Amsterdam's private and international school admissions work quite differently from most other capitals. The system blends publicly funded international streams inside Dutch schools with a smaller set of fully private international schools. Understanding which track suits your family is the first step to getting a place for September 2026.
The two admissions tracks in Amsterdam
There are two routes to an international education in Amsterdam. The first is the DUO-subsidised international stream, where your child is admitted to a Dutch school that runs an English-medium international section at reduced fees. Entry requires registration with DUO (the Dutch education authority), an eligible expat status (your contract, not your passport) and proof of planned length of stay.
The second is the fully private international school track. These schools are independent of DUO subsidies, charge full tuition and admit based on their own criteria. They are usually the default route for families on shorter assignments or for those who need a specific curriculum.
Admissions timeline
The academic year starts in mid-August. For the main intake, open enrolment typically runs from the previous October, with offers issued between February and May. A practical timeline:
- October–December: shortlist and register interest with two or three schools.
- January–February: submit applications with documents and assessment fees.
- February–April: attend interviews, assessments and open visits.
- March–May: receive offers; deposits typically due within two to four weeks.
- June–August: finalise enrolment, BSN registration and school transport.
Documents you will need
Amsterdam schools expect a consistent document package. For DUO-subsidised streams, most of these are mandatory:
- Passport and residency permit (or IND sticker) for child and parents.
- BSN (burgerservicenummer) once issued after municipal registration.
- Employer letter with start date, contract length and expat status.
- Last two years of school reports, translated if not in English, Dutch or German.
- Birth certificate and, if applicable, custody or guardianship documents.
- Vaccination records on the Dutch RIVM-compatible format.
Top international schools in Amsterdam
The International School of Amsterdam
The International School of Amsterdam (ISA) is one of the longest established IB World Schools in the Netherlands, offering the full IB continuum from PYP to DP on a single campus in Amstelveen.
The British School of Amsterdam
The British School of Amsterdam delivers the English National Curriculum from early years through to IGCSE and A-Levels, and is a regular choice for UK-aligned families.
Amsterdam International Community School
Amsterdam International Community School (AICS) is a DUO-subsidised IB school, providing relatively affordable international education for eligible expat families.
International French School of Amsterdam
The International French School of Amsterdam teaches the French national curriculum and is the natural option for Francophone families.
Optimist International School
Optimist International School is an IB PYP primary school with a strong focus on inquiry-based learning.
Assessments and language support
From Year 2 upwards, most schools use CAT4 or MAP online assessments, a short written task, and a parent/child interview. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is strong across both tracks. For children under six, admission is typically based on a play-based observation.
Compare all international schools in the Netherlands
For an up-to-date comparison of schools, fees and curricula, see the best international schools in the Netherlands on International School Advisor.
Frequently asked questions
Do I qualify for the DUO-subsidised international stream?
Eligibility depends on expat status: you must be temporarily living in the Netherlands because of a parent's employment or be returning from overseas within a set timeframe. DUO publishes the current criteria annually.
How early should I register for a school place?
Aim for nine to twelve months ahead for the main August intake at selective schools, and six months minimum at most others. Mid-year places depend on attrition and are best confirmed by direct call to the registrar.
Is Dutch taught in international schools in Amsterdam?
Yes. Most international schools offer Dutch as a second language from early years, and DUO-subsidised streams include Dutch language and culture lessons as part of the national curriculum requirements.