International Schools in Utrecht

The most established and most popular international school in Utrecht and the natural first choice for expat families. The ISU is an IB World School offering the full International Baccalaureate continuum from the Primary Years Programme through to the Diploma Programme. The school community includes students from over 50 nationalities. The IBDP pass rate is consistently strong with an average score of 32 in 2025. Currently on a temporary campus in Papendorp. A permanent new campus at Utrecht Science Park is under construction and scheduled to open in 2027. Apply at least six to twelve months ahead. Non-refundable application fee of €250 and refundable deposit of €500 apply. Phone: +31 30 600 4290.

A Dutch-subsidised school with an international department offering bilingual Dutch-English education. One of the most popular choices for expat families planning a longer stay in Utrecht who want their children to develop genuine Dutch language skills alongside an internationally recognised qualification. The subsidised fee structure makes it significantly more affordable than the fully private ISU. Consistently recommended by long-term Utrecht expats.

Part of the Winford Bilingual Schools group offering fully immersive dual-language Dutch and English education where all subjects are taught equally in both languages. The immersive approach produces genuine bilingual fluency in children who attend from primary age. An excellent option for families planning a longer stay who want true language immersion from primary school.

De Nieuwe Internationale School van Esprit Utrecht combines Dutch-English bilingual education in the primary years using the International Primary Curriculum with the IMYC secondary programme and the IB Diploma Programme in upper secondary. An excellent option for families who want both Dutch language integration and an IB qualification pathway, at significantly lower cost than the fully private ISU.

A long-established IB World School in Hilversum, approximately thirty minutes by train from Utrecht Centraal. Offers the full IB continuum plus a bilingual International Tweetalig VWO stream. Students from over 45 nationalities. Facilities include an on-site library, ICT learning spaces, STEAM areas, and a canteen with a Gold plaque for healthy food options. A good option for families who want a well-established IB school at lower fees than the ISU.

Located in Amersfoort, fifteen minutes by direct train from Utrecht Centraal. The Amersfoort International School offers IB education in a smaller and more intimate community than the ISU. Consistently described as a better fit for children who benefit from a smaller school size and more personal environment.

Several expat families living in Utrecht choose Amsterdam international schools, with the direct 26-minute train connection making this genuinely practical. The International School of Amsterdam, Amsterdam International Community School, and British School of Amsterdam are all accessible from Utrecht with school bus options in some cases.

For families who need a subsidised IB school and cannot find space at ISU or the bilingual Utrecht schools, the ISH in Den Haag is one of the finest subsidised IB schools in the Netherlands, serving 2,000 students from 107 nationalities. The 45-minute train connection from Utrecht is longer but manageable for secondary students.