Bilingual international schools in Amsterdam in 2026 sit at the intersection of two systems. On one side, the Dutch government supports state-funded bilingual programmes (TTO and DIES) that teach a Dutch national curriculum partly in English. On the other, fully private international schools deliver IB, British and American programmes in English with Dutch as a second language. For expat families, choosing between these two paths is the single most important early decision, because the cost, integration with Dutch life and exit options differ enormously.
Bilingual options at a glance
Three broad bilingual or English-medium school types exist in Amsterdam and the surrounding Noord-Holland region:
- DIES (International Departments in Existing Schools): state-funded primary stream where lessons run partly in English. Very affordable (a small parental contribution), but limited places and a strict admissions framework.
- TTO (Tweetalig Onderwijs): bilingual Dutch-English secondary stream, typically attached to a regular Dutch havo or vwo. Up to 50 per cent of lessons in English.
- Fully private international schools: tuition-paying IB or British schools (e.g. International School of Amsterdam, British School of Amsterdam) where the language of instruction is English and Dutch is offered as a second language.
Each path attracts a different family. DIES and TTO suit families who plan to settle in the Netherlands long term and want their children fluent in Dutch and integrated into the local system. Private international schools suit short-term assignments and families that prioritise IBDP transferability.
Top bilingual and international schools in Amsterdam
The International School of Amsterdam
Full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP) on a single campus in Amstelveen. One of the oldest IB World Schools in Europe. View school profile.
The British School of Amsterdam
English National Curriculum from Early Years to A Level. Strong choice for British or Commonwealth families. View school profile.
International French School of Amsterdam
French AEFE network school. French national curriculum from maternelle to terminale. View school profile.
De Nieuwe Internationale School Esprit
State-subsidised IPC primary plus secondary IGCSE and IBDP. A common bridge for expat families whose children join the Dutch system later. View school profile.
Optimist International School
Smaller IPC primary school catering to a mixed expat community in Amsterdam-Zuid. View school profile.
Amity International School Amsterdam
IB World School with PYP, MYP and DP. Modern campus in Amstelveen. View school profile.
How Dutch and English are balanced in the bilingual track
In a DIES primary, English typically rises from 15 per cent of teaching time in groep 1 to 30 to 50 per cent by groep 8. Dutch remains the core language for civic-life subjects (geography, history, biology) and for the CITO-style assessments that govern secondary school placement. In a TTO secondary (havo or vwo), about half of the lessons are in English in the first three years, with the IB Middle Years curriculum often integrated. Final exams are still the Dutch national exams, taken in Dutch (for vwo) with some subjects offered in English at the IB Diploma level.
Practically, this means a child placed in DIES or TTO needs to be willing and able to learn Dutch quickly. Strong English alone is not enough.
Admissions and waiting lists
Amsterdam's bilingual landscape is shaped by demand. Key practical points:
- DIES primary places are allocated through a lottery in some districts. The expat-status proof is essential.
- TTO secondary places require a strong CITO score (or equivalent at the international primary the child currently attends).
- Fully private international schools accept applications year-round but operate waiting lists. Apply 6 to 12 months ahead.
- Some employers' relocation packages explicitly exclude DIES and TTO, on the grounds that they are state schools. Confirm whether your allowance applies before you commit.
Fees for bilingual and international schools in Amsterdam (2026)
Fees vary by school type:
- DIES primary: EUR 4,000 to EUR 6,000 per year (voluntary parental contribution; statutory tuition is free for residents).
- TTO secondary: typically a school-fee top-up of EUR 500 to EUR 1,000 a year on top of the state-funded curriculum.
- Private international schools: EUR 19,000 to EUR 28,000 per year, plus enrolment fees of EUR 2,000 to EUR 5,000 and various extras.
Which path fits which family?
The pragmatic answer: choose DIES/TTO if you are staying 5+ years and want full Dutch integration. Choose a private international school if you expect to leave within 3 years or want IBDP for global university applications. For families in between, the fully private international schools that also teach Dutch alongside English (notably ISA and Esprit-affiliated schools) tend to bridge the two paths best. Compare the full Netherlands international school ranking before shortlisting.
Frequently asked questions
Do my children need to speak Dutch to attend DIES or TTO?
Not at entry, but they will be expected to learn Dutch rapidly. Many DIES schools provide intensive Dutch language support in the first year. TTO secondary entry usually assumes some Dutch already.
Can expat children switch between systems later?
Yes, but transitions back into the Dutch system after IB or IGCSE require a level of Dutch that many international school children do not have. Plan early.
Are bilingual schools the same as international schools in Amsterdam?
No. International schools are typically privately funded and teach in English. Bilingual programmes (DIES, TTO) are part of the Dutch state system and teach in Dutch with substantial English content.