International schools · Amsterdam, Netherlands
International schools in Amsterdam — IB, British, Dutch international stream
Amsterdam combines an established international school market with a Dutch international-stream public option (DENISE, etc.) that's a unique cost-effective path.
This page maps the categories of schools and the cost bands — it intentionally doesn't name specific schools or quote current tuition. Tuition adjusts annually and admissions status changes; the directories linked below are the authoritative source for the current list.
Amsterdam has an international school landscape that solves the schooling problem for most relocating families — but the right choice depends on curriculum fit, language of instruction, admissions timing, and budget. This page maps the landscape and gives you the decision framework; the actual school shortlist needs current research.
International schools in this market change year-over-year — tuition adjusts, waitlists shift, new schools open, and admissions criteria evolve. Mundevo intentionally doesn't name specific schools or quote current tuition: those numbers go stale within a year. The directories linked below are the authoritative starting points for the current list.
Curricula commonly available
International Baccalaureate (IB)
Several IB schools serving the international community.
British (IGCSE / A-Level)
Established British-curriculum schools.
Dutch international stream (state-funded)
The Netherlands operates state-funded international stream schools (DENISE in Amsterdam, others) for children of internationally mobile parents. Significantly cheaper than fully private international schools and a unique Dutch model.
European Schools
European School Amsterdam serves families connected to EU institutions and other internationals.
Bilingual Dutch (TTO) schools
Many Dutch public schools run bilingual streams (TTO — Tweetalig Onderwijs) where 50%+ of subjects are taught in English. Excellent quality and very low cost — but requires children to also learn Dutch.
Languages of instruction
Tuition cost bands
Order-of-magnitude only. Headline tuition typically excludes registration, capital levies, uniforms, meals, transport, and extracurriculars — add 15-30% for an all-in estimate per child.
Where to find the current school list
Authoritative directories — these stay current in ways an editorial page cannot.
- DUO — Dienst Uitvoering OnderwijsDutch education executive agency. Lists registered schools.Reference: https://duo.nl
- International School Information (Amsterdam)Amsterdam's official international information portal — includes the school landscape overview.Reference: https://www.iamsterdam.com
- IB World Schools DirectoryOfficial directory of all IB-authorized schools worldwide — searchable by location and programme.Reference: https://www.ibo.org/programmes/find-an-ib-school
- COBIS — Council of British International SchoolsAccredited British international schools directory — useful for English-language British-curriculum schools.Reference: https://www.cobis.org.uk
- ECIS — Educational Collaborative for International SchoolsInternational school network with directory and accreditation framework.Reference: https://www.ecis.org
How to think about the decision
- 1.International curriculum (IB / British / American) or local national curriculum?
International curricula are smoother for families likely to relocate again, kids who speak English / the curriculum language, and teenagers who need recognized exit qualifications for university abroad. National curricula are smoother for families planning to stay long-term and young kids who can pick up the local language fast. Bilingual schools split the difference, but quality varies widely.
- 2.How early do you need to apply?
Most established international schools open admissions 12-18 months before the start of the academic year. Waitlists at popular schools run 1-3 years in cities with high expat demand. The single biggest mistake families make is leaving school applications until after the move is confirmed — by which time the slots are gone.
- 3.What does the cost actually include?
Headline tuition often excludes registration fees, capital levies, uniforms, meals, transport, technology, and extracurriculars. Add 15-30% to the headline number for a realistic all-in cost. Multiple children compound the math quickly.
- 4.Will your employer or visa sponsor pay?
Many corporate relocation packages include school fees as a separate line item, especially for expat assignments. If you're negotiating compensation for a move, school fees often beat salary uplift dollar-for-dollar — they're tax-treated differently in many jurisdictions.
Amsterdam's international stream and TTO bilingual options are unusual — most cities don't have a state-subsidized international school path. For families planning to stay 2+ years, these options dramatically reduce schooling cost. The catch is admission timing and eligibility — DENISE and similar typically prioritize families relocating internationally for work.
Other cities
See the full directory for all 13 cities.