Amsterdam combines two unusual features in the international school market: a sizeable subsidised system (the DUO-funded international primary and secondary schools) sitting alongside fully private fee-paying schools. The result is a wide cost spread, from about EUR 5,500 to over EUR 28,000 per year. This 2026 fee guide breaks down what you will actually pay for an international school place in Amsterdam, including subsidies, the 30 percent ruling and the small extras that move the total.
The two pricing tiers in Amsterdam
Most cities have one fee model. Amsterdam has two:
- DUO-funded international schools: subsidised by the Dutch Ministry of Education, with parental contributions ranging from EUR 5,500 to EUR 9,500 per year. Examples include the Amsterdam International Community School (AICS) and De Nieuwe Internationale School Esprit.
- Fully private international schools: market-rate tuition between EUR 16,000 and EUR 28,000 per year. Examples include The British School of Amsterdam, The International School of Amsterdam (ISA-the school) and Amity International School Amsterdam.
To use the DUO-funded schools, at least one parent must be employed in the Netherlands on a contract qualifying as international (typically: temporary assignment, expat package, or international employer). DUO eligibility is checked annually.
2026 tuition by year group (realistic ranges)
Both tiers, in euros for the 2026/27 academic year:
- Foundation Stage (ages 4 to 5): DUO EUR 5,500 to EUR 7,500 / Private EUR 14,000 to EUR 19,000
- Primary (Years 1 to 6): DUO EUR 6,500 to EUR 8,500 / Private EUR 16,000 to EUR 22,000
- Lower Secondary (Years 7 to 9): DUO EUR 8,000 to EUR 9,500 / Private EUR 19,000 to EUR 24,000
- IB Diploma or A Levels (Years 10 to 13): DUO EUR 8,500 to EUR 9,800 / Private EUR 22,000 to EUR 28,500
One-time and recurring extras
- Application fee: EUR 100 to EUR 350
- Registration / enrollment fee: EUR 750 to EUR 4,000 (one-off)
- Tuition deposit: EUR 750 to EUR 3,000 (refundable on withdrawal under conditions)
- School lunch: EUR 1,000 to EUR 1,800 per year (or pack lunch)
- Transport: typically families bike to school (Amsterdam is flat); bus services run EUR 2,000 to EUR 3,500 per year for outlying campuses
- School trips and exchanges (Year 6 onwards): EUR 250 to EUR 1,500 per trip
- Books and uniform (where required): EUR 200 to EUR 600 first year
Schools to compare and reference fees
The International School of Amsterdam
The first IB World School in Europe, offering the full PYP-MYP-DP continuum, in Amstelveen. Top tier private fees. View The International School of Amsterdam on ISA.
The British School of Amsterdam
British curriculum from EYFS to A Levels, in central Amsterdam. Private fee tier, no DUO funding. View The British School of Amsterdam on ISA.
Amsterdam International Community School
DUO-funded, accepting students from age 4 to 18, with IB MYP and DP. Multiple campuses. View Amsterdam International Community School on ISA.
Amity International School Amsterdam
Private IB World School (PYP, MYP, DP) in Amstelveen with extensive arts and sports facilities. View Amity International School Amsterdam on ISA.
International French School of Amsterdam
The Lycée Vincent van Gogh follows the French national curriculum from Maternelle to Terminale, ending in the French Baccalauréat. View International French School of Amsterdam on ISA.
Tax planning: the 30 percent ruling
If you qualify for the Dutch 30 percent ruling (a tax facility for skilled migrants), school fees paid directly by your employer may be exempt from Dutch wage tax. The ruling reduces the gross salary needed to net the same school fees by roughly 30 percent — a meaningful difference if your employer is paying EUR 25,000 in tuition. The ruling is applied for through the Belastingdienst within 4 months of arrival; ask your tax adviser to model the ruling and the school fee benefit-in-kind together.
How to keep total cost under control
- Apply early to DUO-funded schools. Waitlists move slowly, especially for FS to Year 3.
- Negotiate sibling discounts: most private schools apply 5 to 10 percent for the second child.
- Pay annually if possible to capture a 1 to 2 percent discount.
- Plan for a 4 to 6 percent annual fee increase through 2028 — Dutch wage and energy inflation flow through to school operating costs.
- Confirm the registration fee refund policy in writing if your job offer is not yet final.
Compare verified Amsterdam school fees
The ISA Netherlands ranking lists DUO-funded and private international schools side by side, with verified fees and IB results. See the 2026 ranking of international schools in the Netherlands.
Frequently asked questions
Are DUO-funded international schools as good as private ones?
Academic results at AICS and Esprit are competitive with the top private schools, but class sizes are larger (28 to 30 vs 18 to 22) and facilities are less expansive. The choice often comes down to class size preference and whether the family has a fixed Amsterdam home.
How does the 30 percent ruling affect school fees?
If your employer pays the school directly, the payment can be tax-exempt under the ruling. If you pay yourself from net salary, the ruling indirectly helps because your net salary is higher than it would otherwise be. The mechanics depend on your contract — confirm with a Dutch tax adviser.
Can my child be exempted from Dutch language lessons?
Yes at private international schools, where Dutch is offered as a second language. At DUO-funded schools, all students must take Dutch from Year 3, with a beginner stream for new arrivals.