Amsterdam has built a reputation as one of Europe's most welcoming cities for international families, and its bilingual schools sit right at the heart of that appeal. If you are moving to the Dutch capital with school-aged children, choosing the right bilingual programme will shape how quickly your kids settle in, how well they pick up Dutch, and how strong their academic foundation becomes for university. This guide walks through the bilingual education landscape in Amsterdam in 2026, the best international schools offering dual-language instruction, fee ranges, admissions tips, and the practical things expat parents wish they had known earlier.
Why bilingual schooling works so well in Amsterdam
The Netherlands is one of the few countries in the world where you can drop into a coffee shop, a bank or a hospital and conduct the entire conversation in English. That cultural openness extends to its schools. Bilingual programmes here typically combine Dutch with English, but you also find French, German and Spanish streams. Children who learn in two languages from a young age tend to develop stronger executive function, better problem solving and greater cultural flexibility, and the Dutch system has decades of experience integrating international students into local life without losing the international curriculum that supports a smooth move back home or onward to another country.
Curricula available in Amsterdam
You will find the full menu of international curricula in Amsterdam. The International Baccalaureate is the most common option across the Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma programmes. Cambridge International Curriculum with IGCSE and A-levels is well represented, particularly at British-style schools. The American curriculum with Advanced Placement courses is offered at a couple of institutions. There are also schools that follow the Dutch national curriculum but teach a meaningful share of subjects in English, which can be a good fit if your stay is long term and you want your children to integrate fully with Dutch peers.
Top international and bilingual schools in Amsterdam
The British School of Amsterdam
One of the oldest established international schools in the city, BSA follows the English National Curriculum from Early Years through to A-levels. The school has a strong pastoral tradition, small class sizes and a track record of placing graduates at Russell Group and Ivy League universities. Dutch is taught as a meaningful subject from a young age, giving pupils real fluency rather than tourist phrases. See the full school profile.
The International School of Amsterdam
ISA was the first school in the world to offer all four IB programmes from age three to eighteen. The campus in Amstelveen draws families from more than 50 nationalities, and the academic results are consistently among the strongest in continental Europe. The school has a serious sustainability programme and an enviable arts and sports infrastructure. View the ISA profile here.
Amsterdam International Community School
AICS is a publicly subsidised international school, which means fees are much lower than at the fully private institutions while still offering a complete IB pathway. It runs primary and secondary campuses across the city, including a popular site in the South. The waiting list moves quickly because new families arrive every term. Read more about AICS.
De Nieuwe Internationale School Esprit
DENISE is a remarkable bilingual project that mixes Dutch and English instruction across the day, serving both expat children and Dutch families who want their kids to grow up bilingual. Tuition is funded by the state for eligible families, which makes it one of the most affordable serious bilingual options in the city. Visit the DENISE listing.
Amity International School Amsterdam
Amity is a newer addition to the Amsterdam scene, opened in 2017 in Amstelveen with a clean modern campus and a full IB continuum. The school has invested heavily in technology and STEAM facilities, and it accepts students throughout the year, which suits families relocating mid-cycle. Check Amity's school page.
Fees you can expect in 2026
Bilingual and international school fees in Amsterdam vary widely depending on whether the school receives Dutch government funding. Publicly subsidised options like AICS and DENISE charge a parental contribution that typically falls in the range of 5,000 to 7,500 euros per year, which is extraordinary value for a full IB programme. Fully private schools sit much higher. The British School of Amsterdam runs from around 18,000 euros in early years up to around 30,000 euros for sixth form. ISA fees range from roughly 22,000 to 32,000 euros depending on year group. Amity fees fall between 17,000 and 29,000 euros. Add registration fees of 300 to 1,500 euros and a one-off capital levy at some schools that can reach 5,000 euros. Lunch, transport and uniforms are usually billed separately.
Admissions tips for international families
Apply early. Amsterdam has been a magnet for international talent for years and the well known schools have multi-term waiting lists in popular year groups. If your move is six months out, send your registration the moment you have a confirmed start date. Schools will usually ask for the last two years of school reports, a current teacher reference and proof of identity. Some require a short online assessment for older children to gauge English level and maths placement. The publicly subsidised schools may give priority to families with one parent on a defined skilled migrant or expat package, so check eligibility carefully. If your dream school is full, get on the waiting list anyway and choose a strong second option for the first year. Many families end up staying at their second choice because their child has settled and made friends.
Where to live with school logistics in mind
Amstelveen is the classic expat suburb because three of the largest international schools sit within a few kilometres of each other. The Zuidas and Buitenveldert neighbourhoods are popular with families who want a city feel and a short bike ride to school. Oud-Zuid offers period houses and easy tram links to several schools. If you choose a school in the centre, factor in cycling distance and weather, since most Dutch children get to school by bike from age six.
Read next
For a wider view of the country, browse the complete ranking of the best international schools in the Netherlands on International School Advisor.
Frequently asked questions
Do my children need to speak Dutch before starting?
No. International and bilingual schools in Amsterdam are designed for newcomers. Most offer a structured Dutch as an additional language programme, and children typically develop strong conversational Dutch within a year.
How competitive is admission to the top schools?
Demand is high but spaces open frequently because of expat turnover. Apply early, prepare a clean documentation pack and consider a publicly subsidised option as a backup. Mid-year admissions are common.
Are there scholarships available?
Some schools offer means-tested support and academic scholarships at sixth form level, but the system is much less developed than in the UK or US. The publicly subsidised schools are themselves the most powerful affordability lever.