The Hague is the political capital of the Netherlands and the world's "City of Peace and Justice", home to the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, Europol, Eurojust, NATO offices and a dense diplomatic and corporate community. Around 30 percent of professionals in the city work for an internationally oriented organisation. Demand for international school places is correspondingly high, and the admissions process can move quickly when posts are confirmed. This 2026 step-by-step admissions guide explains exactly what to do, in what order, to secure a place at an international school in The Hague.
How international schools work in the Netherlands
The Dutch government formally recognises international schools through two routes: subsidised Internationaal Georiënteerd Basisonderwijs (IGBO) and Internationaal Georiënteerd Voortgezet Onderwijs (IGVO), open to children whose parents are working in the Netherlands on an international assignment, and fully private international schools open to any family willing to pay full fees. Both follow international curricula but the subsidised route is significantly cheaper. Eligibility for the subsidised route is checked against your employer's posting and your nationality.
Top international schools in The Hague
International School The Hague
ISH offers IB PYP, MYP and the IB Diploma, and operates as a recognised IGBO/IGVO school. It is one of the larger international schools in the Netherlands and admits children whose parents are working temporarily in the country.
The British School in The Netherlands
BSN follows the English National Curriculum from Early Years to A-Level and IB Diploma, with sites across The Hague and surrounding municipalities. Admissions priority is given to families relocating from a British educational background, although places are open to any nationality.
American School of The Hague
ASH delivers an American curriculum from preschool to Grade 12, with both an American high school diploma and the IB Diploma in the senior years. It is the natural fit for families on US embassy or corporate postings.
European School The Hague
ESH is part of the Schola Europaea network and follows the European Schools curriculum, leading to the European Baccalaureate. Priority is given to children of staff at recognised European institutions, with second priority for paying private students.
Step-by-step admissions process
- Confirm eligibility for the subsidised IGBO/IGVO route using your employer's letter and proof of nationality where required.
- Shortlist 2 to 4 schools based on curriculum, language profile and commute. Several Hague schools schedule virtual tours for relocating families.
- Submit the online application, attaching a passport copy, school reports for the last two years and any standardised assessments.
- Pay the application fee (typically EUR 200 to EUR 500). For many schools this is non-refundable even if your move falls through.
- Sit the assessment. Children up to age 7 are usually observed informally; older applicants take English literacy and maths assessments aligned with their year level.
- Receive an offer. Decisions normally arrive within 2 to 6 weeks. The school will request a non-refundable acceptance fee within 7 to 14 days.
- Sign the enrolment contract and arrange the first instalment of fees, plus any capital or building fund contribution.
Required documents checklist
- Passport copy and Dutch residence permit if applicable.
- Last two academic years of school reports (translated into English where needed).
- Vaccination record (Rijksvaccinatieprogramma standards apply).
- Proof of address in or near The Hague.
- Employer letter confirming the international assignment, for IGBO/IGVO eligibility.
- BSN (Burgerservicenummer) once issued.
Language assessments
English is the working language across all major international schools, so applicants from a non-English background are typically assessed in English. Several schools also offer EAL or English as an Additional Language support up to year 8 or 9. Dutch is taught as a separate subject, and bilingual schools layer in significant Dutch instruction even for non-Dutch families.
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
- Missing the IGBO/IGVO eligibility window. The subsidised route is materially cheaper; check eligibility before paying full private fees.
- Applying too late. ISH and BSN regularly fill primary year groups by April for August.
- Underestimating commute. Several schools sit just outside the city, in Voorschoten, Wassenaar or Leidschenveen.
- Forgetting to budget for one-off building fund contributions, often EUR 1,500 to EUR 4,000.
For the wider Dutch ranking and to compare schools beyond The Hague, browse the best international schools in the Netherlands on International School Advisor.
Frequently asked questions
Can my child attend a subsidised IGBO school in The Hague?
Yes if you are working temporarily in the Netherlands for an international employer or your family meets the IGBO eligibility criteria, which include a non-Dutch nationality requirement for one of the parents in many cases.
Will The British School in The Netherlands accept non-British students?
Yes. BSN admits any nationality on a first-come basis once families relocating from British schools have been considered.
Are international school fees in the Netherlands tax deductible?
School fees are not generally deductible from Dutch income tax. The 30 percent ruling for skilled migrants may, however, allow employer reimbursement of school fees to be paid net of tax under defined conditions.