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IBSB Scholarship 2026-2027

The International British School of Bucharest Scholarship Programme is available annually for students entering Years 7-10, and Year 12.

The International British School of Bucharest scholarships are available to any family that does not have a child currently enrolled at IBSB or for any child previously enrolled at IBSB.

IBSB scholars play an important role in school life and are expected to take a lead in academic and co-curricular activities.

It is intended that scholarship students at the International British School of Bucharest will serve as role models and ambassadors, encouraging other pupils to share their enthusiasm, whilst exploring ways to communicate their expertise to ignite interest in their fellow students.

It is also intended that scholarship students at the International British School of Bucharest will serve as role models and ambassadors of the International British School of Bucharest to the wider school community.

For September 2026, the International British School of Bucharest is offering the opportunity for up to 3 prospective pupils to apply for a Scholarship on the basis of evidence of exceptional recent academic achievement, with performance measured by the CAT4 Assessment Test. Candidates with a record of exceptional achievement in Sport or the Creative Arts over a minimum period of 12 months prior to application are also eligible to apply. Please refer to the application process below for more details.

Allianz-Țiriac Asigurări will contribute the amount of €15,000 per scholarship toward the annual tuition fee. IBSB will waive the registration fee for all scholarship recipients. Additional costs, including the school tuition fee difference, school uniform, school meals, transportation, school trips, outsourced extracurricular clubs and activity costs, will be covered by the family at the standard school rate.

Scholarship Applications Opening Date:
February 01

Scholarship Applications Closing Date:
February 28

Scholarship Application Review:
March 01-15

Payment of Admissions File Processing Fee:
150 euro

Scholarship Application CAT4 Assessment:
March 21

Special Talent and Subject Assessments:
March 28

Scholarship Application Interviews:
April 04

Scholarship Announcements:

  • Successful Applications:
    • Parents will be notified of a Scholarship Awarded on April 08, with confirmation of acceptance required by Friday, April 10 @4.00pm. An announcement will be made to the school community in the school newsletter on Monday, April 13.
  • Unsuccessful Applications:
    • Parents will be notified by email on Monday, April 13.

IBSB Registration: In the event that a scholarship is awarded and accepted, external candidates must make a formal application and register to join the school by April 30. The offer is subject to the availability of space in the relevant year group.


  • Supporting each student in achieving their potential in their chosen area
  • Encouraging students to strive for excellence and helping them achieve their goals
  • Helping students balance their academic, sporting, and/or creative arts commitments by liaising with students, parents, coaches, and specialist tutors/teachers
  • Supporting training and competition opportunities as appropriate
  • Endeavouring to create flexible timetables for students competing at the highest levels
  • Promoting and acknowledging student success within the school community

As part of the application, students will need to provide the following evidence:

1. A personal statement. Candidates are required to write a short personal statement (approximately 300 words) about their work and interests in relation to the category of Scholarship to which they have applied. (Please address the guidance on the application form.) The personal statement should be written by the applicant without the use of AI, and will be checked with AI checkers and compared to written work undertaken in school as a part of the assessment process.

2. A portfolio containing evidence should be presented, including, but not limited to:

An Academic Scholarship – is awarded to outstanding students who have demonstrated exceptional academic ability and distinction at a national or international level. This scholarship is designed for top-performing students, who have achieved excellence through academic awards, Olympiads, and recognized competitions.

 

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must demonstrate that they are among the top students in their current school or academic level, supported by the following portfolio of evidence:

1. Academic Performance

  • Consistent placement within the top 10% of their class or cohort over the past three academic years.
  • Submission of official school reports for the previous three years showing consistent A grades or equivalent in all core subjects.

2. National or International Recognition

  • Proof of awards, medals, or certificates from recognized national or international academic competitions, Olympiads, or similar contests.
  • Examples include Mathematics, Science, English, or subject-based Olympiads, debate competitions, or innovation contests.
  • Certificates of achievement or ranking must be provided as official documentation.

3. Supporting Evidence

  • Sample of outstanding work (e.g., essays, research, projects).
  • Reference letter from a teacher, tutor, or headmaster verifying academic excellence and participation in advanced academic activities.

4. Cognitive and Subject Assessments (to be organised and taken at School Premises)

  • CAT4 (Cognitive Abilities Test): Minimum overall score of 130.
  • English Proficiency Test (EPT): Required for applicants whose first language is not English. The minimum requirements are:
    • Year 7-8: Intermediate Level- 40+ EPT Score/Intermediate Level Writing Skills Years 9-10: Upper-Intermediate Level- 55+ EPT Score
    • Year 12: Pre-advanced Level- 70+ EPT Score/Advanced Level Writing Skills
  • Subject Testing:
    • Year 10 (age 14) Applicants: GL tests for English, Mathematics, and Science
    • Year 12 (age 16) Applicants: Subject tests based on chosen A-Level subjects

A Sporting Achievement Scholarship – recognizes students who have demonstrated outstanding talent, discipline, and success in sports at a national or international level. This scholarship supports athletes who combine academic commitment with exceptional sporting performance, including medal-winning performances.

 

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must provide clear evidence of both academic performance and sporting excellence:

1. Academic Performance

  • School reports for the previous three years showing consistent A grades or equivalent in all core subjects.
  • Demonstrated ability to balance academic study with training and competition commitments.

2. Sporting Excellence

Applicants must have achieved one or more of the following:

  • Gold, Silver, or Bronze Medal at a national or international competition recognized by an official sporting federation, association, or governing body.
  • Representation of their country, region, or club at national or international level events.
  • Proof of sustained commitment and high-level performance in training and competition.

3. Supporting Evidence

  • A formal reference from a qualified coach, club official, or national team representative confirming:
    • Level of participation and achievement (including medals or rankings)
    • Commitment, discipline, and sportsmanship
    • Potential for future development in the sport
  • Official certificates or proof of medals (Gold, Silver, Bronze).
  • Competition records or ranking lists from recognized sports authorities.
  • Photographic or media evidence (optional) of competition participation.

4. Cognitive and Subject Assessments (to be organised and taken at School Premises)

  • CAT4 (Cognitive Abilities Test): Minimum overall score of 100.
  • English Proficiency Test (EPT): Required for applicants whose first language is not English. The minimum requirements are:
    • Year 7-8: Intermediate Level- 40+ EPT Score/Intermediate Level Writing Skills Years 9-10: Upper-Intermediate Level- 55+ EPT Score
    • Year 12: Pre-advanced Level- 70+ EPT Score/Advanced Level Writing Skills
  • Subject Testing:
    • Year 10 (age 14) Applicants: GL tests for English, Mathematics, and Science
    • Year 12 (age 16) Applicants: Subject tests based on chosen A-Level subjects

An Excellence in the Creative Arts Scholarship – is awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding artistic ability, creativity, and achievement in the visual or performing arts. This scholarship recognizes students who have attained excellence through recognized competitions, exhibitions, performances, or other artistic accomplishments at a high level.

 

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must show both strong academic performance and exceptional artistic achievement through the following evidence:

1. Academic Performance

  • School reports for the previous three years showing consistent A grades or equivalent in all core subjects.
  • Demonstrated ability to maintain high academic standards alongside creative pursuits.

2. Artistic Excellence

Applicants must have achieved one or more of the following:

  • Gold, Silver, or Bronze Award or top placements in national or international creative arts competitions, exhibitions, or performances.
  • Recognition in fields such as music, visual arts, drama, dance, film, digital media, or design.
  • Demonstrated exceptional skill, originality, and commitment in their artistic field.

3. Supporting Evidence

  • A formal reference from a specialist tutor, headmaster, or arts instructor confirming:
    • Level of artistic achievement and training
    • Commitment, discipline, and creativity
    • Potential for continued excellence and growth

4. Portfolio Requirement

  • Submission of a portfolio of evidence showcasing outstanding artistic work and achievements.
    • For visual arts: a selection of artwork, sketches, or design projects
    • For performing arts: recordings, videos, or performance reviews
    • For other disciplines: relevant documentation of original creative work

5. Cognitive and Subject Assessments (to be organised and taken at School Premises)

  • CAT4 (Cognitive Abilities Test): Minimum overall score of 100.
  • English Proficiency Test (EPT): Required for applicants whose first language is not English. The minimum requirements are:
    • Year 7-8: Intermediate Level- 40+ EPT Score/Intermediate Level Writing Skills Years 9-10: Upper-Intermediate Level- 55+ EPT Score
    • Year 12: Pre-advanced Level- 70+ EPT Score/Advanced Level Writing Skills
  • Subject Testing:
    • Year 10 (age 14) Applicants: GL tests for English, Mathematics, and Science
    • Year 12 (age 16) Applicants: Subject tests based on chosen A-Level subjects

A Peace & Global Scholarship – is awarded to students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, empathy, and commitment to making a positive difference in their communities and beyond. This scholarship recognizes individuals who actively promote peace, social responsibility, sustainability, and global awareness through meaningful action and advocacy.

 

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must show strong academic performance and clear evidence of impactful community engagement:

1. Academic Performance

  • School reports for the previous three years, showing consistent A grades or equivalent in all core subjects.
  • Demonstrated ability to balance academic excellence with service and leadership commitments.

2. Community and Global Engagement

Applicants must provide documented evidence of:

  • Significant contribution or leadership in community service, humanitarian work, or peace-building initiatives.
  • Involvement in activities or organizations that promote environmental sustainability, human rights, equality, intercultural understanding, or social justice.
  • Demonstrated passion for global or local issues, and a sustained record of positive impact.

3. Recognition and Achievements

  • Awards, commendations, or public recognition for community or global initiatives (local, national, or international level) for the past three years.
  • Evidence of participation in youth leadership programs, Model United Nations (MUN), international exchange programs, or charitable projects for the past three years

4. Supporting Evidence

  • A formal reference from a teacher, headmaster, community leader, or project coordinator, confirming:
    • The applicant’s leadership, empathy, and community impact
    • Level of commitment and consistency in their contributions
    • Potential for future leadership in promoting peace and global awareness

5. Supporting Documentation

  • Written statement or portfolio of evidence highlighting the applicant’s community projects, leadership roles, and impact.
  • Letters of participation or certification from relevant organizations or initiatives.

6. Cognitive and Subject Assessments (to be organised and taken at School Premises)

  • CAT4 (Cognitive Abilities Test): Minimum overall score of 100.
  • English Proficiency Test (EPT): Required for applicants whose first language is not English. The minimum requirements are:
    • Year 7-8: Intermediate Level- 40+ EPT Score/Intermediate Level Writing Skills Years 9-10: Upper-Intermediate Level- 55+ EPT Score
    • Year 12: Pre-advanced Level- 70+ EPT Score/Advanced Level Writing Skills
  • Subject Testing:
    • Year 10 (age 14) Applicants: GL tests for English, Mathematics, and Science
    • Year 12 (age 16) Applicants: Subject tests based on chosen A-Level subjects

Admission Evaluation – eligible candidates will be invited to take the following admission assessments

  • Cognitive abilities test (CAT4) – will measure the reasoning abilities across verbal, non-verbal, quantitative, and spatial domains
  • English Placement test (EPT) that evaluates the proficiency in English language skills

Candidates must meet a minimum benchmark in both tests to proceed.

Candidates who pass this assessment step will be invited to take subject tests based on their year group

Y10 Applicants (Age 14 years on Sept 01) will be required to undergo an evaluation in English, Mathematics, and Science.

Y12 Applicants (Age 16 years on Sept 01) will be required to take Subject-specific tests (aligned with planned studies).