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Best 5 International Schools in Basel

International Education in Basel

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Sitting on the border with both France and Germany, Basel is arguably the most international city in Switzerland. With the country being the home of the International Baccalaureate curriculum and offering excellent standards of education (both international and local) - plus excellent standards of almost everything else - there are few reasons not to consider Basel as an expat home to settle down in.

While you’ll need to head to Zurich for the biggest choice of international schools in Switzerland, Basel still has an impressive amount for such a small city. Furthermore, most are centrally located and easily reachable with the city’s extensive tram and train network. Aesch, a suburb to the south, and Rheinfelden to the east have the only international schools located outside the city - and they are still only 30-45 minutes away from the city centre.

International schools in Basel share the same features as international schools throughout Switzerland. The International Baccalaureate curriculum is the most common in Basel, although to cater for the significant expat community in Basel, the British curriculum follows closely behind. Some international schools in Basel also offer the Swiss and French curricula. Many schools offer multiple languages of instruction including English, German and French. Several of Basel’s international schools can essentially (if not officially) be considered bilingual, however anecdotal evidence suggests that one language of instruction may be prioritised over another.

While Basel’s international schools tick every box in terms of standards of education, school facilities, extra curricular programs, teaching staff, and more, there is one significant downside - price. It’s a well known fact that Switzerland has a high cost of living, and it also has some of the most expensive international schools in the world. Unfortunately, Basel’s international school fees don’t differ significantly from other Swiss cities.

The yearly fee isn’t the end of it either - you’ll pay extra for your child to stay on campus for the full day to partake in after-school and extracurricular activities. On the upside, however, it is common for many companies to pay for the first year (or couple of years) of international schooling as part of their relocation packages.

One advantage of international schools in Basel is that they tend not to be as competitive as bigger cities when it comes to school places. As long as you apply early enough, you shouldn’t have much trouble getting a spot for your child and you likely won’t have to deal with long waiting lists. Having said that, it’s always a good idea to have all your paperwork in order, be prepared for a lengthy and rigorous application process, and of course, do all the research you can about your preferred international school.

Below, we have compiled the top 5 international schools in Basel according to our users. However, there are another 4 schools to choose from in the city. You can find the best international school for your child by personalising your results. Just fill in your search criteria, and we will calculate a personal score for every international school in Basel based on your requirements.

Best 5 International Schools in Basel

Out of a total of 9 International Schools in Basel.

Based on the aggregated preferences of our users in the last 30 days.

Academia Bilingual School Basel

Academia Bilingual School Basel is a small by design, private school that provides excellent bilingual teaching in an international environment. The school was founded in 2010 and has been growing ever since. It is however the school's intention to remain modest in size, since it attaches great importance to personal contact and the individual advancement of all students.
Kindergarten and Primary School are located in a historical building called “Schifferhaus” in Kleinhüningen, a beautiful old villa in a large garden with plenty of space for playing. This campus is well connected by both tram and bus.
Secondary school classes are taught in the premises of Academia International School (English-language College) in a central location at Heuwaage.
Curriculum
International, Swiss
Languages of instruction
English, German
Ages
4 to 14
Yearly fees - 2023/2024
from: CHF 18,760
to: CHF 26,390

Academia International School Basel

Academia International School (“Gymnasium” – grammar school) in Basel (CH) prepares students for an international university entrance qualification. We follow the British International Curriculum (IGCSEs and A Levels).
We are a multi-cultural, city center school who aim to provide academic excellence in a cosy, caring environment.
International A Levels are the world’s most widely recognised qualification for University entrance allowing access to universities worldwide.
www.academia-international.ch
Curriculum
British
Language of instruction
English
Ages
12 to 18
Yearly fees - 2023/2024
from: CHF 26,900
to: CHF 26,900

ELA Basel - The Swiss British School of Basel

ELA Basel - The Swiss British School is an independent, not-for-profit organisation located in Basel, Switzerland. It is committed to providing high quality childcare and education appropriate for young children from the age of 3 months to the end of Primary School at 12 years old.
Curriculum
British
Language of instruction
English
Ages
1 to 12
Yearly fees - 2023/2024
from: CHF 23,600
to: CHF 25,350

SIS Swiss International School Basel

SIS Swiss International School Basel provides a complete education from preschool through to secondary school and college. On all levels, subjects are taught in German and English; however, bilingualism is not a prerequisite for joining the school at any level.
Curriculum
IB, British, Swiss
Languages of instruction
English, German
Ages
3 to 18
Yearly fees - 2023/2024
from: CHF 21,940
to: CHF 32,720

International School Basel

International School Basel is the only not-for-profit, English language, three programme International Baccalaureate World School in the region providing students aged 3-18 with the education, support and inspiration they need to become global citizens.
Curriculum
IB
Language of instruction
English
Ages
3 to 18
Yearly fees - 2023/2024
from: CHF 22,910
to: CHF 36,310

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