Schools in the Netherlands
The rules of Dutch schools for immigrants and those who have residence in the Netherlands are no different from Dutch citizens.
Students with Dutch residency can attend public schools for free, like local citizens. However, non-resident international students must enroll in private or international schools. Public education is free only for Dutch citizens and residents.
If you’re considering studying in Dutch schools, consult the experts at Malekpour Institute for a free initial consultation. You can also ask your questions about immigration to the Netherlands in the comments section for quick responses.
Overview of the Education System in Dutch Schools
An overview of the educational system of Dutch schools helps you become more familiar with schools in the Netherlands and understand what actions a student needs to take in order to study in a Dutch school and what conditions they should meet. The start of the school term in Dutch schools and getting acquainted with general laws are aspects that students need to be familiar with in order to study in a Dutch school, which we will cover next.
Start of the Academic Year in the Netherlands
The academic year in the Netherlands begins depending on the area and the school selected for study, typically in August or September, and ends in June or July. Therefore, if you have chosen to study in Dutch schools, it is necessary to plan accordingly for the start of the school term to arrive on time for your studies, especially if you intend to apply as an international student and go through the visa process for studying in Dutch schools.
Rules of Dutch Schools
The rules of Dutch schools are quite uniform; however, there may be differences in class hours and extracurricular activities offered by each Dutch school. Therefore, it is necessary to choose the appropriate school for studying, enhancing knowledge, and nurturing talents according to the goals you have in mind. A Dutch student must be present in Dutch schools from Monday to Friday, and the school hours vary slightly depending on the educational level, with the teaching time for secondary and high school being longer than that of primary school.
| Education Level | Saturday to Friday |
|---|---|
| Primary School | 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Middle & High School | 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM |
Types of Schools in the Netherlands
The various types of schools in the Netherlands are introduced below, and the educational levels are presented in the table for better awareness.
| Education Level | Type | Age Range |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Education | – | 5 to 12 years |
| Secondary Education | VMBO – Vocational Education | 12 to 16 years |
| HAVO – Prep for Applied Sciences | 12 to 17 years | |
| VWO – Prep for Research Universities | 12 to 18 years |
Public Schools in the Netherlands
Public schools in the Netherlands do not charge any fees for educating students; however, it should be noted that education in these schools is available only to citizens and residents of the country. Generally, public schools in the Netherlands are divided into two categories: religious and non-religious schools, and students can choose a school which provides specific training for followers of Christianity, Judaism, or Islam if they wish.
Non-Public or Non-Profit Schools in the Netherlands
Non-public or non-profit schools in the Netherlands, like public schools, do not receive subsidies from the government. Therefore, students need to pay tuition to attend these schools. The tuition fees in these schools vary from 3,600 to 6,000 euros annually; additionally, studying in some Dutch schools may require tuition payments that are 2 to 4 times higher, raising the tuition for these schools to between 12,000 to 24,000 euros per year.
International Schools in the Netherlands
The Dutch government’s policy is such that it is eager to provide educational facilities for international students, enabling them to pave their way into the top universities in the Netherlands by studying in Dutch schools and learning the country’s language. Foreign nationals and international students can choose an international school in the Netherlands that follows the educational systems of England, France, Germany, or Japan.
Top 10 Schools in the Netherlands for Study
Choosing the right Dutch school for a student who wants to study in Dutch schools is very important, as the educational system for studying in the Netherlands varies for foreign students depending on the type of school they choose. The following table introduces the top 10 schools in the Netherlands for study.
| Language | Education System | School Name |
|---|---|---|
| English | IB, IPC | The International School of The Hague |
| English | IB, British, International | Eerde International Boarding School Netherlands |
| English | British | The British School of Amsterdam |
| English | IB | Amity International School Amsterdam |
| English | IB | International School of Amsterdam |
| English | British | The British School of Amsterdam |
| English & German | IB | International School Het Rijnlands Lyceum Oegstgeest |
| English | IB | International School Hilversum Alberdingk Thijm |
| English | International | Elckerlyc International School |
| English | IB, American | American School of The Hague |
Tuition Costs in Dutch Schools
Tuition costs in Dutch schools can vary significantly depending on the chosen school, and as explained, a Dutch citizen or a foreign student who can attend public Dutch schools through their parents does not need to pay tuition. However, a student wishing to study in international schools in the Netherlands needs to consider an annual amount between 15,000 to 35,000 euros.
| School Type | Eligibility | Tuition Fees (EUR/year) |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | Dutch citizens or residents | Free |
| Private Schools | Dutch citizens or residents | €3,500 – €24,000 |
| International Schools | All individuals | €15,000 – €35,000 |
Required Documents for Studying at Dutch Schools
In order to enroll and start studying in Dutch schools, the required documents must be prepared according to the age and educational level of the student, and then submitted to the school in the Netherlands. Usually, Dutch schools do not request a language certificate from students, but it is necessary to have at least an intermediate level of English language proficiency for studying in Dutch schools.
Having identity documents and providing financial records demonstrating that the individual can cover the costs of studying in Dutch schools and living in the country is also a requirement for receiving a visa and studying in a Dutch school.
Obtaining a Guardian Visa for Students in Dutch Schools
It is possible to obtain a guardian visa for a student in Dutch schools. You can apply to be present alongside your child in the Netherlands and receive a guardian visa; however, this visa does not allow you to work in the Netherlands and is granted to only one of the parents.
Therefore, it is better for an individual to attain residency in the Netherlands through other means, such as studying, working, or investing, in order to bring their spouse and child to the Netherlands. In this case, it is also possible for children to receive free education in Dutch schools.
Frequently Asked Questions About Schools in the Netherlands
- How much does tuition in Dutch schools cost for international students?
Between 15,000 to 35,000 euros a year.
- At what age does education in Dutch schools begin?
5 years old.
- When does the school term in Dutch schools start?
August or September.
Conclusion:
Dutch schools offer high-quality education that prepares students for admission to leading universities worldwide. With various school types and strong academic support, studying in the Netherlands can be a smart first step toward future success. For guidance on registration, costs, and choosing the right school, contact the experts at Malekpour Institute for a free consultation.
