Choosing an international school in The Hague is one of the most important decisions an expat family will make when relocating to the Netherlands. As the seat of the Dutch government and home to more than 160 international organisations, including the International Court of Justice and Europol, The Hague hosts one of Europe's most established international education ecosystems. This 2026 guide walks you through the curricula on offer, the leading schools, realistic fees and the practical steps to secure a place.
Why The Hague Is a Leading City for International Education
Few cities of its size concentrate as many diplomats, NGO professionals and multinational employees as The Hague. Roughly one in ten residents is an international, and the school landscape has grown to match: the region between Scheveningen, Wassenaar and Delft offers everything from Dutch subsidised international streams to long-established private international schools. Families also benefit from the city's compact size — most schools are reachable within a 20-minute cycle or tram ride from the main expat neighbourhoods of Benoordenhout, Statenkwartier and Wassenaar.
Curricula Available in The Hague
The Hague offers an unusually broad range of programmes for a city of half a million people:
- International Baccalaureate (IB): PYP, MYP and Diploma Programme are widely available, both in private schools and in Dutch subsidised international schools.
- British curriculum: IGCSEs and A-Levels are offered alongside international programmes at several schools.
- Dutch international stream (IGVO): government-subsidised international education with significantly lower fees, taught in English.
- French curriculum: the Lycée Français network follows the official French programme from maternelle to baccalauréat.
- German curriculum: a full German school track leading to the Deutsches Internationales Abitur.
Top International Schools in The Hague
International School Wassenaar
Located in the leafy suburb of Wassenaar, International School Wassenaar serves an international community with an English-language programme and a strong focus on personalised learning. Its location places it close to the neighbourhoods most popular with diplomatic and corporate families, and class sizes tend to be smaller than at the city's largest schools.
HSV International Primary School
HSV International Primary School is one of the best-known names in Dutch subsidised international education. Teaching is in English across several city-centre locations, and because the school operates within the Dutch subsidised system, fees are a fraction of those at fully private international schools — a major draw for families planning a longer stay.
German International School of The Hague
Families seeking a German-language education will find a complete track at the German International School of The Hague, from kindergarten through to the Deutsches Internationales Abitur. The school also integrates English and Dutch, producing genuinely trilingual graduates.
Lycée Français Vincent van Gogh
The Lycée Français Vincent van Gogh follows the official French curriculum from early years to the baccalauréat. Accredited by the French Ministry of Education, it is the natural choice for francophone families and for parents who want a rigorous, internationally portable French education.
International School Fees in The Hague (2026)
Fees vary enormously depending on whether a school is privately funded or part of the Dutch subsidised international system:
- Dutch subsidised international schools: typically €5,000–€9,000 per year, making The Hague one of the most affordable international education markets in Western Europe.
- Private international schools: generally €15,000–€26,000 per year at secondary level.
- French and German national schools: usually €5,500–€10,000 per year, reflecting partial support from their home governments.
Most schools charge a one-off registration or capital fee of €500–€2,000, and families should budget separately for transport, lunches, trips and exam fees. Some employers and embassies cover tuition partially or fully — always check your relocation package.
Practical Tips for Choosing and Applying
- Start 9–12 months ahead: the most sought-after schools have waiting lists for entry points such as Year 1 and the start of the IB Diploma.
- Match the curriculum to your next move: if you expect to relocate again, the IB or British curriculum offers the smoothest transitions; if you are settling, a subsidised international or Dutch bilingual school can be wiser financially.
- Think about location: The Hague traffic is gentle by international standards, but a school close to Benoordenhout or Wassenaar makes daily life far easier for families based in those areas.
- Visit in person: schools regularly run open mornings; seeing classes in action tells you more than any brochure.
Compare Schools Before You Decide
Every family weighs curriculum, distance, community and budget differently. To compare the leading options side by side, with verified reviews and fee information, explore the ranking of the best schools in the Netherlands on International School Advisor.
Expat Neighbourhoods and School Logistics
Where you live shapes your shortlist more than most families expect. Benoordenhout and Statenkwartier are the classic diplomatic quarters, within easy reach of the city-centre international schools and the international zone. Wassenaar, a green village just north of the city, is home to large embassy communities and offers a quieter, more suburban family life with quick access to schools in both The Hague and Leiden. Families choosing Voorburg, Rijswijk or Delft often combine lower housing costs with a manageable commute — Delft in particular has its own international school options at primary level. Before signing a rental contract, test the actual school run at 8:15 on a weekday morning; cycling infrastructure is excellent, but tram connections vary by district.
It is also worth understanding how Dutch subsidised international schools admit pupils. Because they receive government funding, they are required to verify that families are genuinely international — typically meaning a foreign passport combined with a temporary assignment, or a Dutch family returning after years abroad. Private schools impose no such conditions, which is one reason their intake remains broader despite higher fees.
Documents and Assessments You Will Need
Most international schools in The Hague ask for two years of school reports, a copy of the child's passport, proof of address or a signed housing contract, and any educational psychology or language-support reports. English-medium schools usually run an informal English assessment for non-native speakers; strong support departments mean a modest level should not discourage you from applying. For the French and German schools, prior schooling in the home system simplifies placement, but motivated switchers are assessed case by case. Decisions typically arrive within two to four weeks of a complete application, and rolling admissions mean mid-year entries are common when space allows.
Finally, plan for the financial mechanics: most schools invoice annually or per term, sibling discounts of 5–10% are common at private schools, and notice periods of a full term apply if you leave early. If your employer covers fees, ask the school for a corporate billing arrangement — most handle this routinely.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an international school in The Hague cost?
Dutch subsidised international schools charge roughly €5,000–€9,000 per year, while private international schools typically range from €15,000 to €26,000 per year at secondary level, plus registration fees.
What curricula are available in The Hague?
Families can choose between the International Baccalaureate, British curriculum, Dutch subsidised international streams taught in English, and full French and German national programmes.
When should I apply for a school place in The Hague?
Apply 9–12 months before your intended start date. Popular entry points fill quickly, and subsidised international schools in particular often operate waiting lists.