year and are not reducible or refundable.

- Invoices and bank transfer payment receipts serve as documentation for tax purposes; keep invoices and proof of payment. VAT is not included in the stated tuition amounts; transport, accommodation and catering are charged separately.

Boarding / accommodation fees

- Boarding or school accommodation is not included in the stated tuition amounts and is not listed as a standard fee in the school's fee information (no annual boarding fees published). Any accommodation costs are separate.

Additional administrative and course-related fees (mandatory and optional)

- Compulsory administrative / annual fees (set per cycle and payable for a full school year, not refundable):
- Administration fee: Kindergarten EUR 31; Elementary EUR 46; Secondary EUR 50–57 (depending on year).
- Insurance: EUR 1 (per pupil) by cycle.
- Agenda (school planner): Elementary EUR 10; Secondary EUR 7.
- Swimming: EUR 63 (where applicable).
- Intermath: EUR 30 (where applicable).
- Class activities: amounts vary by cycle (examples listed: Kindergarten EUR 13; Elementary EUR 10; Secondary up to EUR 75).
- Baccalaureate examination fee (secondary): EUR 105.98.

- Music and instrument-related fees (set annually by management): wind class lessons (S1–S3) EUR 450; instrument rental EUR 150 plus a one-time deposit of EUR 150. Participants in orchestra or wind class may have additional charges.

- Fees for textbooks and course-specific materials are variable and charged separately where applicable (not included in the core tuition amounts). Class trips and excursions incur separate costs which must be paid by parents; the school will not issue credit for non-participation after binding registration.

Refunds and withdrawal

- The initial partial invoice (25% deposit) is non-refundable under any circumstances. Administrative and other mandatory fees are excluded from reductions or refunds. If a child is deregistered during the school year, a proportion of the tuition may be refunded according to the school's fixed pro rata table; this does not apply to the initial partial invoice nor to administrative and other mandatory fees. Withdrawal must be submitted in writing at least two weeks before leaving the school and must indicate the school to which the student is transferring.

- School-fee reductions for social or financial hardship for Category III families may be applied for in October of each year with documented verification of income; the minimum tuition after any reduction is 25% of the regular tuition. No reduction is considered in the pupil's first year of admission.

Fee payment options and instructions

- Invoices and bank transfer payment receipts are used as proof of payment for tax purposes; payments by bank transfer are accepted and bank transfer records are sufficient documentation. The school's invoicing procedure and the expectation of bank transfer documentation are explicitly referenced. Parents are instructed to pay the amounts specified on invoices; payment deadlines on invoices must be observed to secure places and avoid suspension. Specific accepted payment channels (e.g., credit card, direct debit) are not listed as standard options in the published school-fee information; parents should use the invoicing/payment details provided on their invoice.

Notes on coverage of fees

- The published tuition amounts do not include transport, accommodation, catering or VAT. Additional costs such as school lunch, transport and accommodation are charged separately.