DAIS is the network of Dutch International Primary Schools subsidised by the Dutch government to serve expat children at primary level. Tuition is materially lower than full-fee international schools, typically EUR 4,500 to 7,500 per year, against EUR 15,000 to 25,000 at full-fee equivalents.
What DAIS is
DAIS is the network of Dutch International Primary Schools subsidised by the Dutch government to serve expat children at primary level. Tuition is materially lower than full-fee international schools, typically EUR 4,500 to 7,500 per year, against EUR 15,000 to 25,000 at full-fee equivalents.
Who qualifies
DAIS eligibility requires that the family is expat in status, not permanently resident. The specific definition is set out by the Dutch Ministry of Education and broadly requires that the family is in the Netherlands on a temporary residence basis through employment or study. Permanent residents and Dutch citizens are not generally eligible.
What happens when status changes
Families whose status changes mid-school year (from temporary to permanent residence, for instance) typically retain their DAIS place to the end of that school year. Future enrolments would not qualify. Plan school transitions in advance of any status change you anticipate.
Which Amsterdam-area DAIS schools
AICS (Amsterdam International Community School), AICS Zuid, Optimist International School, and the British School of Amsterdam (junior school) all participate in the DAIS programme. Verify with each school as the network has shifted over time.
Secondary school
DAIS covers primary years only. From Year 7 (Group 8 in Dutch), families either transition to a Dutch state secondary school (free, Dutch-medium with IB option at some schools) or to a full-fee international secondary.