Start with the Netherlands if that is already the family’s goal
For families interested in a Dutch bachelor’s degree, studying at an international secondary school in the Netherlands can form part of a continuous plan. Students can become familiar with local life, study in English and explore universities and subjects in person.
The University of Amsterdam and Erasmus University Rotterdam are examples to investigate according to the student’s interests. Both appear in Eerde’s cumulative university acceptance information for 2017–2025.
The benefit is earlier familiarity and preparation, not automatic admission. IB subjects, results and the requirements of the chosen degree still matter.
An IB education does not tie a student to one country
The IB Diploma is widely recognised across major study destinations. A student can prioritise the Netherlands while exploring universities in Switzerland, the UK, the US and elsewhere.
Choosing a Dutch high school does not mean committing to a Dutch university. Interests and results develop during secondary school, so it can be useful to retain several realistic directions.
| Destination | What to plan during secondary school | Why families consider it |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | IB subjects, results and the degree’s teaching language | Familiarity with the country where the student hopes to continue |
| Switzerland | Required subject combinations, grades and languages | A route to strong Swiss universities where requirements are met |
| United Kingdom | Subjects and academic preparation relevant to the intended degree | A focused academic direction as interests become clearer |
| United States | Academic performance, interests and each institution’s application requirements | Scope to present both academic work and individual experiences |
Switzerland: language preparation is only one part
Families interested in Switzerland can investigate institutions such as ETH Zurich and EPFL early. These universities specify IB subject combinations, levels and grades.
French or German preparation may be necessary for the intended course, but language cannot replace academic requirements. Studying the IB in the Netherlands does not prevent a student from preparing for a Swiss destination.
For a student with clear scientific strengths, this discussion is particularly useful before IB subjects are chosen.
The United Kingdom and United States remain possible directions
UK applications should be planned around the intended degree and relevant subject requirements. Eerde’s cumulative acceptance information includes King’s College London, illustrating that destinations are not confined to the Netherlands.
The US is also an option for IB students. Depending on the institution, applications may consider academic achievement, personal experiences, interests and other materials. Sustained involvement in activities the student values is more useful than assembling a last-minute collection of experiences.
An acceptance list describes past outcomes across multiple years. It does not predict the result for an individual student.
Connect university thinking with the secondary-school decision
LEP’s main work is with secondary-school pathways, while keeping later undergraduate options in view. We discuss whether a family prioritises the Netherlands, Switzerland or a wider range of countries, and then connect that direction with school discussions about subjects and preparation.
A specific university does not need to be chosen now. The family should, however, understand which doors the current school route can help the student work towards.
Why work with LEP on this application?
LEP's experience in Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Switzerland helps families connect secondary-school choices with possible university destinations in Europe. We can discuss those goals while coordinating the Eerde application.
Until 15 September 2027, LEP charges no additional service fee for assistance with an Eerde application. This includes application assessment, school liaison, document preparation and visa application support. School tuition, boarding and government or other third-party charges remain payable.
Discuss your child’s application and a school visit with James Liu
Tell us your child’s age, current year, English level and intended starting date.