The Hague hosts one of Europe's largest concentrations of international families thanks to the embassies, EU agencies and the international courts that anchor the city. International school fees in The Hague for 2026 reflect that demand. This guide gives you a transparent cost breakdown so you can budget the all-in figure rather than headline tuition.
Why fees in The Hague differ from the rest of the Netherlands
The Netherlands runs a mix of state-subsidised international schools and fully private institutions. State-subsidised schools, often called Dutch International Education (DIO), receive partial funding and charge much lower fees than fully private schools. The Hague has both types, and understanding which model a school follows is the single biggest driver of what your family will pay.
The two fee tiers explained
State-subsidised primary and secondary schools in The Hague typically charge between €4,500 and €8,500 per year for primary, and €6,000 to €10,000 for secondary. They are open to children whose parents are temporarily in the Netherlands or who hold a non-Dutch passport, with eligibility verified at admission. Fully private schools, by contrast, charge between €18,000 and €27,000 per year, on par with London or Brussels.
Top international schools in The Hague
International School The Hague
ISH offers IB Primary, MYP and Diploma programmes for children aged 4 to 18 across two campuses. As a state-subsidised school, fees are accessible relative to the international quality. See International School The Hague profile on ISA.
American School of The Hague
ASH is a fully private school serving children aged 3 to 18, following the American curriculum framework with Advanced Placement courses and the IB Diploma in upper secondary. See American School of The Hague profile on ISA.
European School The Hague
The European School delivers the European Baccalaureate to children of staff at EU institutions and other international families, with multilingual instruction across the school. See European School The Hague profile on ISA.
International School Delft
Delft offers state-subsidised IB primary and secondary programmes a short train ride from The Hague, attractive to families based in the wider Randstad. See International School Delft profile on ISA.
HSV International Primary School
HSV runs an English-medium primary curriculum in central The Hague, with a multicultural community and IB-aligned approach. See HSV International Primary School profile on ISA.
The full cost picture beyond tuition
Tuition is only the start. Expect a non-refundable application fee of €250 to €500 and a one-off enrolment fee of €1,500 to €4,000 at fully private schools. Capital levies between €500 and €1,500 per year are common. Bus transport across The Hague typically costs €1,800 to €3,200 a year, and lunch programmes run €1,000 to €1,500. External IB and IGCSE exam fees add €1,000 to €2,500 in upper secondary years.
Tax-deductible items and employer benefits
Some employers under the 30 per cent ruling cover international school fees as a tax-free benefit, which can change the total cost of your move. Confirm with your relocation contact whether tuition is covered for both primary and secondary, whether capital fees are reimbursed, and whether the benefit ends when the ruling expires. Plan for what happens if you remain in the Netherlands after that point.
Eligibility for state-subsidised schools
State-subsidised places are restricted to children whose parents are temporarily in the country, who hold a non-Dutch passport, or who have been schooled abroad. The Hague's DIO schools enforce these criteria carefully. If your family is settling permanently in the Netherlands, you may need to plan for the move into Dutch national schools at a future point or budget for fully private fees.
Where to compare options
Build your shortlist around the proximity to home and office, the curriculum continuity for older children, and the all-in fee position rather than just tuition. Compare international schools across the Netherlands on ISA to weigh nearby alternatives in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Leiden.
FAQs
How much do international schools in The Hague cost in 2026?
State-subsidised schools charge €4,500 to €10,000 per year, while fully private schools charge €18,000 to €27,000. Add €2,000 to €5,000 in extras across the year for transport, lunches and exams.
Can my child attend a state-subsidised international school?
Yes, if your family is temporarily in the Netherlands or holds a non-Dutch passport. Each school verifies eligibility at admission and may require employer letters or proof of expat status.
Are international school fees tax deductible in the Netherlands?
For employees on the 30 per cent ruling, employers can pay international school fees as a tax-free benefit. Outside that ruling, the fees are not generally deductible.