Frequently Asked Questions

Which school section will my child enter?

How do I apply to ISB?
You can proceed to the Apply to ISB page and click on the relevant school section which you wish to apply for your child(ren). Each school section; Pre-School, Junior School, Middle School and High School has its own package of admission forms for you to complete and submit to the Admissions Office.
How long does the application process usually take?
The processing of the application takes 1 to 2 weeks. The Admissions Officer will contact you to confirm receipt of your application via email once we receive all the required documentation.
What are ISB’s key considerations during the applications process?
Applications for admission are considered in view of the following points:
- Completion of all application documents. All documentation needs to be in English. Any documentation not written in English will require an official translation (original documentation should be attached to the translation)
- Outcomes of additional assessment, if appropriate
- Availability of space in classes and option groups offered
- Level of English/Learning Support needs
- Availability of places for siblings
- Appropriateness of programmes
- Discretion of the Director and the appropriate Principal or Head of Pre-School.
Is my child required to take an entrance exam?
ISB does not require students to take a formal entrance exam. However in certain cases, depending on information received from the application documentation or gathered during interview, further assessment may be necessary. Assessment may include but is not limited to the following areas:
- English as an Additional Language (EAL)
- English
- Mathematics
- Learning Support
As part of the admissions process, applicants may also be required to spend time in the appropriate school section to undergo assessment. Assessment will be scheduled as part of the school visit if it is known prior to the visit that additional testing is necessary.
In High School, students will ordinarily be interviewed by the High School Principal as part of the admissions process. A student’s general standard of English, along with their subject knowledge and background, may require that students sit for assessment tests to determine suitability for programmes on offer in High School.
To learn more about admissions, please click here.
Is there a deadline for application?
No, we accept applications throughout the year. Once you know you are moving to Basel, we strongly suggest that applications be submitted. Our classes do fill up and it is best to avoid a waiting list situation.
Does my child have to start ISB on a specific date?
We encourage all students to start at the new school year in August. However we accept students throughout the school year providing there is space in the relevant grade.
How difficult will it be to transition mid year?
Our teaching staff and student body make every effort to welcome our new students and ensure that the transition to ISB is as smooth as possible.
My child has had little or no English, will ISB accept him/her?

Up to Grade 3, new students are not required to have prior knowledge of English. Students entering Grades 4 & 5 are highly recommended to have prior skills in English.
Grade 6 to 8 students are required to have at least an intermediate level of proficiency in English while Grade 9 & 10 students are required to have an advanced level of English proficiency.
High School students need to demonstrate near native English proficiency. There is no EAL support for students in High School.
My child is currently receiving learning support, will ISB be able to accept him/her?
ISB offers limited learning support for students with diagnosed mild learning disabilities. Please submit your child’s Individual Learning Plan (ILP) together with your Application for Admissions forms to allow the School to make as accurate an assessment as possible and to ensure we can meet your child’s needs. There is no learning support for students in High School. Click here to read more about the learning support offered.
Does ISB provide financial assistance?
ISB does not provide any financial assistance.
Are certain vaccinations required to enter the School?
No, but we do require a copy of your child’s vaccination record and all 3 health forms to be completed and submitted with the Application for Admissions Form prior to the first day of School.
Can my child spend time at ISB before entering the School?
You are welcome to contact the Admissions Officer to arrange for a school tour or visit. In addition, at the beginning of every school year, there is an Orientation Day for new families and students where you can familiarise yourselves with the buildings and teachers in Pre-School and Junior School.
How do I pay the Registration Fee?

The Registration Fee of CHF 500 (non-refundable) per student must be paid when a formal application is submitted for a non-company sponsored student. This one-time fee can be transferred as follows:
Coop Bank, 4002 Basel, BC 8440
Account 697009.290000/3
SWIFT CODE COOPCHBB
IBAN CH79 0844 0697 0092 9000 0
Payable to : International School of the Basel Region
Please indicate your family name and names of each child in order to identify the payment.