How to get started?

How to get started?

We are grateful for your interest in this life-changing program and want you to have all the information you need to consider the International School of Berne (ISBerne).

Whether you are a student or a parent choosing looking for the educational opportunities, we hope that our website has given you a small glimpse of life and learning at this remarkable school. Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions you will make. We want to support you in this process by learning about what matters to you.

To get the process started, please contact us by emailing office@isberne.ch or by calling +41 31 959 10 00. Our team speaks German, French and English and looks forward to getting to know your family!

What are the Admissions Requirements?

The International School of Berne welcomes applications from students who have demonstrated academic and social skills, a sound character, reliability and an eagerness to learn. Admission to the Grade 10 Bridging Year at the International School of Berne is based upon the:

Completion of obligatory education in the Swiss school system.
Level of English proficiency. We recommend a B2 level of English, but applicants with A2 level or above may be accommodated at our school.
Potential of the applicant to benefit from the educational services provided.
Capacity of the school to meet the educational needs of the applicant.

What are the tuition fees?

At the International School of Berne, we recognize the deep commitment a family makes when investing in private school education. We take your investment seriously and work diligently to balance affordability with our world-class education programme.

The tuition fee for the Grade 10 Bridging Year during the 2025-2026 school year is CHF 38,540.00.

The following is also included in the fee:

Curriculum-related mandatory school trips and activities such as the Outdoor Education Week and the skiing and skating programme
English as an additional language instruction
A certain level of Learning Support
Star & ISA Assessment Exams
ISBerne-sponsored after school activities
The majority of school materials
Use of textbooks
A copy of the school’s yearbook

For a list of activities and materials not covered by tuition fees, please refer to our financial regulations within our application bundles.

There are also few additional fees:

Application fee of CHF 250. This fee shall be paid when the student is first enrolled in the school. This one-time, non-refundable fee covers the administrative costs of processing the application.
Capital fund fee of CHF 4,000. This is a one-time, non-refundable fee per child. This fee is for the future major development of the school and shall be paid when the student is first enrolled in the school.
Re-enrollment fee of CHF 250. This is an annual, non-refundable fee shall be paid only if your child plans to continue after the Grade 10 Bridging Year programme for another academic year.

Families wishing to attend ISBerne have the possibility of receiving financial aid. The International School of Berne Foundation provides money for scholarships to attend our school, other private schools within Switzerland, and post-secondary institutions within and outside of Switzerland. The Foundation awards scholarships based on the student's academic promise and the family's financial need. Scholarships cover a portion of the tuition fees charged by the school of choice.

How to Apply?

We are committed to making your admissions experience as smooth and simple as possible for your family, and there are just a few steps required to complete an application. Our team is available to answer any questions you may have and to provide you with all the support you need to make an application.

Step 1: Inquire

The International School of Berne is all about building relationships, and ours begins when you reach out and let us know that you would like to get to know us better. Contact us to ask questions and inquire if we have open spaces for your children. Please email, call or fill out the inquiry form, we will get back to you as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you!

Step 2: Schedule your Personal Consultation or Tour (optional)

We know that families like yours are looking for the right school for their child and our Admissions Team would like to introduce you to ISBerne either through a personal visit to our school or via a video conference at your convenience. A member of our experienced team will inquire about your family’s story, explain the ISBerne programmes, and support you with any questions you may have. To arrange your consultation, please schedule a tour online. Alternatively you can get in touch by calling +41 31 959 10 00 or by emailing at admissions@isberne.ch.

Step 3: Apply

ISBerne requests the following documentation to process an application:

A completed, signed Application Bundle including:
- a photograph of the student
- copies of the student’s passport and parents’ passports
- a signed Privacy Policy Form
- a signed Financial Regulations Form
School records/reports for three previous years
Copies of Individual Educational Plans (if applicable)
A completed Confidential Reference Form
Copies of any standardized tests and/or diagnostic educational assessments

The school requires student records in English, German or French.

Download the Application Bundle

Step 4: Apply for Financial Aid (optional)

We are very proud that the International School of Berne Foundation generously supports our students with scholarships. The Foundation is committed to working with every family to try to make an education at our school possible. Their awards are based on the academic promise of the student and the financial need of the family. Applications shall be filed no later than March 31 of the respective school year. View the full instructions and information on applying for financial aid.

Step 5: Check your Mailbox

We will contact you to confirm receipt of your application forms, but please contact us if you do not hear from us within 48 hours of applying. After we will check if the applications are complete, they will be reviewed by the Middle School Principal and School Director. After their review process, you will receive an email about scheduling assessment tests for English and Mathematics as well as an interview with our team.

Frequently asked questions

Upcoming Information Events

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26 May 2025

Schoolwide Open Day

We invite local and international families to experience firsthand the world-class International Baccalaureate (IB) education we offer students from ages 3 to 18 across our Early Learning Centre, Primary Years, Middle Years, Grade 10 Bridging Year, and Diploma Pathways. Parents, students, and community members are warmly welcome to attend our Open Day.

What to Expect:

Guided Campus Tour: In small groups, tour our purpose-built campus, visit our classrooms, observe IB lessons in action, and experience our vibrant learning environment firsthand.
Interactive Q&A: Ask questions along the way to learn more about our IB programs.
Meet Our Team: Speak individually with our Principals and Admissions team about your child's needs and aspirations.

Please note that the event will be conducted in English, and our German and French speaking staff will be available to assist.

Pre-registration is appreciated. Secure your spot and come see the difference ISBerne can make for your child!

Learn More

14 Jun 2025

International Day 2025

Please join us on Saturday, June 14, 2025, between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM for International Day at the ISBerne Campus. This annual event, a cherished ISBerne tradition for nearly 40 years, promises to be our largest and most vibrant celebration of cultural diversity. Come enjoy the family-friendly entertainment, indulge in culinary delights from around the world, and meet our school community.

Please visit our ISBerne table to meet our admissions team. We will take you on a guided tour of our campus and answer any questions you may have about joining our school. We look forward to welcoming you!