Amsterdam International Community School, almost always shortened to AICS, is one of the largest of the international schools in Amsterdam and one of the most distinctive. It belongs to the group of Dutch subsidised international schools, which means the Dutch government supports part of the cost and the school charges a regulated parental contribution rather than full private fees. AICS teaches in English from the early years to university entrance, and it was the first Dutch international school authorised to run all four International Baccalaureate programmes, a marker of how seriously it takes the IB framework.
Amsterdam International Community School at a glance
| Curriculum and exam boards | IB World School; Diploma Programme in the senior years, IB framework through primary and middle years |
|---|---|
| Stages | Primary to Diploma (roughly age 3 to 18) |
| Founded | Primary phase from 2004; full continuum developed since |
| Accreditation | Authorised IB World School; member of the Dutch international schools group |
| Status | Dutch subsidised international school, two campuses |
| Fee band | Low to mid, affordable for a subsidised school |
| Campus area | South Amsterdam main site, second campus in the southeast |
Curriculum and academics
AICS teaches through the International Baccalaureate and was the first Dutch international school authorised across all four IB programmes. In the senior years students work towards the Diploma Programme, the two year, university recognised qualification, while the primary and middle phases run on an inquiry based, internationally minded curriculum aligned to the IB framework. Teaching is in English with mother tongue and language support reflecting an intake that spans many nationalities, and the school combines IB methodology with the structure of the Dutch international school system.
Although the school sits in the same English medium space that American families often look at, its programme is firmly IB rather than a US one, so families comparing systems should read it that way. Our guide to American schools in Amsterdam sets out the genuinely US options for families who specifically want Advanced Placement and an American High School Diploma, and the compare tool puts AICS next to other Amsterdam schools side by side.
Compare AICS with other Amsterdam schools
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Amsterdam International Community School fees
Amsterdam International Community School fees sit at the affordable end of the Amsterdam international school fees range, which is the single biggest reason demand for places is so high. As a Dutch subsidised international school, AICS charges a regulated parental contribution that is well below the tuition at the city's full fee private internationals, because the government underwrites part of the running cost. The school publishes the current annual contribution by stage, and that published figure is the one to rely on.
Eligibility for a subsidised place follows the rules of the Dutch international school system, typically tied to a family's international or temporary status, so confirm that you qualify before counting on the lower contribution. Budget also for a registration charge and the usual extras such as materials, trips, examination entry in the Diploma years and any optional services. Because the contribution and the eligibility rules can change, check the current detail with the school before you apply.
Admissions
AICS admissions run to an August start and are managed through a central process linked to the Dutch international school system rather than a purely private application. Families register their interest, demonstrate eligibility for a subsidised international place, and are then allocated according to availability in the relevant year group across the two campuses. Because the affordable fees drive strong demand, popular entry points can fill quickly.
Relocating families should begin the process as soon as an Amsterdam move is confirmed, and should be ready to provide the documentation the Dutch system requires to confirm eligibility and enrolment. The school is experienced with international arrivals and mid year moves, but places are not guaranteed at every stage, so early contact and a realistic view of availability both help.
Location and who goes there
AICS operates across two Amsterdam campuses, a main site in the south of the city and a second campus in the southeast, which lets it serve international families spread across those districts rather than concentrating everyone on one site. The south of Amsterdam, including the Zuidas business district, is where much of the city's corporate international community is based, while the southeast draws families from across the wider metropolitan area.
The community is broadly international and reflects the families who move to Amsterdam for work with multinationals, institutions and the knowledge economy, rather than any single dominant nationality. For how the south and southeast compare with the rest of the city, and where other expatriate communities settle, the Amsterdam city hub maps the districts and their schools.
Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
How much are Amsterdam International Community School fees?
AICS is a Dutch subsidised international school, so its fees sit at the lower, more affordable end of the Amsterdam range, well below the city's full fee private internationals. The school publishes a current annual contribution that varies by stage, which is the figure to rely on, and families should budget a registration charge and extras on top.
Does Amsterdam International Community School offer the IB?
Yes. AICS is an IB World School and was the first Dutch international school authorised to offer all four IB programmes, with the Diploma Programme available in the senior years and the Primary Years Programme in the primary phase.
Is Amsterdam International Community School a good school?
AICS is a large, well established subsidised IB World School that makes international education affordable for eligible families. We do not publish a star rating without verified parent reviews, so we set out its programme, status and community rather than score it.
When do Amsterdam International Community School applications open?
AICS admits to an August start and manages applications through a central process tied to the Dutch international school system, with eligibility rules attached to its subsidised status. Demand is high, so relocating families should apply as soon as a move is confirmed.
Where is Amsterdam International Community School?
AICS runs across two Amsterdam campuses, a main site in the south of the city and a second campus in the southeast, serving the international families spread across those districts.
