IB: International Baccalaureate in Netherlands for international students

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is, without exaggeration, a global academic model; it includes four levels of programs for different ages, designed to prepare students for global education and life in an international environment.

These are the PYP and MYP elementary and secondary schools, for children aged 3-12 and 11-16 years old, respectively; the Diploma Program high School (for children from 16 to 19 years old) and the complementary DP CP – a career applied track for high school students who find practice closer and more important than theory.

The IB Diploma Program (DP) remains the most popular among foreign students in the Netherlands. It is a two—year course that ends with international exams and allows them to enter leading universities around the world without additional entrance tests.

Asiya Watson

Client Relationship Manager at Hult EF Corporate Education

What other factors should be considered when choosing a school, besides teacher qualifications?

Look into the campus facilities, like sports fields and gyms, and the quality of the boarding accommodations, including room conditions and occupancy rates. Consider the diversity of the student body, the educational programs offered (especially regarding diplomas and graduation), the list of universities graduates typically attend, the school's reputation, and the backgrounds of the staff. The school's location is also a key factor.

These are the key reasons why IB programs are increasingly being chosen in the Netherlands.:

• Excellent quality of education

Schools in the Netherlands are strictly accredited, and IB programs are reviewed by the International IB Organization. This means high academic quality and a standardized approach that is recognized worldwide.

• Multicultural environment

The Netherlands is an international country. Children from dozens of countries often study in IB classes, and the teaching is conducted in English, and in some schools also in Dutch. This gives children the opportunity to develop language and intercultural skills.

• Geographical location and accessibility

Amsterdam, The Hague and Rotterdam are within an hour's drive of each other. The Netherlands provides easy access to the UK, Germany, France and Belgium, making the country a convenient option for families planning frequent trips or relocations.

• The opportunity of continuing education in Dutch universities

Over 450 bachelor's degree programs at Dutch universities are taught in English. IB graduates have the right to enroll directly, without entrance exams (and most importantly, without Dutch language testing).

• Pleasant price level

Compared to international schools in Switzerland or the UK, studying in the Netherlands is much more affordable. At the same time, many schools offer a similar level of quality and infrastructure.

According to official IB data, there are more than 50 schools in the Netherlands accredited for one or more IB programs. Some of them are private international schools, some are public schools with English—speaking departments.

90% of schools are located in large cities such as:

• Amsterdam is the largest center, it is home to the International School of Amsterdam, Amity International School, and others.
• The Hague is known for The British School in the Netherlands and The Hague International School.
• Utrecht, Eindhoven, Maastricht, Haarlem — offer less overloaded, but high-quality IB programs.
• Maastricht is the United World College Maastricht (UWC), which accepts students from all over the world through a scholarship program.

Let's emphasize once again: in the Netherlands, along with private schools, public schools with international branches also deserve attention; they are more affordable, but they are often open only to children of temporary foreigners (expat status), and require documents confirming that the family has recently moved.

When choosing a school, it is important to pay attention to:

• IB program levels offered (not all schools in the Netherlands offer all four),
• Language of instruction,
• Studying format: full-time only or with accommodation,
• Exam results and graduate admissions.

Some facts about schools with IB in the Netherlands:

• The language of teaching is almost always English; in some schools, a Dutch track is also available.
• Most schools provide career consultants who help with choosing universities, writing motivation letters, and applying through UCAS/Studielink.
• The strength of IB schools is flexibility; many schools allow you to choose a unique combination of subjects — for example, biology at the highest level and art at the standard level, so that your child will learn what he likes and useful – no more and no less.
• International environment – students from dozens of countries, teachers with international experience.

One of the main advantages of studying at an IB school in the Netherlands is a smooth, "barrier—free" transition to the country's higher education system. The IB diploma is recognized by the Dutch Ministry of Education as a full-fledged equivalent of the Dutch VWO certificate, which opens up access to universities without having to retake exams.

This means that:

• Dutch language exams are not required if the university's curriculum is in English.;
• IB points are awarded when applying through Studielink, the national admission platform.;
• IB graduates often receive credits in their first year;
• IB graduates have the opportunity to apply for a scholarship (in some universities — up to 50% based on academic success), and in 37% of cases the school satisfies such a request more often than in the case of graduates of public schools.

One of the key advantages of the Netherlands compared to other European countries is the relatively affordable cost of international education. This is especially true for IB programs, which can cost 1.5–2 times more expensive in Switzerland or the UK.

If we are talking about a private school in the Netherlands, the cost ranges from €16 to 25 thousand; public international schools are much more modest in their expectations, prices here range from €4 to 7 thousand.

Additional expenses include:

• Textbooks and materials: €500-1 thousand per year
• Excursions, trips: €300-800
• IB exam fees: up to €700
• School lunches: €3-6 per day In addition, in some schools it is also customary to pay for entrance exams and interviews (from €50 to € 300).

In some private schools: entrance exam or interview fees.

Each school sets its own admission criteria, but in general, the following stages can be distinguished::

1. Online application form,
2. Preparation of documents (you need an academic certificate for the last 1-2 years of study, a letter of motivation from the student (sometimes also from parents), letters of recommendation from teachers and the principal, etc.),
3. A video or face-to-face interview,
4. Testing in mathematics and English (not always),
5. Preparation of documents for obtaining a visa (a copy of a passport or birth certificate, photos and medical certificates).

Some schools request Cambridge English (B2/C1) results, especially if the language of instruction is English and the student did not have English in school before.

Choosing an IB program in the Netherlands is a strategic step, it can have a decisive impact on the quality of a child's professional trajectory and determine his future. Due to its high level of teaching, multicultural environment, logistical accessibility and friendly society, the Netherlands is becoming an increasingly sought-after destination among families from Europe, Asia and the CIS.

International Baccalaureate schools in the Netherlands are an excellent choice for:

• Those who plan to study at a university abroad (especially in Europe, the UK, Canada or the USA),
• Families considering moving,
• Independent students with a high level of English,
• Those who appreciate the flexibility of the program and do not want to limit themselves to one narrow specialization.

In the context of increasing globalization, high-quality secondary education is becoming the basis for a flexible, competitive future. Also the programs of the IB schools in the Netherlands, with their strong academic base, respect for individuality and focus on global success, are a great start on this path.