International schools around Zurich

If you are looking for an international school in Switzerland near Zurich, the good news is that the area is used to families from abroad. The city sits on a lake, with hills, trains and a big airport close by. The first thing to know is that the schools are not all inside the city limits. They are spread around the lake and the northern suburbs, so the school often decides where the family lives.

This page walks you through the picture step by step: where the main schools are, what daily life looks like around them, and what you can prepare before you leave home.

A city used to newcomers

Zurich is the largest city in the country. In 2025 its permanent resident population was 440,935 people, and 150,726 of them were foreign nationals, or 34.2% (FSO). In other words, about one resident in three was born with another passport. A child who arrives mid-year will rarely be the only newcomer in a class.

The local language is German, in its Swiss form, and the official language of the canton is German too. English is widely heard in business and in the international school community. Children in the public system learn through German, which is why many families from the UK, the US, India or Singapore look at international schools first. If you want to compare both routes, read public school for international children.

Which international schools are around Zurich?

The canton of Zurich publishes a list of international and bilingual schools. It covers the whole urban area, not only the municipality of Zurich. The main international schools it names are:

• Inter-Community School Zurich (ICS) in Zumikon, on the hillside east of the lake.
• Zurich International School (ZIS), with sites in Wädenswil, Kilchberg and Adliswil, south of the city.
• International School Zurich North (ISZN) in Wallisellen, close to the airport side of town.

The same list also mentions other bilingual schools. The edition we use dates from November 2023, so it is worth checking each school's own website for any change. We do not rank schools and we do not link to them: the point here is to help you understand the map.

For fees and what is usually extra, see what international schools cost. For the wider national picture, see international schools in Switzerland.

Why the school shapes where you live

In many cities you pick a home and then a school. Around Zurich, many families do it the other way around. A school on the lake's south side points to towns such as Kilchberg or Adliswil. A school in Wallisellen points to the north-east suburbs and to quick access to the airport. A school in Zumikon points to quieter, greener areas east of the city.

Example: a family of four moving from Singapore, with two children aged six and ten, might shortlist two schools first and only then search for housing within a daily commute. Another family, a couple arriving from Texas with a teenager, might prefer a place near a train station because the child will travel alone.

Housing: what the numbers say

Rent in the city is high. The average net rent across all dwelling sizes in Zurich was CHF 1,739 per month (FSO, cumulative 2022-2024). For a three-room home it was CHF 1,761 (FSO). These are averages of existing leases, so a new advertised rent can be higher. Treat them as an order of magnitude only.

The market is also tight. At 1 June 2026 the vacancy rate in the canton of Zurich was 0.52% (FSO). With so few empty homes, landlords receive many applications, and a complete file helps. The rental file check shows what to gather before you leave your country. Our city comparator can also help you weigh Zurich against other Swiss cities.

Housing vocabulary is explained in apartment search guide, and if you are still choosing between Zurich and the lake of Geneva, see Zurich or Geneva.

Getting around and arriving

Zurich Airport (Flughafen Zürich) is the main airport for the area, so direct flights from many of your departure cities are common. Detailed journey times and pass prices are not covered here; check them with the railway and local transport operators.

For residence matters, the Migration Office of the canton of Zurich (Migrationsamt des Kantons Zürich) is the authority for the canton. You can find it on the official canton page. The authorities decide on permits, not us, and the outcome depends on your nationality and situation. The permit finder gives a first orientation.

Steps to prepare from home

1. Write down your child's age, current school year and curriculum.
2. List the school areas that fit your commute, using the map above.
3. Ask each school how admission works and which documents it wants.
4. Collect recent school reports and any records of learning support.
5. Look at the school choice tool and the guide to enrolling your child.
6. Build your own timeline with the relocation calendar.

If you would like a specialist to look at your situation, the request form at the bottom of this page puts you in touch with a relocation company that matches your needs.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an international school in Zurich itself?

The cantonal list names schools around the urban area rather than inside the city center. The main ones are in Zumikon, Wädenswil, Kilchberg, Adliswil and Wallisellen. Many families live in or near the city and commute to them.

Which are the main international schools near Zurich?

The canton's list names Inter-Community School Zurich (ICS), Zurich International School (ZIS) and International School Zurich North (ISZN). It also mentions other bilingual schools. Check each school's website for the latest information.

Is the list of schools up to date?

The list we rely on is from November 2023. Schools change, so confirm the current situation directly with each school before you plan around it.

Do I choose the home or the school first?

Many families around Zurich start with the school, because the schools are spread out. Once you know the area, searching for housing becomes much easier.

Can my child go to a public school instead?

Yes, public school is open to children living in the area, and teaching is in German. Read about how Swiss schools work and about public school for international children.

How much do international schools cost?

Fees vary by school and by age group, and extras are common. See what international schools cost and ask each school for its current fee list.

Are international schools in Geneva similar?

The idea is similar, but the setting, language and housing market differ. Compare with international schools around Geneva.

What about children coming from the US system?

The year groups and grading differ from Swiss public schools. A guide to Swiss schools compared with the US system explains the main differences.

Does my child's school affect my permit?

The school is not a permit route in itself. The authorities decide on residence permits according to the rules for your nationality and situation. The canton's Migration Office is the place to ask.

How tight is the housing market?

At 1 June 2026 the vacancy rate in the canton of Zurich was 0.52% (FSO). That means few homes are available, so preparing your documents early helps.

What is the best way to start?

Start with the age of your child and the area where you could live, then contact the schools you like. When you are ready, the form below connects you with a relocation company that suits your move.

Sources

• Canton of Zurich, international and bilingual schools (November 2023)
• Federal Statistical Office (FSO), permanent resident population
• Federal Statistical Office (FSO), average net rents in the largest cities
• Federal Statistical Office (FSO), vacant dwellings by canton
• Zurich Airport
• State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), cantonal migration authorities