For partners Schule Schloss Salem International College
In the process of preparing the material, we referenced the following sources: Wikipedia, Ceoworld
Programs and prices, tuition fees in Schule Schloss Salem International College
A distinctive feature of the program for students of 13 to 15 years is the intensive nature of the studying. Academic classes are held on a five-day schedule. It is compulsory for each student at this stage to conduct an individual scientific study. The results of the work are formalized and provided to the teacher-curator in the form of a report.
Studies are conducted on the German educational system in German. After the 8th grade, children can transfer to the English system of instruction.
For students without German knowledge, special language educational programs are organized from scratch, with a view to their further understanding of the teaching material.
High school students are offered a choice of two programs:
- Abitur;
- IB.
The latter is preferred by an increasing number of students. A feature of IB in Salem International College is the intensity of the studying.
Under the program, students study 6 subjects from the following groups:
- Mathematics;
- Natural science;
- Social sciences;
- 1st language (most often native for the student);
- 2nd language (Spanish, French, German, English);
- Design and art.
In addition, the program involves the study of special disciplines:
- Theory of knowledge. The course is of a philosophical nature, focused on the development of critical thinking skills.
- CAS - an application program designed to counterbalance the academic rigor of the main IB modules.
- Essays - the course allows students to learn determining the field of interest, conducting research and competently from a scientific point of view to formalize its results.
Abitur is a program for obtaining a German matriculation certificate necessary for admission to German universities.
The children who have completed 13th grade, receive a certificate. At the same time, 4 final exams on basic subjects are submitted. For a foreign student to get Abitur, a minimum of two years of study at a German school is required.
Summer International Camp Schloss Salem accepts children aged 9 to 16 for teaching English and German. It is located in the beautiful and famous area of ​​Germany: classes take place right on the territory of Zalemsky Castle, which is only 11 kilometers south of Lake Constance - one of the natural pearls of Germany.
Once upon a time a Cistercian monastery was in the castle. From it, the school got vineyards, orchards and a magnificent cathedral.
Only 3 kilometers from the school there is a railway station. This branch connects the cities of Lindau, Friedrichshafen and Radolfzell.
International airports are also nearby: Zurich can be reached in 1 hour, and Stuttgart - in 2 hours.
Conditions of stay at the school are the most modern. There is everything for full and effective teaching, creative and sports activities. Students are engaged in small cozy classrooms. The school has a rich library, workshops of different orientations. The sports complex is a swimming pool, a large playground, several courts for tennis and a gym.
Standard English or German language studying program
- The number of lessons: 20 per week for 45 minutes.
- The group size: up to 14.
- The minimum course duration: 2 weeks.
- The required level of knowledge of the German language: beginner.
The first week
Morning classes in the summer language school consist of two blocks of 2 hours each. In the first block, students can choose for themselves different directions:
- Studying English;
- Studying German from an elementary level;
- Studying German for advanced students;
- Studying technical disciplines and natural sciences;
- The study of robotics;
- Music classes, that is, participation in a school musical group.
All classes are conducted by experienced teachers in small groups. English and German courses include grammar, speaking, listening and reading, writing.
By the end of the course, each group issues a student newspaper, over which students are enthusiastically working after classes.
The second block of morning classes of the first week is given to the education of a sense of responsibility, comradeship, team spirit. Pupils can study in sections:
- Fire services;
- Maritime service;
- Technical service;
- Ambulance services.
The second week
Guys can choose for themselves classes in the sections:
- Sculptures on wood;
- Photographs;
- Making wood products;
- Teaching painting;
- Working with textiles;
- Teaching the creation of motion pictures.
Leisure and excursions
In the second half of each school day, students are offered a choice of several types of outdoor activities:
- Breakdance classes;
- Field hockey exercises;
- Team sports - football, basketball, beach volleyball, water polo;
- Outdoor 1 includes mini-golf, swimming, beach volleyball and other activities;
- Complex Outdoor 2, including swimming, canoeing, cable car, mountain bike.
It is also possible to learn:
- Archery;
- Tennis;
- Sailing;
- On Saturday - day trips and excursions.
The school organizes hiking through the mountains, rivers, bicycles around the lake. You can also visit the Museum of Science and Technology.
After each trip a meeting of the traditional House Party club is arranged.
Sunday
This is a day of relaxation and free graphics. Breakfast later than the other days, schoolchildren swim in the lake, conduct orienteering games in the castle. In the evening, a bonfire is lit and a late supper is organized.
The last day of the summer school
On this day in the evening a large-scale presentation is usually held, pupils invite parents and friends. A compulsory part of it is a performance that shows what the guys have achieved during their studies. After that, a disco for the kids starts, and parents communicate with the teachers in an informal atmosphere, discussing the successes of their children.
What is included in the cost of the summer school curriculum:
- Trips to Lake Constance, the Alps, Switzerland, Austria;
- Teaching English or German (20 lessons per week);
- Accommodation of students in the residence for 3-4 people in each room;
- Meals on a full board basis;
- Providing study materials for classes;
- Initial testing of the level of language knowledge;
- At the end of studying - issuing a certificate of completion;
- The organization of sports, leisure and entertainment;
- One full day excursion per week.
Summer Language School Schloss Salem accepts children aged 12 to 14 years for studying English and German. It is located in the beautiful and famous area of ​​Germany: classes take place right on the territory of Zalemsky Castle, which is only 11 kilometers south of Lake Constance - one of the natural pearls of Germany.
Once upon a time a Cistercian monastery was in the castle. Vineyards, orchards and a magnificent cathedral were given to the school.
Only 3 kilometers from the school there is a railway station. This branch connects the cities of Lindau, Friedrichshafen and Radolfzell.
International airports are also nearby: Zurich can be reached within 1 hour, and to Stuttgart - in 2 hours.
Conditions of stay at the school are the most modern. There is everything for full and effective teaching, creative and sports activities. Students are engaged in small cozy classrooms. The school has a rich library, workshops of different orientations. The sports complex includes a swimming pool, a large playground, several courts for tennis and a gym.
Standard English and German language studying program
- The number of lessons: 20 per week for 45 minutes.
- The group size: up to 14.
- The minimum duration of the course: 2 weeks.
- The required level of knowledge of the German language: beginner.
The first week
Morning classes in the summer language school consist of two blocks of 2 hours each. In the first block, students can choose for themselves different directions:
- Learn English;
- Studying German from the initial level;
- Studying German for advanced students;
- Studying technical disciplines and natural sciences;
- Studying robotics;
- Music classes, that is, participation in a school musical group.
All classes are conducted by experienced teachers in small groups. English and German language courses include basic directions:
- Grammar;
- Spoken language;
- Listening and reading;
- Writing.
By the time the course ends, each group issues a student newspaper, over which students are enthusiastically working after class.
The second block of morning classes of the first week is given to the education of a sense of responsibility, comradeship, team spirit. Pupils can study in sections:
- Fire safety services;
- Marine service;
- Technical service;
- Ambulance services.
The second week
The international students can choose for themselves occupations in the following sections:
- Sculptures on wood;
- Photographs;
- Making wood products;
- Teaching painting;
- Working with textiles;
- Teaching the creation of motion pictures.
Leisure and excursions
In the second half of each school day, students are offered a choice of several types of outdoor activities:
- Breakdance classes;
- Field hockey exercises;
- Team sports - football, basketball, beach volleyball, water polo;
- Complex Outdoor 1, which includes mini-golf, swimming, beach volleyball and other activities;
- Outdoor 2 complex including swimming, canoeing, cable car, mountain bike.
You can also master your skills in:
- Archery;
- Tennis;
- Sailing.
Saturday is a day of hikes and excursions.
The school organizes one-day hikes along the mountains, rivers and bicycles around the lake. You can also visit the Museum of Science and Technology.
Excursions include visits to:
- Lake Constance,
- Alps,
- Switzerland,
- Austria.
After each trip, a meeting of the traditional House Party club is arranged.
Sunday
This is a day of relaxation and free graphics. Breakfast later than the other days, schoolchildren swim in the lake, conduct orienteering games in the castle. In the evening, a fire is lit and a late dinner is organized.
The last day of the summer school
This day in the evening is usually held a large-scale presentation, students invite parents and friends. A compulsory part of it is a performance that shows what the guys have achieved during their studies. After that, a disco for the kids starts, and parents communicate with the teachers in an informal atmosphere, discussing the successes of their children.
What is included in the cost of the summer school curriculum:
- English or German language studying (20 lessons per week);
- Student residence in a 3- 4 people in each room;
- Meals on full board basis;
- Providing teaching materials for classes;
- Initial testing of the level of language knowledge;
- Issuing a certificate of completing the course;
- The organization of sports, leisure and entertainment;
- One full day excursion per week.
Description of Schule Schloss Salem International College
- Location: Germany, Zalem, Uberlingen
- Age of students: 10 -19 years old
- Educational programs: Abitur, International Baccalaureate
- Number of students: about 700
- Year of foundation: 1920
- Type of studying: mixed
- Accommodation: boarding house, for students fron 10 years old
- Ranking: one of the few schools in the country where IB program is offered. Academic results of the graduates of the course: A*-B - 95%.
Schule Schloss Salem International College is one of the largest boarding schools in Germany. It represents a large-scale complex with separated campuses for junior, middle and senior students. Today, the college has an international status. Along with the German program Abitur, IB is recognized worldwide.
In the college students receive not only academic skills. Particular attention in school is given to sports activity - the educational institution has several national teams. Each campus has a modern sports infrastructure.
Extra-curricular program of the school provides social work. Students can receive volunteer experience. The school cooperates with many social organizations of various profiles.
Why are German schools considered so special?
German schools, especially international ones, have a reputation for rigorous academic programs, holistic education, strong emphasis on languages, and a globally recognized curriculum. The blend of a German base and international standards makes them attractive.
Educational process
The pedagogical system of Salem is built on the principle of "learning with head, heart, and hands": the emphasis is on understanding connections between phenomena, rather than on mechanical memorization.
From grade 7, student self-governance is in place — a student council, a services conference, and a wing assembly; in the upper grades — a student parliament and an academic council.
From grade 8, classes in International Classes are taught in English following the German curriculum. Class size is 10–20 students, with a teacher-to-student ratio of 1:4. A typical school day: morning run at 6:45, classes 8:00–13:30, followed by practical sessions and a self-study hour in the afternoon.
In the upper grades (11–12), education is structured around the principle of independence with tutorial support; libraries serve as multimedia learning spaces. Career guidance begins in grade 9: consultations, seminars, workshops, and preparation for standardized international exams. The psychological service and medical ward operate around the clock.
The advanced humanities track plus-KULTUR (from grade 10) covers history, politics, philosophy, ethics, religion, geography, and art; its formats include mastermind sessions, Socratic seminars, essay workshops, debates, and project work with external partners. Graduates receive the Zalemer Profilzeugnis — an extended certificate of participation in the school's services, sports, political, and artistic life.
Faculties and colleges
Schule Schloss Salem offers education from grade 5 to grade 12, as well as the three-year Aufbaugymnasium 10PLUS program. It is the only school in Germany where International Classes begin from grade 8 and allow students to choose between the Abitur and an international diploma after grade 10. The ratio of Abitur graduates to international diploma graduates is approximately 170 to 110.
- German Abitur (grades 5–12). A state-recognized gymnasium program in the German language. Foreign languages: English from grade 5, Latin or French as a second language from grade 6, Spanish or French as a third language from grade 8.
- International Classes (grades 8–10). A German program taught in English: opens the path to both the Abitur and the international diploma.
- International diploma (grades 11–12, Year 1–2). A two-year program: approximately 70% of the final grade consists of written exams, approximately 30% — internal assessments. Mandatory components: Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, CAS. Individual certificates are available without completing the full program.
- Aufbaugymnasium 10PLUS. A three-year Baden-Württemberg program (Abitur in 3 years) for graduates of Realschule, Gemeinschafts-/Gesamtschule, Waldorfschule, and foreign schools.
- plus-KULTUR (from grade 10). An advanced humanities track; competitive selection.
- Salem International Summer Camps. Programs for children aged 9–16: Kids Camp (ages 9–11), Junior Camp (ages 12–14), Senior Camp (ages 14–16). Duration — 2 weeks.
- Salem Future Skills Summit: intensive program for students in grades 4–9 (ages 9–15) lasting approximately one week.
Scientific achievements
- The International Diploma Programme received 17 distinctions in the official 2020 evaluation report: language policy, Theory of Knowledge component, cultural awareness.
- Graduates scored 41 and 43 points on the International Diploma (out of a maximum of 45).
- In 2025, an exhibition of works by world-class artists was held on the school's grounds.
- The International Diploma Programme was featured in the international journal Relocate Magazine.
Things to know about
- Schule Schloss Salem — the largest and most well-known boarding school in Germany: around 600 students from more than 45 countries, with approximately 95% living on campus.
- Salem Castle was a Cistercian abbey from 1134 to 1802 — that is about 700 years of monastic history before the school was established.
- Kurt Hahn's «7 Laws of Salem»: give young people the opportunity to discover themselves, experience victories and defeats, and free the children of the wealthy from a sense of privilege.
- The CAS component of the International Baccalaureate program was created under the direct influence of the Salem system.
- The Kurt Hahn Archive has been kept since 2011 in the District Archive of the Bodenseekreis at Salem Castle; its oldest documents date back to 1919–1920.
- The alumni association (founded in 1950) has more than 4,000 members and convenes every two years.
- The school is located on Lake Constance at the junction of Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Liechtenstein.
- Among the equipment purchased with funds from the school's friends foundation: a concert grand piano, telescopes, robotic construction sets, a fire truck, and a rescue boat.
Accommodation, meals, prices
Students are offered accommodation in 2 - 4-bed rooms in residences on campuses. In general, there are kitchens, laundries, rest rooms. Self-studying classes with Internet access are also available in the residences.
Children of all ages get board meals. There is a dining room in each campus. Students have a varied menu with German cuisine.
Subjects and sports
Activities Schule Schloss Salem International College
Extracurricular life is built on three interconnected areas: volunteer services (Dienste), expedition learning, and creative activities.
- Every student is required to participate in one of the volunteer services for 3–4 years: fire protection, Red Cross, Technical Relief Service, water rescue service, environmental service, assistance to the elderly, work with children with special needs, language classes for refugees. The CAS component of the international diploma was, incidentally, created under the direct influence of this service system.
- The expedition program includes overnight hikes, multi-week expeditions, and a mandatory 9-day expedition to Norway for 9th-grade students. The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award (Bronze/Silver/Gold) is in operation. In the upper grades, Model UN, a debate club, a senior school student forum, an academic Council, and a Student Parliament are available.
- Sports: traditional hockey and more than 20 other options, including sailing, rock climbing, basketball, and tennis. Creative activities: instrumental lessons, school orchestra, choir, ceramics, theatrical and musical productions. Craft workshops (Innungen): metal, wood, clay, fabric, carpentry and lathe work, precision mechanics. An annual May Ball and Maypole raising, formal dinners and balls, and exchange programs with French schools are held each year.
Advantages
- This is the largest boarding school in Germany and one of the most prestigious educational institutions in Europe. School diploma or certificate is a guarantee of a high level of the student's academic preparation.
- The school is very conveniently located. The high school campus is a part of the coastal lake area. Students are given an opportunity to learn how to sail. Lake Constance is a great place for first steps in sailing. Extreme rock lovers can take part in climbing lessons.
- At the school special attention is paid to discipline, regime and academic requirements. The school will be an excellent choice for students who need clear organization of studying time, leisure, constant monitoring by adults.
- The school is characterized by modern technical equipment and high level of material resources.
Facilities and equipment at Schule Schloss Salem International College
The school occupies Hohenfels castle in suburbs of Uberlingen. The middle one is located in the old Salem complex. The new Haerlen campus belongs to the eldest.
The educational infrastructure of each complex is represented by classrooms, laboratories, a library, computer classes. Sports includes several halls and open facilities (playing fields, playgrounds). Also, there are perfectly equipped recreation areas. Residential fund of the school is represented by residences.
Admission dates and extra charges
Additional fees:
- Deposit
- Registration fee
Extras:
- Registration fee (for a programme/course) 1800 EUR
- Deposit for a course/programme 10800 EUR
Perspectives
Among the graduates are specialists in diplomacy, science, business, culture, and international organizations. One graduate completed the Philosophy, Politics and Economics faculty at the University of Oxford, then earned a Master's degree from the London School of Economics in economics and philosophy, and defended a doctoral dissertation in economics in Munich in 2023. Among other graduates are a conductor, the director of a major optical concern, a specialist at an international migration organization, an expert in renewable energy, and a designer at a world-renowned fashion house.
Entry requirements, how to apply, what is required to enrol
- German gymnasium program (Abitur): fluent German language proficiency.
- International Classes and international diploma: fluent English language proficiency, entrance testing in several subjects.
- Enrollment in grades 5–11 — from the beginning of the academic year; in grade 12 or mid-year — only in individual cases.
- For the 10PLUS program: graduates of Realschule, Gemeinschafts-/Gesamtschule, Waldorfschule, or foreign schools.
- For participation in the plus-KULTUR program — a separate competitive selection process.
Trial days and visits are conducted only with a complete set of documents and positive enrollment prospects.
Scholarships Schule Schloss Salem International College
Schule Schloss Salem has the largest scholarship program among German private schools: the scholarship fund amounts to approximately 3.2 million euros, and about 20% of students receive financial support. The school's goal is to bring this share to over 30%.
Scholarships are available to gifted children from low-income families, orphaned children, and refugee children. The basic scholarship amounts to 6,000 euros per year (500 euros per month), regardless of family income. Patronage scholarships cover full, half, or quarter tuition costs.
Partner foundations include: Kurt-Hahn-Stiftung (founded in 1984), Wolfgang Dürr Stiftung, Beck'sche Stiftung Berlin, Esther+Silvius Dornier Stiftung, private individuals, and parents. All donations go directly to projects or scholarships with no administrative deductions.
Additional benefits:
- 10% discount when multiple children from the same family study simultaneously,
- 1.5% discount for alumni.
Smapse specialists will guide you through every stage of the scholarship application process.
Literature and references
Institution on the map
Residence permits, citizenship and other services
- Guardianship services during the studies
- Student supervision
Review about Schule Schloss Salem International College
Recommendations on when to apply
| Language courses, schools and children's language camps | Primary and secondary education - private schools | Preparation programmes for entering universities - higher education | Higher education (after completing accredited programs A-level, IB, High School) - Bachelor, Master, MBA |
| - we recommend to apply 6-9 months before the start of the course (some camps and schools offer discounts for early booking or for lengthy study programs) - there are some very popular and high demand children's camps, where the applications need to be submitted 1 year in advance (in particular Switzerland , Great Britain , USA , Canada , Austria) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the training program, - some schools have a specific time frame (September-November - please specify an individual school) - some schools require tests in several stages (UKISET, internal tests of the school: English, mathematics, logics, subjects, interview, some require a personal visit) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the program, - for Foundation and Pathway programs, IELTS and TOEFL certificates are usually required, respectively | - recommended submission one year before the start of the program, - the deadline normally closes in January, for TOP HEIs and, as a rule, in March in other universities - for a bachelor, a Foundation or Pathway preparatory program a completed A-level, IB, High School + IELTS / TOEFL are required - for Masters you need a graduated higher education, in some cases you need a pre-Masters program - MBA requires completed higher education, work experience preferably at least 2-3 years, etc. |
