In this guide
The figures below are drawn from published 2025/26 school and directory data and are given as illustrative bands to help you plan. Fees are reviewed annually and vary by school and stage, so confirm the current figure directly with each school before you budget.
Two funding models, two prices
The single most important fact about school fees in Amsterdam is that the city has two funding models, not one. The subsidised Dutch International Schools sit inside the state-funded system and receive a government subsidy, so they charge a modest annual contribution rather than a commercial fee. The Amsterdam International Community School is the best-known example, and for an eligible international family its cost is far below the private market. On published 2025/26 figures, a first year at the Amsterdam International Community School for a young child has been quoted at around several thousand euros once one-time costs are included. The fully private schools, by contrast, charge the full cost of education. On the same published basis, a first year at the International School of Amsterdam has been quoted at around the high twenties of thousands of euros, again including one-time fees. The gap between the two tracks is the defining feature of Amsterdam school costs, and it is why your first budgeting decision is which system you are eligible for and prefer.
Fee bands by stage
Within the private sector, fees rise with the stage, as they do in most international cities. The table below gives illustrative annual bands for fully private international schools in Amsterdam, drawn from published 2025/26 data. The subsidised schools sit well below these bands because of their state funding.
| Stage | Illustrative private annual fee band (2025/26 data) |
|---|---|
| Early Years (ages 3 to 5) | Roughly €4,500 to €18,000 |
| Primary (ages 6 to 11) | Roughly €5,500 to €22,000 |
| Secondary (ages 12 to 16) | Roughly €6,500 to €26,000 |
| Sixth form / IB Diploma (ages 17 to 18) | Roughly €7,500 to €32,000 |
The width of each band reflects the spread between the more modestly priced private schools and the premium IB and British options. Treat the bands as a planning guide rather than a quote, and read them alongside our full international school fees in Amsterdam breakdown, which sets out the bands by school type. For families weighing the IB Diploma specifically, our IB curriculum guide explains what the senior years involve.
Compare schools by fee and stage
The school finder filters Amsterdam schools by curriculum, stage and district, so you can match a shortlist to your budget before you enquire.
Use the school finderRegistration and extra costs
Tuition is not the whole bill. Most Amsterdam schools charge a one-off registration or enrolment fee, typically in the hundreds to low thousands of euros, which is why the first year is usually the most expensive. On top of that, budget for items that are commonly charged separately: school transport, uniform or dress-code items where they apply, lunches and a range of extracurricular activities and trips. The subsidised schools keep these extras modest in line with their funding model, while the premium private schools can add meaningfully to the headline tuition. When you compare two schools, always compare the all-in first-year cost rather than the advertised annual fee, because the registration and one-time charges can change the ranking.
Budgeting for the first year
Build your budget in three layers. Start with the annual tuition for the stage your child is entering, using the band above or, better, the school's published figure. Add the one-time registration and enrolment costs, which fall in the first year only. Then add the recurring extras for transport, meals and activities. For relocating families, set this school budget inside the wider cost of living in Amsterdam, which is driven most by housing. Our relocation cost calculator lets you model schooling, housing and daily costs together, and our moving to Amsterdam with children school guide puts the fee decision in the context of the whole move. The single best way to avoid a budgeting surprise is to ask each shortlisted school for its full current fee schedule in writing before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
How much are international school fees in Amsterdam in 2026?
It depends heavily on the track. The subsidised Dutch International Schools charge a modest annual contribution because of their state funding. Fully private schools charge full fees that rise with the stage. Published 2025/26 figures put private fees in broad bands from roughly several thousand euros in the early years up to the high twenties or low thirties of thousands at sixth form, so confirm the exact current figure with each school.
Why are some Amsterdam international schools so much cheaper?
Because Amsterdam has government subsidised Dutch International Schools, such as the Amsterdam International Community School, which sit inside the state-funded system and receive a subsidy. They charge a modest annual contribution rather than a full private fee, which is why their cost can be a fraction of a fully private school's for an eligible international family.
What extra costs come on top of tuition in Amsterdam?
Budget for a one-off registration or enrolment fee, typically in the hundreds to low thousands of euros, plus the first-year extras some schools add. Transport, uniforms or dress code items, meals and extracurricular activities are usually charged separately. The first year is often the most expensive because of one-time fees.
Do international school fees in Amsterdam rise each year?
Fees are typically reviewed annually and tend to rise with inflation and operating costs, so the figure quoted for 2025/26 is a guide rather than a fixed price for later years. Always confirm the current year's fee schedule directly with the school before you budget.