Amsterdam attracts expat families partly because Dutch schools are unusually open to multilingual learners. The city has a deep ecosystem of bilingual and international schools that combine English, Dutch, French and German programmes — many of them subsidised by the Dutch state. Choosing a bilingual school in Amsterdam in 2026 is less about whether your child will be exposed to two languages, and more about which combination matches your relocation timeline and university plan.
What "bilingual" means in Amsterdam
Three models dominate. State-subsidised Dutch International Primary and Secondary Education (DIPS / DIPS-DSE) schools blend the Dutch national curriculum with at least 50 percent of teaching in English. Fully private international schools deliver IB or English National Curriculum entirely in English with structured Dutch language support. National-system bilingual schools — French, German and Spanish — follow a single home-country curriculum with Dutch and English added throughout primary and secondary.
Each model has admissions implications. Subsidised DIPS schools usually require proof of a temporary international assignment — typically a contract of three to seven years. Fully private international schools have no nationality or residence requirement. Embassy-linked French, German and Spanish schools prioritise their own nationals before opening waitlists more widely.
Top bilingual international schools in Amsterdam
The International School of Amsterdam (ISA)
One of the original IB World Schools globally, ISA runs PYP, MYP and DP from age 3 to 18 in English, with Dutch language and culture lessons embedded across the school. A natural fit for families who want a portable IB pathway with strong Dutch integration.
View International School of Amsterdam profile
Amsterdam International Community School (AICS)
A subsidised DIPS / DIPS-DSE school with three campuses across Amsterdam (South-East, West and the new Central campus). Combines IB PYP, MYP and DP with a strong Dutch culture and language strand.
The British School of Amsterdam
The English National Curriculum from Reception to Year 13, including IGCSE and A Levels. Dutch is taught as a second language from the early years. Popular with British, Australian and South African families.
View British School of Amsterdam profile
International French School of Amsterdam
A trilingual French-Dutch-English school accredited by the French Ministry of Education. Suits families on shorter Amsterdam assignments who plan to return to a French-speaking school system.
View International French School profile
De Nieuwe Internationale School Esprit (DENISE)
A subsidised bilingual school in Amsterdam West offering primary and secondary in Dutch and English. A strong fit for families settling in Amsterdam medium-term who want a Dutch credential alongside English fluency.
How language balance changes by age
In subsidised DIPS schools, Dutch usually accounts for 25 to 40 percent of curriculum time in primary years and is gradually reduced as IB MYP and DP courses take over in secondary. Private international schools deliver almost everything in English, with Dutch as a daily subject — typically 4 to 6 hours per week. Embassy-linked schools mirror their home curriculum: a French school will follow Programmes Officiels but include 2 to 4 hours per week of English and Dutch.
Fees and subsidies
Subsidised DIPS schools charge a parental contribution of EUR 4,500 to EUR 6,500 per year (2026 estimate) — a fraction of fully private fees. Fully private international schools in Amsterdam range from EUR 19,000 to EUR 27,000 per year for primary and EUR 24,000 to EUR 34,000 for upper secondary, plus enrolment, capital and exam fees. Embassy-linked schools sit between the two ranges, usually EUR 9,000 to EUR 16,000 per year.
Admissions notes for 2026
For September 2026 entry, contact subsidised schools by January 2026. AICS and DENISE manage centralised waitlists and require proof of an international assignment. Fully private schools assess on a rolling basis — the British School of Amsterdam and ISA tend to fill primary year groups by April. Children entering Year 7 or the IB Diploma should sit a placement assessment in March or April; offers are typically issued within four weeks.
Compare schools across the Netherlands
Browse the curated city ranking with curricula and contact details: ISA — Best Schools in the Netherlands.
FAQ
Do I need to live in Amsterdam to enrol my child in a bilingual school?
For subsidised DIPS schools, yes — proof of an international assignment is required. Fully private schools have no residence requirement, and many families settle in Amstelveen, Haarlem or Zaandam and commute by school bus.
Will my child fall behind in their home-country curriculum if they attend a bilingual school in Amsterdam?
For most curricula the answer is no. The IB Diploma is universally recognised, and IGCSE / A Levels lead directly to UK and US universities. Embassy-linked French and German schools follow home-country programmes exactly.
How quickly will my child pick up Dutch?
Most children reach functional fluency within 12 to 18 months thanks to immersion both in school and on the street. Bilingual schools offer specific Dutch as a Second Language tracks for new arrivals.