International Schools in Vietnam 2026: The Complete Guide for Expat Families
Costs, curricula, top schools in HCMC and Hanoi, application timelines, and how to choose
Vietnam's international school sector has grown 40%+ since 2019. Fees range from $10,000 to $38,000 per year. This guide covers every option so you can plan your family's move accurately.
The Education Landscape
Vietnam offers three pathways for expat children: public schools (Vietnamese curriculum, free), private bilingual schools (mid-range fees, mixed curriculum), and international schools (full English-medium, internationally recognised curricula). Most expat families with children choose international schools for continuity, language, and university pathway considerations.
Since 2019, the number of international schools in Vietnam has grown by over 40%, driven by both the growing expat population and affluent Vietnamese families seeking global education standards.
Education Pathways Compared
| Type | Language | Annual Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public school | Vietnamese | Free (since Sept 2025) | Long-term residents, Vietnamese-speaking children |
| Private bilingual | English + Vietnamese | $3,000-8,000 | Budget-conscious families, bilingual development |
| International school | Primarily English | $10,000-38,000 | Most expat families |
Public Schools: Free But Challenging
From September 2025, public school tuition in Vietnam is officially free, including for foreign children with valid visas. However:
- Almost all instruction is in Vietnamese
- Foreign children typically need 2-3 years of intensive Vietnamese study before joining mainstream classes
- This works well for families committing to 5+ years in Vietnam and wanting deep cultural integration
- Not practical for most expat families on shorter assignments
Bilingual Private Schools
A growing middle ground. English-medium core subjects with Vietnamese integration:
- Much lower fees than international schools
- Less internationally recognised curriculum
- Can work well for primary-age children who will continue education in Vietnam
International School Curricula
International Baccalaureate (IB)
The most universally recognised pathway. Three programs:
- PYP (Primary Years Programme): Ages 3-12
- MYP (Middle Years Programme): Ages 11-16
- DP (Diploma Programme): Ages 16-19 - the globally recognised university entry qualification
Good for: Families who may move between countries, students targeting universities globally.
British Curriculum (IGCSE / A-Levels)
The pathway most familiar to UK, Australian, and international families. Strong in Vietnam with several British international schools.
Good for: Families planning to return to UK, Australia, or attend UK-standard universities.
American Curriculum (AP / SAT)
Follows the US K-12 system, culminating in Advanced Placement exams. Best preparation for US university applications.
Good for: American families or those targeting US universities.
Canadian and Singapore-Cambridge
Both offer strong academic reputations. Singapore-Cambridge is particularly respected across Asian universities.
Top Schools in Ho Chi Minh City
HCMC has the widest selection of international schools in Vietnam. The following are consistently cited as the strongest:
ISHCMC (International School Ho Chi Minh City)
- Curriculum: IB (PYP, MYP, DP)
- Approx. annual fees: $25,000-35,000
- Location: District 2 / Thao Dien
- Notes: Established, strong IB results, large expat community
BIS HCMC (British International School)
- Curriculum: British (Early Years through A-Level)
- Approx. annual fees: $20,000-32,000
- Location: District 2 and District 7 campuses
- Notes: Part of the Nord Anglia group, strong extracurricular programme
SSIS (Saigon South International School)
- Curriculum: US curriculum (AP)
- Approx. annual fees: $18,000-28,000
- Location: District 7 / Phu My Hung
- Notes: Strong US college placement record
Canadian International School
- Curriculum: Canadian / IB
- Approx. annual fees: $22,000-35,000
- Location: Binh Thanh
- Notes: Strong bilingual (English/French) programme option
ACST (Australian International School)
- Curriculum: Australian curriculum
- Approx. annual fees: $15,000-25,000
- Location: District 2
- Notes: Smaller and more community-feel than larger schools
Annual fee ranges are approximate for 2025-26 and cover tuition only. Add registration fees (typically $1,000-3,000 one-off), capital levy, and activities fees.
Top Schools in Hanoi
Hanoi International School (HIS)
- Curriculum: IB
- Approx. annual fees: $20,000-30,000
- Location: Tay Ho
British International School Hanoi (BIS)
- Curriculum: British
- Approx. annual fees: $18,000-28,000
- Location: Long Bien
Lycee Francais Alexandre Yersin
- Curriculum: French National (Baccalaureat)
- Fees: Lower than most international schools
- Notes: Best option for French-speaking families
UNIS Hanoi (United Nations International School)
- Curriculum: IB
- Approx. annual fees: $25,000-35,000
- Notes: Strong global community, competitive entry
Da Nang: Limited But Growing
Da Nang has fewer international school options than HCMC or Hanoi - this is a real consideration for families choosing between cities.
- Da Nang International School: IB curriculum, fees approximately $12,000-20,000/year
- Horizon International School: British curriculum, more affordable fees
- Babylon International School: Smaller, preschool through primary
Families in Da Nang with secondary-age children sometimes choose to board in Hanoi or HCMC, or relocate.
The Real Cost of International School
Headline tuition fees are not the full picture:
| Cost Item | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Annual tuition | $15,000-35,000 |
| One-time registration fee | $1,000-3,000 |
| Annual capital levy | $500-2,000 |
| Uniforms | $200-500 |
| Lunch programme | $800-1,500/year |
| School bus | $1,000-2,500/year |
| School trips and activities | $500-2,000/year |
| True annual cost | $18,000-45,000+ |
For a family with two school-age children at a top school in HCMC, school fees alone can reach $70,000-80,000 per year. This is typically the largest single item in an expat family budget.
Applying to International Schools
Timeline
- Top schools in HCMC and Hanoi have waiting lists, particularly at desirable entry years (Nursery, Year 1, Year 7, Year 10)
- Apply 6-12 months before your intended start date
- Many schools require an assessment or interview as part of the admissions process
- Some schools hold places for late-notice corporate relocations - ask admissions about this
What to Prepare
- Copies of last 2 years of school reports
- Passport copies for child and parents
- Proof of family visa/residency status (or planned status)
- Completed application form and application fee ($100-300)
- Teacher reference letters (some schools require)
Entry Assessments
Most schools assess English language ability and academic readiness. Non-English-speaking children may be placed in English as an Additional Language (EAL) support programmes.
Kindergartens and Nurseries
For younger children (ages 1-5), options are more varied and generally more affordable:
- International nurseries and kindergartens: $500-2,000/month
- Vietnamese private preschools with some English: $200-600/month
- Many expat families use a combination of local nanny and playgroup
Popular international nursery brands in HCMC: Little Dreamers, Saigon Star, Maple Bear Canadian Preschool.
University Pathways
Students completing IB Diploma or A-Levels in Vietnam are generally competitive applicants for:
- UK universities (IB or A-Levels both accepted)
- Australian universities (IB accepted)
- US universities (IB or AP; additional SAT/ACT recommended)
- Asian universities in Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan (IB widely recognised)
Vietnam has several international university campuses (RMIT Vietnam, BUV - British University Vietnam) for students who want to stay.
Key Questions to Ask Schools
- What is your EAL (English as an Additional Language) support programme?
- What is the student-teacher ratio?
- What university placement results did your last DP cohort achieve?
- What is the expat vs. local student ratio?
- What provisions exist for mid-year entry?
- Are there scholarship or financial assistance programmes?
Planning a Family Move to Vietnam?
School fees are the biggest variable in a family budget. Our consultants can walk you through school options, visa requirements for children, and the full family setup.