Netherlands
The Netherlands is home to a cosmopolitan expat community, a strong tech and finance sector, and unique pathways including the DAFT visa for US entrepreneurs.
Schools & Education in Netherlands for Expat Families
Expat families in the Netherlands can choose from various international schools, such as the Amsterdam International Community School and The International School of The Hague, which offer a range of curricula. Alternatively, children can attend state schools, where they will receive free Dutch language support, while adults can access free or subsidised language courses through the civic integration programme or ROC colleges. Highly skilled migrants are exempt from mandatory language courses, but can still access subsidised classes if needed.
Public vs. International Schools
| Public School | International School | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee | Free | €10,000–22,000/year |
| Language | Dutch | English (usually) |
| Curriculum | National curriculum | IB / British / American |
| Availability | All cities | Major cities only |
| Waiting list | None | Often 1–2 years |
Public school enrolment
All children aged 5–16 residing in the Netherlands are entitled and obligated to attend school. Contact your local gemeente (municipality) for school assignment. Dutch state schools are free and teach entirely in Dutch. Most municipalities have a central enrolment desk (centrale aanmelding) — register early as popular schools fill quickly.
Adults can access free or subsidised Dutch language (NT2) courses via Inburgering (civic integration programme) if required, or through ROC colleges (regionaal opleidingscentrum). Expats on a highly skilled migrant permit are exempt from mandatory inburgering but may still access subsidised classes. Children receive NT2 support free within the state school system.
International Schools in Netherlands
| School | City | Curriculum | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam International Community School (AICS) | Amsterdam | IB (PYP, MYP, Diploma) — primary and secondary, ages 4–18 | €8,000/yr |
| British School of Amsterdam | Amsterdam | English National Curriculum + IGCSE + A-Levels | €12,000/yr |
| International School Nijmegen (ISN) | Nijmegen | IB (PYP, MYP, Diploma) | €7,000/yr |
| The International School of The Hague (ISH) | The Hague | IB (PYP, MYP, Diploma) | €8,500/yr |