International schools in Germany

Search for the best international schools in Germany; you can find a list of selected schools at the bottom of this page. Use the search filters to select only girls' or boys' schools, prep schools, senior schools or sixth forms; or you can search for schools that offer a particular curriculum, such as the International Baccalaureate, the UK national curriculum, a US-style model or the International Primary Curriculum.

The economic powerhouse of Europe, Germany excels in science and technology and has the world’s third-largest import and export markets. Most major German cities have an English-medium international school, with large concentrations found around Frankfurt, Cologne and Berlin. 

Across the country there are 82 IB World Schools, of which 77 are authorised to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma and 12 to offer three IB programmes.

Many schools offer the curriculums of Britain, America and France, while Japanese, Swiss and Czech schools can also be found. Several schools offer the IB Diploma alongside British and American programmes. Other schools teach both German and international curriculums. 

Coeducational, non-denominational day schools predominate but a minority offer boarding education, while others have a religious foundation. There are three European Schools that serve the families of staff at EU institutions and other children.

Education is compulsory for 12 years from age six to 17 inclusive. Public education is conducted in German and free at all levels including university. Some schools offer German-language support to non-native speakers. Children usually attend primary school for four years to age 10. 

There are three main types of secondary school. The Gymnasium offers a rigorous eight-year academic programme leading to the Abitur matriculation exam. The Realschule provides five years of academic study towards vocational training and the Hauptschule offers a five-year general education programme leading to an apprenticeship or trade. 

Germany has about 70 universities. In 2019, net enrolment was 90 per cent at primary level and 84 per cent at secondary schools, while gross tertiary enrolment was 73.5 per cent.

If you are looking specifically for International Baccalaureate World Schools in Germany, you can find selected schools on our sister website: www.ibyb.org.