Why scholarships matter in Dutch international schools

The Netherlands has many international and bilingual schools, particularly around Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam and Eindhoven. While public schooling is free, international‑school fees can be substantial, so scholarships, fee reductions and employer support are relevant for expat and local families.

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1. Scholarship and aid types

• Academic scholarships – limited merit awards at selected schools.
• Needs‑based reductions – fee adjustments for families with lower ability to pay.
• Corporate and embassy support – tuition financed directly by employers.

Examples of schools and typical practices

Amsterdam & Amstelveen:

• Amsterdam International Community School (AICS) and other schools may reduce fees for lower‑income families or offer phased payment plans, although formal scholarships are limited.

The Hague / Wassenaar:

• International School of The Hague, The British School in the Netherlands (BSN) and others often work with employers and international organisations to structure tuition support; some operate hardship funds or limited bursaries.

Rotterdam, Eindhoven and other cities:

• Selected schools may offer discounts or bursary schemes for specific communities or staff children.

Because policies vary widely, families should review each school’s admissions and fee‑assistance pages carefully.

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2. Typical coverage levels

Indicative patterns:

• Academic or hardship reductions: typically 10–30% of fees.
• Employer support: can cover part or all of tuition for expat staff.

Fully funded scholarships are rare and most families will still contribute significantly to fees.

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3. Eligibility and competition

Schools and employers usually consider:

• Academic readiness for IB, IGCSE or other international curricula.
• For hardship reductions: clear evidence of financial constraints.
• For employer‑sponsored places: staff seniority and contract terms.

Because places in Dutch international schools are in high demand, even partial reductions are competitive.

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4. Application process and timelines

Typical steps:

1. Check school websites for any mention of scholarships, hardship funds or fee reductions.
2. Talk to employers about expat tuition policies.
3. Apply early – many schools fill places and allocate support months before the new academic year.

Families should plan at least 9–12 months ahead of the desired start date.

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5. Duration and renewal

• Any reductions or bursaries are usually granted for one year, with review at renewal time.
• Renewal depends on:
  • Maintaining satisfactory academic performance.
  • Continued financial need (for hardship cases).
  • Ongoing employment with sponsoring organisations.

Always confirm what happens if employment ends or if the family’s financial situation changes mid‑year.

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How Tutopiya supports families in the Netherlands

Tutopiya helps students attending or applying to Dutch international schools by:

• Strengthening performance in IB and IGCSE subjects.
• Providing flexible online tutoring that fits with busy schedules and commutes.
• Helping families align school‑level support with long‑term university plans in Europe and beyond.

If your child is aiming for an international school place in the Netherlands with some fee assistance, Tutopiya can help them build the academic and language skills needed to thrive.