Expat Education Guide: Schools in Antwerp

Education Overview

Antwerp scores 4.0/5 for education quality and 4.0/5 for family-friendliness. The city has 11 school neighborhoods with international, bilingual, and local options for expat families. Expect approximately 27 education-related costs.

Antwerp offers a high-quality education system that follows the Flemish Community standards, known for its strong academic performance in international assessments. The city features a diverse range of educational options including public schools ('Gemeenschapsonderwijs' or GO!), subsidized public schools run by the city ('Stedelijk Onderwijs Antwerpen'), Catholic schools ('Katholiek Onderwijs'), and several prestigious international schools catering to the city's expatriate population. Antwerp's education system emphasizes multilingualism, with Dutch as the primary language but strong emphasis on second and third language acquisition.

Quick Stats

Education Score

4.0 /5

Family Score

4.0 /5

School Areas

Cost Items

Estimated Costs

One-Time Costs

$5,830

Monthly Costs

$3,895/mo

Sample Costs

Full Breakdown →

One-Time

School Registration $50

Private School Application Fee $250

International School Application Fee $500

Monthly

Tuition Fees Private $700/mo

Tuition Fees International $1,800/mo

Transportation Monthly $125/mo

Showing 6 of 27 costs — sign up to see all

Top School Neighborhoods

See All 11 →

Historisch Centrum City Center

Density 4/6

Types: Public, Catholic, and diverse urban schools

Notable: Sint-Lievenscollege, GO! Lyceum Antwerpen, Sint-Ludgardis

Het Zuid

Density 4/6

Types: Public, Catholic, and methodological schools

Notable: Hiberniaschool, Sint-Michielscollege, Stedelijke Basisschool De Kleine Wereld

Eilandje

Density 3/6

Types: Public, Catholic, and nearby diverse options

Notable: Stedelijke Basisschool Het Eilandje, Sint-Ludgardisschool (nearby)

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Practical Tips

Antwerp's school registration system works with priority periods, and January is crucial for September enrollment

Compare International School Antwerp (ISA) with Da Vinci International School (DVIST) for options.

DVIST often provides a more affordable alternative to ISA while maintaining international education standards.

Enroll in Dutch classes at Atlas during summer months

waiting lists are shorter and you get priority for advanced levels in autumn

popular programs fill quickly, and May registration ensures spots for September start

Useful Links

University of Antwerp

Official website of Antwerp's main university with program information, application procedures, and resources for international students and researchers.

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Antwerp International School

Premier international school in Antwerp offering education from preschool through high school in English, following international curricula for expatriate families.

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Flanders Education Portal

Official Flemish government education website covering the educational system, enrollment procedures, and recognition of foreign diplomas.

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Linguapolis - Language Center

University of Antwerp's language center offering intensive Dutch courses and other language training specifically designed for newcomers to Belgium.

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City of Antwerp - Education Department

Municipal resource for finding schools, daycare, and educational support services in Antwerp with registration information.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Antwerp has 11 neighborhoods with excellent school options. The best areas depend on whether you need international, public, or private schools. Check ReloPlanner for detailed school density scores per neighborhood.

International school tuition in Antwerp varies widely by school and grade level. Create a free ReloPlanner account to see detailed education cost breakdowns personalized to your family size.

There are approximately 27 education-related costs to consider when moving to Antwerp, including both one-time and recurring expenses. Create a free ReloPlanner account to see the full personalized cost breakdown.

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Data verified: March 2026

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