Study abroad in The Netherlands
Ask anyone what comes to mind about the Netherlands and you’ll hear the same things: canals winding through Amsterdam, endless fields of tulips, and a culture built entirely around the bicycle. But there’s far more waiting beyond the postcard image.
As an exchange student, you’ll cycle to school like a local, explore world-class museums and centuries-old architecture on weekends, and discover a country where directness, independence, and community sit side by side. Small in size but grand in character, the Netherlands rewards anyone willing to slow down and look closely.
Program Summary:
- Program: Classic program
- Program length: Long & Short programs
- Vaccinations: Yes
- Discounts and Scholarship: Yes
- Language criteria: Yes
- Language course: No
- Welcome Camp: Yes
Classic Program
If you are looking for a cultural experience for 2-3 months, or an Academic Semester or Year, our Classic program will match you with a welcoming host family and place you in a nearby school. We find the host family and choose the school, and you can enjoy what they have to offer while immersing yourself in local culture.
Perfect for students who:
* Who can be more flexible in where and what they study
* Want to have a cultural experience
* Interested in joining sports, clubs, and activities
* Grow as a person and improve language skills
Classic high school exchange program
Age and eligibility
Students must be aged between 15 – 17 for exchange in The Netherlands.
In addition to the completed application form, applicants need to provide a photo of themselves without being recognisable i.e.: participating in an activity showing a profile shot only along with a short video of you, in which you tell a bit about yourself – it doesn’t need to take long, just enough to get a good first impression of you. Please upload this as a private video on You Tube and share the link with your Program Coordinator.
Language criteria
Students accepted onto programs for the Netherlands will be provided with access to an online language course, valued at 130 Euro and is included in the program fee. Having a basic knowledge of the language (Dutch) allows easy adaption to School and Host family life.
Program length
Long programs are available for an Academic Semester or Academic Year. We have limited spots for our long programs. Programs depart in January/February, or July/August each year. Short programs are available at the end of the year for 2 or three months.
Schools
School life in The Netherlands encourages independence and responsibility from students in a supportive environment. Classes usually run from 8:30 am to 4-5:00 pm, depending on the students timetable. Exchange students may have choice of electives where possible, and the curriculum includes Culture & Society, Economy & Society, Nature & Health and Nature & Technique, with a variety of subjects in each stream. It’s possible that you might have a free period or “tussenuur” – this provides time to do your homework or independent language study.
Visa
Long programs require a a Stay Permit, as this is for longer than 90 days in The Netherlands. Our partner organisation will apply for this permit after the program fees invoice has been paid – the indicative cost is approximately EUR380, but this will be confirmed at the time as fees can vary. Students collect their Staying permit in their local community with assistance from their host family.
Important Program Information
The Netherlands Classic Prices
| Length | Arrive | Depart | Price AUD | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Months | Mid/Late Jan 2027 | Mid Apr 2027 | $12,950 | Aug 31, 2026 |
| Academic Semester | Mid/Late Jan 2027 | Early Jul 2027 | $14,950 | Aug 31, 2026 |
| 3 Months | Aug 2027 | Nov 2027 | $12,950 | Mar 15, 2027 |
| Academic Semester | Aug 2027 | Jan 2028 | $14,950 | Mar 15, 2027 |
| Academic Year | Aug 2027 | Jun 2028 | $15,950 | Mar 15, 2027 |
Program prices include a flight budget, and surcharges may apply. Early departures or personal travel changes incur a $300 fee plus any airline costs. Program dates are indicative at the time of publishing and may shift slightly, with confirmed travel details provided by your Program Coordinator. Places are limited, so apply early to secure your spot. For full pricing and surcharge information, see our Money Matters page.
Welcome Camp
Available for an additional AU$1,075 per student
Our Welcome Camps give students a confident, connected start to their exchange. Accommodation is typically in a hostel with shared rooms of around 4–6 students of the same gender, with breakfast provided daily. Some meals are included as well. For example, many European camps include dinner but not lunch, while arrangements can vary in other regions.
Students travelling to the Netherlands will have the option to join a Welcome Camp which takes place in either Stockholm or Berlin. Your Program Coordinator will confirm the place of the Welcome Camp with you.
Each camp includes a practical workshop designed to help students settle into their new environment. Topics cover culture shock, local customs, what to expect when joining a host family, and where to turn for support or emergencies. It’s a simple, supportive way to prepare for life abroad.
There’s plenty of fun built in too. Students explore local sights, spend time with new friends, and enjoy the excitement of starting their exchange together.
On departure day, staff assist students to the airport and ensure they’re safely on their way to their host families.
LIVE Online Information Sessions
A high school student exchange program is a big decision.
Our LIVE Online Info Session makes it simple … Hear what life on exchange actually looks like, the support families receive, and the transformations our team sees every year.
Register now and feel confident taking the next step.
%20(1).png)
Worldwide High School Online Brochure
For an overview of our programs, our team will send you our Worldwide High School Online Brochure.
Register hereCheck out our socials
Contact our team today
