International Schools in Amsterdam: The Complete Guide for Expat Families (2026)
Which international school should you choose in Amsterdam? The two-tier system (subsidised vs private), the curricula, real 2026 fees, the French option, and where to live. A clear, expert guide.
HOUSING
I. The two-tier system: the key to everything
This is the point most families discover too late. In the Netherlands, international schools fall into two categories with radically different fees:
Subsidised international schools (Dutch International Schools), partly funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education. The parental contribution sits at around €5,500 to €7,500 per year. To qualify, at least one parent must work in the Netherlands on an international-type contract (expat assignment, temporary posting), and the child's mother tongue must not be Dutch. Eligibility is checked annually. The trade-off: larger classes (28 to 30 pupils) and waiting lists that move quickly.
Fully private international schools, funded entirely by tuition: expect €16,000 to €38,000 per year depending on the year group. Smaller classes (18 to 22 pupils) and more extensive facilities.
That single distinction can mean a difference of €25,000 a year per child. It's the first thing to clarify.
II. The four academic pathways
Amsterdam offers four main curricula:
The International Baccalaureate (IB) — the most common, from Primary Years (PYP) to the Diploma (DP). Ideal for highly mobile families.
The British curriculum (National Curriculum, IGCSE then A-Levels).
The American curriculum.
The French curriculum (French Éducation Nationale, AEFE network). see Section V.
English is the language of instruction in the large majority of international schools, with language support (EAL) for new arrivals, and Dutch taught as the host-country language.
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Sources and references
iSchoolAdvisor. International School Costs in Amsterdam, 2026 Fee Guide and Choosing an International School in Amsterdam 2026. 2026.
International School of Amsterdam (ISA), 2025/2026 tuition fees, isa.nl.
Amity International School Amsterdam, fee structure, amityschool.nl.
Lycée Français Vincent van Gogh (The Hague–Amsterdam), AEFE network, lfvvg.com / aefe.gouv.fr.
Amsterdam Accueil, education and schooling guide.
VII. The 30% ruling and school fees
An important financial detail: if you benefit from the 30% ruling and your employer pays the school fees directly, those fees can be tax-exempt under certain conditions. And even if you pay them yourself, your higher net income absorbs the bill more easily. I explain the mechanism in detail in my dedicated guide: [The 30% Ruling in the Netherlands]
International Schools in Amsterdam: The Complete Guide for Expat Families (2026)
For a family relocating to Amsterdam, choosing a school is almost always the first big decision, often even before choosing where to live. And it comes with a distinctly Dutch twist: depending on the school, the bill can swing from roughly €5,500 to more than €35,000 a year.
The good news is that Amsterdam offers one of the widest choices in Europe, with familiar academic pathways for families arriving from London, Paris, New York, Milan or Singapore. The key is understanding how the system is organised. As an agent who helps expat families settle in Amsterdam, here's what you need to know to choose well — and to anticipate the impact on your housing search.
III. The main schools
Private schools (market fees)
International School of Amsterdam (ISA) : in Amstelveen. The most established: founded in 1964, the first school in the world to offer the full IB continuum. Indicative fees of roughly €22,000 to €32,000 depending on the year group.
The British School of Amsterdam (BSA) : the British curriculum from Early Years to A-Levels, in central Amsterdam. Around €18,000 to €30,000 depending on the year.
Amity International School Amsterdam : IB continuum, a modern campus on an "island" in Amstelveen, opened in 2017. Admissions possible mid-year, which helps families relocating off-cycle. Around €17,000 to €29,000.
Subsidised schools (reduced contribution)
Amsterdam International Community School (AICS) : the largest and most affordable thanks to Dutch subsidies (contribution around €5,500 to €7,500). Full IB continuum, several campuses including a much-in-demand site in the South (near the Zuidas).
DENISE : a subsidised bilingual Dutch-English project, popular with families who want their child to grow up genuinely bilingual.
Most schools cluster in Amstelveen (to the south) and along the Zuidas / in Amsterdam Zuid.
IV. What it really costs: beyond tuition
Headline fees are only the baseline. Budget additionally, as a guide:
Registration / application fees: €250 to €2,000, often non-refundable.
One-off capital levy (building fund): €2,000 to €5,000 at some private schools.
Enrolment deposit: €1,000 to €3,000, usually offset against the first invoice.
Lunch programme: €1,200 to €2,000 per year if opted in.
School bus: €1,500 to €2,800 per year depending on zone.
Altogether, the extras often add 10 to 15% to the tuition figure. Many employers (banking, tech, consulting) cover all or part of the fees in the expat package always confirm this before finalising your salary number.
FAQ — Common questions from families
What's the difference between a subsidised and a private international school? A subsidised school (such as AICS) is partly funded by the Dutch state: a contribution of around €5,500 to €7,500 per year, with larger classes. A private school (ISA, BSA, Amity) is funded by tuition alone: €16,000 to €38,000 per year, with smaller classes.
My child doesn't speak English. Is that a problem? No. Most international schools offer an integrated language-support programme (EAL) built into the school day for new arrivals. Disclose your child's language background at application stage.
Is there French-language secondary education in Amsterdam? Not in "classic" French (AEFE direct management): collège and lycée are in The Hague. In Amsterdam, the option for secondary is the International French School of Amsterdam, which is bilingual French-English.
Which neighbourhoods are the schools in? Mainly Amstelveen, Amsterdam Zuid, Buitenveldert and the Zuidas area — which directly shapes the choice of where to live.
Fees, eligibility conditions and year-group levels vary from school to school and change every year. This article describes Amsterdam's school landscape in 2026 for general guidance; always confirm figures and availability directly with the schools.
V. The French option in Amsterdam: a subtlety worth knowing
A point every French-speaking family should understand: in Amsterdam itself, traditional French education (AEFE network, direct management) runs only to the end of primary. The Amsterdam annexe of the Lycée Français Vincent van Gogh covers nursery and elementary years, in the De Pijp district. For "classic" French secondary education (collège and lycée), families travel to the main site in The Hague (around an hour's commute).
To stay in Amsterdam beyond primary while keeping French, the alternative is the International French School of Amsterdam, opened in 2021: bilingual French-English instruction from nursery, AEFE-accredited, located in the South.
VI. When to apply: the timeline to respect
Timing is decisive. For a September start, apply ideally between October and January: the most sought-after schools are full by February or March. For a mid-year arrival, contact schools as soon as your relocation is confirmed — multi-campus schools (AICS) or newer ones (Amity) have more flexibility for off-cycle entries.
A concrete tip: visit at least two campuses in person before signing. Daily life at a 1,500-pupil IB school is nothing like a 250-pupil boutique school.
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