How Do Expat Children Enroll in School in Vietnam?
Foreign children can legally attend school in Vietnam through three distinct pathways: enrolling in Vietnamese public schools, attending licensed private bilingual schools, or joining internationally accredited institutions. Each pathway operates under separate legal frameworks, carries different admission requirements, and serves different family circumstances. For most expat families, the choice comes down to the child’s language ability, the family’s budget, and how long they plan to stay in Vietnam. Understanding which legal track applies to your situation is the essential first step before beginning any application.
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Can Foreign Children Go to School in Vietnam?
Foreign children can attend school in Vietnam through three legally recognized pathways governed by separate Ministry of Education and Training regulations. The applicable track depends on the child’s nationality and citizenship status: children with dual Vietnamese-foreign citizenship enroll under the same conditions as Vietnamese nationals, while children holding only foreign nationality are classified as self-financed foreign students under Circular 03/2014/TT-BGDDT and must meet specific language and documentation requirements to enter public schools. International schools licensed under Decree 86/2018/ND-CP operate outside this framework and do not require Vietnamese language proficiency for admission.
Under Circular 03/2014/TT-BGDDT, children without Vietnamese proficiency must complete a pre-enrollment Vietnamese language training course organized by the admitting institution before sitting a formal language assessment. Only upon passing is full enrollment into the standard curriculum confirmed.
The three legally recognized school pathways for foreign children in Vietnam are:
| School Type | Language of Instruction | Vietnamese Proficiency Required | Vietnamese Students Permitted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public (State) School | Vietnamese | Yes, mandatory per Circular 03/2014/TT-BGDDT | Yes |
| Private Bilingual School | Vietnamese and foreign language | Partial | Yes |
| International School | English or other foreign language | No | Up to 50% of class per Decree 86/2018/ND-CP |
Under Decree 86/2018/ND-CP on Foreign Investment and Cooperation in Education, the ceiling for Vietnamese student enrollment in foreign-invested kindergarten, primary, secondary, and high school classrooms was set at 50% of total enrollment per class. Foreign-invested schools that enroll Vietnamese students are also required to provide Vietnamese language and cultural education to those students, delivered in Vietnamese by qualified teachers, as mandated by Circular 04/2020/TT-BGDDT.
For most expatriate families in Vietnam, particularly foreign language teachers, international schools are the most practical route: they conduct instruction in English, accept foreign curricula transcripts, and do not impose Vietnamese language conditions at entry.
If you are comparing school types before starting the enrollment process, a full curriculum, cost, and environment comparison is available in International Schools vs Local Schools: Complete Comparison for Foreign Teachers in Vietnam.
At What Age Do Children Start School in Vietnam?
The official entry age for Grade 1 primary school in Vietnam is 6 years old, as specified in Article 33 of the Primary School Charter issued under Circular 28/2020/TT-BGDDT. Formal education spans 12 years across four stages, with pre-school from age 3 not compulsory. Circular 28/2020/TT-BGDDT explicitly lists children of foreigners studying or working in Vietnam among the groups permitted to enter Grade 1 at an age older than the standard entry age, up to a maximum of three additional years beyond age 6, subject to approval by the relevant Division of Education and Training.
Vietnam’s school structure across all levels is as follows, based on Ministry of Education and Training regulations and the UNESCO Institute for Statistics framework:
| Level | Vietnamese Name | Grades | Age Range | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-school | Mầm non | n/a | 3 to 6 years | 3 years, non-compulsory |
| Primary | Tiểu học | 1 to 5 | 6 to 10 years | 5 years, compulsory |
| Lower Secondary | Trung học cơ sở | 6 to 9 | 11 to 14 years | 4 years |
| Upper Secondary | Trung học phổ thông | 10 to 12 | 15 to 17 years | 3 years |
The academic year runs from late August through late May, divided into two semesters: the first semester from late August to December, and the second from late January to late May, as documented by Nord Anglia Education’s Vietnamese Curriculum Guide.
International schools follow broadly comparable age structures but use their home system’s grade nomenclature. Entry points vary: BVIS Hanoi, for example, accepts students from age 2 through age 18 across its Early Years, Primary, and Secondary stages, per its published 2026 admissions framework.
What Are the Legal Requirements for Foreign Children to Enroll in Vietnamese Public Schools?
A foreign child without Vietnamese citizenship enrolling as a self-financed student in a Vietnamese public school must satisfy two conditions under Circular 03/2014/TT-BGDDT: demonstrated Vietnamese language proficiency at the relevant grade level, and good health verified through a health check-up at a designated Vietnamese health establishment after arrival in the country.
Under the same circular, the child’s enrollment dossier must be submitted in Vietnamese or English and comprise the following documents:
- Completed enrollment registration form
- Valid passport, remaining valid for the entire study period or at least one year from the expected date of arrival in Vietnam
- Certified copies and notarized translations of previous school diplomas and academic records, authenticated by competent authorities in the child’s home country for each relevant grade or training level
- Health certificate issued by a competent health authority in the child’s home country or by a Vietnamese provincial- or central-level health institution, within six months of the dossier submission date
- Valid copy of a Vietnamese language proficiency certificate issued by a recognized educational institution, or an international certificate of proficiency in the language used for study in Vietnam, if already obtained
- Copies of documents proving financial capability for study and daily life in Vietnam
- Valid copies of any academic certificates, aptitude assessments, or professional achievements, if applicable
If the child does not yet hold a Vietnamese language certificate, the admitting institution is legally required to organize a pre-enrollment Vietnamese language training course. The duration of this course is stipulated in a training contract between the school and the family. Upon completing the course, the child sits a formal language assessment; only a passing result leads to admission into the standard curriculum.
Children with dual Vietnamese-foreign citizenship follow the simplified domestic dossier, which requires an enrollment application, a valid copy of the birth certificate, proof of household registration or a residence certificate from the local ward-level police authority, and previous school records, as outlined in Vietnam Law Magazine’s published legal guidance.
What Documents Are Required to Apply to an International School in Vietnam?
International school enrollment in Vietnam does not require Vietnamese language proficiency but does involve a structured documentation and assessment process. Required documents typically include:
- Child’s valid passport
- Valid Vietnamese visa or Temporary Residence Card
- Parent’s valid employment contract or work permit documentation
- Previous school transcripts and academic reports from the child’s most recent institution
- Birth certificate
- Immunization and vaccination records
- Completed school application form, which varies by institution
Beyond documents, international schools commonly require entrance assessments. Cognitive ability testing such as the CAT4 (Cognitive Abilities Test, 4th Edition) is used by a number of schools for grade placement alongside written English assessments, per BVIS Hanoi’s published entry requirements. Some institutions also conduct student and parent interviews. Assessment requirements vary significantly by age group: Early Years applicants typically require only a brief settling-in session rather than a formal examination.
Enrollment is confirmed only after the school issues a formal offer and the family completes payment of applicable registration fees, deposits, and first-term tuition. Schools will typically also require confirmation of the family’s valid residency documents before finalizing the placement.
A full breakdown of tuition fee structures across institutions, cities, and grade levels is covered in Vietnam School Fees Breakdown: Complete Cost Guide for Foreign Teachers and Expat Families.
How Much Does It Cost to Send a Child to School in Vietnam?
Annual school costs for expat children in Vietnam range from effectively zero at public Vietnamese schools to VND 959 million per year at the highest-tier international schools for Grades 11 and 12. The cost difference between public schooling and premium international education is substantial, making school type the single most consequential financial decision for expat families.
The table below reflects confirmed 2025-2026 academic year fee schedules from published institutional sources:
| School Type | Annual Tuition Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Public School | Free for Vietnamese citizens from 2025-2026 under National Assembly Resolution 217/2025/QH15 | Excludes foreign-invested schools. Foreign children who meet enrollment conditions may study at public schools. |
| Private Bilingual School | – | No standardized national fee schedule available |
| ISHCMC, HCMC | VND 681.9 million to VND 959 million | Grades 1 to 2 at VND 681.9 million; Grades 11 to 12 at VND 959 million |
| BIS HCMC | VND 238.1 million to VND 956.3 million | Half-day preschool to Grades 12 to 13 |
| CIS HCMC | VND 531.6 million to VND 804 million | Standard to IB Diploma Programme |
| UNIS Hanoi | USD 12,570 to USD 38,210 | Early Years to Grades 11 to 12 |
| APU American School, Da Nang | VND 223 million to VND 430 million | Represents 20 to 40% lower cost than Hanoi and HCMC equivalents |
Tuition figures above cover the annual curriculum fee only. Families should request a complete fee schedule from each school, as additional charges typically include application and registration fees, capital or building development levies, optional transport services, school uniforms, personal devices for learning, and extracurricular programme costs.
National Assembly Resolution 217/2025/QH15, effective June 26, 2025, established tuition exemption for students in public educational institutions across Vietnam from the 2025-2026 school year. Ho Chi Minh City’s People’s Council implemented a parallel resolution, effective from the same school year, extending tuition support to students at both public and non-public private institutions, explicitly excluding foreign-invested schools.
Many foreign language teachers in Vietnam receive an education allowance as part of their employment contract. Confirming whether your school’s package includes this benefit before finalizing any teaching contract is an important step. Related obligations that Vietnamese schools hold toward their foreign teaching staff are detailed in What Insurance Is Your School in Vietnam Required to Provide for Foreign Teachers?
What Visa Does a Foreign Child Need to Study in Vietnam?
A foreign child must hold a valid Vietnamese visa or residency document to legally reside and study in the country. In practice, most expat children reside on a dependent visa linked to their parent’s work permit and Temporary Residence Card. Schools, particularly international institutions, will request a copy of the child’s current visa or Temporary Residence Card as part of the enrollment documentation package, per BVIS Hanoi’s published admissions requirements.
The specific visa categories and current processing procedures for dependent school-age children are subject to change under Vietnam’s immigration regulations and vary by nationality and individual case. Families should consult directly with the Vietnam Immigration Department or a licensed immigration legal agent for current requirements applicable to their specific circumstances.
What is confirmed across all school types: a child without legally valid residence status in Vietnam cannot complete enrollment at any licensed public, private, or international school.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreign children go to school in Vietnam without speaking Vietnamese?
Yes, but only at international schools or private bilingual schools. Foreign children applying to Vietnamese public schools under Circular 03/2014/TT-BGDDT must demonstrate Vietnamese language proficiency at the appropriate grade level or complete a pre-enrollment Vietnamese language training course before they can join the standard curriculum.
At what age do children start school in Vietnam?
The official entry age for Grade 1 primary school in Vietnam is 6 years old, as set by Article 33 of the Primary School Charter under Circular 28/2020/TT-BGDDT. Pre-school covers ages 3 to 6 and is not compulsory. Children of foreigners working or studying in Vietnam are explicitly permitted to enter Grade 1 at a later age, up to three years beyond the standard entry age.
How much does it cost to send a child to school in Vietnam?
Public school tuition is now free for students in general education institutions under National Assembly Resolution 217/2025/QH15 from the 2025-2026 school year, though this excludes foreign-invested schools. International school tuition ranges from VND 238 million to VND 959 million per year in HCMC depending on institution and grade level, and from USD 12,570 to USD 38,210 per year at UNIS Hanoi.
Do international schools in Vietnam accept only foreign children?
No. Under Decree 86/2018/ND-CP, Vietnamese students may comprise up to 50% of total enrollment per class at foreign-invested kindergarten, primary, secondary, and high schools in Vietnam.
Is there a set enrollment season for schools in Vietnam?
The Vietnamese academic year begins in late August. Most international schools accept rolling admissions throughout the year. Public school enrollment is aligned with the academic calendar, with the primary intake window occurring before the school year begins. Families relocating mid-year should contact their preferred institutions directly to confirm current year-group availability.
What happens if a foreign child’s Vietnamese is not strong enough for public school enrollment?
The admitting public school is legally required under Circular 03/2014/TT-BGDDT to organize a pre-enrollment Vietnamese language training course. The duration of this course is specified in a formal training contract. The child must sit and pass a Vietnamese language assessment after completing the course before being admitted to the standard curriculum. Failing the assessment requires continued training until a passing result is achieved.
Navigating school enrollment for expat children in Vietnam involves distinct legal tracks, documentation requirements, and cost structures depending on the school type, your child’s citizenship, and language background. Whether you are a foreign teacher planning to bring your family to Vietnam or a new arrival managing the process for the first time, the guides in our FAMILY AND DEPENDENTS section walk through each step of expat family life in Vietnam.
Browse all Family and Dependents guides on VietnamTeachingJobs.com
