Education
On this page, you will find information about education for children and adults in the Netherlands. For example, about primary and secondary schools. You can also read here about the conditions for studying if you do not have a residence permit, and about the costs of education.
Information
Your child may attend school even if your asylum application has been rejected
Has your asylum application been rejected, or do you not have a residence permit? Your child is allowed to attend school in the Netherlands. In this article, you can read about the rules that apply and what changes when your child turns 18.
Primary school
Children ages 4 through 12 attend primary school. The primary school has 8 groups. Children are required to attend school from the age of 5 but most children in the Netherlands attend primary school from the age of 4. On this page you can read all about primary school.
Secondary school
After primary school, children attend secondary school. Secondary school consists of different levels and years. Children up to age 16, sometimes 18, are required to attend school. On this page you can read all about secondary school.
How special needs education works in the Netherlands
Special needs education is designed for pupils who require extra support that a mainstream school cannot always provide. In this article, you can read about how special needs education works and what support pupils receive there.
State and independent education
Article 23 of the Dutch Constitution governs freedom of education in the Netherlands. People are free to establish their own schools, but these schools must comply with government regulations. As a result, there are state schools, which are neutral, and independent schools, which are based on a particular faith or philosophy of life.