The Hague is an unusual European city for international families. Government agencies, the International Criminal Court, NATO-adjacent bodies and a steady flow of multinational employers create a deep demand for bilingual schools that combine Dutch with English, French or German.
This 2026 family guide covers how bilingual schooling works in The Hague, the schools to look at first, the routes through to the IB Diploma or Dutch Gymnasium, and the fees you should expect.
How Bilingual Schools in The Hague Work
Two main systems sit side by side:
- Dutch International Education (DIO/DIPS) primary and secondary: Subsidised by the Dutch government and open to children whose parents have an international assignment. Lower fees than fully private international schools.
- Private bilingual schools: Schools that combine Dutch and English, often through Montessori, IB PYP/MYP or other progressive frameworks. Higher fees, but more flexibility for families staying long-term.
Most bilingual programmes split the curriculum roughly 50/50 in primary and shift the balance towards the chosen target language in secondary.
Top Bilingual International Schools in The Hague
The British School in The Netherlands
Across several campuses, BSN offers a fully British curriculum with daily Dutch language. The senior campus delivers IGCSEs, A-Levels and the IB Diploma.
International School of The Hague
A DIO/DIPS school covering primary and secondary. Strong IB programmes (PYP, MYP, DP), with Dutch as a daily working language alongside English.
American School of The Hague
A K-12 school combining the American high school diploma with IB Diploma options. Dutch is taught from primary onwards, supporting families who want their children integrated into local life.
Elckerlyc International School
An early-years and primary school with a bilingual Dutch-English programme rooted in inquiry-based learning.
German International School of The Hague
A trilingual environment of German, Dutch and English serving Kindergarten through secondary, leading to the German Abitur for senior students.
Qualifications and University Pathways
- IB Diploma: Offered at several Hague schools and accepted at universities worldwide, including Dutch research universities.
- Dutch HAVO and VWO diplomas: The standard Dutch routes, recognised for university entry in the Netherlands.
- IGCSE and A-Levels: Through The British School in The Netherlands.
- US high school diploma with AP: Through the American School of The Hague.
- German Abitur: Through the German International School.
Fees in 2026
Indicative ranges for The Hague bilingual and international schools (euros, annual):
- DIO/DIPS schools (subsidised): €5,500 - €8,500 for primary, €7,000 - €10,500 for secondary.
- Private bilingual primary: €11,000 - €17,000.
- Private bilingual secondary: €16,000 - €25,000.
- Senior school / IB DP / A-Levels: €19,000 - €28,000.
Plan to add registration fees (€250 - €750), a one-off enrolment fee, school bus (€2,500 - €4,000) and lunches. Many companies relocate staff with an education allowance, and DIO/DIPS schools can usually be billed directly to the employer.
Practical Tips for The Hague Admissions
- Plan for a waiting list. DIO/DIPS schools are popular and often have queues for in-demand year groups. Register interest as soon as your relocation is confirmed.
- Address before school. Some bilingual primary schools allocate places by postcode for the Dutch stream. Confirm catchment rules before signing a rental.
- Plan the transition. If your child has no Dutch, ask whether the school has a structured Dutch-as-a-second-language programme or relies on in-class support.
- Think long-term. Bilingual schools work best when families commit for at least three to four years; shorter stints are better suited to fully international schools.
Compare Hague schools side by side
Explore bilingual and international schools in the Netherlands on our Netherlands ranking and shortlist by curriculum, language model and location.
FAQ
Can my child join a bilingual school in The Hague without speaking Dutch?
Yes. Most bilingual schools accept beginners in primary and provide Dutch language support. Entry to secondary bilingual streams is more demanding and usually requires some Dutch competence.
What is the difference between DIO/DIPS schools and private international schools?
DIO/DIPS schools are partly subsidised by the Dutch government and have lower fees, but they require parents to have an international assignment. Private bilingual schools are open to anyone and charge full fees.
Do bilingual schools in The Hague prepare students for Dutch university entry?
Yes. The Dutch HAVO and VWO routes lead directly to Dutch universities, and the IB Diploma is accepted at Dutch research universities, including Leiden, Delft and Erasmus.