The 5 Best International Schools in Vietnam Worth the Premium Tuition
Choosing the right education for your child in Vietnam can feel like a high-stakes gamble. You want them to have that competitive edge for overseas universities, but not at the cost of losing their Vietnamese cultural roots (or draining your life savings).
With high-end international schools charging upwards of 1.2 billion VND annually, plus registration fees that rival the cost of a luxury car, that “premium” label really needs to earn its keep. It’s a massive decision, and the pressure on local families is real.
That’s why we did the heavy lifting. We looked past the glossy brochures to scrutinize International Baccalaureate (IB) curricula, review the actual facilities, and compare student support systems across Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
If you’re ready to find a school that truly justifies its price tag, here is our no-nonsense guide to the best international schools in Vietnam.
How much does attending an international school cost in Vietnam?
If you are looking at international education here, prepare your wallet, as the financial commitment varies depending on the program. For a bilingual program that bridges local and global standards, expect to spend between 200 million and 400 million VND annually. This is roughly the price of a compact car every year.
Tuition for the full international experience jumps to between 750 million and over 1.2 billion VND per year. Many of these institutions also require a heavy one-time registration fee, often costing as much as a luxury family vacation.
1. United Nations International School of Hanoi
Website: https://www.unishanoi.org/
Address: G9 Ciputra, Phu Thuong, Hanoi
Contact: 024 7300 4500 | [email protected]
Schedule: Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
As one of only two United Nations schools in the world, UNIS Hanoi offers an educational environment you won’t find anywhere else in Vietnam.
Originally established for UN staff, it operates as a true not-for-profit. This means every dong you pay goes directly into the school’s resources rather than investor dividends.
Academically, students progress through the full International Baccalaureate (IB) framework from age three to graduation, with lessons built around the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
This globally recognized authorization gives your child a straightforward path for those crucial overseas university applications. Strict enrollment caps also ensure no single nationality dominates, guaranteeing a genuinely diverse peer group.
However, this level of access comes at a premium. Tuition ranks among the absolute steepest in the country, making it a massive financial commitment for any family.
2. European International School HCMC
Website: https://www.eishcmc.com/
Address: 730F-730G-730K Le Van Mien Street, An Khanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Contact: 028 7300 7257 | [email protected]
Schedule: Mon-Friday 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
If you want an alternative to massive campuses, EIS HCMC offers a refreshing change of pace. Set in low-rise villas surrounded by quiet gardens, it provides a calm oasis away from the busy Ho Chi Minh City streets.
Don’t let the cozy feel fool you. The academic program here can be very competitive. Students complete the entire IB continuum on this single campus, avoiding disruptive school transfers as they grow.
Plus, as part of the Inspired Education group, your child connects to a network of over 100 schools worldwide, unlocking global exchange programs and international summer camps.
English language support is included in the regular tuition, which is a great financial relief since many schools charge extra for this service.
The trade-off? That charming villa layout means you won’t find Olympic-sized pools or massive auditoriums here.
Additionally, the intentionally small class sizes frequently lead to enrollment waitlists.
3. International School Ho Chi Minh City – Secondary Campus
Website: https://www.ishcmc.com/
Address: 28 Vo Truong Toan, An Khanh, Ho Chi Minh City
Contact: 028 3898 9100 | [email protected]
Schedule:
- Mon-Thurs 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
- Fri 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
As the first IB World School in Ho Chi Minh City, ISHCMC designed its Thao Dien Secondary Campus specifically with teenagers in mind.
Instead of traditional classrooms, the layout feels more like a modern university to encourage independent study.
I also appreciate the fact that the campus is packed with hands-on technology, including large makerspaces and Vietnam’s first dedicated innovation center.
Academically, the students consistently score above global averages. To help them handle this demanding workload, the school actually builds daily mindfulness sessions right into their schedule.
However, getting a seat here is a major financial commitment. Tuition is among the highest in the city, and families often have to buy expensive certificates of entitlement just to secure a spot.
Combine these high costs with frequent long waiting lists, and simply getting your child enrolled can be a tough hurdle.
4. British International School Hanoi
Website: https://www.nordangliaeducation.com/bis-hanoi
Address: Hoa Lan Road, Vinhomes Riverside, Phuc Loi Ward, Hanoi
Contact: 024 3946 0435 | [email protected]
Schedule: Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
BIS Hanoi starts students on the English National Curriculum before shifting them to the IB Diploma program for their senior years.
Because it is part of the Nord Anglia network, your child gets unique access to academic collaborations with MIT and The Juilliard School. It’s definitely a high-performance environment built for ambitious families.
Located in Vinhomes Riverside, this campus offers wide-open outdoor spaces that are a rare find in Hanoi’s dense neighborhoods.
One remarkable thing is that the school focuses on hiring native English-speaking teachers, and the results show that graduating seniors consistently score above global averages.
However, all of these come with a steep price tag. Since a large global corporation owns the school, tuition is a major financial commitment.
Parents also point out that administrative decisions tend to feel very corporate and structured, rather than the community-led vibe you might find at local non-profit schools.
5. Vietnam Australia International School
Website: https://www.vas.edu.vn/
Address: 594 Ba Thang Hai Street, Dien Hong Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Contact: 028 3868 7576 | [email protected]
Schedule:
- Mon-Fri 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Sat 8:30 AM – 12 :00 PM
Families seeking a balance between local and global education find a structured pathway at VAS.
The academic schedule integrates the National Vietnamese Curriculum directly alongside the Cambridge International program.
This approach allows students to maintain their native language proficiency and cultural foundations while simultaneously earning globally recognized qualifications, such as A-Levels.
Compared to fully international institutions, the tuition here falls into a more affordable mid-tier bracket.
Operating six distinct campuses across Ho Chi Minh City, not seven, as older materials sometimes suggest, helps local parents minimize daily commute times. Each of these locations features modern, purpose-built facilities rather than retrofitted buildings.
Because of the dual-curriculum structure, the student body remains predominantly Vietnamese. The campus environment functions more like an advanced bilingual school rather than a heavily diverse international hub.
Customer Reviews
I highly recommend this school for everyone!
Nice atmosphere, good services of Admissions office, academic staff and all departments. Feeling welcome when visiting here. VAS is certified Cambridge school and long-term brand in HCMC so I highly recommend this school for everyone!
- Long Truong | Google Review
Choosing this school was the right choice
I heard about VAS from a friend. After sending my child to study here for a year, I realized that choosing this school was the right choice. The teachers are good, care about the children, the curriculum is systematic, and there are many extracurricular activities to help the child gain more experience.
- Kim Anh | Google Review (Translated)