Working out how to choose an international school in Amsterdam is one of the first priorities for any expat family relocating to the Netherlands. Amsterdam combines a famously high quality of life with a genuinely international outlook, and its schools reflect that: families can choose between government-subsidised Dutch international schools and fully private international schools, across British, IB and other curricula. This 2026 guide explains the options, the schools worth shortlisting, realistic fees in euros, and a clear method for choosing the right school for your child.
The Dutch system has one feature that surprises many newcomers, and it can save you a great deal of money, so it is worth understanding before you start your search.
Subsidised vs private international schools
- Dutch international schools (DIS) – partly government-subsidised, open to children of internationally mobile families, and remarkably affordable, often a few thousand euros a year. They follow international curricula such as the IB while meeting Dutch quality standards.
- Private international schools – fully independent, with higher fees but often smaller classes, particular curricula such as a fully British or American programme, and extensive facilities.
Eligibility for the subsidised schools usually depends on a parent's nationality or temporary status in the Netherlands, so check each school's admission criteria early. For families who qualify, a subsidised place offers exceptional value; for those who do not, or who want a specific curriculum, the private schools fill the gap.
International school curricula in Amsterdam
- International Baccalaureate – the most widely offered, valued worldwide and common in both subsidised and private schools.
- British curriculum – the English National Curriculum leading to IGCSE and A-Levels.
- American and other national programmes – available at some private schools for families connected to those systems.
Most international schools teach in English and offer Dutch as an additional language, so children become comfortable in the local language while following a globally portable pathway.
Top international schools in Amsterdam for 2026
The schools below span the subsidised and private options and different parts of the metropolitan area. Each links to its full profile on International School Advisor.
The International School of Amsterdam
The International School of Amsterdam was one of the world's first schools to offer the full IB continuum and remains a flagship choice, with a strongly international community and a long academic track record.
The British School of Amsterdam
The British School of Amsterdam delivers the English National Curriculum from early years to sixth form, a natural fit for families connected to the UK system who want continuity and a familiar structure.
Amity International School Amsterdam
Amity International School Amsterdam offers the IB programmes with modern facilities and a focus on personalised learning, a popular option for families wanting a contemporary, inquiry-led environment.
Optimist International School
Optimist International School provides an international primary education with a community feel, a useful reference point for younger children and for families comparing smaller settings.
International school fees in Amsterdam (2026)
- Subsidised Dutch international schools: roughly EUR 5,000–8,000 per year.
- Private international schools: roughly EUR 18,000–28,000+ per year, with the most established at the top of the range.
Add a registration or enrolment fee, lunches, trips and any optional transport. Because the gap between subsidised and private fees is so large, confirming your eligibility for a subsidised place is often the single most important financial step in your search.
How to choose the right school: a practical method
Rather than starting from rankings, start from your family. Work through these questions in order: which type of school are you eligible for, and what is your budget once eligibility is clear? Which curriculum best matches where your child has come from and where you are likely to go next, avoiding a switch mid-exam if possible? How much Dutch do you want your child to acquire, and how does each school balance it? And how long is the commute from the neighbourhoods you are considering, given that a shorter journey makes a real difference to a child's day? Once you have a shortlist, visit in person, see lessons in progress and talk to current parents, because a school's culture and the warmth of its admissions team tell you more than any brochure.
Admissions tips for Amsterdam
Apply early, ideally six to twelve months ahead, because the most popular schools and the subsidised places carry waiting lists. Prepare your child's recent school reports, passport and any educational assessments, and expect an interview or age-appropriate assessment. If you are moving mid-year, ask directly about availability in your child's specific year group, as space varies sharply by age and by school type.
Living in Amsterdam as a school family
Choosing a school in Amsterdam also means choosing a way of life, and the city makes family life unusually easy. Many international families settle in neighbourhoods such as Amstelveen, the Zuid district and the leafy areas south of the centre, often within cycling distance of their school. The Netherlands is built around bikes, and the school run on two wheels is a genuine part of the culture, so proximity matters even more than in a car-based city. Excellent public transport, green space and a strong expat network make it straightforward to find sports clubs, weekend activities and other families in the same situation. When you shortlist schools, picture the daily commute from where you plan to live, because in Amsterdam a short, safe cycle to school does as much for everyone's wellbeing as almost any feature of the school itself.
Helping your child settle in
Even with a warm welcome, a move abroad takes time to absorb, particularly for older children leaving friends behind. Choose a school with a clear induction programme and a buddy system, and ask how it supports children who arrive with little or no Dutch and, where relevant, little English. At home, keep routines steady, encourage friendships outside school hours, and give the first term time to work; a quiet few weeks is normal and usually gives way to rapid progress once a child feels secure. Schools that communicate openly with parents during this period are worth a great deal, so weigh responsiveness alongside academic results when you decide.
Compare the best schools in the Netherlands
For a fuller ranked list with parent reviews and fee details, explore the best international schools in the Netherlands on International School Advisor and shortlist the ones that fit your family's eligibility, curriculum and budget.
Frequently asked questions
How much do international schools in Amsterdam cost in 2026?
Subsidised Dutch international schools cost roughly EUR 5,000–8,000 a year, while fully private international schools range from about EUR 18,000 to EUR 28,000 or more, plus registration and extras.
What is a Dutch international school (DIS)?
A Dutch international school is a partly government-subsidised school for internationally mobile families that follows an international curriculum such as the IB at a fraction of private-school fees. Eligibility usually depends on nationality or temporary status.
When should I apply to schools in Amsterdam?
Apply six to twelve months ahead. Popular schools and subsidised places have waiting lists, and most require an interview or assessment before confirming a place.