Expat Education Guide: Schools in Amsterdam

Education Overview

Amsterdam scores 4.0/5 for education quality and 4.0/5 for family-friendliness. The city has 15 school neighborhoods with international, bilingual, and local options for expat families. Expect approximately 27 education-related costs.

Amsterdam offers a high-quality education system that consistently ranks among the top in international assessments. The city is characterized by its diverse educational landscape, strong emphasis on multilingualism, and innovative teaching approaches. Amsterdam's education system provides a range of options including Dutch public schools, special pedagogical approaches like Montessori and Waldorf, and a robust international education sector catering to the city's large expatriate community.

Quick Stats

Education Score

4.0 /5

Family Score

4.0 /5

School Areas

Cost Items

Estimated Costs

One-Time Costs

$9,450

Monthly Costs

$6,065/mo

Sample Costs

Full Breakdown →

One-Time

School Registration $150

Private School Application Fee $500

International School Application Fee $900

Monthly

Tuition Fees Private $1,500/mo

Tuition Fees International $2,200/mo

Transportation Monthly $120/mo

Showing 6 of 27 costs — sign up to see all

Top School Neighborhoods

See All 15 →

De Pijp

Density 4/6

Types: Public, Montessori, and international options

Notable: Eerste Openluchtschool, De Kleine Reus, Basisschool De Notenkraker

Oud Zuid

Density 4/6

Types: International, Dutch, and bilingual options

Notable: Amsterdam International Community School, Berlage Lyceum, British School

Oost

Density 4/6

Types: Public, international, and Montessori options

Notable: Cygnus Gymnasium, Fons Vitae Lyceum, 5e Montessorischool

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Practical Tips

Apply to multiple AICS locations, not just South

Southeast and West locations have shorter waiting lists but same curriculum

Enroll in Dutch courses at Volksuniversiteit Amsterdam for affordable options

They offer a range of language courses at more competitive rates than many private institutions.

Join school waiting lists before arrival

schools accept pre-registrations up to 1 year before actual move

Consider Dutch-English bilingual schools in Almere

shorter waiting lists than Amsterdam international schools and 40% lower fees

Useful Links

Amsterdam Education Guide - City of Amsterdam

Official municipal information about the Dutch education system, schools, and enrollment procedures in Amsterdam.

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University of Amsterdam

Website of Amsterdam's largest university, offering information on degree programs, enrollment, and services for international students.

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Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Official site of Amsterdam's second largest university with information on programs, admission requirements, and international student support.

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Amsterdam International Community School

International school offering primary and secondary education following the International Baccalaureate curriculum for expat children in Amsterdam.

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British School of Amsterdam

International school following the British curriculum for children aged 3-18, catering to expat families in Amsterdam.

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Education Guides in the Netherlands

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Frequently Asked Questions

Amsterdam has 15 neighborhoods with excellent school options. The best areas depend on whether you need international, public, or private schools. Check ReloPlanner for detailed school density scores per neighborhood.

International school tuition in Amsterdam varies widely by school and grade level. Create a free ReloPlanner account to see detailed education cost breakdowns personalized to your family size.

There are approximately 27 education-related costs to consider when moving to Amsterdam, including both one-time and recurring expenses. Create a free ReloPlanner account to see the full personalized cost breakdown.

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Data verified: March 2026

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