Monaco – Education and Schools

How good is the education system in Monaco?

Monaco’s education system enjoys a strong reputation, placing a premium on academic results while also nurturing well-rounded individuals. Though small in scale, the system is generously resourced, with favourable teacher-to-pupil ratios and a genuine emphasis on personalised learning. As a result, children in Monaco typically receive more individual attention than peers attending schools in larger national systems.

One of the defining features of Monegasque schools is their small class sizes, which allow teachers to monitor each student’s progress closely. This is a significant advantage when compared to many European state school systems, where classes of thirty or more pupils are the norm.

The final secondary qualification — the Baccalauréat — records a pass rate of over 98% annually in Monaco. Although the Principality is too small to participate independently in international assessment programmes such as PISA, its close alignment with the French national curriculum — itself a well-respected framework — offers a useful point of comparison. For the most current data on educational outcomes, the official Monaco government education portal is the best starting point.

The quality of teaching is underpinned by several distinctive elements: physical education is delivered by specialist teachers even at primary level, children can learn to swim from the age of five, and language instruction begins very early, with English introduced from the age of three. Throughout their schooling, pupils have access to a wide range of pathways tailored to different abilities and interests, including a number of international class options.

The combination of a high-performing public school sector, multilingual instruction from an early age, and an internationally regarded business university gives Monaco an educational landscape that compares favourably with far larger cities.

At what age is education compulsory in Monaco, and how is schooling structured by age?

Full-time education is compulsory for all children between the ages of 6 and 16; nursery provision is available from age three. The structure of the system follows the French model and is divided into three broad stages: pre-primary, primary, and secondary — with the latter subdivided into lower and upper phases.

Early childhood education covers children aged 3 to 6. Attendance is not obligatory at this stage, but most families choose to take advantage of nursery schooling (école maternelle) to support their children’s language development and social skills. In practice, the vast majority of young children in Monaco attend pre-school.

Compulsory primary education runs from age 6 to 11, spanning five years. During this period, pupils study a broad range of subjects: French, mathematics, science, history, geography, physical education, and the arts, among others.

Lower secondary education takes place at the collège, covering four years from ages 11 to 15. Year groups run in descending order from sixième through cinquième, quatrième, and troisième. Entry into collège follows automatically from primary school, with no entrance examination required. This stage is broadly comparable to middle school or lower secondary education in other national systems.

Upper secondary education, the lycée, caters to students between the ages of 15 and 18. This stage is designed to prepare young people for either university entry or entry into working life. Pupils select between general, technological, and vocational streams according to their interests and aspirations.

The final three years of the lycée are designated Seconde, Première, and Terminale. It is during this phase that students specialise in their chosen subjects, culminating in the Baccalauréat examinations — known informally as the “Bac”.

What types of schools are available in Monaco?

Monaco’s school landscape falls into three broad categories: state (public) schools, private schools operating under a state contract, and fully independent private schools. These differ in their funding arrangements, fee structures, admissions criteria, and educational philosophy.

Public schooling is provided free of charge. The network comprises seven state-run nursery and primary schools, a collège serving pupils aged 11 to 15, a general and technological lycée for those aged 15 to 18, and a vocational lycée. Schools are spread across the Principality’s various districts, and places are generally assigned according to where a family lives.

State-contracted private schools receive funding from the Monegasque government and are required to follow the same timetables, teaching programmes, examination frameworks, and staffing standards as public schools. The François d’Assise – Nicolas Barré (FANB) institution has offered a thorough education from primary through to secondary level since the nineteenth century, grounded in a long-standing Catholic educational tradition. A new campus was inaugurated in April 2019.

Beyond the FANB institution, two further private religious schools operate under contract with the state. Other notable options include the International School of Monaco, which provides bilingual French-English education from nursery through to high school; the British School of Monaco, which follows the national curriculum of England; the Princess Grace Dance Academy; and the AS Monaco Academy.

Fully independent private schooling — that is, schooling outside any state contract — is represented primarily by the International School of Monaco. Such schools set their own curricula and recruit staff independently of the national education authority. They charge tuition fees and are not bound by the French national curriculum.

Among the Principality’s specialist institutions, the Académie de Danse Princesse Grace deserves particular mention. Founded in 1975 by Grace Kelly and H.S.H. Prince Rainier III, this internationally acclaimed ballet school provides gifted young students with professional training in dance and music alongside a secondary academic curriculum adapted to students of varying nationalities. Places are awarded on a competitive basis.

What curriculum and qualifications do schools in Monaco follow?

All state schools and state-contracted private schools in Monaco are recognised as French educational establishments abroad. Their timetables, syllabi, and examinations are required to conform to the standards set by France’s national education authority. For examination purposes, Monaco’s schools fall under the jurisdiction of the Nice regional education authority (académie de Nice).

The academic content is identical to that taught in France, with two notable additions: Monaco’s history features in the curriculum, and the Monegasque language is included as a compulsory subject from CE2 (Year 4) through to troisième (Year 10), becoming optional in the upper lycée years (Seconde to Terminale). This is a distinctive characteristic not found in French-curriculum schools elsewhere in the world.

The qualification awarded at the end of upper secondary education is the Baccalauréat. The Baccalauréat — along with the International Option Baccalauréat (OIB) — is widely recognised for university entry purposes. In terms of its role as a gateway to higher education, the Bac is broadly comparable to A-levels in England or the Leaving Certificate in Ireland, though it differs in requiring simultaneous study across a broader range of subjects.

The International School of Monaco offers all four programmes of the International Baccalaureate: the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for pre-school and primary pupils, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for secondary students, the Diploma Programme (DP) for the final two years of school, and the Career-related Programme (CP) for those combining academic and vocational study.

ISM is among only 82 IB World Schools out of more than 6,750 authorised institutions worldwide to offer all four IB programmes, placing it in the top 1% of all IB schools globally. The British School of Monaco follows England’s national curriculum and additionally offers online courses to support preparation for A-level examinations.

What are typical school hours and holidays in Monaco?

School days in Monaco typically begin around 8:30 AM and conclude around 4:30 PM, though exact hours vary by school level and institution. As a general rule, primary schools operate from roughly 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, while secondary schools tend to run from around 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Canteen facilities are available at state schools at lunchtime, and access to these services is open to all pupils regardless of parents’ working arrangements.

The academic year spans 36 weeks, running from September through to July and broken up by four holiday periods: the All Saints’ Day break, the Christmas holiday, the winter half-term, and the spring half-term. This calendar closely mirrors that of French state schools, as Monaco’s institutions fall under the Nice academic authority’s scheduling framework.

The summer recess generally begins in early July and runs through to early September, consistent with the broader French holiday calendar. In addition to the long summer break, schools observe approximately two weeks at Christmas and New Year, two weeks around Easter, and shorter breaks in October and February.

Independent international schools may follow a somewhat different calendar. The ISM’s academic year and holiday schedule, for instance, can differ from that of state schools — families should always confirm current term dates directly with the school. The official Monaco government education calendar is available at the Monaco government services portal.

How do you enrol a child in school in Monaco?

The enrolment process varies depending on whether you are seeking a place at a state school, a state-contracted private school, or a fully independent international school. Starting the process as early as possible is strongly advisable — demand for places at Monaco’s most sought-after schools regularly exceeds availability.

1. Establish your Monaco residency. Places at state schools are allocated according to catchment area. Since schools exist in every district of the Principality, your child will ordinarily be directed to the school serving your area of residence. In some districts, high demand may result in a placement at an alternative school.
2. Contact the Education Department. Parents wishing to register a child at a public school should approach the Education Department at the Mairie de Monaco (Monaco City Hall). For official guidance, consult the Monaco government education portal or get in touch with the Direction de l’Éducation Nationale de la Jeunesse et des Sports (DENJS), the body responsible for overseeing education in the Principality.
3. Assemble the required documentation. You will typically need to provide proof of Monaco residency, the child’s birth certificate, vaccination records, and any reports or records from previous schooling. Documents in languages other than French may need to be translated.
4. For state-contracted private schools, approach the school directly, as their admissions procedures may differ from those of public schools. The two grant-aided denominational private schools each have their own application processes, and all enquiries should be directed to the institutions themselves.
5. For fully independent international schools, each school manages its own enrolment process. Contact the school directly for specific requirements and timelines. Waiting lists at the International School of Monaco can be lengthy — families should reach out to ISM well before their intended move date.
6. Secure the place and finalise registration. Once a place has been offered, you will need to complete any additional registration paperwork with the school, settle fees where applicable (at private schools), and make any necessary arrangements regarding uniform or equipment.

Always confirm current documentation requirements and application deadlines directly with the relevant school or Monaco’s education authority, as these details are subject to change. The official government portal at monservicepublic.gouv.mc is the most reliable source of up-to-date information.

What international schools are available in Monaco?

Two fully independent international schools operate within the Principality, with several other highly regarded options accessible on the French Riviera within a short drive or train journey.

International School of Monaco (ISM)
Since September 2024, ISM has occupied a purpose-built new premises on the ground floor of the Testimonio II tower at 43 Avenue Princesse Grace in the Larvotto district. The school serves more than 830 students aged 3 to 18, drawn from over 60 nationalities. ISM provides fully accredited bilingual French-English international education, preparing students for both the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma.

The International School of Monaco was named among the world’s top 100 schools in the 2025 Spear’s Schools Index and featured in Carfax Education’s 2024 Schools Index as one of the top 150 private schools globally. ISM was also re-accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) in January 2024.

Regarding fees, figures for the 2024/25 school year have been cited in various sources as ranging from approximately €5,430 at preschool level to €19,440 or more at high school level. These should be treated as indicative only — always verify the current fee schedule directly with ISM at ismonaco.org, as fees are reviewed annually.

British School of Monaco
The British School of Monaco opened its doors to primary-age pupils in November 2022, offering a curriculum aligned with England’s national curriculum. The school places a strong emphasis on English-language instruction and academic delivery according to British educational standards. It is located at 8 Avenue de Fontvieille. For current details on fees and admissions, visit britishschool.mc.

Schools on the French Riviera
Monaco residents also have access to well-established international schools in and around Nice, Valbonne, and Mougins — all reachable within approximately 45 minutes. Schools regularly attended by Monaco-based families in this area include the Mougins British International School, the International School of Nice, and ICS Côte d’Azur.

To identify accredited international schools, the Council of International Schools (CIS) directory and the International Schools Consultancy (ISC) both maintain searchable global databases of accredited institutions.

What higher education options are available in Monaco?

Monaco’s higher education offering is modest in size but well regarded, particularly within the fields of business and the arts. Tertiary-level courses are available at the International University of Monaco (a business-focused institution), the École Supérieure d’Arts Plastiques, and the Nursing Training Institute.

International University of Monaco (IUM)
IUM is an English-language institution offering undergraduate and postgraduate business degrees. Its academic focus reflects the sectors in which Monaco has particular expertise: the management of high-value service industries, with a special emphasis on luxury goods and financial services.

Programmes are available at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, with specialisations including Finance, Luxury Management, Sports Business Management, Business Administration, and International Management. The MBA programme was ranked 50th among the world’s top 100 MBA programmes by The Economist’s Which MBA? in its 2022 ranking.

As of 2024, full-time annual tuition fees were approximately €13,950. Being a private institution, IUM charges the same fees to all admitted students, though costs vary by programme and intake: the MSc in Luxury Management, for instance, is priced at €16,590 for the January intake and €27,990 for September entry. Always confirm current fees directly at monaco.edu, as these figures are subject to change. Merit-based scholarships are available to students who demonstrate strong academic records or exceptional talent.

All instruction at IUM is delivered in English, making it accessible to international students who do not speak French. Programmes are offered on both a full-time and part-time basis, and international and expat applicants are assessed on the same criteria as all other candidates.

Further specialist institutions at the tertiary level include a Nursing School, an Academy of Music, an Academy of Classic Dance, and a School of Plastic Arts. Many Monaco residents also pursue higher education in France, taking advantage of the Principality’s proximity to Nice and the wider French university network, as well as institutions across Europe and beyond.

What should expat parents know about language of instruction in Monaco?

Instruction in Monaco’s state schools is conducted in French. For families arriving without a working knowledge of French, this is the most critical practical factor to weigh when selecting a school. Children who are not yet proficient in French will need time to adjust within the state or state-contracted school environment.

To ease this transition, a number of schools in Monaco offer French as a Foreign Language (FLE) programmes. Where enrolment in state institutions is required, these FLE sections are designed to support the integration of pupils who have little or no existing French. Young children in particular tend to absorb a new language quickly within a full-immersion setting — many achieve a solid conversational level within a year or two.

Monaco’s school system shares its foundations with the French national curriculum but incorporates several distinctive elements: a more intensive English-language programme beginning in nursery school and running through to the final year of secondary; an FLE programme to assist non-French-speaking pupils with integration; and a more substantial physical education component that is embedded in the timetable from the earliest year groups.

Language learning occupies a central place in Monegasque schooling: English is introduced from age 3 in some public schools, and Monegasque is compulsory from CE2 (roughly 3rd grade) through to the end of middle school, with optional study available in the upper lycée years. As a result, most students graduate with proficiency in French and English, and frequently a third language such as German or Italian.

Families who require instruction in a language other than French — or who wish to preserve continuity with a school system from their home country — will find the International School of Monaco well suited to their needs, given its bilingual French-English delivery. The British School of Monaco teaches primarily in English. Both schools are particularly appropriate for families who are not yet confident in French, or who expect to relocate again and need internationally transferable qualifications.

What financial support or subsidies are available for education in Monaco?

Monaco provides a range of educational options to fulfil its compulsory schooling obligations, and the cost structure differs meaningfully across the school types available. State education is entirely free of charge. Every child who is legally resident in Monaco and of compulsory school age is entitled to attend a state school at no cost, irrespective of nationality. In a country with one of the highest costs of living anywhere in the world, this represents a considerable benefit.

State-contracted private schools receive government subsidies but are classified separately from public schools. While they teach the same curriculum and face the same staffing standards, they may levy modest fees — families should contact individual schools directly for up-to-date cost information, as amounts vary.

Fully independent international schools charge fees that are entirely borne by families. As detailed in the international schools section, ISM fees for the 2024/25 school year were reported as falling broadly between €5,430 and €19,440 or more per year depending on the year group — always verify the current schedule directly with the school.

Financial assistance in the form of study grants and canteen grants is available to pupils at state schools who satisfy certain eligibility criteria. Study grants are accessible to children whose parents are, or were, Monegasque citizens, or who are dependants of public sector employees. The qualifying conditions are specific, and expat families should not assume they will automatically qualify. Contact the Monaco Direction de l’Éducation Nationale, de la Jeunesse et des Sports (DENJS) or consult the official Monaco government portal to establish current entitlements.

At university level, the International University of Monaco offers merit-based scholarships for students with strong academic records or notable talents. As Monaco has no publicly funded university, tuition fees apply at all higher education institutions — prospective students should plan their finances accordingly and explore scholarship opportunities directly with their chosen institution.

Frequently asked questions about education in Monaco

Can my child attend a state school in Monaco if we are not Monegasque nationals?

Yes. Monaco’s state schools are open to all children who are legally resident in the Principality, regardless of their nationality. Every child between the ages of 6 and 16 living in Monaco is required to receive full-time education, and public schools are free to attend. School placement is determined by your district of residence. Confirm current enrolment requirements with the Monaco Education Department or through the official government portal at monservicepublic.gouv.mc.

How quickly do children typically pick up French in Monaco’s state schools?

Younger children — typically those aged 8 or under — generally acquire French at a faster rate when placed in a fully French-language school environment. State schools in Monaco provide French as a Foreign Language (FLE) support to assist with this transition. Older pupils may need more time and could benefit from supplementary private language tuition during the settling-in period. A large number of families report that their children reach a functional level of conversational French within one to two school years.

Are foreign qualifications from my child’s previous school recognised in Monaco?

Monaco’s state schools operate within the French national curriculum framework. If your child has been educated under a different system — such as the English national curriculum, the IB, or another national programme — the school will assess their attainment and assign them to the most appropriate year group. Each case is evaluated individually, and previous school reports and academic records are normally required at the time of enrolment. The Monaco Education Department can provide guidance on how prior learning will be taken into account.

Is there a waiting list for the International School of Monaco?

Yes. The International School of Monaco is in high demand and spaces can be restricted, particularly in certain year groups. Given the size and international character of Monaco’s resident population, competition for places is considerable. Families intending to move to Monaco are strongly advised to contact ISM as early as possible — ideally at least a year before the anticipated start date — to register their interest and familiarise themselves with the admissions procedure. Current admissions information is available at ismonaco.org.

What childcare options are available for children under 3 in Monaco?

Monaco’s state nursery schools begin accepting children from the age of 3, but childcare for infants and toddlers under 3 is catered for by private crèches and nurseries. The Principality has a limited number of such places, and given the high proportion of working families in Monaco, demand is intense. Families are advised to research available options and register well before their planned arrival date. The Monaco government services portal can point you towards registered childcare providers operating within the Principality.

Can adults or expats access the International University of Monaco?

Yes. The International University of Monaco (IUM) welcomes both domestic and international applicants and places no restrictions on access based on nationality or residency. All programmes are taught in English, making IUM accessible to those without French language skills. The institution offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and MBA programmes. Admission is moderately competitive and includes a requirement to demonstrate English language proficiency — typically through IELTS or TOEFL for master’s-level programmes. Visit monaco.edu for current admissions criteria and application deadlines.

Does Monaco have any vocational or technical education pathways?

Yes. In addition to the general and technological lycée, Monaco operates a vocational lycée providing more practically focused pathways for students aged 15 to 18. Upper secondary pupils can select from general, technological, and vocational streams according to their interests and goals. Specialist higher-level vocational and professional qualifications are also available at institutions including the Nursing Training Institute at the Princess Grace Hospital Complex and the School of Plastic Arts. Contact the Monaco education authority for a full and current overview of vocational provision.

Are there options for children with special educational needs in Monaco?

Monaco’s state schools are structured to accommodate a range of learning requirements, and the characteristically small class sizes allow teachers to give more individualised attention than is generally possible in larger school systems. The Principality operates a Medical Psychology Centre (Centre Médico-Psychologique) to provide additional educational and psychological support to children who need it. Families whose children have identified learning difficulties or disabilities are encouraged to contact the Monaco Direction de l’Éducation Nationale, de la Jeunesse et des Sports (DENJS) before enrolment, in order to understand what support is in place and how their child’s needs can best be accommodated.