Expat Education Guide: Schools in Rotterdam

Education Overview

Rotterdam scores 4.0/5 for education quality and 4.0/5 for family-friendliness. The city has 10 school neighborhoods with international, bilingual, and local options for expat families. Expect approximately 27 education-related costs.

Rotterdam offers a high-quality education system that consistently ranks among the top in international assessments. The city is particularly known for its strong multilingual programs, innovative teaching methods, and excellent international school options. Rotterdam's diverse population has fostered a robust network of schools offering various pedagogical approaches, from traditional Dutch education to international curricula and alternative learning methods.

Quick Stats

Education Score

4.0 /5

Family Score

4.0 /5

School Areas

Cost Items

Estimated Costs

One-Time Costs

$7,150

Monthly Costs

$5,527/mo

Sample Costs

Full Breakdown →

One-Time

School Registration $150

Private School Application Fee $200

International School Application Fee $350

Monthly

Tuition Fees Private $1,250/mo

Tuition Fees International $2,083/mo

Transportation Monthly $195/mo

Showing 6 of 27 costs — sign up to see all

Top School Neighborhoods

See All 10 →

Centrum

Density 4/6

Types: International schools, Dutch primary and secondary

Notable: OBS Het Landje, Grafisch Lyceum Rotterdam

Kralingen

Density 4/6

Types: Dutch primary, secondary, some international options

Notable: Erasmiaans Gymnasium, Lyceum Kralingen

Hillegersberg Schiebroek

Density 4/6

Types: Primary schools, secondary schools, some international

Notable: International School Rotterdam, Het Rotterdams Lyceum

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Practical Tips

Apply early to international schools in Rotterdam or explore bilingual education programs within local Dutch schools.

international school places are highly sought after, and bilingual programs offer a good alternative for expat children.

Consider enrolling your child in 'tussenschoolse opvang' (between-school care) early

these programs fill up quickly and provide crucial supervision during Dutch schools' Wednesday afternoon closures

You might want to visit schools during 'Open Dagen' in January and February

this is when schools showcase their programs and you can assess the teaching quality and international student integration

Try connecting with other expat parents at Kralingen Library's international story time

you'll get firsthand school recommendations and learn about admission strategies from experienced families

Useful Links

Erasmus University Rotterdam

Leading international university in Rotterdam offering bachelor's, master's and PhD programs in English across multiple disciplines.

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Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences

Major university of applied sciences offering practical degree programs and professional courses in English in Rotterdam.

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International Schools Rotterdam

Primary and secondary international education in English following international curricula for expatriate families in Rotterdam.

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Dutch Language Courses - ROC

Regional education centers offering Dutch language integration courses and professional training programs throughout Rotterdam area.

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StudieLink Netherlands

Official application portal for higher education institutions in the Netherlands, including Rotterdam universities and student finance.

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Education Guides in the Netherlands

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Frequently Asked Questions

Rotterdam has 10 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 Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam, 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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