School fees, contribution

What is it?

School costs depend on the type of education your child (up to 18 years of age) is receiving. Compulsory education starts at age 5.

Elementary school

As a parent, you do not pay tuition fees for your child's primary school. However, the school may ask for a voluntary parental contribution for extra activities, such as a Sinterklaas party or a school trip. You also have to pay for after-school care (BSO) and for certain costs of staying at school during lunch break (tussenschoolse opvang). You can find more information on the website of the national government.

Secondary education

Parents do not pay tuition fees for children in secondary education. Most books are provided by the school. This does not apply to vocational secondary education and private secondary education. You will need to pay for some teaching materials in secondary education yourself, such as dictionaries, a calculator, or gym equipment. The school may also ask for a parental contribution, for example for an excursion or school camp. You can find more information on the website of the national government.

Low income

School-age children cost money: a computer, parental contributions, school trips, you name it. For low-income families, there are various subsidy schemes available. You can find tips on the NIBUD website .