International schools in Sarajevo: a guide for relocating families

Families thinking of living in Bosnia ask about schools first. Public schools teach in Bosnian, so most foreign families choose an international school, and nearly all of them are in Sarajevo. These are the well-known ones and what sets each apart.

The well-known schools

• QSI International School of Sarajevo: teaches in English with a curriculum based on US standards, for ages 3 to 18. Open on the map
• Collège International Français de Sarajevo (CIFS): founded in 1998, it follows the French national programmes with additional hours of English and Bosnian, from kindergarten to high school, and is a partner of the AEFE network. Open on the map
• Maarif International Schools: directories list an International Baccalaureate track and a British track, on more than one campus. Open on the map
• Richmond Park School Sarajevo: one of the oldest private international schools in the city, opened in 1996. Open on the map
• Bloom: founded in 2007, with a focus on learning close to nature. Open on the map

This is neither a complete list nor a ranking. Visit each school’s website and confirm the curriculum, accreditation and available year groups for your enrolment year.

What to ask before enrolling

1. Curriculum and diploma: is the final diploma recognised in your country and by the universities you have in mind?
2. Language: is there support for children who are not fluent in the language of instruction? Are Arabic or Islamic studies offered?
3. Full cost: tuition, registration, books, uniform, transport and meals.
4. Mid-year admission: are transfer students accepted after the year has started?
5. Documents: previous school reports, translated and certified, and vaccination records.
6. Location: how far is the school from the neighbourhood where you will live?

Living near the school

Morning traffic in Sarajevo is real, so choose your home after you choose the school, not before. Read the Sarajevo neighbourhoods guide and renting an apartment for a long stay.

Residency and schooling

Enrolling children in a school does not by itself give the family residency; residency has its own grounds and procedure. See Residency in Bosnia. For university level read Studying in Bosnia.

Written in October 2026 from published sources. School details change — confirm on the school’s website before you decide.