International Schools in Hungary: Full Guide for Expats in 2025

Hungary has become an increasingly popular destination for expatriates thanks to its high quality of life, central European location, and relatively affordable cost of living.  

For families relocating here, choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions. Luckily, there are a diverse range of international schools in Hungary to choose from.  

Whether you’re moving for work or seeking a world-class education for your child in a multicultural environment, Hungary’s international schools deliver academic excellence, strong language programs, and global opportunities. 

In this guide, you’ll learn about: 

• International schooling in Hungary 
• The best international schools in Hungary for expats 
• Comparison table on best international schools in Hungary 
• Curricula offered  
• How to choose the right school for your child 

As Hungary has become a popular destination for investors thanks to programs like the Hungary Golden Visa, as has the need for international schools. Expats and their families from across the globe are seeking the best educational opportunities, and Hungary offers a fantastic range of options.  

Our Global Education Report ranks Hungary 43^rd, with the country offering a wide range of schooling options for international students.  

The number of international schools in Hungary is growing, with diverse curricula, including IB, American, British, and European. These schools provide education from early developmental years through to secondary school. Additionally, a range of university programs are taught in English for international student integration.  

01/ The British International School Budapest 

• City: Budapest 
• Curriculum: IB, British 
• Language of instruction: English 
• Ages: 3 to 18 
• Yearly fees (2025/2026): 5,160,000 Ft – 10,290,000 Ft 

Part of the prestigious Nord Anglia Education family, The British International School Budapest (BISB) is known for its vibrant community and academic excellence.  

The school combines British style education with the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, offering students a globally recognized qualification.  

Its campus provides modern facilities, international community programs, and a supportive learning environment for students of all ages. 

02/ American International School of Budapest 

• City: Budapest 
• Curriculum: IB, American 
• Language of instruction: English 
• Ages: 3 to 18 
• Yearly fees (2025/2026): 5,095,101 Ft – 9,555,403 Ft 

As one of Hungary’s oldest and most respected international schools, the American International School of Budapest (AISB) offers an American-style education combined with the IB program.  

The school focuses on whole-child development, creativity, problem solving skills, and global citizenship, with modern facilities. 

03/ Britannica International School, Budapest 

• City: Budapest 
• Curriculum: British 
• Language of instruction: English 
• Ages: 5 to 18 
• Yearly fees (2025/2026): 6,700,000 Ft – 9,450,000 Ft 

Britannica International School provides a nurturing environment with highly qualified British teachers and small class sizes. The school focuses on both academic and personal growth for all students.  

With a strong pastoral care system and a welcoming community, Britannica is one of the most established British schools in Hungary. 

04/ International School of Budapest 

• City: Budapest 
• Curriculum: British, Hungarian, IB 
• Languages of instruction: English, Hungarian 
• Ages: 5 to 18 
• Yearly fees (2025/2026): 4,610,000 Ft – 6,720,000 Ft 

The International School of Budapest (ISB) is Hungary’s largest English-Hungarian bilingual international school. It offers both a Cambridge-accredited international curriculum and a state-accredited Hungarian program.  

ISB is also an IB World School and holds Cognia accreditation, ensuring international academic standards, offering the very best education.  

05/ Budapest British International School  

• City: Budapest 
• Curriculum: British, IB 
• Language of instruction: English 
• Ages: 3 to 18 
• Fees: 4,707,858 Ft – 10,817,559 Ft 

Budapest British International School (BBIS) combines British education with the IB philosophy, focusing on inquiry-based learning and critical thinking. The school offers the IB Middle Years and Diploma Programs, with students from over 30 countries.  

The school has a low student to teacher ratio and over 45 extracurricular activities promoting a well-rounded education. 

06/ REAL School Budapest 

• City: Budapest 
• Curriculum: International 
• Language of instruction: English 
• Ages: 5 to 14 
• Yearly fees (2025/2026): 5,829,332 Ft – 7,258,434 Ft 

A sustainability-focused school, REAL School Budapest inspires creativity, courage, and global awareness through project-based learning.  

It’s Hungary’s only COBIS Patron’s Accredited Member School, with a Beacon School status for its exceptional approach to sustainability and community wellbeing. 

07/ Lycée Français Gustave Eiffel de Budapest 

• City: Budapest 
• Curriculum: French 
• Language of instruction: French 
• Ages: 3 to 18 
• Yearly fees (2025/2026): 2,114,600 Ft – 2,619,000 Ft 

The Lycée Français Gustave Eiffel provides a French-style education from kindergarten to high school. It follows the French national curriculum and prepares students for the French Baccalauréat, making it an ideal choice for French speaking families or those planning higher education in France. 

08/ Deutsche Schule Budapest 

• City: Budapest 
• Curriculum: German 
• Language of instruction: German 
• Ages: 6 to 18 
• Yearly fees (2025/2026): 2,150,000 Ft 

The Deutsche Schule Budapest offers the German Abitur diploma, preparing students for university studies in Germany and across Europe. It provides a well-rounded academic environment with bilingual and intercultural education for German-speaking families in Hungary. 

09/ International Christian School of Budapest 

• City: Budapest 
• Curriculum: American, Christian 
• Language of instruction: English 
• Ages: 5 to 18 
• Yearly fees (2025/2026): 3,240,818 Ft – 5,679,785 Ft 

The International Christian School of Budapest (ICSB) provides a values-based American curriculum in a close-knit community. With small class sizes and a focus on integrity, communication, and global citizenship, ICSB is a popular choice for expat families seeking faith-based education. 

10/ SEK Budapest International School 

• City: Budapest 
• Curriculum: IB 
• Language of instruction: English 
• Ages: 3 to 18 
• Yearly fees (2024/2025): 2,280,000 Ft – 3,201,000 Ft 

Part of the international SEK network, SEK Budapest offers the IB curriculum with a strong emphasis on academics, arts, and athletics. The school promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and personal development in a diverse, inclusive environment. 

Here is a handy comparison table of the best international schools in Hungary, including updated fees as of October 2025. 

British Curriculum (English National Curriculum) 

The British curriculum is the most common among international schools in Hungary. It focuses on academic excellence, creativity, and critical thinking, leading to IGCSE and A Level qualifications recognized by top universities worldwide. 

Hungarian schools offering the British curriculum include: 

• The British International School Budapest 
• Britannica International School, Budapest 
• Budapest British International School 
• Budapest British International Academy 
• International School of Budapest 
• Avicenna International College 
• Brit-Magyar Bilingual Elementary and Middle School 

International Baccalaureate (IB) 

The IB curriculum emphasizes inquiry-based learning, intercultural understanding, and independent research skills. It is globally recognized and ideal for families seeking mobility between countries. 

Hungarian schools offering the IB curriculum include: 

• The British International School Budapest 
• American International School of Budapest 
• SEK Budapest International School 
• Budapest British International School 
• International School of Budapest 
• BME International Secondary Grammar School 

American Curriculum 

The American curriculum provides a flexible and well-rounded education with continuous assessment and opportunities for Advanced Placement (AP) courses. It is popular among families looking to transition to US or international universities. 

Hungarian schools offering the American curriculum include: 

• American International School of Budapest 
• Great Grace International School 
• International Christian School of Budapest 

French Curriculum 

The French school system follows the National Education’s “Common Core of Knowledge, Skills, and Culture,” covering subjects like languages, history, geography, science, and math.  

In primary school, students focus on the basics like reading, writing, and math. Middle school (collège) continues with a broad, common curriculum, while high school (lycée) lets students choose special subjects alongside the core ones to prepare for university or future careers. 

Hungarian school offering the French curriculum: 

• Lycée Français Gustave Eiffel de Budapest 

Hungarian Bilingual Curriculum 

This curriculum blends international programs such as Cambridge or IB with the Hungarian National Curriculum, allowing students to graduate with dual accreditation with both an international diploma and a Hungarian state-recognized certificate. 

Hungarian schools offering the Hungarian bilingual curriculum include: 

• International School of Budapest 
• Brit-Magyar Bilingual Elementary and Middle School 
• Orchidea Hungarian-English Bilingual School 
• Austrian Hungarian European School 

Public schools in Hungary follow the Hungarian National Curriculum and primarily teach in Hungarian. They are generally free or low-cost for those with Hungarian citizenship, making them popular among local families.  

However, public school can be challenging for those that don’t speak Hungarian. Combined with a more traditional teaching approach.  

International schools, on the other hand, provide globally recognized curricula in English or other foreign languages. They cater to expatriate families and locals seeking an international education. These schools emphasize multiculturalism, smaller class sizes, and modern teaching methods, often offering pathways to universities worldwide. 

If you’re considering moving to Hungary with your family, be sure to work with a Hungary immigration lawyer to find the ideal option for immigrating.  

Selecting the right international school for your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent. Hungary offers a variety of international schools, each with its own curriculum, teaching philosophy, and culture.  

Here are some key points to consider when making your choice: 

1. Curriculum and educational approach: Different schools follow different curricula. Think about your child’s future plans and the type of curriculum that will prepare them for higher education in Hungary, Europe, or elsewhere. 

2. Language of instruction: Most international schools in Hungary teach primarily in English, but some offer bilingual options. For example, Hungary has a French and German school.  

3. Class sizes: Smaller classes often allow for more individualized attention and stronger relationships with teachers. Check the average class size and student-teacher ratio to ensure your child will receive the support they need. 

4. Extracurricular opportunities: Look for schools that offer a broad range of extracurricular activities, from sports and arts to clubs and community service. These opportunities can help your child develop leadership, teamwork, and personal interests. It may also aid in university applications which often look for diverse experiences.  

5. Accreditation: Accreditation ensures a school meets international quality standards. Check if the school is accredited by recognized organizations such as IB, Cambridge International, Cognia, or national education authorities.  

6. Tuition: International schools in Hungary vary widely in fees. Make sure you understand the total cost, including tuition, registration, uniforms, transportation, and extracurricular activities, to budget effectively.