International Schools in the Netherlands: Your Complete Placement Guide

The Netherlands offers government-subsidized international schools (4,500-8,500 euros annually) and private international schools (15,000+ euros) with diverse curricula including International Baccalaureate, British, American, and IPC programs. The country has become genuinely attractive to expat families seeking quality international education, with government subsidies making it accessible without the enormous fees charged elsewhere.

Planning your child's education in the Netherlands? Find educational services and international schools to support your family's transition.

Government-Subsidized International Schools

These schools specifically serve expat families expecting temporary residence (typically 2-3 years) but welcome longer-term students. They teach primarily in English while incorporating Dutch language instruction, positioning students for either international transition or integration into Dutch systems eventually. Eligibility requires children come from expat families working or living temporarily in the Netherlands, or Dutch families returning from abroad.

Curriculum Options: IB, IPC, and National Systems

International Baccalaureate (IB): Recognized globally and particularly valued for university applications. Appears at roughly 23 schools across the country. IB Diploma Program offers rigorous academic preparation with emphasis on critical thinking and theory of knowledge.

International Primary Curriculum (IPC): Emphasizes intercultural awareness and student engagement for ages 5-12, based loosely on UK curriculum structures. Many schools combine IPC for primary years with IB for secondary.

British Curriculum Schools: Follow English National Curriculum structures, typically concluding with IGCSE qualifications and A-levels.

American Schools: Follow US academic progression, concluding with Advanced Placement (AP) options valuable for US university admission.

Bilingual Dutch Schools (TTOs)

Separate from international schools, seventeen Dutch primary schools and over 130 secondary schools offer bilingual education (Tweetalig Onderwijs, TTO), teaching some subjects in English while maintaining full Dutch curriculum requirements. These serve Dutch students seeking international educational exposure rather than expat families. Important note: bilingual schools require genuine Dutch proficiency beforehand. If children don't speak Dutch, they need immersion classes first before joining bilingual schools, since all final exams remain in Dutch.

Costs and Waiting Lists

Subsidized international schools charge 4,500-5,500 euros annually for primary, 5,500-8,500 for secondary, excellent value for quality international education. Private international schools range from 15,000-20,000+ euros annually, with substantially longer waiting lists balancing smaller class sizes and premium facilities. Waiting lists represent significant practical challenges. Popular schools maintain waiting lists stretching 2-4 years, particularly in Amsterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht. Applying well before intended enrollment dates is essential.

Choosing an International School

Start by identifying schools in your residential area or acceptable commuting distance, many families discover school location determines housing location rather than vice versa. Some international schools provide transportation; others don't, making commute viability crucial for daily family logistics. Visit prospective schools, ask about curriculum details, inquire about special support for new students, and assess whether school culture aligns with family values. Does the community feel welcoming to expat families? Are there adequate support services? What's the teacher-student ratio?

The Expat Family Perspective

International schools excel at welcoming expat families whose children's education might otherwise suffer during relocation. Diverse student populations naturally accommodate cultural adjustment, and teachers understand expat family dynamics. However, the transient nature, many families stay only 2-3 years, means fewer stable friendships develop compared to traditional schools. Your child will receive quality education regardless of destination, valuable for US, UK, or international university applications.