Expat Education Guide: Schools in Brussels

Education Overview

Brussels scores 4.0/5 for education quality and 4.0/5 for family-friendliness. The city has 13 school neighborhoods with international, bilingual, and local options for expat families. Expect approximately 27 education-related costs.

Brussels offers a diverse, high-quality education system reflecting its status as the capital of Belgium and the European Union. The city features a unique multilingual approach with schools operating in different linguistic communities. Families can choose between the French Community, Flemish Community, and German Community systems, as well as numerous international and European schools catering to the expatriate population.

Quick Stats

Education Score

4.0 /5

Family Score

4.0 /5

School Areas

Cost Items

Estimated Costs

One-Time Costs

$5,950

Monthly Costs

$4,150/mo

Sample Costs

Full Breakdown →

One-Time

School Registration $50

Private School Application Fee $300

International School Application Fee $500

Monthly

Tuition Fees Private $800/mo

Tuition Fees International $1,800/mo

Transportation Monthly $70/mo

Showing 6 of 27 costs — sign up to see all

Top School Neighborhoods

See All 13 →

Ixelles

Density 4/6

Types: Public, private, European and international options

Notable: European School Brussels I, Athénée Royal d'Ixelles, Collège Saint-Pierre

Saint Gilles

Density 4/6

Types: Public, private, and international schools

Notable: École J.J. Michel, École Peter Pan, Athénée Royal Victor Horta

Etterbeek

Density 4/6

Types: European, international, and local Belgian schools

Notable: European School Brussels III, Collège Saint-Michel, Athénée Royal d'Etterbeek

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Practical Tips

Apply to European Schools even without EU institution employment

they occasionally accept 'category 3' students when space permits, offering high-quality multilingual education outside the expensive private international school system

they offer free Dutch conversation tables and learning materials that are more accessible than the oversubscribed official courses at CVO

Enroll in public French courses at Promotion Sociale institutions

these institutions offer significantly cheaper courses than private schools and have varying waiting lists depending on the program and location

Prepare in January for school applications, even if moving in September

the registration period for popular Dutch-speaking schools in Etterbeek and Woluwe typically opens in February, with places filling quickly

Useful Links

Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles - Education

Official education portal for French-language schools in Brussels and Wallonia, providing enrollment information and educational resources.

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Vlaams Ministerie van Onderwijs

Official Flemish education ministry website with information on Dutch-language schools in Brussels, enrollment procedures, and educational systems.

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European Schools Brussels

Official website for the European Schools in Brussels, designed primarily for children of EU institution employees with multilingual education options.

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Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)

Major French-speaking university in Brussels offering undergraduate and graduate programs with information on admissions for international students.

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Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)

Leading Dutch-speaking university in Brussels with English-taught programs and comprehensive information for international student enrollment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Brussels has 13 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 Brussels 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 Brussels, 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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