Admissions
As a publicly funded international school, OIA currently offers education for learners aged 4 to 18 within an English-speaking environment embedded in a Dutch context.
We aim to make the admissions process clear, supportive and accessible. Whether you are joining from abroad, another international school or a Dutch school, our team will guide your family through each step — from the first enquiry to the student’s start at OIA.
Learn more or start your application via OpenApply to register interest, submit documents, and schedule an intake conversation. We look forward to welcoming you into our international learning community.
Eligibility
OIA is a publicly funded international school (IGBO/IGVO) in the Netherlands. This means that Dutch law defines who is eligible for enrolment.
We welcome applications from families worldwide who require an English-language education, ensuring continuity in the student’s educational journey.
A student qualifies for placement at OIA if at least one of the following applies:
- The student has a non-Dutch nationality and has a parent who is working in the Netherlands (or in a Dutch border region) for a limited period of time.
- The student has Dutch nationality and has lived and gone to school abroad for at least two years because a parent was stationed abroad.
- The student has Dutch nationality and has a parent (with whom the student will be living) that will be stationed abroad within two years and for at least two years. This must be proven by a written statement from the parent’s employer.
For questions or guidance about eligibility, families can contact us through OpenApply.
Group placement
Placement at OIA is based on a student’s age, prior school experience and individual learning needs. Our aim is to place each student in the year group that provides the best social, emotional and academic fit, ensuring a smooth transition for families arriving from different curricula or countries.
For secondary students, placement also considers prior schooling, language proficiency and the requirements of the international programme.
School fees
As a publicly funded international school, OIA charges an annual parental contribution to support the additional costs of our English-medium international curriculum. These funds enable us to maintain a high-quality learning environment, include specialist staff, international learning materials, and allow smaller class sizes.
This contribution is a mandatory fee for participation in international education in the Netherlands. The annual fee structure for OIA Primary and OIA Secondary will be published prior to the start of the admissions period.
We strive to ensure that our school remains accessible to a broad range of families. If the contribution presents a concern, families are encouraged to contact us to discuss available options.
Families can request the full fees document through OpenApply or download it below.
Our Admissions Process
Step 1: Showing Interest
Our application process is open to children who are 3 years old at the time of application. Applications for younger children can be submitted once they turn 3. Families begin by registering their interest through our Open Apply portal; phone calls or emails do not count as an official application.
After registering, families may book a school tour, schedule a call with the Admissions Team, or attend one of our Open Days. These moments are intended to answer initial questions and help families understand the next steps in the process.
Step 2: Introductory Meeting
We encourage families to visit the school. For those living abroad, we offer a virtual meeting via Google Meet. This conversation focuses on your family background, expectations, possible relocation plans, and an introduction to our academic programme and school community.
If both sides feel Optimist International Academy is a good fit, you will be invited to continue with the application. At this point, the non-refundable admissions (application) fee is paid.
Step 3: Application Process
Families complete the full application in Open Apply using a step-by-step checklist. Where relevant, previous schools may be contacted.
Students applying for Group 2 and above attend a taster day, while Early Years applicants join a “come and play” session. Once all required documents have been uploaded, parents confirm completion by email so the application can move to final review.
Step 4: Confirmation
After reviewing the documentation, the Admissions Manager will communicate the final decision. If your child is accepted, you will receive a formal acceptance email including the anticipated class or year placement.
To secure the place, a €500 deposit must be paid within 14 days. This deposit is refundable when leaving the school, provided all financial obligations have been met. If no place is immediately available, your child will be placed on a waiting list; tuition fees are only invoiced once a place becomes available.
Step 5: Ready
Once the place is confirmed and the deposit received, you will receive the official start date, practical campus information, and a welcome message to help you prepare for the first school day.
Tuition fees are invoiced once your child starts school, with the first instalment payable within 14 days. We look forward to welcoming your family to our school community.