Find the ideal international school for your child in Ho Chi Minh City with our overview of the city's premier education providers. Scroll down to find details about admission fees, curricula, notable features and other useful details to make the process of choosing a school easier.
Many people move to Vietnam without a set idea of where they will live or where they will educate their children! For these reasons, emigration is always a challenge, but in Ho Chi Minh City, where ‘wrong’ is often ‘right’ and up can be down, tapping into the local system can sometimes seem impossible.
As a group of experienced expats, many of us with families here, we’ve been through this whole process. We’ve done the leg work, we’ve asked the questions, and we’ve come up with a series of resources that we hope will make your experience on settling in Ho Chi Minh City much easier and less time consuming!
If it is schools you are after and an education you want, look no further than our list below. Listed in no particular order, these schools are all premium international schools, professional, friendly with a range of facilities and extra curricular opportunities that will make them an excellent choice for your child’s education.
Montessori International School of Vietnam
Website: montessori.edu.vn
Budget: Fees for students vary significantly depending on age and whether they enrol for half day lessons or full day. School meals are also optional extras, as is transport to and from school. However, as a guide, fees for a full time elementary student range from VND 380,000,000 to VND 400,000,000 for a year. For full details click here.
Languages: English instruction. Some classes in Vietnamese
Curriculum: MIS follows the Montessori philosophy and is accredited by the American Montessori Society. Students are encouraged to become independent learners via free exploration.
Uniform: No.
Unique feature: In addition to following the Montessori philosophy, MIS is an advocate of ‘Resources for Infant Educarers’ or RIE®. As a result the school is very well placed to provide parental support for parents who wish to adopt the Educaring™ approach. MIS is also able to offer a variety of learning environments at each of their 3 HCMC based campuses.
International School Saigon Pearl: Elementary & Early Years School (ISSP)
Website: https://www.issp.edu.vn/
Budget: Application fee of VND 25,000,000 VND and annual fees starting at VND 210,000,000 in early years, rising up to VND 458,700,000 for Grade 5. For more information please see this fee sheet.
Languages: English instruction.
Curriculum: This school is a part of Cognita Schools Group, which follows the American Core Curriculum which focuses on teaching core values such as honesty, caring, respect, responsibility and wisdom.
Uniform: The school’s uniform is a red short-sleeved polo emblazoned with the school’s logo at the front. Depending on the student, the shirt is complemented with either blue shorts or a blue skirt.
Unique feature: ISSP is now the only international elementary and early years school (18 months – 10 years of age) in HCMC to have the prestigious accreditation from the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
Kids Club Saigon (Early Childhood Centre)
Website: https://www.kidsclubsaigon.com/
Budget: Fees for Kids Club Saigon vary depending on the age of the child and how many days a week they attend the centre. However, to attend for 5 days a week you can expect to pay around VND 180,000,000 for children aged below 4 years and around VND 199,000,000 for Kinder Kids (ages 5 - 6). For full details contact [email protected]
Languages: English instruction.
Curriculum: The curriculum at Kids Club Saigon is based on Washington State Early Learning and Development Guidelines. However, the approach is Reggio Emilia and Montessori inspired meaning that a blended approach to early childhood education provides a child-centered program of learning and self discovery.
Uniform: No uniform.
Unique feature: Kids Club Saigon strives to create an atmosphere that makes the centre your child’s ‘home away from home’, which is reflected in the facilities at the centre. The ‘pretend play’ kitchen area is a popular area of discovery for kids to imitate what they see at home, and to explore in a safe environment.
APU American International School
Website: http://apu.edu.vn/
Budget: Annual tuition fees vary depending on the age of the child but you can expect to pay upwards of VND 198,000,000 for preschool, VND 270,000,000 for primary students and VND 357,000,000 for secondary. A registration fee of VND 45,000,000 is also applicable for each applicant. For full details visit the website.
Languages: English instruction.
Curriculum: APU students follow an American curriculum that incorporates AP elements where appropriate but is generally inspired by the Montessori approach. Secondary students are provided with a robust and diverse education through instruction in four core subjects—language arts, mathematics, science, and social science—as well as supplemental and peripheral subjects such as English as a Second Language (ESL) and computer science.
Uniform: The uniform at APU is a white shirt, navy blue vest embroidered with the school logo and a checkered tie.
Unique feature: Older students at APU can also benefit from the partnership between APU International School (APU) and the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) which has created a unique accelerated program for high school students. Students accepted into College Bridge Program (CBP) can earn a semester, a year, or more of US university credits while enrolled in high school courses or as a recent high school graduate. For more details visit the website
Canada Vietnam Kindergarten
Website: https://cvk.edu.vn/
Budget: Annual tuition fees start at VND 153,000,000 for both nursery and preschool students. An admission fee of VND 3,000,000 is also applicable for each applicant, as is a deposit of VND10,000,000. Further fees are payable for school meals and transportation. For full details visit the website.
Languages: Vietnamese plus Intensive English programme 60 - 120 minutes a day
Curriculum: Students at the Canada Vietnam Kindergarten follow a Reggio Emilia inspired programme that highlights STEAM subjects and satisfies both Vietnamese MOET (Ministry of Education and Training) and Ontario Ministry of Education requirements.
Uniform: The uniform at CVK is a white shirt and purple shorts or a purple striped dress.
Unique feature: Whilst many schools in the city guarantee that their teachers possess qualifications from foreign universities or training centres, CVK ensures that all teachers have Ontario Teaching Certificates to guarantee familiarity with the OSSD curriculum. This makes CVK an exceptional choice for any family considering relocation to Canada as transitions will be easier when students are familiar with the curriculum style and content. For more details visit the website.
Lavelle Academy (Early Years and Preschool)
Website: https://lavelleacademy.com/
Budget: Annual tuition fees are dependent on whether a student attends for a half day of full day, but you can expect to pay between VND 353,000,000 and VND 395,000,000 for full time tuition, depending on the age of the child. However, Lavelle Academy does offer promotional rates on tuition fees certain times of the year. For full details visit the website.
Languages: English instruction.
Curriculum: Lavelle Academy offers a holistic and flexible schedule where the curriculum is focused on supporting the child in whatever stage of development they are in. Lavelle Academy’s curriculum aims to provide real life experience (learning through play) that creates confidence, independence and creativity along with a knowledge of natural and social sciences.
Uniform: The uniform at Lavelle Academy is a lightweight cotton shirt, embroidered with the school logo and light gray cotton trousers.
Unique feature: Like many international schools in Ho Chi Minh City, Lavelle Academy offers an excellent range of enrichment programs. However, with private piano lessons, private swimming lesson and ballet tuition from award winning choreographers, registered with the Royal Academy of Dance, lessons at Lavelle Academy are of the highest quality.
American International School Vietnam (AIS)
Website: www.ais.edu.vn
Budget: An application fee of VND 5,000,000 is required for each child and a one time registration fee of VND 45,000,000 is required to secure a student’s place when an offer is made. Annual fees start at VND 453,800,000 for kindergarten classes, and range to VND 690,800,000 in grade 11 and 12. For more, please click here
Languages: English instruction
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP), American High School Diploma (College Preparatory). Co-education.
Uniform: The school uniform consists of a light yellow polo shirt embroidered with the school logo.
Unique feature: In addition to being accredited by WASC, CIS and IB, the school’s new campus in Nha Be provides state of the art facilities to support visual and performing arts as well as the schools very successful ‘competitive sport’ program. AIS regularly sees students accepted into colleges and universities in the US and around the world.
Anne Hill International School
Website: www.annehill.school
Budget: For a primary student taking full day tuition throughout the week, annual fees are around VND 200,000,000 with a variety of payment options available.Tuition fees at Anne Hill International School cover the costs of core subjects, meals, uniforms and transportation meaning that they can be considered one of the more affordable options in the city. However, a VND10,000,000 registration fee still applies. See this sheet for more information.
Languages: English instruction with options for Vietnamese and Chinese Mandarin as a second language.
Curriculum: International Primary Curriculum member, pursuing Cambridge accreditation. Cambridge International Primary Programme is followed for key subjects such as English, Maths and Science.
Uniform: The school uniform combines a light green t-shirt or polo shirt with neutral coloured shorts or culottes.
Unique feature: Anne Hill International School is an independent school offering brand new facilities for their students. For those looking for a truly international school experience, the school currently has students from more than 40 different nationalities enrolled, making it one of the most varied student bodies that we have come across.
European International School Ho Chi Minh City (EIS)
Budget: Administration fee of VND 4,500,000 per student, acceptance fee of VND 20,000,000 - VND 40,000,000 depending on the age of your child and a tuition fees start at VND 229,600,000 for Toddler class (2 years of age) up to VND 632,000,000 in Grade 12. Tuition fees can be paid in up to 10 installments. The school has a partnership with a few banks which allow 0% interest rate by credit card payment. For more information please see this fee page.
Languages: English instruction. Additional languages: German, French, Spanish, Korean and Vietnamese.
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB) Continuum. Co-education.
Uniform: The school uniform is a white polo shirt with orange details and school logo.
Unique feature: With possibly the most convenient location in Thao Dien, EIS a boutique international school, set in lush garden surroundings, offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum of studies for children aged 2-18. Despite being a boutique in feel, the school is large enough to offer a wide range of educational opportunities and the vibrant campus is a place where students, teachers and parents of all grade levels and different backgrounds interact freely with each other. EIS offers a truly diverse ‘melting pot’ of 40+ nationalities and global cultures, where students are encouraged to find their own voice, to pursue languages, and to contribute to all aspects of school life.
Australian International School Vietnam (AIS)
Website: www.aisvietnam.com
Budget: A non refundable application fee of VND 4,500,000 is payable at the time of application. Annual fees vary depending on the age of the student and how many days they attend school, but expect to pay between VND 432,000,000 and VND 665,000,000 each year from primary and secondary enrollment. Click here for full details
Languages: English instruction.
Curriculum: PYP, IGCSE and IB Diploma Program
Uniform: The school has a variety of uniform options all based around the school colours of blue and white.
Unique feature: AIS houses its very own Boarding House which is the first of its kind among premium international schools in Vietnam. With space to accommodate 50 pupils, AIS’s boarding experience is available for students aged from 11 to 18 years old, both boys and girls, and both local and international families. AIS offers an extensive range of facilities over the school’s three world-class campuses, with each of its classrooms and learning environments being spacious, well-resourced, and technologically rich.
Kinder Academy International PreSchool
Website: www.kinderacademy.edu.vn/en/
Budget: With annual fees starting at VND 199,000,000 for a year’s tuition, fees at Kinder Academy are one of the most reasonably priced options in Thao Dien. Percentage discounts are provided for siblings attending at the same time. However, additional fees are required each year, as is a one-off enrolment fee so it is worth checking the full details here.
Languages: English
Curriculum: Kinder Academy applies Reggio Emilia inspired and EMS (English, Math and Nature Sciences) philosophies to a curriculum that prioritises STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths).
Uniform: No
Unique feature: Kinder Academy focuses on keeping class sizes small so there are never more than 15 students in a class. This helps staff to provide engaging and flexible lessons where the whole campus is utilised to inspire and educate children, rather than remaining based in one classroom throughout the day.
British Vietnam International School (BVIS)
Budget: A non refundable application fee of VND 3,500,000 per student and a security deposit of VND 35,400,000 is applicable for all students. Tuition fees start at VND 202,600,000 for Nursery (from 1.5 years of age), VND 274,400,000 for Preschool, VND 369,000,000 for Primary (5 - 10 years) and from VND 431,500,000 for Secondary. Additional fees for registration and transportation are applicable. For more information please see this page.
Languages: English and Vietnamese until 10 years old. Vietnamese lessons are then reduced depending on age to a maximum of 5% tuition in Year 12.
Curriculum: British Curriculum. Bi-Lingual.
Uniform: The school uniform is khaki shorts or shirt, with violet t-shirt in kindergarten, or a white shirt with the school badge in primary and secondary school.
Unique feature: BVIS is the only bilingual school in Ho Chi Minh City that is licensed to deliver international qualifications. By delivering the British National Curriculum in both English and Vietnamese students are provided with a unique opportunity to study from an international perspective. BVIS also offers the opportunity to collaborate with other international students in the Nord Anglia group via the Global Campus learning platform, and further opportunities to explore hobbies and interests with an exceptional range of extra curricular activities, including the well recognised Duke of Edinburgh award.
Eton House International PreSchool
Website: www.etonhousethaodien.com
Budget: For annual enrollment at Eton House you can expect to pay between VND 200,000,000 – VND 250,000,000 per child. However, sibling discounts, payment plans and seasonal promotions are available.
Languages: English instruction, Vietnamese and Mandarin available as additional languages.
Unique feature: Housed in a beautiful colonial villa in Thao Dien, EtonHouse offers a tranquil environment amidst lush greenery. Students here not only benefit from being classmates with students from over 30 nationalities at school but EtonHouse families can also connect with 12,000 students in EtonHouse 120 campuses around the world. The utilisation of the ‘Keptme’ app is a key feature at the school as this innovative platform ensures that parents are kept up to date with what their child is doing throughout the day and allows learning achievements to be shared and witnessed easily and efficiently.
British International School, Ho Chi Minh City (BIS)
Website: www.nordangliaeducation.com/our-schools/vietnam/ho-chi-minh-city/bis
Budget: Expect to pay a non refundable application Fee of VND3,500,000 and a one-off Registration fee of VND 70,800,000 per child for Primary and Secondary school children when accepting a place. Annual fees start at VND 495,300,000 (can be paid in instalments) from Year 1 (Primary) and range to VND 730,800,000 in Year 13. See this Fee Sheet for more information.
Languages: English instruction, Vietnamese as an extracurricular club. Plus French, Spanish and Mandarin
Curriculum: IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education), IBDP (International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme), International Primary Curriculum. Co-education.
Uniform: The school uniform is a white shirt or maroon polo with neutral coloured trousers or skirt.
Unique feature: Firmly established as the international school of choice in Ho Chi Minh City, the British International School is a selective, independent and co-educational day school that provides a diverse international education measured by British standards. Their academic programmes, exceptional teaching staff, and personalised approach to learning has fostered a strong reputation for delivering world class results. Additionally, through their connection to the NAE family of schools, students of BIS HCMC are able to access unique, life changing opportunities with world leading institutions such as Juilliard, MIT, and UNICEF. The school has excellent specialist facilities including gymnasiums, music suites, theatre and auditoriums and other specific spaces for art, dance and design.
The International School of Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC)
Website: www.ishcmc.com
Budget: An admission fee of VND 50,000,000 is required for all primary and secondary applications. Annual school fees start at VND 524,200,000 for Grade 1, rising to VND 775,300,000 in Grade 12. For full details of fees and repayment schedules click here.
Languages: English instruction
Curriculum: IB curriculum. Co-education.
Uniform: The school uniform is a blue sweater and whote polo shirt featuring the school logo.
Unique feature: ISHCMC is the first and most established school in the city. They consistently achieve high IB results that score well above the IB World Average. Unique features include purified air systems for Early Explorers to Grade 2 to combat high pollution levels. The school has committed to providing these to all Grade levels. Students are able to innovate and create in a Makerspace, Mac Lab, Film studios, Black Box Studios and DT Suites. A new state of the art Secondary Campus will also be opening in the 2017/18 academic year.
International Montessori Academy
Website: www.imacademy.edu.vn
Budget: Annual tuition fees at International Montessori Academy are around VND180,000,000, with an additional application fee of VND 5,000,000 required when you apply. If transportation is required, an additional cost will be incurred, however school meals are included in the tuition fees. Full details of the enrollment process and necessary fees are available from the school office via email [email protected] or by calling (028) 7300.2268.
Languages: English plus daily Vietnamese instruction
Curriculum: Montessori
Uniform: Blue polo shirts featuring the school logo (Uniform is not compulsory)
Unique feature: International Montessori Academy offers an authentic Montessori Education with highly experienced and qualified teachers leading the programme. All lead teachers are Montessori certified and have a minimum of 12 years experience. Teaching assistants are also highly qualified with a degree in education and an early childhood education certificate. With an average class size of 14 students, International Montessori Academy offers excellent value for parents.
FOSCO International School
Website: www.fis.edu.vn
Budget: An application fee of VND 3,500,000 applies to each student, with additional registration fees varying depending on a child’s age. Annual tuition starts at VND 130,000,000 for nursery, VND158,000,000 for preschool and from VND 228,000,000 for primary. Please click here for more information.
Languages: English, plus 3 hours of Vietnamese each week
Curriculum: American Common Core.Preschools also follow Vietnam MOET
Uniform: School Uniform is a green polo shirt or t-shirt featuring the school logo and beige skirt or shorts
Unique feature: At FOSCO International School you will hear more than a dozen languages spoken by the students who hail from a variety of nations. But this does not mean that the school loses it’s boutique atmosphere. Teachers and students all know each other and a family oriented programme of activities means that parents are part of the learning journey too.
Kidzone
Website: www.kidzone.edu.vn/en/
Budget: An application fee of VND 2,00,000 applies to each student, with an additional ‘infrastructure’ fee of VND 3,000,000 payable each year. Annual tuition fees are VND 146,000,000 for instruction with native English speaking teachers. Options to receive instruction from bilingual teachers are available, as are options to receive transportation and snacks. Please click here for more information.
Languages: English, plus 1 hour of Vietnamese each week in kindergarten
Curriculum: American
Uniform: School Uniform is a white shirt and blue shorts
Unique feature: Kidzone offers excellent value for money and convenience with 5 campuses located in Thao Dien, Thu Duc City and District 9. Each campus provides safe, modern facilities with plenty of space to allow for outdoor and indoor activities. Students are encouraged to connect with nature and explore the school where a ‘home away from home’ atmosphere is promoted.
Little Genius International Kindergarten
Website: www.lgkids.vn/
Budget: A non refundable application and registration fee of VND 8,500,000 applies to each student. Annual tuition is VND 200,000,000 for Nursery students (from 1.5 years), and VND 220,000,000 for preschool students.
Languages: English
Curriculum: British. Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
Uniform: No specific uniform
Unique feature: Little Genius International Kindergarten offers small class sizes (maximum 15 students) to provide the best learning environment possible. The school offers a dynamic curriculum with a strong STEAM focus. With a dedicated science lab and technology room, Little Genius International Kindergarten offers students the opportunity to study robotics and coding alongside courses that promote physical health and wellbeing, including healthy cooking, hip-hop dance and football.
Saigon South International School (SSIS)
Website: www.ssis.edu.vn
Budget: A non refundable application fee of VND 10,000,000 applies to each student, with a VND 45,000,000 Enrollment Fee required to guarantee a student’s place. Annual fees start at VND 379,000,000 and range up to VND 685,000,000 depending on the age of the student. Note that this school is a non-profit international school and all fees are reinvested in the school. In spite of this, it is one of the best international schools in Saigon. Please click here for more information.
Languages: English
Curriculum: Advanced Placement (AP), American High School Diploma (College Preparatory), SSIS follows a tailored curriculum based on the North American education system. Students can also study the IB Diploma Program at this school. Co-education.
Uniform: School Uniform is a blue polo shirt or t-shirt featuring the school logo
Unique feature: As mentioned above, this is the only non-profit international school in Vietnam and the school’s revenues are reinvested in the school. Over 850 students from over 30 different countries attend this school, and the student to teacher ratio is 10 to 1.
Saigon South International School, teacher and students, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
La Petit Ecole International School
Website: www.lapetiteecole.asia/vn/en/
Budget: Different fees are applicable for Nursery students depending on how many days a week they attend.However as a guide, attendance for 3 days a week starts at VND 104,500,000 per year. For preschool and elementary students, attendance of 5 days a week is compulsory and annual fees start at VND 214,000,000 vnd and VND 234,000,000 respectively. Full details are available here.
Languages: French and English.
Curriculum: La Petite Ecole follows a French National Education curriculum and has been accredited by the French Ministry of Education. The school is also a member of AEFE (Agency for French Education Abroad), ensuring a high quality of bilingual tuition.
Uniform: No
Unique feature: La Petite Ecole focuses on providing an exceptional learning environment for its students. This means that the facilities are not only well maintained and modern but classrooms are fitted with air purifiers and outdoor play spaces are fitted with pollution control monitors to ensure students stay safe when playing outside.
Aurora International School of the Arts
Website: https://www.aurorareggio.com/
Budget: For the youngest students attending Aurora International Preschool of the Arts, tuition fees start at VND 240,000,000. Primary students can expect to pay VND 286,000,000. For full details contact the school here.
Languages: English. Vietnamese as an additional language from primary.
Curriculum: Aurora International Preschool of the Arts follows a Reggio Emilia inspired curriculum.
Uniform: No
Unique feature: Aside from offering a leafy, boutique campus housed in a beautifully adapted villa, Aurora International Preschool of the arts offers a robust communication system that ensures parents are an integral part of their child’s development. Teachers are expertly trained to observe, interpret and document each child’s learning journey and to communicate their progress to parents. This exchange of information between parents and teachers is an integral part of the collaborative approach to a child’s education.
The American School (TAS)
Website: www.tas.edu.vn
Budget: A non refundable application fee of VND 3,500,000 is required per child and a registration fee is required to confirm placement. Annual tuition for a child in grade 12 is VND 631,925,000 however additional fees for textbook deposits and school meals may be applicable. For full details click here
Languages: English instruction
Curriculum: Advanced Placement (AP), American High School Diploma (College Preparatory), WASC-accredited school. Co-education.
Uniform: School uniform is a red or blue polo shirt with neutral trousers, shorts or skirt. Unique feature: After-school clubs include swimming, theatre, dance and others, and both campuses have Wi-Fi. Students represent over 25 different nationalities. The school focuses on teaching vital academic skills such as communication, critical thinking, research, creativity and independent learning. It is a WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) accredited School.
Canadian International School (CIS)
Website: www.cis.edu.vn
Budget: CIS offers a number of incentives and payment options that makes calculating thr final fees for each student quite complex. However, as a guide you should expect to pay an assessment fee of VND 2,000,000, Registration fees starting at VND 22,000,000 and annual tuition fees upwards of VND 486,000,000 in primary school and upwards of VND 560,000,000 in secondary school .For a full breakdown of fees click here.
Languages: English instruction. Vietnamese lessons optional.
Curriculum: The school uses the OSSD program administered by the Ontario school board meaning students graduate high school with an Ontario Secondary School Diploma. The IB diploma programme is also an additional option in high schools, however, fees are higher.
Uniform: School uniform is a white shirt with school logo and maroon details, paired with maroon trousers, skirt or shorts.
Unique feature: CIS is the only school in Ho Chi Minh City to provide the OSSD programme fro kindergarten to Grade 12. CIS also uses a Character Education in Action program to train its students in a variety of valuable ethics, from respect to responsibility. Their focus is on preparing their students for further study, and academic excellence is their key goal. They take care to provide a culturally sensitive curriculum.
Renaissance International School Saigon
Website: www.renaissance.edu.vn
Budget: A non refundable application fee of VND 4,000,000 applies to each student when an application is made. A further one time registration fee is payable when a place is accepted, registration fees vary depending on the age of the child. Annual tuition fees start at VND 262,940,000 for early years (full day) students and range up to VND 689,930,000 for final year secondary students. Please click here for more information.
Languages: English Instruction. Mother tongue tuition in Vietnamese and Korean. French and Chinese as additional languages.
Curriculum: English National Curriculum (see website for specifics), IGCSE and IBDP. Co-education.
Uniform: School Uniform is required for all students but varies depending on age. For full details click here.
Unique feature: Renaissance International School Saigon has an impressive range of accreditations including CIS, FOBISIA and Round Square but the primary selling point is that they offer an excellent range of facilities, extra curricular activities and clubs, without loosing the community feel of a medium size school. Teachers and students are all familiar with each other and students from across academic years mix together so regularly that the school feels very welcoming and friendly from the moment you walk through the doors.
Bilingual Canadian International School
Website: www.bcis.edu.vn/en
Budget: For your primary aged child, fees start at around VND 235,000,000. However an additional assessment test fee of VND 2,200,000 is required, and a registration fee of VND 22,000,000 is necessary for students in grades 9 to 12. Other fees are required for transportation and school meals. For full details, click here.
Languages: 50% English Instruction, 50% Vietnamese
Curriculum: OSSD (Canada), MOET (Vietnam) and IGCSE.
Uniform: White shirt with maroon shorts or skirt.
Unique feature: BCIS has fantastic facilities that encompass a total area of 13,000 m². The school also offers boarding facilities in a modern boarding house that provides students with access to the school facilities, 3 meals a day and weekend activities.
Saigon Star International School
Website: www.sgstar.edu.vn/
Budget: For your primary aged child fees start at around VND 345,000,000. However an additional application fee of VND 2,300,000 is required, and an enrolment fee of VND 30,000,000 is necessary. Other fees may be required depending on the child's needs. For full details, click here.
Languages: English Instruction
Curriculum: English National Curriculum. Co-education.
Uniform: School uniform is a light blue polo shirt or yellow and blue shirt with the school logo.
Unique feature: With a strong focus on sports, this school has a swimming pool (with lessons available for all students), an outdoor sports facility, and offers a variety of sports to keep your children fit and healthy.
Horizon International Bi-lingual School
Website: www.horizon.edu.vn/en/
Curriculum:
Bilingual Program: Horizon International Bilingual School is the first school to introduce and apply the Bilingual Programme in Vietnam. The bilingual curriculum practices are carried out according to Vietnam’s Education law requirements. The aim of the Bilingual Programme is to nurture Vietnamese students according to the National Curriculum. The lessons are taught in Vietnamese and English synchronously by Vietnamese and foreign teachers from K to 12.
International Program: Horizon International Bilingual School offers two different curriculum programmes: the International Programme has been designed around the Cambridge Curriculum that delivers necessary knowledge to develop students’ intellectual, moral, social and physical skills. The International Programme delivers mathematics, science, English language, chemistry, physics, biology, social sciences and ICT.
Uniform: Yes
Unique feature: HIBS has two rather unique features to consider. Firstly, it is recognised as being the oldest Bilingual school in Vietnam having opened in 2005. Second, it prioritises a modern approach to lesson delivery, utilising i-pads and a variety of apps to deliver lesson content. Maths and Science are areas of particular success to the school.
Smart Kids
Website: www.smartkidsinfo.com
Budget: SmartKids offers flexible programs from min. 3 mornings. For a 5 full days program (08:00-15:00) the tuition fee (lunch included) is around VND 283,000,000 for ‘kiddies’ (18 months – 3.5 years) and VND 359,000,000 for ‘big kids’ (3.5 – 6 years). Additional fees are charged for termly payments.
10% discounts are given for every third enrolled sibling (not necessarily still attending). Separate fees are charged for a variety of enhancement classes, extending the full day program till ~17:00.
Languages: English
Curriculum: SmartKids offers a child centred environment in which young children can safely develop and explore. Their holistic, play-based curriculum embraces a combination of Reggio Emilia, Montessori and Steiner philosophies and focuses on the total development of each individual child.
Uniform: No obligatory uniform, however shirts featuring the school logo are included in tuition fees.
Unique feature: In addition to Smart Kids boutique curriculum, the school offers large & bright class rooms with an abundance of learning materials. Each class has a maximum of 18 children and to ensure a truly multicultural experience each class a maximum of 30% of any one nationality. Each class has a dedicated native English Early Childhood specialist as main teacher who attends to the class all day. Lead teachers are assisted by 2-3 qualified local kindergarten teachers.
Vietnam Finland International School
Website: https://vfis.tdtu.edu.vn/home
Budget: A non refundable application fee of either VND 2,250,000 for primary students or VND 4,500,000 for older students is required. Security deposit fees are also required, however the cost varies depending on which programme you enrol in. Annual fees for the International programme start at VND 457,590,000, whilst fees for the bilingual programme are significantly lower. For full details visit this page.
Languages: English instruction. Some classes in Vietnamese
Curriculum: VFIS offers two different programmes, ‘International’ and ‘Bi-Lingual’. Both embrace a Finnish philosophy in early years but the ‘International’ programme develops to follow the IB approach when the student is older.
Uniform: School uniform is either a blue or white polo shirt featuring the school logo.
Unique feature: VFIS is the first International School in Vietnam to be established under a Vietnamese state university (Ton Duc Thang University). It is also the only school in the country to follow the philosophy of ‘Education Finland’, a programme operating under the guidance of the Finnish National Agency for Education.
Vietnam Australia International School (VAS)
Website: https://www.vas.edu.vn/en
Budget: With a variety of education programmes available for students in kindergarten through to high school and ‘A’ Level, full details of the annual fees for VAS can be found at this page. However, as a guide, you can expect to pay a minimum of VND 170,000,000 for kindergarten, VND 180,000,000 for primary, VND 230,000,000 for secondary and VND 376,000,000 for the Cambridge International programme in grades 9 - 12. Meal fees and transportation fees are also applicable, as are uniform fees.
Languages: English and Vietnamese. (Cambridge International Programme: English only)
Curriculum: Until grade 8, all students follow a bilingual curriculum that combines the Vietnamese Ministry of Education curriculum with a choice of Cambridge programme (‘Academic’ or ‘English Intensive’). When students enter grade 9 they can choose to continue with the bilingual programme or move to the Cambridge International Programme (CIP) where the curriculum is delivered 100% in English.
Uniform: School uniform is a maroon polo shirt with the school logo embroidered in gold with beige shorts or skirt.
Unique feature: VAS was the first recognised ‘Cambridge school’ in Ho Chi Minh City. It has since expanded so that it’s 7 campuses are home to over 9,000 students from Kindergarten to grade 12. The variety of educational pathways available to students is a key feature of the school’s popularity and success as students who wish to receive a truly bilingual, international education are able to decide how their studies progress.
Ecloes Boules et Billes
Website: https://bouleetbilles.net/
Budget: Registration and administration fees are applicable for each child but prices vary depending on the age of the student. French students can expect to pay around VND 150,000,000 annually in kindergarten, with other nationalities paying around VND 161,000,000
Languages: French is the language of instruction. Vietnamese and English courses from Kindergarten.
Curriculum: Boules et Billes is accredited by the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE) meaning that the curriculum provided is in line with te French national education system. A variety of enrichment activities are also provided from early years (6 months).
Uniform: No specific uniform unless attending an event or field trip
Unique feature: Boules et Billes priority is ensuring their students develop proficiency in French. However, primary students also study English using the ‘Emile’ educational approach. This multi award winning learning system is a game based range of resources, approved by the AEFE.
US Vietnam Talent International School (UTS)
Website: https://utschool.edu.vn/
Budget: A non refundable application fee of VND 3,000,000 is required for each student, as is an annual facilities fee of VND 8,000,000. Following that you can expect to pay approximately VND 120,000,000 for elementary students, VND 156,000,000 for middle school and VND 193,000,000 for high school. However, early bird discounts are available, as are payments by semester but this can increase the overall cost. For full details click here.
Languages: Vietnamese and English
Curriculum: UTS offers a bilingual curriculum that satisfies the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) requirements, but also focuses on ensuring students acquire proficiency in English. Maths, English and Science are all taught in English and provisions for achieving age appropriate Cambridge certifications are included at each level
Uniform: School uniform is an orange polo shirt featuring the school logo with beige trousers or skirt.
Unique feature: The facilities at UTS are certainly among the most impressive in the city. Located on a purpose built 5.2 hectare campus, the simple, modern architectural style complements the modern international standard facilities perfectly. The school’s state of the art auditorium, STEM classrooms and laboratories and ICT room are all designed to provide students with international standard access to science and technology learning.
EMASI International School
Website: https://www.emasi.edu.vn/en/
Budget: Application fees for EMASI are either VND 500,000 for Kindergarten and Grade 1 or VND 1,000,000 for all other years. A Security Deposit is payable when students pass admission tests. The Security Deposit is not refundable in the case a child decides not to attend. Tuition fees range between VND 110,000,000 for Kindergarten 1 to VND 285,000,000 for Grade 12. Other fees may be applicable. For full details, click here.
Languages: Bilingual tuition Vietnamese and English
Curriculum: EMASI’s curriculum follows the Vietnamese national curriculum, adopting modern teaching methods from developed countries is an Intensive Cambridge English programme is taught at all levels.
Uniform: School uniform is a white polo shirt with blue collar with blue or beige shorts or skirt.
Unique feature: EMASI has a very strong focus on 5 main subjects (in its name: English, Maths, Arts, Science, IT) ensuring that students develop skills necessary for the modern world. The two campuses also offer state of the art facilities. Excellent physical education facilities, including a climbing wall are also provided.
Saint Ange French International School and Daycare Center
Website: https://www.sa-saigon.com/en/
Budget: Registration fees for Saint Ange start at VND 9,200,000 per child in nursery school and rise to VND 12,7000,000 in the first year of Kindergarten/ Pre School. Annual school fees are around VND 172,000,000, however French children receive a reduced rate and discounts are offered for 2nd and 3rd children. For full details click here.
Languages: French and English
Curriculum: St Ange is the only school in Vietnam that has been awarded approval by the Agency for French Education Abroad. This accreditation ensures that the school satisfies the requirements for both Vietnamese and French education authorities.
Uniform: School uniform is a white polo shirt with yellow collar with green shorts or skirt.
Unique feature: In addition to unique accreditations from AFEA and the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training, Saint Ange offers students enrichment classes in early initiation English. Kindergarten students receive 2 hours of English tuition per week which increases to 5 hours per week in primary school.
So there you have it! A list of Saigon’s best international schools. When choosing a school in any city, it is important to consider your own child and where they will learn best. Different children are suited to different learning environments, and luckily Ho Chi Minh City has something for everyone. For more information about International School in Ho Chi Minh City visit the CityPassGuide.com: Education homepage.