Prices and Costs: School Year at Irish Boarding Schools
This detailed guide explains the real costs of studying a full academic year at an Irish boarding school. We provide you with transparent information about what the base price includes, what additional costs you should consider, and how they compare with other educational options.
Base Prices of Irish Boarding Schools
Irish boarding school prices vary according to several factors, but typically range between €22,000 and €30,000 per full academic year. These prices may vary according to:
- Academic level: Younger students (1st-3rd ESO) usually pay less than older ones (4th ESO-2nd Baccalaureate)
- School prestige: More prestigious schools may cost more
- Location: Schools in Dublin or near the capital may be more expensive
- English support: If the student needs additional English as a second language support, there may be a 10-15% surcharge
- Nationality: Non-EU students may pay more than EU students
Typical Price Ranges (2025-2026) (2025-2026)
- Junior Level (1st-3rd ESO, 13-15 years old) €22,000 - €26,000 per year
- Senior Level (4th ESO-2nd Bac, 15-17 years old) €25,000 - €29,000 per year
- Non-EU Students: May pay €4,000 - €6,000 additional
- Additional English Support: +10-15%
What Does the Boarding School Base Price Include?
The boarding school price generally includes:
- ✅ Tuition and academic fees - All classes and teaching
- ✅ Full accommodation - Room at the boarding school (may be single, double or shared)
- ✅ All meals - Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks throughout the academic year
- ✅ Academic activities - Classes, laboratories, library, etc.
- ✅ Basic sports activities - Access to sports facilities and included activities
- ✅ Basic cultural activities - Events and activities organized by the school
- ✅ Supervision and support - Staff available during the day
What Does the Base Price NOT Include?
Important: The boarding school base price generally does NOT include flights. This is what most companies in the sector do - the price they advertise is only for the school, and flights are paid separately.NO incluye vuelos. Esto es lo que hacen la mayoría de empresas del sector - el precio que anuncian es solo del colegio, y los vuelos se pagan por separado.
Additionally, it typically does NOT include:
- ❌ Round-trip flights - Generally €300-€800 depending on season and airport
- ❌ Books and school supplies - Approximately €500-€800 per year
- ❌ School uniform - €400-€800 (may be a one-time cost if reused)
- ❌ Personal expenses - Pocket money for the student (€1,000-€2,000 per year)
- ❌ Medical insurance - €300-€600 per year (highly recommended)
- ❌ Optional excursions - €500-€1,500 depending on activities chosen
- ❌ Additional English tutoring - If extra support is needed (variable, may be €1,000-€2,000)
- ❌ Application fees - Registration and confirmation fees (€200-€2,000 depending on school)
- ❌ Guardianship fees - If a legal guardian is required in Ireland (€1,500-€3,000 per year)
Estimated Additional Costs
| Concept | Estimated Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| €1,000 - €2,000 | Pocket money for the student | |
| Medical insurance | €300 - €600 | Highly recommended |
| Optional excursions | €500 - €1,500 | Depends on activities chosen |
| Additional English tutoring | €1,000 - €2,000 | If extra support is needed |
| Application fees | €200 - €2,000 | Depends on school |
| Guardianship fees | €1,500 - €3,000 | If legal guardian is required |
| Total | €28,500 - €35,000 | Includes all estimated additional costs |
Estimated Total Cost
Complete Budget Example
- Boarding school (base price) €25,000
- Estimated additional costs €3,500
- Estimated total €28,500
Our Service
In addition to the boarding school price, we offer a comprehensive management and support service . This service includes:
- ✅ Personalized advice - We help you choose the right school for your child
- ✅ Complete enrollment management - We take care of all documentation and procedures
- ✅ Communication - We act as intermediaries in your language
- ✅ Transfers to the school - We take you personally to the school when you arrive in Ireland
- ✅ Follow-up throughout the year - We are available for any problem or query
- ✅ Support for parents - You can contact us in Spanish at any time
- ✅ Flight assistance - We help you find the best prices (although flights are paid separately)
- ✅ Local coordinator and personalized follow-up - Periodic meetings with a local coordinator in Spanish, and follow-up as needed by email, WhatsApp or in person. If your child has any problem, we are there to meet with them and make sure everything is okay. - Reuniones periódicas con un coordinador local en español, y seguimiento según se necesite por email, WhatsApp o presencial. Si tu hijo tiene algún problema, estamos ahí para encontrarnos con él y asegurarnos de que todo esté bien.
More details about our service Qué Ofrecemos.
Note about flights: Like most companies in the sector, the boarding school base price does not include flights. Flights are organized and paid separately (typically €300-€800 depending on the season). We help you find the best options, but the cost is additional.
Comparison: Boarding School vs. Host Family
Comparison with host families
- Consistency: Boarding schools offer a more predictable and structured experience
- Immersion: At a boarding school, the student is surrounded by English 24/7, not just at home
- Facilities: Full access to all school facilities
- Community May feel more isolated
- Professional supervision: Trained staff always available
Payment Methods
Most boarding schools offer payment options:
- Full payment at start: Some schools offer discount for advance payment
- Payment in two installments: Typically in September and February
- Payment in three installments: Some schools allow quarterly payments
For non-EU students who require a visa: Full payment in advance is generally required.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Some boarding schools offer scholarships or discounts for:
- Students with excellent academic performance
- Families with multiple children at the same school
- Students from families with certain professions (e.g., clergy at some religious schools) Examples of available scholarships
It is important to consult directly with each school about financial aid options.
Conclusion
Boarding schools offer a more structured and predictable experience than host families.
Total English immersion and access to all facilities are significant advantages.