Admissions Policy

ISBerne operates on a rolling admissions basis, meaning there are no fixed application deadlines. Families can apply to our school at any time during the school year.

However, we strongly encourage families to submit applications as early as possible to avoid potential delays in the admissions process, such as gathering additional documentation or securing necessary approvals. Early submission helps ensure a smoother enrollment process and increases the likelihood of securing a place in your desired programme. 

Learn how to apply

ISBerne accepts international students relocating to the Bern region for all grade levels and programmes, subject to space being available. International students must have a valid residence permit for Switzerland. ISBerne does not provide assistance with obtaining visas or residence permits. It is the family's responsibility to ensure all necessary permissions are in place prior to enrollment.

In accordance with the educational regulations in Canton Bern, ISBerne may admit Swiss nationals and long-term local permanent residents from other nations under specific conditions. If the family lives within Canton Bern, they are currently eligible for enrollment in the following programmes at our school, subject to space being available:

• Early Learning Centre: Ages 3-5
• Grades 10-12: Ages 15-19
• Grade 10 Bridging Year: Ages 15-16
• Summer Camps: Ages 7-15
• After School English Classes: Ages 5-15

However, ISBerne may not enroll Swiss nationals and long-term local permanent residents from other nations living in Canton Bern into Kindergarten to Grade 9 without prior written consent from the local educational authorities. All students in this age group may participate in Summer Camps and After-School English Classes at our school. Families wishing to pursue enrollment for their children in Kindergarten to Grade 9 are encouraged to contact the school commission in their local municipality for assistance in obtaining the necessary permissions.

Students of any nationalities who legally reside in Switzerland and in cantons other than Bern and Zürich are eligible to enroll in any ISBerne programme, subject to space being available.

ISBerne welcomes students with mild-to-moderate learning needs. We are unable to cater for moderate-to-severe learning needs. Our school will request additional information and may require diagnostic educational testing.

Admissions of students with mild-to-moderate learning needs will depend on the school’s ability to meet the child’s educational needs. Should additional specialized services, such as speech therapy, exam readers, or one-to-one tutoring be required, this is the financial responsibility of the family. 

Our campus is wheelchair accessible. 

Learn more about ISBerne's Learning Support Services.

ISBerne does not require a formal entrance exam. However, new students entering Grade 8 to 12 — as well as new Grade 7 students joining between January and June — will complete an English and Math assessment during their first week at ISBerne.

At ISBerne, new students are welcomed throughout the school year on a rolling basis, up to Grade 10, provided space is available. As soon as the admissions process is completed and a place has been offered, new students can join ISBerne under the following guidelines:

• Early Learning Centre to Grade 10: Students may join at any time during the school year.
• Grade 11: Students are welcome to start until the October Break.
• Grade 12: Students may transfer if they are coming from another IB school and their course selections are compatible with our programme.