A Guide to Education & International Schools in the Netherlands

Jump right in:

• The education system in the Netherlands
• Daycare and kindergarten
• Primary and secondary schools
• International schools
• Higher education
• Language schools

In general, the education system in the Netherlands is rather international. Bilingual public schools are common, especially on the secondary school level. Schools also offer adaptation programs for young children that do not speak Dutch. Still, the language is important in everyday school life in the country. So, if it might be an issue for your child, you will have to look for private international schooling options.

What is the education system like?

The Dutch school system is a lot like other European examples. Children start school at four or five years of age. Compulsory education (leerplicht) runs from ages 5 to 16, and up to 18 if a student has not yet obtained a basic qualification diploma. After primary school (around age 12), students enter secondary education, which is divided into three main tracks: VMBO (practical and vocational), HAVO (general secondary leading to applied sciences), and VWO (pre-university). HAVO can be seen as an intermediate track between vocational and university studies, preparing for applied sciences (HBO).

You can find more on this distinction later in this guide.

International parents will be pleased to know that part of the Netherlands’s school system is bilingual. There are both primary and secondary schools around the country that teach 30-50% of their subjects in English (some may also offer German or French). These schools often have a more international approach to schooling as well and offer student exchange programs to their pupils. However, if your child does not speak any of the aforementioned languages, many bilingual schools provide support programs, although language can still present challenges at the start. Also, keep in mind that Dutch is still widely used in these schools.

What is the school age system in the Netherlands?

It’s compulsory for children age 5 to 16 to attend school in the Netherlands, or until they receive their secondary school diploma. Daycare is available for babies and children up until four years of age, but it is not mandatory.

What is the school grading system in the Netherlands?

The grade system in the Netherlands is used for both secondary and higher education. It goes from 1 to 10, ten being the highest score six being the lowest passing grade. Note that grades 1–3 are rarely assigned.

Education facts in the Netherlands

• Pupils attend school Monday through Friday.
• Primary school hours are usually from 8:30 to 15:00 on full days (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday), with shorter days on Wednesday and often Friday ending around 12:00.
• School hours for secondary school students start at 8:30 and usually end between 15:00 and 17:00, depending on the day’s schedule and the length of each class period.
• There are three main types of schools in the Netherlands: public schools (openbare scholen, secular and run by municipalities), special schools (bijzondere scholen, often religious or based on a specific educational philosophy such as Montessori or Waldorf), and international schools.
• School years in the Netherlands start in August or September and end in June or July, depending on the region and school.

The main differences between public and private schools

Private schools are uncommon in the Netherlands as most kids, even children of Dutch monarchs, attend public schools. Private schools in the Netherlands include international schools and those with specific teaching methods, such as Montessori or Waldorf, offering alternatives to the standard public system.

The country encourages foreign students to learn the language and runs a lot of programs that help them adjust to the schooling system in the Netherlands.

However, if your child does not speak English or Dutch, is uncomfortable with learning Dutch, or you do not think it will be useful long-term, you can always opt for private international schooling. The main difference here is the language and the schooling fees, because, unlike public schools, private ones are not free.

In the Netherlands, daycare and pre-school (not to be confused with kindergarten) are two separate institutions.

Daycare provides care for children from about 10 weeks to 4 years, while preschool focuses on children aged 2 to 4 with activities that prepare them for primary school. Neither daycare nor preschool is mandatory in the Netherlands. School attendance becomes compulsory at age 5, although many children start primary school at age 4.

Daycare centers provide care for children from around 10 weeks up to four years. The children can stay in the center for a full day, typically from 7:30–8:00 until 18:00–18:30, where they are taken care of by professional and fully-qualified staff. Apart from playtime, music classes, and other activities, children at daycare centers get meals and snacks throughout the day. These centers are especially useful for parents that are busy working or studying during the day.

What age do children start pre-school?

Pre-school is for children aged two (or two-and-a-half) to four. School days typically last four to five hours. However, some schools do offer full day programs as well. The school years in pre-school are not separated into junior or senior levels.

Is pre-school mandatory?

No, pre-school is not mandatory, in the Netherlands. The mandatory schooling starts at age 5 with primary school (basisschool).

Educational approach in pre-school

In pre-school, children are taught in a play-based way that prepares them for the first two groups of primary school. In fact, many pre-schools co-operate with primary schools to adjust their curriculum to suit the school years ahead. This approach is supposed to ease the transition to the school environment. Language, social, physical, and cognitive development are the main focus of pre-school. All of the skills are taught through play. Children sing, participate in outdoor activities, and listen to stories.

Daycare and pre-school fees

Daycare and pre-school fees are calculated depending on your child’s age, the school or center you want them to attend, and how many hours of care are necessary. The fees can get relatively high. Pre-school and daycare costs can go from around 750–1,300 EUR (878–1,521 USD) per month for five days of classes each week.

However, the government provides childcare allowance (kinderopvangtoeslag) through the Belastingdienst to parents with children under twelve years old. They receive a childcare allowance that relieves the burden by covering a percentage of the costs, which can range from about one-third to more than 90% depending on income and circumstances. The size of your allowance depends on how much you and your partner earn and how many hours you work per week.

Depending on your situation, the relief can lower the costs to a significantly reduced amount compared to the full fees, sometimes a few hundred euros per month for full-week classes.

Primary schools in the Netherlands do not differentiate much between students. However, once you enter the secondary school realm, academic potential becomes very important.

Children need to choose between three main educational tracks: VMBO (pre-vocational), HAVO (senior general secondary), and VWO (pre-university), each leading to different levels of education. And while the final placement depends on test results and teacher recommendations, the VWO track represents the highest educational level, preparing students for university.

Primary (elementary) school

Primary education is eight years long and divided into eight levels (groups 1–8). In the Netherlands, it is mandatory for children to attend school from five years of age, but many children start at four. If a child starts school at five, they may be placed in group 1 or group 2 depending on the month they begin and the school’s policy.

In some schools, groups 1 and 2 are merged. These first two years of primary school are the closest thing to kindergarten in the Netherlands. The approach to schooling here is play-based, with activities designed to foster social, motor, and early pre-academic skills, rather than being identical to daycare centers.  More substantial learning starts from group 3, where children start learning to read and write.

Primary school curriculum

The core curriculum in Dutch primary schools consists of the following subjects:

• Dutch
• English (introduced obligatorily in group 7, but some schools start earlier in group 1 through VVTO or bilingual programs)
• arithmetic and mathematics
• social and environmental studies (e.g., geography, biology, history, science, road safety, healthy living, social and life skills, study of political, ideological and religious movements)
• creative expression (e.g., arts and crafts, painting, music)
• sports and movement Schools may choose to include other subjects in the curriculum as well, such as other languages, but it is not mandatory.

Children under the age of 10 usually receive little or no homework. When homework is introduced, typically from group 5 onwards (around age 8), it consists of short assignments of about 30–60 minutes per week.

At the end of primary school, students take the Doorstroomtoets (formerly CITO), which, together with teacher recommendations, determines the appropriate type of secondary school. They may be advised to continue to VMBO (vocational), HAVO (general secondary), or VWO (pre-university), depending on the combined results and teacher’s advice.

Primary school schedule

In Dutch primary schools, the school year typically starts in late August or early September and ends in June or July. It is divided into two semesters or shorter periods of about ten weeks each, with breaks in between. 

Primary school costs

Public primary school in the Netherlands is free. However, you can expect to make some optional contributions (e.g., for after class activities, school lunch, etc.) throughout the year. The amount varies by school and can range from around 50 EUR to several hundred euros per year.

International students at primary schools

Children that have lived in the Netherlands for less than a year and speak little to no Dutch can attend a newcomers’ class that will help them catch up with their peers. The class lasts one academic year.

Secondary (high) schools

There are three types of secondary education in the Netherlands:

• vocational training (VMBO)
• senior general secondary education (HAVO)
• pre-university education (VWO)

Depending on the student’s academic capabilities, they have to choose which type of education is the most suitable for them. Students that wish to pursue a professional bachelor’s degree usually follow HAVO, while those aiming for a university bachelor’s degree need to complete VWO.

Types of secondary schools

Depending on which educational path a student opts for, they can attend one of three types of secondary schools:

• VMBO (four years) – provides pre-vocational education. Followed by vocational training at MBO.
• HAVO (five years) – called senior general secondary education. It prepares students to attend an applied sciences university (HBO).
• VWO (six years) – pre-university education that prepares children for a research university (WO).

Note that while these are the common pathways to education this does not mean they are the only ones.

The choice of pathway depends on academic performance, standardized test results, and teacher recommendations, and transitions between tracks may require bridge years or special programs.

Pre-vocational education at VMBO

• VMBO stands for voorbereidend middelbaar beroepsonderwijs and provides pre-vocational education that leads to professions, such as a nurse or mechanic.
• The schooling consists of four years of training (two in lower-level and two in upper-level years).
• Lower-level years offer a general education with a broad range of subjects.
• Upper-level years are for specializing in an occupation. The pupil can choose the study approach: more academic, more practical, combined, or basic studies, providing the minimum knowledge required for graduation.
• To graduate, students must take national exams in Dutch and other core subjects, with the number of exams varying by pathway (generally 5–7 subjects in total).
• Four types of diploma are available after graduation (VMBO-bb, VMBO-kb, VMBO-gl, or VMBO-T), depending on the study approach.

After obtaining their diploma, students need to attend MBO (middelbaar beroepsonderwijs, or vocational training school) to get the full vocational training. This can take between one and four years depending on the chosen MBO level and specialization, with some students also able to transfer to HAVO.

General education at HAVO and VWO

If your child opts for general education, they have a choice between HAVO (hoger algemeen voortgezet onderwijs) and VWO (voorbereidend wetenschappelijk onderwijs) schools. In both tracks, the first three years (onderbouw) cover a broad range of subjects and are fairly similar, though HAVO lasts five years in total and VWO six. However, the upper-level years allow for more in-depth specialization according to the subject cluster. When children finish primary school, they receive a recommendation for either HAVO or VWO based on their academic results and the teacher’s assessment. In the first years of secondary school (brugklas), this advice is reviewed and can be adjusted if needed, depending on the child’s progress.

Possible subject clusters

• culture and society
• economics and society
• nature and health
• nature and technology

Main differences between HAVO and VWO

HAVO:

• Higher general secondary education, usually followed by HBO (universities of applied sciences)
• Five years of training: three in lower-level and two in upper-level years
• Need to take exams in at least seven subjects to graduate
• More practical approach to learning

VWO:

• Pre-university education, usually followed by WO type university
• Six years of training: three in lower-level and three in upper-level years
• Need to take exams in at least eight subjects to graduate
• More academic approach to learning

There are a few types of VWO schools (atheneum, gymnasium, and VWO plus) that differ in mandatory supplemental languages (Greek and Latin specifically). Technasium is available for students of both HAVO and VWO. There, the educational approach is based on research and design and focuses on developing a science-related skillset.

Secondary school costs

Public schools in the Netherlands are free. However, schools may request voluntary parental contributions for activities such as school trips or special projects.

International students at Dutch secondary schools

Sometimes a student’s educational level does not equal their level of Dutch and this might hinder their success in school. That is why international students who wish to bridge their language gap can attend a special international class to learn Dutch. Their language level is determined upon enrollment and they can stay in this class for one or two years.

You can find many school options for foreigners in the Netherlands as the Dutch government is eager to best adapt the international students to the local programs. Dutch language is taught in special classes for children of all ages. However, if you think international schools are the best for you and your child, the country offers such schooling options as well.

Schools in the Netherlands for international students

Expats can rely on international schooling when it comes to both primary and secondary education. Parents can find French, Japanese, and German schools, as well as those that follow the British curriculum. Some of them are:

• Amsterdam International Community School
• Deutsche Internationale Schule (The Hague)
• International School Eindhoven
• Le Lycée Français Vincent van Gogh
• Rotterdam International Secondary School, Junior and Secondary Campuses

Tuition fees for international schools

Some international schools in the Netherlands are subsidized by the government while others are not. If you opt for a subsidized school, the fees usually range from around 4,500 to 9,000 EUR (5,265–10,530 USD) per year, depending on the level. Private international schools are significantly more expensive, with annual fees typically between 18,000 and 27,000 EUR (21,060–31,590 USD), and in some cases exceeding 30,000 EUR (35,100 USD) abroad.  The schools might also require a security deposit or other application

International schools requirements and admission

While the admission processes differ from school to school, most of them require the following documents:

• filled-out application form
• child’s birth certificate
• previous school records
• passport-style photo

Some schools require the child’s parents’ documents or proof that their residence in the country is temporary. Other schools require the potential pupil to visit the school before submitting a formal application.

Note that some schools might only allow for your child to start school at the beginning of the school year, while others might accept them mid-term as well.

Higher education in the Netherlands is divided into two sections:

• research-oriented universities (WO – wetenschappelijk onderwijs)
• universities of applied sciences (HBO – hoger beroepsonderwijs), focused on practice-oriented learning

Researched-Based Programs

Universities with research-based programs (WO).They encourage pupils to develop their analytical thinking, consider abstract concepts, and ask questions. The teaching pace is rapid so students need to quickly process the information. Teaching emphasizes student initiative through methods like problem-based learning (PBL), interactive classes, and teamwork, combined with independent study. Schooling for bachelor’s in such universities last three years while master’s can take 1–3 years. 

Graduates of WO programs can pursue both academic and professional careers, including regulated professions such as medicine, law, psychology, and engineering, as well as research and academia. Typical career paths include technology, engineering, healthcare, law, international business, sustainable development, administration, and academic research. 

Practice-based programs

The training at practical approach universities (HBO) is professionally oriented and focused on applied learning rather than purely academic study.  These educational institutions provide a clear occupational path for their students that often lead to white-collar jobs. The teaching approach is less theoretical and more practical, with a strong emphasis on group projects, case studies, and guided learning.  HBO universities encourage students to apply their knowledge in practical terms in search of a solution. Here, the bachelor’s degree or equivalent is obtained after four years of studies, with internships strongly emphasized and often integrated into the curriculum.

Graduating either of these universities grants you a bachelor’s degree. However, there are some differences. HBO programs can award degrees such as BASc, BBA, BSc, or Ing. (Ingenieur), reflecting their applied and professional nature, while WO universities typically grant BA, BSc, or professional titles like Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or medical degrees. HBO graduates can continue to HBO master’s programs directly, and with additional requirements or a pre-master, may also progress to WO master’s degrees.

Higher education for working professionals

If you want to gain enough knowledge to reach a higher managerial level, upskill, or change career paths, there are now many opportunities available. For working professionals, one aspect is crucial — flexibility. In the Netherlands, many universities of applied sciences (HBO) and research universities (WO) offer part-time, evening, and online programs, including Master’s and MBA degrees, designed to accommodate the schedules of working professionals.

Best universities for international students in the Netherlands

Most university programs in the Netherlands are taught Most master’s programs are taught in English, but Dutch is still the main language of instruction overall. However, there are quite a few English study programs all over the country as well, with around 200 options for bachelor’s degrees and over 2,000 for master’s.

According to US News’ global university rankings, the best higher education institutions in the Netherlands are:

• University of Amsterdam
• Utrecht University
• Erasmus University Rotterdam

How much does it cost an international student to study in the Netherlands?

The price for your bachelor’s studies in Dutch universities depends on where you are from. Tuition fees for EU/EEA nationals are capped at 2,530–2,695 EUR (2,960–3,150 USD) per year or less. For citizens of other countries who want to study in the Netherlands, the price jumps way higher. Depending on the course, a foreign student might pay 9,000–20,000 EUR (10,530–23,400 USD) an academic year. Prices for EU/EEA nationals for master’s degrees are the same as for a bachelor’s degree, but third-country nationals will notice an even bigger price gap. For them, master’s degrees in the Netherlands can cost 12,000–30,000 EUR (14,040–35,100 USD) yearly.

While maneuvering through everyday life in the Netherlands might be easy for English speakers, learning Dutch is still advised. Attending a language school and learning the basics helps expats to adjust to the new culture and often proves to be useful for their career.

Top rated local language schools

• NedLes (Amsterdam)
• Talencoach (Amsterdam)
• BSN Language Centre (The Hague)
• DNA Languages (The Hague)
• iplus1 (Rotterdam)

Apart from language schools, you can choose to attend a university course or evening school or library-organized classes. Their schedule might be less flexible, yet the costs might be lower (in some cases, free of charge).

Language school fees

The price for a language course differs from school to school. It depends on the length and intensity of the course, how big the learning group is, whether the course is online or in person, and the type of institution offering it. For a twelve-week beginners course expect to pay around 375–965 EUR (440–1,130 USD).

Less intensive or shorter courses can cost around  375–595 EUR (440–695 USD), with online options starting at about 375 EUR (440 USD) and conversational courses around 83 EUR (97 USD) per week.