Applying to International Schools in Brussels: Step-by-Step Guide

Securing a place at a Brussels international school is rarely straightforward. The city hosts an unusually high concentration of internationally-mobile families — EU officials, NATO personnel, diplomats, and corporate expats — creating intense demand for good English-medium school places, especially in the middle years. Getting the process right, in the right sequence, makes a significant difference.

This guide walks you through the application process at each of the major Brussels international schools, with practical advice on timing, documentation, and navigating waiting lists.

Before You Apply: Understand the Landscape

Before submitting a single form, spend time reading the overview of international schools in Brussels and the fee guide. The right school depends on:

• Your child's age and current curriculum
• The qualifications you anticipate needing (A Levels vs IB Diploma vs European Baccalaureate)
• Your expected length of stay in Brussels
• Your neighbourhood (school and home location are closely linked in Brussels)
• Whether you or your partner work for an EU institution, which determines European School eligibility

Applying to the European Schools

The European Schools are categorically different from independent international schools in how admissions work.

Step 1: Establish Your Category

Your employer determines your eligibility. EU institution employees (European Commission, Parliament, Council, etc.) are Category I. Employees of officially affiliated bodies (some NATO staff, certain EU agencies) are Category II. Everyone else is Category III.

If you are Category I or II, your HR or family affairs office will guide you through the process. The European Schools Enrolment Portal (enrolment.eursc.eu) handles applications centrally, and you will be assigned to a campus and section (language section within the school) by the central Brussels Enrolment Authority.

Step 2: Category III Private Applicants

For Category III families, places are extremely limited. As of 2026, the primary pathway is through siblings: if a sibling is already enrolled at one of the Brussels European Schools and will continue the following year, a new sibling application can be submitted during the designated enrolment window (typically May to August each year). Other Category III applications are accepted only when capacity exists after Category I and II places are filled.

Eligibility requests for 2026-2027 could be submitted from 18 May 2026 to 20 August 2026. Even with a timely application, places are not guaranteed. See our dedicated guide on European Schools waiting lists in Brussels for strategy on managing this.

Step 3: Assigned Campus and Language Section

EU families do not freely choose their European School campus. The central Enrolment Authority assigns families to campuses and language sections based on the parent's EU institution and the available capacity at each school. You may request a preference but cannot be guaranteed it. Understanding this is important — the assigned campus significantly affects where you should look for housing.

Applying to The International School of Brussels (ISB)

ISB manages admissions through a virtual platform and has a structured, six-step process:

Step 1 — Initial enquiry and tour: Register your interest via the ISB website. Attending an information session or campus tour is strongly recommended and gives admissions staff a chance to assess fit informally.

Step 2 — Application form and fee: Complete the online application and pay the non-refundable application fee of €2,000. This is required before the file is reviewed.

Step 3 — Document submission: Provide the last two years of school reports (with certified English translations if needed), transcripts from Grade 9 for secondary applicants, a copy of the child's passport or birth certificate, and a school questionnaire completed by a current teacher.

Step 4 — Review: The Head of the relevant School Section reviews the file with other educational staff. For applications involving learning support needs or other special circumstances, additional time is required.

Step 5 — Decision: ISB communicates the decision by email. If accepted, parents must confirm acceptance within five working days.

Step 6 — Enrolment: Complete enrolment formalities and pay any enrolment fees or deposits to secure the place.

Timeline: ISB accepts applications year-round, with the main entry point being September. For September entry, apply by January–February of the preceding academic year to maximise chances in popular year groups (particularly Grades 5–9).

Applying to The British School of Brussels (BSB)

BSB's admissions process is managed directly by the school's admissions team and is somewhat more flexible than ISB's.

Step 1 — Initial contact: Email or call BSB admissions. The team is experienced in helping families understand whether the school is the right fit before a formal application is submitted.

Step 2 — Application form: Complete the BSB application form online. A registration fee applies.

Step 3 — Document submission: Provide two years of school reports, a passport copy, and a school reference. For sixth-form applicants, subject choices and predicted grades are relevant.

Step 4 — Possible assessment: Depending on year group and the child's prior schooling history, BSB may request an assessment or interview, particularly for secondary applicants.

Step 5 — Offer: BSB aims to respond within a few weeks of receiving a complete file. If accepted, a deposit is required to hold the place.

Timeline: BSB has rolling admissions and will accept mid-year applications if places exist. For September entry, beginning the process in the preceding October–January is advisable.

Applying to St. John's International School, Waterloo

St. John's has a similar structure to the other independent schools:

Step 1 — Campus visit: St. John's strongly encourages a campus visit before application, given its more suburban Waterloo location. Understanding the environment is important if you are choosing between central Brussels schools and a more rural setting.

Step 2 — Application and documents: Submit the application form with school reports, passport copy, and reference. A one-time enrolment fee of €1,000 and a campus development fee of €700 apply to new students.

Step 3 — Review and offer: The admissions team reviews the file and responds typically within two to four weeks.

Timeline: Applications for September entry are typically submitted between October and March. St. John's tends to have somewhat more availability than ISB in many year groups, partly due to its Waterloo location.

Applying to the Lycée Français Jean Monnet

The Lycée Français Jean Monnet manages admissions through the AEFE network procedures. French citizen families and families living in France prior to their move may be prioritised in some cases. Contact the school's secrétariat directly for the current process and any dedicated admissions dates.

Documents You Will Need: A Checklist

Regardless of which school you are applying to, prepare the following in advance:

• Last two full years of school reports (original language plus English translations where needed)
• School transcripts (for secondary applicants)
• Child's passport or birth certificate (copy)
• Completed school reference/questionnaire form (sent directly to a current teacher)
• Any educational psychologist or learning support assessments (if applicable)
• Proof of your expected arrival date or work contract in Brussels (some schools ask for this)
• Application fee payment (ISB €2,000; others vary)

Practical Tips

Apply to more than one school: Applying to two or three schools simultaneously (budgeting for application fees) gives you real options rather than a gamble.

Be specific about your timeline: Tell admissions your expected arrival date. Schools can often time an offer to coincide with your move.

Ask about mid-year entry: All the main Brussels international schools accept mid-year entrants if places exist. If your move date is January or April, do not assume you have to wait until September.

Check transport before accepting: Once you have an offer, confirm the school bus route covers your anticipated neighbourhood before choosing accommodation. Brussels traffic can make daily driving to school genuinely difficult.

Understand learning support provision: If your child has any special educational needs, ask specifically what support is available at each school before applying. Capacity for learning support varies considerably between schools.

How Global Investments Can Help

Families navigating school applications alongside a cross-border relocation have a great deal to coordinate simultaneously. Global Investments supports internationally-mobile families with the full picture — property search, legal structures, financial planning, and connecting you with local specialists who know Brussels well. A smooth school application and a well-chosen neighbourhood go hand in hand.

Talk to our team about your Brussels relocation, or read our school fees guide to plan your overall budget.

Admissions criteria, fees, and timelines are set by individual schools and change regularly. Verify all details directly with each school's admissions office. This guide does not constitute legal or financial advice.