Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Romania, with its charming landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is increasingly becoming a top destination for expatriates and international families seeking a quality educational environment.
This article provides an overview of the best international schools in Romania, offering innovative programs that combine academic excellence with personal development.
With expertise in various globally recognized teaching methods, these institutions promise an enriching education tailored to each student’s specific needs.
Whether you are interested in the International Baccalaureate or prestigious curricula like Cambridge, you will discover schools that stand out for their modern facilities, qualified teachers, and multicultural environment.
Dive into this guide to understand how these schools are shaping tomorrow’s leaders in Romania.
Top International Schools in Romania: Addresses and Descriptions
Selection Criteria Used
- International accreditations (CIS, IB, Cambridge, etc.)
- Program offerings in English or other foreign languages
- Academic reputation and results on international exams
- Student diversity and international openness
- High-level educational and extracurricular facilities
| International School | Full Address | Description & Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| British School of Bucharest | 42 Erou Iancu Nicolae Street, Voluntari 077190, Ilfov | Offers a complete British curriculum (EYFS to A-Level). Instruction in English. Accredited by COBIS/BSO. Reputation for academic excellence with a high rate of admission to prestigious global universities. Modern campus with science labs, indoor/outdoor sports facilities, and a dedicated theater. Strong international diversity among students. |
| American International School of Bucharest (AISB) | Sos. Bucuresti-Ploiesti km 16, 1A Drumul Potcoavei Street, Voluntari 077190 | American K12 program with International Baccalaureate (IB) for secondary school. Accredited by CIS/NEASC/IB World School. Highly regarded for teaching quality and comprehensive university preparation for Europe & the US. Ultra-modern campus: advanced STEM labs, specialized art spaces, indoor pool, and premium outdoor sports fields. |
| International British School of Bucharest (IBSB) | Strada Agricultori 21–23 Sector 2 Bucharest | British Cambridge program up to A-Level; bilingual instruction possible; accreditation from Cambridge Assessment International Education; strong success in IGCSE/A-level exams; solid reputation among expatriate families; urban campus equipped with modern IT spaces and secure educational gardens for all school ages. |
| French International Lycée Anna de Noailles | Strada Șoseaua București-Ploiești nr 23 Sectorul 1 Bucharest | French curriculum accredited by AEFE covering kindergarten to general high school/French baccalaureate – optional international OIB/BFI track – excellence recognized by the AEFE network – recent facilities including a multi-purpose gym and digital media library; dynamic French-speaking community integrating over thirty different nationalities. |
| Transylvania College – The Cambridge International School in Cluj | B-dul Făgetului nr.5B Cluj-Napoca | Only Cambridge-certified school in the country outside Bucharest offering an international curriculum from primary to high school with IGCSE/A-level diplomas – bilingual Romanian/English instruction possible – spacious campus including an innovative STEAM center, modern boarding facilities, and an internationally recognized Wellbeing program. |
Other recognized international schools:
- Verita International School (Bucharest)
- Mark Twain IS (Bucharest)
Brief list of common accreditations found in these institutions
- Council of British International Schools (COBIS)
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
- Council of International Schools (CIS)
- Association for French Education Abroad (AEFE)
- Cambridge Assessment International Education (Cambridge)
- International Baccalaureate Organization (IB World School)
Key distinctive features:
- Multilingual programs starting in kindergarten
- Internationally qualified teaching staff
- Personalized university guidance systems
- Varied extracurricular clubs: robotics/STEM/art/orchestra/individual and team sports
The schools listed above are considered the best due to their official recognition by major international educational networks and their proven academic results over several years.
Notable facilities frequently present:
- State-of-the-art science laboratories
- Multi-functional indoor/outdoor sports spaces
- Specialized art/music/theater rooms
- Connected digital media libraries
- Modern boarding facilities for international students
Good to know:
Schools like the International School of Bucharest, located on Strada Ghergheasa, and the American International School of Bucharest on Strada Bulevardul Pipera, stand out for their international accreditations and an educational offering that includes the IB (International Baccalaureate) program; the selection is based on pedagogical reputation and quality of infrastructure, such as state-of-the-art labs and modern sports facilities.
Choosing the Best School for Your Child: Annual Costs and Benefits
Annual Costs of International Schools in Romania
| International School | Annual Fees (USD) | Other Potential Costs | Scholarships/Financing | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| British School of Bucharest | 13,000 – 24,000 | Transport, uniforms, activities, meals, textbooks | Limited scholarships | British education, diversity |
| International School of Bucharest | 7,000 – 16,000 | Transport, uniforms, excursions, extracurricular activities | Sibling discounts | International program, English |
| American International School of Bucharest | 18,000 – 24,000 | Transport, meals, activities, insurance | Occasional scholarships | American diploma, modern campus |
| Cambridge School of Bucharest | 4,500 – 10,000 | Uniforms, activities, transport | Few scholarships | Cambridge Assessment, bilingualism |
Tuition Fees
Annual range: from 4,380 USD to 24,030 USD depending on the school, student age, and chosen program.
The most reputable schools offering comprehensive international curricula (IB, Cambridge, etc.) are at the higher end of the range.
Some schools offer lower rates for kindergarten/primary levels and higher rates for high school.
Possible Additional Costs
- Uniforms: mandatory in most schools (cost varies by school, often between 100 and 400 USD/year).
- School transport: optional, typically costing between 1,000 and 2,000 USD/year depending on distance.
- Cafeteria meals: approximately 1,000 to 1,500 USD/year.
- Extracurricular activities: some included, others paid (sports, arts, languages, science clubs, etc.), from 100 to 800 USD/year.
- Registration and application fees: sometimes required for initial enrollment (500 to 1,500 USD).
- School trips and excursions: costs vary depending on the program.
Financing or Scholarship Options
Scholarships are rare but exist, mainly merit-based or for special circumstances (large families, academic excellence, high-level athletes/artists).
Some schools offer sibling discounts or discounts for early payment.
Romania does not have a national student loan system for primary/secondary international education; some parents take out private bank loans.
Non-Financial Benefits of International Schools
- Teaching quality: globally recognized programs (IB, Cambridge, A-levels, AP), modern pedagogy, teachers often native or international.
- International opportunities: easier access to higher education abroad, international mobility, alumni networks.
- Cultural diversity: students from multiple nationalities, multilingual environment, openness to the world, celebration of different cultures and traditions.
- Learning environment: modern infrastructure (labs, libraries, sports facilities), small class sizes, personalized support.
Specific Examples of Recognized Schools in Romania
- British School of Bucharest: renowned for the rigor of the British curriculum, strong international diversity.
- American International School of Bucharest: American diploma, state-of-the-art facilities, numerous clubs and activities.
- International School of Bucharest: English program, special attention to integrating international students.
- Cambridge School of Bucharest: Cambridge orientation, good value for money, strong bilingual component.
Comparison of Offerings
| Criteria | British School | American Int. School | International School | Cambridge School |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fees (USD) | 13-24k | 18-24k | 7-16k | 4.5-10k |
| Curriculum | British | American | International | Cambridge |
| Language of Instruction | English | English | English | English/Romanian |
| Scholarships Available | Limited | Occasional | Sibling | Rare |
| Cultural Diversity | High | Very High | High | Medium |
| Infrastructure | Modern | Very Modern | Good | Adequate |
Key Takeaways
International schools in Romania represent a significant investment, but they offer a stimulating, multicultural environment and future opportunities for students. The choice depends on the budget, the family’s educational project, and the priority given to international openness or local integration.
Good to know:
Tuition fees at international schools in Romania range from 5,000 to 20,000 euros per year, with additional costs for transport, uniforms, and extracurricular activities; some schools like the International School of Bucharest offer scholarships to ease these expenses. Beyond financial benefits, these schools stand out for their cultural diversity, academic excellence, and international opportunities, with the American International School of Bucharest often cited for its high-quality programs.
Planning Your Expat Budget: Estimating Tuition Fees and Cost of Living
Carefully planning your budget as an expatriate in Romania is essential to ensure financial stability and quality of life for your family, especially when aiming for access to an international school.
Understanding the Cost of Living in Romania
The cost of living in Romania, particularly in Bucharest, remains significantly lower than in France and most Western European countries. However, there are notable disparities depending on the city:
| Monthly Expenses | Bucharest/Large Cities | Medium-Sized Cities | France (Province) |
| Rent 2-room apt city center | 400-830 € | 350-500 € | 800-1,200 € |
| Utilities & internet | ~100 € | ~100 € | ~200 € |
| Groceries (couple) | ~300 € | ~300 € | ~500 € |
| Cost of living (single person) | ~1,000 € | ~700-900 € | ~1,700 € |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | ~2,800 € | ~2,000-2,400 € | ~4,800 € |
- Bucharest is the most expensive city, especially for housing, but offers the most opportunities and infrastructure for expatriates.
- Other large cities hosting international schools (Cluj-Napoca, Brașov, Iași) are more affordable, with lower rents and living costs.
- Food and leisure expenses remain accessible (restaurants, cultural activities, sports, etc.), representing an advantage for the family budget.
- Transport (monthly public transport passes) is affordable: 15-20 € per person in Bucharest.
Tuition Fees at International Schools in Romania
International schools in Bucharest and major cities offer various programs (International Baccalaureate, Cambridge, IB, etc.), with tuition fees varying by institution, child’s age, and chosen program.
| School Level | Romania (€/year) | France (€/year) | Germany (€/year) | Switzerland (€/year) |
| Kindergarten/Primary | 6,000 – 9,000 | 8,000 – 15,000 | 10,000 – 18,000 | 20,000 – 30,000 |
| Middle School/High School | 8,000 – 14,000 | 12,000 – 20,000 | 14,000 – 25,000 | 25,000 – 40,000 |
- Fees increase with the child’s age and school level.
- Schools offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) or British/US curricula are often more expensive.
- Comparatively, Romania remains more affordable than France, Germany, or Switzerland for international schooling, but this cost remains high relative to local purchasing power.
Practical Tips for Managing These Expenses
- Create a detailed monthly budget prioritizing education-related costs.
- Research scholarships, discounts, or financial aid offered by some international schools, especially for expatriate families or siblings.
- Account for ancillary fees (registration, school transport, educational materials, extracurricular activities).
- Set aside a reserve for financial emergencies: uncovered medical costs, occasional rent increases, exchange rate fluctuations, etc.
- Regularly compare housing and insurance offers to optimize your overall budget.
List of Points to Monitor When Creating Your Budget:
- Rent and utilities (water, electricity, internet)
- Schooling and ancillary fees
- Groceries and transport
- Leisure, outings, sports activities
- Health insurance and international coverage
- Emergency reserve (at least 10% of monthly budget recommended)
Rigorously planning your budget allows you to anticipate major expense categories, ensure the continuity of your children’s international education, and fully enjoy life in Romania.
Good to know:
Carefully plan your budget by considering the cost of living in Bucharest and other major Romanian cities, where housing, transport, and leisure vary widely, and anticipate tuition fees at international schools, often lower than in other European countries. Remember to look for scholarships or financial aid to ease these costs, and always set aside a margin for unexpected expenses.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. We encourage you to consult qualified experts before making any investment, real estate, or expatriation decisions. Although we strive to maintain up-to-date and accurate information, we do not guarantee the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the proposed content. As investment and expatriation involve risks, we disclaim any liability for potential losses or damages arising from the use of this site. Your use of this site confirms your acceptance of these terms and your understanding of the associated risks.
Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
