Amsterdam is one of the most accessible international school markets in Europe, but admissions still catch first-time families out. The Netherlands operates a hybrid system: alongside fully international private schools, parents can apply to Dutch international schools (DIPS) which are heavily subsidised by the Dutch government and charge a much lower parental contribution. This guide for 2026 walks expat families through the difference, the documents you will need, fee ranges in euros, and the realistic timeline for securing a place for August 2026.
The two-track Amsterdam school system
Amsterdam offers two distinct routes for non-Dutch-speaking families. The first is Dutch International Primary and Secondary Schools (DIPS), publicly funded by the Ministry of Education with a parental contribution of roughly 5,000 to 8,500 euros per year. Eligibility requires the child to have lived abroad for at least two of the past four years, or to expect to leave the Netherlands within a defined time frame. The second route is fully private international schools, where tuition ranges from 14,000 to 27,000 euros per year and there are no eligibility restrictions. Knowing which track you are eligible for is the first conversation to have with admissions.
Step 1: shortlist by track and curriculum
Inside the DIPS track, all schools follow the international primary curriculum or the IB MYP, with the IB Diploma at sixth form. Inside the private track, the British curriculum is the most common, followed by the IB. American curriculum schools are present but more limited; French and German systems are also available for nationals of those countries. Curriculum choice usually flows from the family's expected return country and the children's likely university destinations.
Step 2: schools to consider for 2026
The shortlist below includes both DIPS and private schools, all with full ISA profiles and admissions teams used to working with expat families.
The International School of Amsterdam
The largest IB World School in the Netherlands, in Amstelveen. Full IB continuum (PYP, MYP and Diploma) with a strong reputation among the diplomatic and senior corporate community. Private school fees apply.
Amsterdam International Community School (AICS)
A DIPS school with multiple campuses, IPC and IB MYP through to the IB Diploma. Subsidised parental contributions make this one of the most affordable international routes in Amsterdam, but eligibility rules apply.
The British School of Amsterdam
The longest-established British curriculum school in the Netherlands. EYFS through A-Levels in the city centre. Practical option for British families with a clear UK university pathway.
International French School of Amsterdam
French national curriculum from petite section through to baccalaureate, recognised by the Agence pour l'enseignement francais a l'etranger (AEFE). Suits French-speaking families and those targeting French universities.
Optimist International School
A smaller DIPS-affiliated international primary in Amsterdam with an IPC focus. Good fit for families wanting a more nurturing transition for younger children.
Step 3: documents you will need
The DIPS track has stricter document requirements. Plan for the following before opening application portals:
- Passport copies for the child and both parents
- Proof of recent international residence (utility bills, employment contracts) covering at least two of the last four years for DIPS eligibility
- Last two years of school reports translated to English or Dutch
- Birth certificate, apostilled if issued outside the EU
- BSN (Burgerservicenummer) for the child once registered with the municipality
- Vaccination record aligned with Dutch RIVM requirements
For private international schools, document requirements are lighter, but expect age-appropriate testing in English and maths, plus an interview for older children.
Step 4: fees, deposits and timeline
Plan for parental contributions of 5,000 to 8,500 euros at DIPS schools, and tuition of 14,000 to 27,000 euros at private international schools, plus a one-off enrolment fee of 1,000 to 4,000 euros. Apply between October 2025 and February 2026 for popular grade entries (Year 1, Year 7 and Year 12). DIPS allocations work on a centralised waiting list operated by the school federation, so apply to multiple schools in your preferred area to maximise your chances.
Where to look next
For a wider view of the Dutch market, see the ISA ranking of the best international schools in the Netherlands, with profiles, fees and parent reviews across Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam and Eindhoven.
Frequently asked questions
Are DIPS eligibility rules strict?
Yes. DIPS schools verify documentation showing your child has lived abroad recently or that the family expects to leave the Netherlands within a defined window. Misalignment with the rules typically means redirection to a private international school.
Do international schools in Amsterdam teach Dutch?
Yes. Both DIPS and private international schools offer Dutch as a second language from the early years. Families who plan to stay in the Netherlands long-term often place a meaningful weight on the strength of the Dutch programme when shortlisting.
How early should we apply for August 2026?
Aim to submit applications between October 2025 and February 2026. DIPS schools work through a centralised allocation list; private schools tend to be first-come-first-assessed once they reach capacity.