International Schools in the Netherlands 2026: Full Guide

Choosing a school is the decision that keeps my expat parent clients up at night more than anything else – even more than housing. I get it. IB or British curriculum? Is it worth paying twenty thousand euros a year? Will my child be okay switching mid-year? Having gone through international schooling myself as a half-British, half-Dutch kid, and now advising families on this decision regularly, I know how much it matters. Here is my guide to help you make the right call.

New to the Netherlands? Start with our complete guide to moving to the Netherlands for the full picture.

Cost Overview

Additional costs to budget for:

• Registration/enrollment fee: €500-€3,000 (one-time, non-refundable)
• Capital levy/building fund: €1,000-€5,000 (one-time)
• School trips and excursions: €200-€800/year
• Lunch program: €500-€1,200/year
• Uniforms (if required): €200-€500/year
• After-school activities: €300-€1,500/year
• School bus service: €1,500-€4,000/year

Employer contribution: Many companies include school fee allowances in expat packages, especially for highly skilled migrants. This can cover 50-100% of tuition. Negotiate this before accepting a position.

International school fees are a major part of any expat family’s budget. Our housing budget tool helps you model education costs alongside rent, utilities, and childcare to get a realistic picture of what you can afford.

Model your total family costs →

Types of Curricula

International Baccalaureate (IB) — Most Common

The IB is the most widely offered curriculum in Dutch international schools. It consists of three programs:

• PYP (Primary Years Programme, ages 3-12) — Inquiry-based learning across six transdisciplinary themes
• MYP (Middle Years Programme, ages 11-16) — Eight subject groups with global contexts
• DP (Diploma Programme, ages 16-18) — Rigorous pre-university qualification recognized worldwide

Best for: Families who may relocate again, as the IB is recognized in 150+ countries.

British Curriculum

Several schools offer the English National Curriculum leading to IGCSEs and A-levels. This is a subject-specialist approach with external examinations.

Best for: Families from the UK or planning to send children to British universities.

American Curriculum

A few schools offer the American curriculum with AP (Advanced Placement) courses and an American high school diploma.

Best for: American families or those planning higher education in the US.

Bilingual Dutch-International

Some regular Dutch schools have international departments that combine the Dutch curriculum with English-language instruction. These often receive government funding, making them significantly cheaper (€0-€5,000/year).

Best for: Families planning to stay long-term in the Netherlands who want their children to integrate into Dutch society while maintaining an international perspective.

Top Schools by City

Amsterdam

The Hague

The Hague has the highest concentration of international schools due to its role as the diplomatic and international law capital.

Rotterdam

Eindhoven

Enrollment Process: Step by Step

1. Research and shortlist (6-12 months before)

• Visit school websites and attend open days (usually October-January)
• Check waiting lists — some schools in Amsterdam have 1-2 year waits
• Consider your commute, as school bus services are expensive

2. Apply (3-6 months before)

• Complete the application form with required documents
• Typically needed: passport copies, previous school reports, medical records, proof of address (or planned address)
• Pay the non-refundable application fee (€100-€500)

3. Assessment

• Most schools conduct an assessment: academic test, interview, or trial day
• For younger children, this is usually observational
• English language proficiency may be tested for non-native speakers

4. Acceptance and enrollment

• Accept the offer and pay the registration fee
• Some schools require a deposit (first term’s tuition)
• Complete medical and emergency contact forms

5. Orientation

• Attend parent orientation sessions
• Most schools offer a buddy system for new students
• Schools typically provide Dutch language support for students who need it

Dutch Schools with English Streams: The Affordable Alternative

Not every expat family needs a fully private international school. If you are planning to stay in the Netherlands for several years — or permanently — Dutch schools with English-language programs are worth serious consideration. They are significantly cheaper and, in many cases, academically excellent.

Tweetalig Onderwijs (TTO): Bilingual Schools

The Netherlands has a well-developed network of tweetalig (bilingual) secondary schools (TTO), where at least 50% of lessons are taught in English. These are regular Dutch secondary schools (often VWO, the university-preparatory track) that have been certified to offer bilingual education.

Key facts:

• Tuition: Free (government-funded, part of the regular Dutch school system)
• Language: Dutch + English instruction
• Curriculum: Dutch national curriculum (not IB)
• Qualification: Dutch diploma (VWO/HAVO), recognised throughout Europe
• Availability: 150+ certified TTO schools across the Netherlands

TTO schools are excellent for expat children who will complete secondary school in the Netherlands and go on to a Dutch or European university. They are not suitable for children who may need to transfer to another international school system mid-way.

Search for certified TTO schools at nuffic.nl or via the Stichting Tweetalig Onderwijs.

International Departments in Dutch State Schools

Several municipalities have created international departments (ISK and schakelklassen) within regular Dutch primary schools. These offer English as a medium of instruction alongside intensive Dutch language acquisition, with subsidised fees.

Examples:

• Amsterdam International Community School (AICS) — Subsidised, €6,000–€8,000/year, open to non-EU families
• International School of The Hague (ISH) primary — Government-subsidised; significantly cheaper than fully private schools
• International School Eindhoven (ISE) — Partly subsidised, strong value especially for STEM families

Why this matters financially: A subsidised international department at €6,000–€8,000/year versus a private international school at €15,000–€22,000/year is a difference of €7,000–€14,000 per child per year. Over a 4-year secondary school period, that is up to €56,000 per child.

Primary School Age: The Strongest Case for Dutch Schools

For children under 8, I consistently recommend Dutch primary schools to expat parents who expect to stay more than 2 years. Children at this age acquire languages incredibly quickly — most are fluent conversational Dutch within 6–9 months. The Dutch primary school curriculum (groep 1–8) is well-structured, play-based in the early years, and free. For younger children not yet at school age, see our guide to childcare in the Netherlands for what to expect from kinderopvang and peuterspeelzaal options.

The main challenge is settling-in support. Ask the school about:

• Dutch language support classes (NT2, Dutch as a second language)
• Whether there are other international children in the class
• How the school communicates with parents (many use apps like Parro or Social Schools — check for English options)

Tuition Fees: A Realistic Cost Breakdown

The headline tuition numbers earlier give you the range. Here is what total annual cost actually looks like when you add the extras — and they add up fast.

Primary School (Ages 4–12)

Secondary School (Ages 12–18)

Two children in secondary school at a private international school in Amsterdam: €40,000–€60,000+/year in total costs. This is why employer packages and the 30% ruling matter so much.

Use our 30% ruling calculator to see exactly how much extra net income the tax benefit adds — for many highly skilled migrant families, it effectively covers primary school fees.

The 30% Ruling and School Fee Deductions

The 30% ruling does not directly deduct school fees — but it substantially increases your take-home pay, making those fees more manageable. Here is how it works in practice.

How the 30% Ruling Helps

Under the 30% ruling, 30% of your salary is paid as a tax-free expense reimbursement. On a €100,000 gross salary, roughly €30,000 becomes tax-free — saving approximately €11,000–€15,000 in income tax annually depending on your bracket.

That extra net income is yours to allocate however you choose, including school fees. For many families, the 30% ruling effectively offsets the cost of one child’s primary school tuition.

Calculate your benefit: Use our 30% ruling calculator to see your specific net gain.

International School Fee Allowance from Your Employer

This is separate from the 30% ruling and worth negotiating before you accept a Dutch position. Many large employers — particularly multinationals, tech companies, and financial institutions — include an international school fee allowance in their expat packages. This can cover:

• 50–100% of tuition for one or more children
• Sometimes capped at a specific annual amount (e.g., €15,000 per child)
• Usually paid directly to the school or reimbursed against invoices

The school fee allowance paid by your employer is not directly deductible by you — it is an employer benefit (often included in your CLA or individual contract). Under the 30% ruling, this benefit may be structured as a tax-free reimbursement if it falls within the “extraterritorial costs” category. Ask your company’s HR or a tax advisor.

What Cannot Be Deducted

Personal school fee payments are not directly deductible from your Dutch income tax. The old “scholingsuitgaven” (education expenses) deduction was abolished in 2022. The subsidy picture for private international school fees is therefore:

• No government subsidy for tuition
• No personal income tax deduction
• Possible employer reimbursement (employer’s cost, potentially structured tax-efficiently)
• 30% ruling increases net income but does not specifically earmark school fees

The exception: if your child attends a government-subsidised international school (AICS, ISH primary, ISE), you are already benefiting from public funding — their lower fees reflect the subsidy.

For context on how school fees fit into your full family budget in the Netherlands, see our cost of living guide.

Dutch Schools vs International Schools

Important note: Dutch primary education starts at age 4 (group 1), earlier than many other countries. If you are moving with a 4-year-old, they can start school almost immediately.

Tips for Choosing the Right School

1. Visit in person — Open days give you a feel for the school culture that websites cannot convey. Talk to other parents.

2. Consider your timeline — If you are staying 2-3 years, an international school keeps options open. If staying permanently, consider Dutch or bilingual schools.

3. Check the commute — School runs in the Netherlands are often done by bicycle. If the school is far away, factor in bus costs (€1,500-€4,000/year).

4. Ask about support services — Good international schools offer English language support (EAL), learning support, and counseling.

5. Look at IB results — Schools publish their IB Diploma pass rates and average scores. The global average is 30 points; good Dutch international schools average 33-36.

6. Negotiate with your employer — School fees are one of the most expensive parts of expat life. Many employers will contribute, especially in the tech sector in Amsterdam and Eindhoven.

7. Consider after-school care — Dutch schools end around 15:00. BSO (buitenschoolse opvang) is available but costs €400-€800/month. Some international schools offer extended day programs.

Financial Help and Subsidies

While fully private international schools receive no government funding, there are ways to reduce costs:

• Employer packages — The most significant source of financial help. Always negotiate.
• 30% ruling — If you qualify for the 30% ruling, your effective income is higher, making school fees more affordable.
• Government-subsidized international departments — Schools like AICS (Amsterdam), ISH (The Hague primary), and ISE (Eindhoven) are partly funded, with tuition of €5,000-€8,000.
• Kinderopvangtoeslag — Childcare subsidies (for BSO/after-school care) are available for international school children, based on income.
• Sibling discounts — Some schools offer 5-15% discounts for second and subsequent children.

When your child transitions to an international school, helping them connect with Dutch peers outside school hours makes a big difference.

Comparing Curriculum Types: Which Is Right for Your Child?

Choosing between curriculum types is often the most important educational decision expat parents make. Here is the practical breakdown.

International Baccalaureate (IB): The IB is the most portable curriculum globally. If you move countries frequently, IB qualifications are recognised almost everywhere. The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP, ages 3–12), Middle Years Programme (MYP, ages 11–16), and Diploma Programme (DP, ages 16–19) form a coherent pathway. The DP is highly regarded by universities worldwide, including in the Netherlands, UK, US, and elsewhere. IB schools in the Netherlands include the International School of Amsterdam (ISA), the British School in the Netherlands (BSN primary), and others.

Consideration: IB is academically demanding, particularly at the DP level. It rewards students who are comfortable with independent research, extended essays, and multiple assessed components. If your child will be applying to Dutch universities, the IB diploma is accepted.

British Curriculum (National Curriculum / GCSE / A-Levels): The British curriculum is familiar and highly regarded internationally. GCSE results at 16 and A-Levels at 18 are recognised by UK universities and increasingly by other international institutions. The British School in the Netherlands (BSN) and several smaller schools follow this curriculum. A-Level results are often the most direct path back to UK university entry.

American Curriculum: Less common in the Netherlands than IB or British, but available at the American School of the Hague and a few other institutions. Suitable for families who expect to return to the US for university. The curriculum culminates in a US high school diploma with AP (Advanced Placement) courses for university preparation.

Dutch International Schools (Tweetalig Onderwijs — TTO): Several Dutch schools offer bilingual education (Dutch and English) within the Dutch national curriculum. These are significantly cheaper (often free or with nominal fees for registered Dutch residents) but require the child to engage substantially with Dutch. For expats planning a 5+ year stay with the intention of integrating, TTO can be an excellent option that bridges international and local education.

Settling Your Child Into School

The transition to a new school in a new country is a significant life event for children. A few things that genuinely help:

Before starting: Visit the school with your child before the first day if at all possible. A physical visit reduces first-day anxiety enormously. Most international schools offer this for new students.

The language adjustment: Even in an English-medium school, children who are not native English speakers face a language challenge. Most international schools have EAL (English as an Additional Language) support built in. Discuss your child’s current language level with the admissions team before starting.

Social adjustment: International schools are actually well-designed for new arrivals because most students have experienced being new at some point. The culture tends to be welcoming. Encourage your child to join after-school activities, sports, or clubs from the first week — social connections through shared interests form faster than classroom friendships.

For parents: Get to know other parents through the school’s parent community or parent-teacher organisation (often called the PTA or school council). International school parent networks are usually active and are one of the best sources of practical local knowledge for newly arrived expat families. Our inburgering route builder can also help you (as the parent) handle the integration process alongside your child’s schooling.

Check your own integration requirements →

Related Guides

• Complete Guide to Moving to the Netherlands 2026 — Everything you need to know about relocating
• Cost of Living in the Netherlands 2026 — Budget planning including education costs
• Moving to Amsterdam 2026 — City-specific guide including school options
• Moving to Rotterdam 2026 — Rotterdam-specific relocation guide
• The 30% Ruling Explained — Tax benefit that helps offset school costs

Last updated: March 2026.