Living as an expat in Monaco can be a rewarding experience, but it is not without its challenges. One of the most important considerations for families with children is finding a good school for their kids.

Securing a spot in a reputable school is often a top priority for expat families, as it helps ensure that their children will receive a high-quality education in Monaco’s internationally recognized education system.

This can be especially critical in Monaco, where demand for spots in the best schools typically exceeds availability. For the 2025-26 academic year, Monaco’s schools enrolled 6,566 students, with private and international schools accounting for 37% of enrollment—a steadily growing share that reflects increasing demand for international education options.

In this article, we explore the particularities of the education system in Monaco, including different schools, foreign language learning, financial costs, and other crucial topics to consider before enrolling your child in a Monégasque school.

How does the education system work in Monaco?

Monaco’s education system follows the French curriculum but with an international focus.

Students learn English from a young age, and subjects such as the history of Monaco and the Monégasque language are included in the curriculum, which is taught to primary and secondary school students. Religious instruction is also part of the curriculum, although it is subject to parental approval.

Monaco’s education system mandates schooling for children between 6 and 16 years old. Early childhood education may begin at age three. Then, the primary school covers grades 1 through 6, while secondary school is divided into two levels: “collège”, which covers grades 7 through 9, and “lycée”, which covers grades 10 through 12.

Monaco’s public and private schools are recognized as French educational institutions abroad, and teaching programs, schedules, and examinations conform to those established by the French national education authority. French is the language of instruction in school classes.

Some schools also teach French as a Foreign Language subject to help non-French speaking students. Despite this, expatriate parents often prefer to send their children to international schools in Monaco, particularly the International School of Monaco and the British School of Monaco.

What are some characteristics of the education system in Monaco?

Monaco’s education system differs from that of France, particularly in its emphasis on language learning from an early age.

However, if you are considering enrolling your children in a Monégasque school, you should also be aware of the other defining aspects of the education system in Monaco.

• The English language is taught from Kindergarten (Maternelle) through senior year (Terminale).
• The Monégasque language is taught in elementary and secondary schools.
• Non-French-speaking students can benefit from French classes (taught as a foreign language).
• The school curriculum focuses on reading and promoting national culture.
• Religious instruction is included among the subjects taught unless parents request otherwise.
• Students are exposed to culture and the arts through school excursions to venues such as the Opera and Theatre.
• Most schools collaborate with heritage sites such as the Oceanographic Museum, the Exotic Garden, and the New National Museum of Monaco through established partnerships.
• Sports are an important part of the school’s curriculum. Physical education and sports classes start as early as the first grade while swimming lessons are provided from kindergarten.

All of these teachings and projects contribute to the excellence of the Monégasque educational system.

What kind of schools are there in Monaco?

Would you prefer your child to complete their entire education in Monaco? Rest assured; it is entirely feasible. The Principality of Monaco provides a range of schools, covering primary through higher education.

Level of educational institution	Type of school	Institution names
Primary Education	State Schools	École des Carmes, École du Parc, École Stella, École de Fontvieille, École Saint-Charles, École de la Condamine, École des Révoires.
Primary Education	Private Schools Under Contract	Cours Saint-Maur, Institution François d’assise – Nicolas Barré.
Primary Education/ Secondary Education (Middle and High School)	Independent Private Schooling	International School of Monaco, British School of Monaco
Secondary Education (Middle and High School)	State Schools	Collège Charles III, Lycée Rainier III, Lycée Albert 1er
Secondary Education (Middle and High School)	Private Schools Under Contract	Institution François d’assise – Nicolas Barré.
Higher Education	State School Providing Courses in the Service Industry	Lycée Albert 1er
Higher Education	State School Providing Courses in Hotel and Catering	Lycée Rainier III
Higher Education	State School Providing Courses in Art	Superior School of Plastic Arts of the City of Monaco (Pavillon Bosio)
Higher Education	State School Providing Training Courses In Nursing	Nurses Training Institute (IFSI) of Monaco
Higher Education	Private Higher Education Institutions	International University of Monaco (IUM)

Which are the international private schools in Monaco?

In Monaco, many foreign residents find international schools a convenient solution for their children’s education in 2025-26.

International schools located around the world adhere to similar educational standards, allowing students to make an easy transition between schools when the family moves to their home country or a different country.

The International School of Monaco is the largest international school in the Principality, offering education from pre-kindergarten to grade 12. With more than 800 students representing over 60 nationalities, ISM is now the third-largest school in Monaco and one of only 82 IB World Schools globally authorized to offer all four International Baccalaureate programs: Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP), and Career-related Programme (CP).

In November 2022, the British School of Monaco opened its doors to students who wish to follow the national curriculum for England in Monaco. The school expanded in September 2024 to include secondary education (Years 7-11, ages 11-16), with plans to introduce IGCSE examinations in 2027 and A-Level programs in 2028. The British School of Monaco offers a distinctly British educational experience, with all classes taught in English.

International schools around Monaco

For new residents of Monaco, there are also well-known international schools in Nice, Valbonne, and Mougins, all within a 45-minute drive from Monaco.

The most prominent ones that Monaco residents tend to attend are the Mougins British International School, the International School of Nice, and the ICS Côte d’Azur.

Are there any institutions for pupils with special educational needs?

Special units/classes are available for children with special needs:

• School inclusion localized units (“Unités Localisées pour l’Inclusion Scolaire” (ULIS)) in Primary (“ULIS Ecole”) and Secondary Education (“ULIS Collège” and “ULIS Lycée”).
• Special Needs classes (“Adaptation”) in Primary Education (Year 4 and 5/3rd and 4th grade) and Middle School (until Year 10/9th grade).
• A General and Vocational Special Needs Program (Year 6 to Year 10 / 5th grade to 9th grade).
• Vocational Discovery classes (“Découverte Professionnelle” (DP) Years 9 and 10 / 8th and 9th grade).

These programs are aimed at students with cognitive and learning disabilities, who require special pedagogical support. The use of digital tools, workshops, and work placements are just some of the solutions available to help these students build a successful professional future despite their academic difficulties.

Foreign language learning

The demand for English proficiency among recent graduates is growing, and many parents consider mastering a second language to be an undeniable advantage.

Precisely for that reason, the Monégasque education system offers English language training from an early age (3 years old). As early as CE2, pupils can join the intensive English section, and in collège and lycée, a European section and an international section are added to the curriculum.

As for the second foreign language, students can choose to take courses in German, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, or Russian.

School enrollment and registration in Monaco

School registration for Monaco’s public and private schools typically opens in early January each year. For the 2025-26 academic year, primary school registrations ran from January 6 to March 21, 2025, while private schools under contract accepted registrations from January 13 to March 28, 2025.

Families can register online through the MonGuichet.mc platform, which operates 24/7 and is available in English. Children aged three (or turning three during the first trimester) who are Monégasque nationals or Monaco residents are eligible for enrollment in public schools, which are free for qualifying families.

For families not meeting standard residency requirements or seeking schools outside their designated catchment area, exemption requests must be submitted to the Direction de l’Éducation Nationale, de la Jeunesse et des Sports (DENJS) by May 1st.

Financial costs and tuition fees in Monaco schools

School tuition fees in Monaco vary significantly depending on the type of school and programs offered.

Public State Schools: Monaco’s state schools are free for Monégasque nationals and residents. This includes all seven primary schools, Collège Charles III, Lycée Albert 1er, and Lycée Rainier III.

International Private Schools (2025-26 fees):

The International School of Monaco charges tuition ranging from approximately €5,430 for kindergarten students to €19,440 for senior students. The school offers sibling discounts: 10% for the third child, 15% for the fourth child, and 20% for the fifth child.

The British School of Monaco has higher tuition fees, ranging from approximately €38,000 to €41,000 per year (including first-year enrollment fees).

Private Schools Under Contract: Cours Saint-Maur and Institution François d’Assise – Nicolas Barré generally charge lower tuition than independent international schools, though specific fees should be confirmed directly with each institution.

For detailed information about specific school fees, families should contact their preferred educational institution directly as tuition rates are subject to annual adjustments.

Higher education in Monaco: International University of Monaco

As far as higher education is concerned, Monaco has one university: the International University of Monaco (IUM).

Tuition fees at the IUM for the 2025-26 academic year vary by program:

• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA): Approximately €26,600 to €28,500 per year, depending on the intake period and specialization.
• Master’s programs: Range from €14,700 to €27,450 depending on specialization. Popular specializations include Hedge Funds and Alternative Investments, Private Banking and Wealth Management, Luxury Management, and Sports Business Management.
• MBA programs: Tuition varies by program format and specialization.

IUM also charges administrative fees including an IUM for Life fee of €675, which provides lifelong access to alumni services. Merit-based scholarships are available for qualifying students based on academic excellence, extracurricular achievements, and practical experience.

Study grants are also available to help families with education costs in Monaco. The conditions of these grants can be found on the Monaco government’s official website.

What should you do first?

Are you considering moving to Monaco with your family? We at Monaco Relocation Group are experts in relocations to Monaco and can help you navigate the process of getting a Monegasque residence. Through our network of trusted Monegasque partners, we can connect you with specialists who handle school selection and enrollment procedures.

Contact us at [email protected] to discuss your expatriation project and ensure a smooth transition for your family to Monaco.