Having interests outside of school is an important part of Dutch society. There are many kinds of after school and leisure activities for children, such as arts, music, libraries/reading, many different sports, swimming, horse riding, parks and playgrounds, playgroups, scouting, and activities in community centres. However, the availability of these activities for non-Dutch speaking residents will very much depend upon where you are living in the Netherlands. Typically the major cities, with a high population of expats, will have clubs and societies that work in English as well as Dutch. For specific activities in your area, please contact the ACCESS helpdesk. It is worth it to note that some international schools have after school programs.
Month: January 2018
As an international student, can I get the studiefinanciering (student finance) from DUO?
International students can also get studiefinanciering (study finance) from DUO (eduction executive agency) if they meet the requirements. You must be between 18 and 30 years , study full-time at secondary vocational education (MBO), university of applied science (HBO) or research university. A travel grant can already obtained at the age of 16.
EU Students (non-Dutch) can apply for ALL types of DUO assistance IF
- They have lived in NL for 5 consecutive years or more OR
- A parent or partner has an EU/Suisse passport and has worked in NL for 5 consecutive years OR
- They, their partner or a parent currently work for 32 hours or more a month in NL – contact DUO in this situation as conditions apply.
EU students who do not meet any of the above criteria CAN NOT apply for most DUO products UNLESS they work alongside their studies, a minimum of 32 hours a month. They need to contact DUO in this circumstance as the type of work they can do is limited.
Non-EU Students
IF their Resident Permit is Type II (regular, permanent), III (asylum for a certain period) , IV (asylum, permanent) or V (long-term EU resident).
IF their Resident Permit is Type I (regular for a certain period) then it depends on the subgroup. Check the website of DUO for details.
General information about study finance is available one on the website of DUO. In addition, there are other ways of financing your study, check the ACCESS FAQ about financial support for students.
I am planning to stay here for a long time. Should I send my children to a Dutch or an international school?
If you are planning to stay here for a long time, a Dutch school could be an option, depending on the age of your children. If your children have previously attended a school in another country and are used to lessons in English, or if you anticipate that your children will return to another country’s educational system in the future, it might be in the best interests of your children to go to a Dutch international school (subsidised by the Dutch government) or an international school here in the Netherlands.
However, if your child is at the beginning of primary school, a Dutch school might be an option. Some of them offer special courses to learn Dutch for newly-arrived foreign children ages 6-11 at the opvangscholen (reception schools). These are ordinary basisscholen (primary schools) with a special class for learning Dutch: the reception group. Every week they are taught to speak, comprehend, read and write Dutch by someone who is experienced in teaching foreign children. When children are not attending lessons in the special reception group, they attend regular classes at the school for subjects such as math, history, science, arts and crafts, etc. You can find such a primary school on https://www.lowan.nl/po/scholen/ (Dutch only). Keep in mind that if you are looking for a school in The Hague to search for “Den Haag” (in Dutch).
Children from 12 years of age are usually required to attend Internationale Schakelklas – ISK (bridging schools). Children will usually be assessed for their linguistic skills in the Dutch language before they are allowed to enrol in an ISK school. Depending on their age and ability in mastering the Dutch language, children will typically spend between 1.5 to 2 years attending an ISK school before transferring to the mainstream Dutch educational system. You can find such a secondary school on https://www.lowan.nl/vo/scholen/ (Dutch only). Keep in mind that if you are looking for a school in The Hague to search for “Den Haag” (in Dutch).
The following website https://utesinternationallounge.com/dutch-education-explained-by-genoveva-geppaart/ provides you with an overview of Dutch education.
If I send my children to an international school, what kind of diploma will they have when they have finished secondary school?
Some programme/diploma/exam options are international in nature. Others are more closely aligned to a particular country. In certain instances, students may opt for two diplomas (the school’s diploma and an external diploma). Many options may qualify students to pursue tertiary education in the Netherlands or abroad (The IB diplomas – IBDP and IBCP – are globally recognised as providing the student with a well-balanced pre-university education). At the age of 16, students can be admitted onto the following options:
- IBDP – International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (full diploma programme or individual courses/certificates)
- IBCP – International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme
- EB – European Baccalaureate
- English A-Levels
- APID – Advanced Placement International Diploma (originated in the United States; full diploma programme or individual courses)
- A school’s/country’s own programme/diploma/exam options/graduation requirements
- A school’s own programme/diploma/exam options/graduation requirements plus full or partial IBDP or APID
I have a 14 year old daughter who is coming to live with me in the Netherlands. She does not speak any Dutch. Therefore, can you recommend a Dutch state school where my daughter can learn the language as well as being taught the normal academic subjects?
From 12 years of age, Dutch children normally choose from more vocationally-based training to pre-university diplomas depending on their academic ability. The lessons are given in Dutch.
After registering with the municipality in which they live, those children who meet the following criteria are usually required to attend ‘bridging’ schools known as Internationale Schakelklas – ISK:
- Have lived in the Netherlands for less than two years
- Need tuition to become competent in speaking the Dutch language
- Are between the ages of 12 and 18
Children will be assessed for their linguistic skills in the Dutch language before they are allowed to enrol in an ISK school. There are ISK schools located throughout the Netherlands. There is no list of ISK’s . Best is to check with your municipality.
The ISK schools prepare pupils for intake into secondary education or vocational education, depending on the age of the students. These schools teach children as much Dutch as possible, so that the children can learn to the same level of academic ability in the Netherlands as they would in their home country. At the ISK schools the teenage children will be given dedicated lessons to learn Dutch for approximately 16 to 20 hours per week.
In addition to the teaching of other academic subjects such as mathematics, geography, history and economics, art and culture, the ISK schools also provide additional support for the students. This support is often in the form of a dedicated mentor and access to other specialised services, for example a speech therapist for those children who experience difficulty in pronunciation of the Dutch language.
Depending on their age and ability in mastering the Dutch language, children will typically spend between 0.5 to 3 years attending an ISK school before transferring to the mainstream Dutch educational system.
Where can I find a list of universities for international students?
In the Netherlands, you can find many institutions for higher education. These include: research universities, universities of applied science, university colleges and some other educational institutions. You can find a list of all these institutions on www.studyinholland.nl/education-system/dutch-institutions.
Do I need a residence permit to study in the Netherlands? And how long can I stay?
If you are not a EU/EEA (European Economic Area) or Swiss citizen, you will need a Provisional Residence Permit (MVV) or/and a residence permit (VVR). Only a recognised educational institution can submit an application on behalf of a student. The educational institution is your recognised sponsor. A residence permit for study purposes is issued for the duration of your study programme plus three months for the administrative completion of the programme, and, if applicable, the preparatory year. The maximum period of the validity of the residence permit is five years. Before the end date of your residence permit, your recognised sponsor may apply for an extension of your stay for the duration of your study programme.
More information about the procedure is available on https://ind.nl/en/study/Pages/study-at-university.aspx.
Where can I find an after-school language programme in my mother tongue for my child at primary/secondary level?
To get information about additional education in your mother tongue, it is suggested that you contact your embassy. Please visit the website of the Dutch government for a list of embassies and consulates in the Netherlands.
My child has been diagnosed with a learning or behavioural difficulty/physical handicap. Are there any schools here in the Netherlands that cater specifically for children with special needs and how can I find one?
There are special needs schools throughout the Netherlands. Regional centres of expertise (regionale expertisecentra, REC) have been set up to cater for children with special needs. If you are unsure of what kind of support is needed for your child, a good place to start is your huisarts (GP). They will be able to provide you with an assessment. Please note that a letter from the GP will be helpful to find the appropriate support. The same applies if you have a child with a diagnostic already settled in a certified institution abroad.
Children who are physically healthy but have learning difficulties or exhibit mild behavioural problems will normally begin their schooling in a mainstream primary school. This is in line with the Dutch national education law that children with special needs (kinderen met rugzakje) must be given a place at a school that suits their abilities and potential, even if they need additional support. Meaning that a child with special needs cannot be refused at a regular school unless there is a severe physical disability, chronic illness or serious behavioural problems. The school will have up to six weeks to evaluate if the child can be admitted. Only in the case that the school cannot provide with the appropriate support, you will then be referred to another regular or special school. You can find further information about this topic at the government’s website (in Dutch only): www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/passend-onderwijs/vraag-en-antwoord/hoe-krijgt-mijn-kind-passend-onderwijs
Special schools are funded by the Dutch government in a similar manner to the mainstream schools. The municipality is given responsibility for providing places at these special schools. There are two types of special schools:
- Speciaal basisonderwijs – SBO (special primary education) schools, which cater for children who require support with their learning or who have mild behavioural needs such as: low IQ, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), delayed learning development, etc
- Speciaal onderwijs – SO (special education) for specific special needs or children who require intensive supervision. For example because they have a disability, chronic illness or disorder
An organisation called MEE can help you find, among other things, an appropriate school for your child. They specialise in supporting people with learning difficulties or physical handicaps. Their website is Mee.nl (in Dutch only). However we have listed below some of the centres and schools that can provide additional support to children with special needs in case you wish to do your own research:
Dedicated Special Education International School in the Hague (ages 2½-13)
- Special International Primary Education: Lighthouse Special Education (ages 5-13). Find more information at Lighthousese.nl
- Inclusive Pre-school (part of Lighthouse Special Education): Three Little Ships International Pre-school (ages 2½-5). Visit Threelittleships.nlhttp://Threelittleships.nl
International schools with special education department
Amsterdam area
- International School of Amsterdam
www.isa.nl/learning-at-isa/student-support-and-counselling/http://www.isa.nl/learning-at-isa/student-support-and-counselling/ - The British School of Amsterdam
www.britams.nl/about-us/policies/learning-support-policy - Amsterdam International Community Schools https://aics.espritscholen.nl/home/admissions/faq
- School of the Hague https://www.ash.nl/experience/studentsupport
- The British School of the Netherlands www.britishschool.nl/admissions/admissions-faqs
- The International School of the Hague https://www.ishthehague.nl/academic/learning-support
- European School the Hague
https://www.europeanschoolthehague.nl/primary
Rotterdam
- Nord Anglia International School Rotterdam
https://www.nordangliaeducation.com/our-schools/netherlands/rotterdam/international/learning/learning-support-services
Support groups and expert centres
- AAOF Autism Association for Overseas Families offers support and advise in English on the facebook page Autism Netherlands – AAOF
- ADHD Parent support group for international parents on Adhd.eseng.nl
You can find further information about this topic on this article
Is it possible to get financial support if I undertake further study in the Netherlands?
If you wish to pursue an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in the Netherlands, there are several ways to obtain funding without visiting the bank. The Dutch government, foreign governments, the EU and private companies finance different programs that offer beurzen en subsidies (scholarships and grants) to support you while studying:
Huygens Scholarship Programme (HSP)
HSP is a scholarship programme for international students with exceptionally high grades who want to study in the Netherlands during the final phase of their bachelor’s or during their master’s studies. For more information and the application procedure visit Nuffic, the Dutch organisation for internationalisation in education.
Grantfinder tool
Nuffic operates an online search engine with information on a range of Dutch scholarships for international students. Select the country and type of course to find a list of available grants. Grants are often related to specific universities and/or degree programmes.
www.studyinholland.nl/scholarships/grantfinder
Higher education grants
Some higher education institutions have special funds for students. Once you have selected the university or professional higher education institution of your choice, contact their careers service or international office to receive information about available grants. You can apply for a contribution towards tuition or course fees for EU and EEA students or for a loan to help pay for the fees. Visit the Education Executive Agency – DUO (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs) for more information about study grants and the restitution of tuition fees.
https://www.duo.nl/particulier/international-visitor/funding-for-school-and-studies.jsp
Holland Scholarship
The Holland Scholarship is financed by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (Ministerie van Onderwijs, Cultuur en Wetenschap) as well as several Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences. This scholarship is meant for international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who want to do their bachelor’s or master’s in the Netherlands.
www.studyinholland.nl/scholarships/highlighted-scholarships/holland-scholarship
European Funding Guide
The online-platform www.european-funding-guide.eu supports students and PhD candidates finding financial aid for their academic studies. The database contains a great variety of scholarships that support students, e.g. paying their cost of living, financing their semester abroad or supporting them during their dissertation. In addition, the platform provides numerous templates for applications and articles about how to apply for a scholarship.
I gained my diploma in another country. How can I evaluate and/or have it recognised in the Netherlands?
In the Netherlands, two centres of expertise work together on evaluating foreign diplomas:
- Nuffic: the Dutch organisation for internationalisation in education
- SBB (samenwerkingsorganisatie beroepsonderwijs bedrijfsleven): which is the cooperation organisation for vocational education, training and the labour market
To know the worth of your diploma in the Dutch system, you can visit the Internationale diplomawaardering – IDW (international credential evaluation) website at www.idw.nl/en/ below a sum-up of the different possible situations:
You have a foreign diploma and you want to study in the Netherlands
You should first contact the institution where you plan to study. They will arrange for your diploma to be evaluated. Ask the institution if there are any costs related to the evaluation. If diplomas are evaluated at the request of one of the regularly- subsidised educational institutions, there is normally no charge. However, if the request comes from a private organisation or individual, a fee is charged.
Visit the Nuffic website www.nuffic.nl/en/diploma-recognition. This organisation can guide you how to evaluate any diploma from any country. It also helps you to find out if you are eligible to study in the Netherlands.
You have a foreign diploma and you want to work in the Netherlands
- If you are unemployed and are looking for a job in the Netherlands, you should go to the Public Employment Service (UWV Werkbedrijf). Find information on their website (in Dutch with some English pages). If you have a benefit from the Dutch government, UWV Werkbedrijf will request a diploma evaluation on your behalf and tell you which documents you need to supply. They will pay the fees for the evaluation.
- If you have a job in a non-regulated profession and are looking for another, you can apply to the IDW for a diploma evaluation. You will have to pay for the evaluation fee yourself.
- If you wish to practise in a regulated profession in the Netherlands, you will have to get in touch with the official body that grants admission to the profession in question. You can see on www.nuffic.nl/en/diploma-recognition/recognition-of-your-profession-in-the-netherlands if your profession is regulated in the Netherlands and, if so, which organisation you need to contact
You have a foreign diploma and you are interested in its value in the Netherlands. You do not know yet if you want to work or study in the Netherlands.
You can request a diploma evaluation from IDW.
Who is the leerplichtambtenaar and why did I get a letter from this person?
The leerplichtambtenaar is an official in charge of checking that the rules regarding leerplichtwet (compulsory educational law) are followed.
According to Dutch law, schools are responsible for monitoring and controlling all absences of their children from school. They are legally required to inform the leerplichtambtenaar (official in charge) when any child misses more than sixteen hours of school over a period of four weeks. The school may also inform the leerplichtambtenaar if a child has been late twelve times for school.
Once the leerplichtambtenaar has received such information from the school, he/she will contact the parents to determine what action may be taken.
Only in a few specific circumstances can schools grant permission for children to miss school during the school year.
Schools may grant permission for a child to be absent from school for events such as weddings, funerals, religious holidays and moving house. For every other absence, it is compulsory for the parent to ask for permission from the head of school in advance.
School attendance records are regularly inspected by a leerplichtambtenaar, who tends to also check for pupil absentees right at the beginning or end of the school term, as they are regarded as very suspicious periods.
