Vietnam school fees for 2025-26 range from FREE (public schools) to VND 959M ($36,943/year) at top international schools. Public schools offer free tuition starting September 2025 under Resolution 217/2025/QH15, with $50-$100 annual additional costs only. International schools vary by city: HCMC VND 681.9M-959M (ISHCMC highest at VND 959M for grades 11-12), Hanoi $12,570-$38,210 (UNIS Hanoi), Da Nang VND 215M-265M (40-60% cheaper than major cities). First-year total: tuition + application VND 3.4M-28.6M + registration VND 24M-73.3M + annual recurring costs VND 52M-117M (transport, uniforms, technology, exams). Payment structures: annual upfront (10-15% discount), semester (UNIS charges 4% admin fee), quarterly (premium rates vary).
Vietnam offers three education pathways: free public schools (Vietnamese curriculum, language requirement), private schools VND 26M-208M annually (bilingual options), international schools VND 215M-959M (IB, British, American, Canadian curricula). Understanding complete cost structures—including mandatory one-time fees and recurring expenses—is essential for family budget planning.
What Are Vietnam Public School Fees for Foreign Children?
Vietnam public schools offer FREE tuition starting September 2025 under Resolution 217/2025/QH15 signed by National Assembly Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn on July 3, 2025. Foreign children with valid visas can attend with $50-$100 annual additional costs only for meals, uniforms, and supplies.
Public School Cost Structure
| Fee Category | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | FREE | Resolution 217/2025/QH15 |
| School meals | $39-78/month | VND 1M-2M/month optional |
| Uniforms | $20-40 annually | VND 500K-1M |
| Supplies & books | $30-60 annually | VND 750K-1.5M |
| Total Annual Cost | $50-$100 | Excluding tuition |
Who Qualifies for Free Public Education?
Vietnamese citizens and people of Vietnamese origin residing in Vietnam qualify for free tuition under Resolution 217/2025/QH15. Foreign children can attend public schools with:
- Valid visa (dependent visa, temporary residence card, or long-term visa)
- Vietnamese language proficiency (all classes taught in Vietnamese)
- Required documents (passport, birth certificate, vaccination records, previous school transcripts)
Foreign children attending international schools or foreign-invested schools do NOT qualify for tuition exemption. The policy applies only to public and select private Vietnamese-curriculum schools.
Public School Enrollment Timeline
6-12 months advance registration recommended, especially for schools in Districts 1, 3, 7 (HCMC), Ba Đình, Hoàn Kiếm (Hanoi), Sơn Trà, Hải Châu (Da Nang). Public schools prioritize local residents with household registration (hộ khẩu).
Application period: April-June for September start
Required documents: Passport copies, visa documentation, birth certificate (Vietnamese translation), vaccination records, previous school transcripts with grades
How Much Do Private Schools Cost in Vietnam?
Private schools in Vietnam charge VND 26M-208M ($1,000-$8,000) annually depending on curriculum and facilities. Three-tier structure: budget private (VND 26M-78M), mid-range bilingual (VND 78M-208M), premium private (VND 208M+).
Private School Fee Ranges by Tier
| School Tier | Annual Tuition | Curriculum | Class Size | Foreign Teachers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Private | VND 26M-78M ($1,000-$3,000) | Vietnamese MOET + English | 35-40 students | 10-20% |
| Mid-Range Bilingual | VND 78M-208M ($3,000-$8,000) | Bilingual Vietnamese-English | 25-30 students | 30-50% |
| Premium Private | VND 208M+ ($8,000+) | International adapted | 20-25 students | 50-70% |
What’s Included in Private School Tuition?
Included: Core instruction, textbooks, basic supplies, standard activities
NOT included: Uniforms (VND 1.5M-3.9M), transport (VND 17M-28.6M/year), meals (VND 13M-26M/year), extracurricular clubs, field trips
Private schools offer 5-10% sibling discounts for second child, 10-15% for third+ children in same family.
What Are HCMC International School Fees?
HCMC international schools charge VND 681.9M-959M ($26,267-$36,943) annually for 2025-26. Top schools: ISHCMC (VND 681.9M-959M), BIS HCMC (VND 238.1M-956.3M), SSIS (VND 509.8M-882.2M), Canadian International (VND 531.6M-804M).
HCMC Top International Schools Comparison (2025-26)
| School | Grade 1-2 | Grade 6-8 | Grade 11-12 | 2025-26 Increase | Curriculum |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ISHCMC | VND 681.9M ($26,267) | VND 849.4M ($32,723) | VND 959M ($36,943) | 2.9-3.2% | IB PYP/MYP/DP |
| BIS HCMC | VND 648.1M ($24,967) | VND 834.7M ($32,156) | VND 956.3M ($36,841) | 4-5% | British + IBDP |
| SSIS | VND 702.7M ($27,066) | VND 749.7M ($28,878) | VND 882.2M ($33,986) | 5-6% | American + IB |
| Canadian Int’l (CIS) | VND 531.6M ($20,477) | VND 611M ($23,538) | VND 785M ($30,231) | Stable | Canadian + IBDP |
| BVIS HCMC | VND 472.8M ($18,208) | VND 582.6M ($22,440) | VND 668.6M ($25,757) | 3-8% | British Cambridge |
ISHCMC Complete Fee Structure (2025-26)
Highest tuition in HCMC: VND 681.9M-959M annually
Detailed by grade:
- Grades 1-2: VND 681.9M ($26,267)
- Grades 3-4: VND 727.4M ($28,017)
- Grade 5: VND 747.1M ($28,777)
- Grades 6-8: VND 849.4M ($32,723)
- Grades 9-10: VND 888.2M ($34,215)
- Grades 11-12: VND 959M ($36,943)
Additional mandatory fees:
- Application fee: VND 8.5M ($327) per student
- Annual Development Fee (ADF): VND 67.5M ($2,600) per year, OR
- Certificate of Entitlement (COE): VND 337.5M ($13,000) one-time payment (Grades 1-10 only)
Sibling discounts: 20% for 3rd child, 35% for 4th+ child (applied to youngest)
BIS HCMC Complete Fee Structure (2025-26)
British curriculum with IBDP: VND 238.1M-956.3M annually
By year group:
- Year 1: VND 671.6M ($25,869)
- Year 2: VND 689.6M ($26,561)
- Year 3-4: VND 705.2M ($27,162)
- Year 5-6: VND 724.1M ($27,890)
- Year 7: VND 834.7M ($32,156)
- Year 8-9: VND 834.7M-856.3M ($32,156-$32,990)
- Year 10-11: VND 890.3M-919.9M ($34,302-$35,443)
- Year 12-13: VND 956.3M ($36,841)
One-time fees:
- Application: VND 4.7M ($181)
- Registration: VND 73.3M ($2,824)
- Security deposit: VND 24.5M ($944) refundable
Payment discount: ~15% discount for annual payment vs. termly installments
How Much Are Hanoi International School Fees?
Hanoi international schools charge $12,570-$38,210 annually for 2025-26. UNIS Hanoi (highest at $12,570-$38,210), BIS Hanoi, SIS, HIS offer varied curriculum options with 4% semester payment surcharge at UNIS.
UNIS Hanoi Complete Fee Breakdown (2025-26)
| Grade Level | Annual Tuition | Semester Payment | Admin Fee (4%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Years (3-4) | $12,570 (VND 310M) | $6,285 x 2 | +$502 |
| Kindergarten | $15,870 (VND 391M) | $7,935 x 2 | +$635 |
| Grades 1-5 | $31,940 (VND 789M) | $15,970 x 2 | +$1,278 |
| Grades 6-8 | $33,750 (VND 833M) | $16,875 x 2 | +$1,350 |
| Grades 9-10 | $35,970 (VND 888M) | $17,985 x 2 | +$1,439 |
| Grades 11-12 | $38,210 (VND 944M) | $19,105 x 2 | +$1,528 |
Mandatory fees:
- Application: $400 (VND 9.9M) per student
- Enrollment: $1,200 (VND 29.6M) one-time, non-refundable
- Tuition deposit: $1,000 (VND 24.7M) due March 3, 2025
Late payment penalty: 2% monthly on outstanding balances
Sibling discounts: 10% for 3rd child, 15% for 4th+ child
Payment Structure Comparison: Annual vs. Semester
Annual payment (by July 1): Standard rate, no surcharges
Semester payment: 4% administrative charge applied to full annual tuition
Example for Grade 11-12:
- Annual: $38,210 (pay once)
- Semester: $19,105 x 2 = $38,210 + $1,528 fee = $39,738 total
Cost difference: $1,528 (4%) extra for semester payment plan
For more guidance on choosing between international and local schools, read our Complete Comparison: International Schools vs Local Schools in Vietnam.
Are Da Nang International Schools Cheaper Than HCMC/Hanoi?
Yes, Da Nang international schools cost 40-60% less: VND 215M-265M ($8,200-$10,000) annually vs. VND 681.9M-959M in HCMC. Singapore International School Da Nang, Odyssey International School, Hoi An International School offer significant savings with smaller class sizes (12-18 students) but fewer facilities.
Da Nang vs. HCMC/Hanoi Cost Comparison
| Cost Factor | Da Nang | HCMC | Hanoi | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary tuition | VND 215M-240M ($8,200-$9,230) | VND 531.6M-702.7M ($20,477-$27,066) | VND 789M ($30,886) | 60-70% |
| Secondary tuition | VND 240M-265M ($9,230-$10,192) | VND 611M-849.4M ($23,538-$32,723) | VND 833M-888M ($32,626-$34,769) | 55-70% |
| Housing (2BR) | $500-$800/month | $1,200-$2,000/month | $1,000-$1,800/month | 40-60% |
| Total family cost | $15,000-$20,000/year | $40,000-$50,000/year | $35,000-$48,000/year | 50-60% |
Trade-offs: Da Nang vs. Major Cities
Da Nang advantages:
- 40-60% lower overall living costs
- Smaller class sizes (12-18 students vs. 20-25 in HCMC/Hanoi)
- Less competitive admissions
- Beach lifestyle, cleaner air
Da Nang disadvantages:
- Fewer curriculum options (limited IB Diploma schools)
- Fewer extracurricular programs (no Olympic pools, limited sports facilities)
- Smaller expat community (500-1,000 foreign families vs. 10,000+ in HCMC)
- Fewer university counseling resources for US/UK applications
What Additional Costs Should I Budget Beyond Tuition?
First-year additional costs total VND 83M-314M ($3,200-$12,100) beyond tuition: one-time fees VND 3.4M-28.6M (application) + VND 24M-73.3M (registration) + VND 31.8M (enrollment), plus annual recurring VND 52M-117M (transport VND 17M-28.6M, uniforms VND 1.7M-3.9M, technology VND 7.8M-26M, exams VND 7.8M-20.8M, activities VND 13M-26M).
Complete Additional Costs Breakdown
| Fee Category | One-Time (First Year) | Annual Recurring | Payment Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application | VND 3.4M-28.6M ($132-$1,100) | N/A | At application |
| Registration | VND 24M-73.3M ($950-$2,824) | N/A | Upon acceptance |
| Enrollment | VND 31.8M ($1,200) | N/A | Before first day |
| Security Deposit | VND 24.5M ($944) | N/A | Refundable |
| School Transport | N/A | VND 17M-28.6M ($660-$1,100) | Per semester |
| Uniforms | VND 1.7M-3.9M ($65-$150) | VND 650K-1.3M | August |
| Technology | VND 7.8M-26M ($300-$1,000) | Variable repairs | August |
| Exam Fees | N/A | VND 7.8M-20.8M ($300-$800) | Per exam session |
| EAL Support | N/A | VND 13M-26M ($500-$1,000) | If needed |
| Extracurriculars | N/A | VND 6.5M-13M ($250-$500) | Per activity |
| Meals | N/A | VND 13M-26M ($500-$1,000) | Monthly |
| TOTAL | VND 83M-224M ($3,200-$8,626) | VND 52M-117M ($2,000-$4,500) | – |
Hidden Costs Often Overlooked
- English language support (EAL): VND 13M-26M/year if child not fluent
- IB/IGCSE exam fees: VND 7.8M per subject (students take 6-8 subjects)
- Replacement uniforms: Growing children need 2-3 sets over school year
- School trips: VND 2.6M-7.8M per major excursion (typically 2-3/year)
- Technology damage: iPad/laptop repairs VND 2.6M-7.8M not always covered
What Documents Do I Need for International School Enrollment?
Five essential document categories required: visa documentation (passport + valid visa/TRC), academic records (transcripts + report cards from last 2 years), health certificates (vaccination records + medical exam), identity documents (birth certificate with English translation + family photos), plus English assessment (placement test) administered by school.
Complete Enrollment Checklist
1. Visa & Immigration Documents
- Passport copies (all family members)
- Valid visa or Temporary Residence Card (TRC)
- Work permit copy (parent’s employment)
- Proof of legal residence in Vietnam
2. Academic Records
- Transcripts from previous school (last 2 years minimum)
- Report cards with grades/comments
- Standardized test scores (if applicable)
- Teacher recommendation letters (2 letters for secondary admission)
3. Health & Medical
- Complete vaccination records (required immunizations: MMR, DPT, Polio, Hepatitis B, Varicella)
- Recent medical examination (within 6 months)
- Health insurance proof
- Allergy/medical condition disclosure forms
4. Identity Documents
- Birth certificate (notarized English translation if not in English)
- Passport-size photos (4-6 photos)
- Family registration documents
5. English Language Assessment
- School-administered placement test (typically 90 minutes)
- May include: reading comprehension, writing sample, oral interview
- Non-native speakers: May require additional EAL assessment
- Some schools accept standardized scores: TOEFL Junior, Cambridge English
Application Timeline & Process
6-12 months advance recommended for competitive schools (ISHCMC, BIS HCMC, SSIS, UNIS Hanoi fill capacity 8-12 months before academic year starts).
Month-by-month timeline:
- January-March: Research schools, campus tours, submit applications
- March-April: Admissions testing, interviews
- April-May: Receive offers, pay registration fees
- May-June: Pay enrollment deposits, secure visa/housing
- July-August: Orientation, uniform fitting, final preparations
- September: Academic year begins
Wait lists common at top-tier schools. Priority given to: siblings of current students, children of returning families, children of corporate sponsors.
How Do Payment Plans Work at Vietnam International Schools?
Three payment options typically offered: (1) Annual upfront with 10-15% discount, (2) Semester installments with 4% admin fee (UNIS Hanoi) or no discount (most schools), (3) Quarterly/termly payments with 5-6% premium vs. annual rate. Tuition deposit $1,000 due March 3 at UNIS Hanoi; late payments incur 2% monthly penalty.
Payment Structure Comparison
| Payment Plan | Discount/Premium | Due Dates | Best For | Example (VND 800M tuition) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Upfront | 10-15% discount | Before July 1 | Families with cash reserves | VND 680M-720M (save VND 80M-120M) |
| Semester (2x) | 4% admin fee (UNIS) OR no discount | July 1 + November 28 | Most common choice | VND 800M + VND 32M fee = VND 832M |
| Quarterly (4x) | 5-6% premium | Aug/Nov/Feb/May | Cash flow management | VND 840M-848M (pay VND 40M-48M extra) |
Payment deadlines strictly enforced: Late payments incur 1.5-2% monthly penalty at most schools.
Tuition Deposit Requirements
UNIS Hanoi: $1,000 (VND 24.7M) per student due March 3, 2025
- Non-refundable if family decides not to attend
- Credited against first tuition payment for 2025-26
- Secures placement – without deposit, seat released to wait list
Other schools: Enrollment deposits VND 31.8M-45M due upon acceptance (typically 2-4 weeks after offer)
Refund Policies
Most schools: Tuition refunds based on withdrawal timing
- Before term starts: 55% refund
- During Term 1: 55% refund of annual tuition
- During Term 2: 30% refund
- During Term 3: No refund
Required: 60-90 days written notice before withdrawal
Non-refundable: Application, registration, enrollment fees
What Curriculum Options Are Available & How Do Costs Differ?
Four main curricula offered: IB (VND 649M-992M, 15-20% premium), British/Cambridge (VND 238M-956M), American (VND 510M-882M), Canadian (VND 532M-804M). IB Diploma costs 15-20% more than standard curriculum due to exam fees VND 20M-30M + additional teacher training + resource requirements.
Curriculum Cost & Recognition Comparison
| Curriculum | Tuition Range | Exam Fees | University Recognition | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IB (PYP/MYP/DP) | VND 649M-992M ($25,000-$38,210) | VND 20M-30M ($770-$1,154) | Global gold standard – 5,000+ universities | US/UK/Europe universities |
| British (IGCSE) | VND 238M-956M ($9,172-$36,841) | VND 7.8M-15.6M ($300-$600) | Strong UK/Commonwealth – Russell Group | UK universities |
| American | VND 510M-882M ($19,640-$33,986) | VND 2.6M-5.2M ($100-$200) per AP | Best US recognition – aligns with US system | US universities |
| Canadian | VND 532M-804M ($20,477-$30,970) | Included | Strong North America – Canadian/US schools | Canadian universities |
IB Diploma Premium Costs
Why IB costs 15-20% more:
- Additional VND 20M-30M for IB exam registration (6 subjects)
- Smaller class sizes required (15-18 students vs. 20-25)
- Extended essay supervision (1:1 advisor time)
- Theory of Knowledge (specialized philosophy teacher)
- CAS coordinator salary (Creativity, Activity, Service program management)
Canadian International School example:
- Standard Grade 12: VND 785M ($30,231)
- IB Diploma Grade 12: VND 804M ($30,970)
- Premium: VND 19M ($731) or 2.4% more
At UNIS Hanoi, all students follow IB curriculum (no premium, included in VND 789M-944M tuition).
Choosing the Right Curriculum
Target university location matters:
- US-bound: American curriculum or IB Diploma
- UK-bound: British A-Levels/IGCSE or IB Diploma
- Canada-bound: Canadian curriculum or IB Diploma
- Australia-bound: British/Australian curriculum or IB Diploma
- Undecided/multiple countries: IB Diploma (most flexible)
IB Diploma workload: 240 hours CAS + Extended Essay + TOK = significant time commitment. Not ideal for students heavily involved in competitive sports/performing arts.
Can I Get Scholarships or Discounts on International School Fees?
Limited scholarship availability: Most schools offer sibling discounts 10-20% (3rd+ children) and early payment discounts 10-15% (annual upfront payment). Merit scholarships rare – Canadian International School offers 30-100% awards (VND 100M-700M) to 5-10 students annually based on academic excellence + entrance exam + interview.
Sibling Discount Comparison by School
| School | 2nd Child | 3rd Child | 4th+ Child | Applied To |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ISHCMC | None | 20% | 35% | Youngest child tuition |
| BIS HCMC | Contact school | Contact school | Contact school | – |
| Canadian Int’l | 5% | 10% | 10% | Each child’s tuition |
| UNIS Hanoi | None | 10% | 15% | Youngest child tuition |
| SSIS | Contact school | Contact school | Contact school | – |
| BVIS HCMC | None listed | None listed | None listed | – |
Maximum family savings: ISHCMC 35% on 4th child = VND 335M ($12,930) discount for Grade 11-12 student.
Merit Scholarship Opportunities (Rare)
Canadian International School HCMC:
- Full scholarship (100%): VND 700M-800M value, 1-2 awarded annually
- Partial scholarships (30-50%): VND 200M-400M value, 3-5 awarded annually
- Requirements: Outstanding entrance exam scores + academic transcripts with 95%+ average + interview + portfolio
- Application deadline: December-January before academic year
- Renewable: Annual review required to maintain scholarship
Realistic expectations: With 1,100+ students at major schools and 5-10 scholarship recipients, acceptance rate <1%. Treat scholarships as bonus, not core funding strategy.
Early Payment Discounts
Annual payment discounts:
- BIS HCMC: ~15% discount vs. termly payments
- SSIS: 6% discount if paid by June 25
- Most schools: 10-15% savings for July 1 full payment
Example savings (VND 800M tuition):
- Termly payment: VND 800M
- Annual payment: VND 680M-720M
- Savings: VND 80M-120M ($3,077-$4,615)
Cost Reduction Strategies
Realistic 1st-year savings scenario:
- Sibling discount (3rd child): VND 160M (20% of VND 800M)
- Early payment discount: VND 120M (15%)
- Avoid semester admin fee: VND 32M (4% of VND 800M)
- Total savings: VND 312M ($12,023) on VND 800M tuition
Cannot combine: Early payment + semester/quarterly payment (mutually exclusive)
Can combine: Sibling discount + early payment discount
If you’re relocating with family, learn about Spouse Work Permits and Employment Options in Vietnam.
How Do Vietnam School Fees Compare Regionally?
Vietnam offers 40-60% savings vs. Singapore/Hong Kong: Vietnam international schools VND 649M-959M ($25,000-$38,000) vs. Singapore $35,000-$60,000, Hong Kong $25,000-$55,000, Thailand $12,000-$28,000. Total family cost for 2-child family: Vietnam $85,000-$118,000/year vs. Singapore $222,000/year (housing + schools) = $104,000-$137,000 annual savings.
Regional School Fee Comparison
| Country/City | Top-Tier International | Mid-Range International | Living Cost (Family of 4) | Total Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam (HCMC) | VND 649M-959M ($25,000-$38,000) | VND 400M-650M ($15,400-$25,000) | $30,000-$40,000 | $85,000-$118,000 |
| Vietnam (Hanoi) | $12,570-$38,210 | $10,000-$25,000 | $28,000-$38,000 | $78,000-$113,000 |
| Vietnam (Da Nang) | VND 215M-265M ($8,200-$10,200) | VND 150M-220M ($5,770-$8,462) | $18,000-$25,000 | $52,000-$68,000 |
| Singapore | $35,000-$60,000 | $25,000-$38,000 | $70,000-$90,000 | $200,000-$278,000 |
| Hong Kong | $25,000-$55,000 | $18,000-$32,000 | $60,000-$80,000 | $166,000-$247,000 |
| Thailand (Bangkok) | $12,000-$28,000 | $8,000-$18,000 | $30,000-$45,000 | $80,000-$136,000 |
| Malaysia (KL) | $8,000-$22,000 | $5,000-$12,000 | $25,000-$35,000 | $63,000-$104,000 |
Value Analysis: Quality-Adjusted Costs
Vietnam advantages:
- IB schools 30-40% cheaper than Singapore equivalent (ISHCMC VND 959M vs. Singapore $60,000)
- British curriculum 40-50% cheaper than Hong Kong (BIS HCMC VND 956M vs. HK $55,000)
- Similar teacher quality (70-80% UK/US/Canada/Australia-trained vs. 80-90% in Singapore)
- Newer facilities (many schools built 2015-2020 vs. older Singapore/HK campuses)
Vietnam trade-offs:
- Fewer university counseling resources for Ivy League/Oxbridge applications
- Smaller expat networks (harder to build professional connections)
- Currency risk (VND depreciation potential vs. USD/SGD)
- Air quality concerns (HCMC/Hanoi AQI 80-150 vs. Singapore 20-50)
Total Family Financial Comparison (2 Children, 5 Years)
Scenario: Grade 6 + Grade 3 students, 5-year commitment
Vietnam (HCMC):
- Schools: VND 3.3B ($127,000) x 5 years = $635,000
- Living: $40,000 x 5 = $200,000
- Total: $835,000 over 5 years
Singapore:
- Schools: $90,000 x 5 years = $450,000
- Living: $85,000 x 5 = $425,000
- Total: $875,000 over 5 years
Savings: $40,000 over 5 years (5% less) BUT Vietnam offers 60% larger accommodation + lifestyle advantages (domestic help $200/month vs. $800 Singapore)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreign children attend Vietnamese public schools?
Yes, foreign children with valid visas can attend public schools with free tuition starting 2025-26 under Resolution 217/2025/QH15. Requirements: Valid dependent/temporary residence visa + Vietnamese language proficiency (all classes taught in Vietnamese) + standard documents (passport, birth certificate, vaccination records). Additional costs $50-$100 annually for meals, uniforms, supplies only.
Vietnamese language barrier is significant – most foreign children require 2-3 years intensive Vietnamese study before joining regular classes. Some public schools offer transition programs but limited capacity.
What’s the total cost for first year including all fees?
First-year total: VND 765M-1.273B ($29,423-$49,038) at top international schools. Breakdown: Tuition VND 649M-959M + application VND 3.4M-28.6M + registration VND 24M-73.3M + enrollment VND 31.8M + security deposit VND 24.5M + transport VND 17M-28.6M + uniforms VND 1.7M-3.9M + technology VND 7.8M-26M + additional costs VND 13M-26M.
Budget-friendly first year (mid-range school): VND 400M tuition + VND 120M additional = VND 520M ($20,000) total.
Do school fees increase every year?
Yes, most international schools increase fees 4-8% annually. Historical data shows:
- ISHCMC: 2.9-3.2% increase 2024-25 to 2025-26
- BIS HCMC: 4-5% increase 2024-25 to 2025-26
- SSIS: 5-6% increase 2024-25 to 2025-26
- UNIS Hanoi: Grades 11-12 increased $2,710 over 2 years (2023-24 to 2025-26)
Average increase: 5-6% annually, tracking Vietnam inflation + teacher salary adjustments. Over 5 years, VND 800M tuition → VND 1.02B (+27% cumulative).
Are school meals included in tuition?
Varies by school. Some schools include meals (BVIS HCMC includes lunch in tuition), most charge separately VND 13M-26M/year ($500-$1,000).
Examples:
- BVIS HCMC: Meals included in tuition
- ISHCMC: Meals included in all-inclusive tuition
- BIS HCMC: Meals excluded, families pay separately or pack lunch
- SSIS: Optional meal plan VND 20M-25M/year
- UNIS Hanoi: Cafeteria pay-as-you-go or meal plan options
Average meal cost if separate: VND 1.7M-2.2M/month (VND 40,000-50,000/day x 22 school days).
How far in advance should I apply?
6-12 months advance application recommended for competitive schools. ISHCMC, BIS HCMC, SSIS, UNIS Hanoi reach full capacity 8-12 months before academic year starts (September).
Application timeline:
- Immediate openings: Wait lists common, mid-year entry limited
- Next academic year (September start): Apply January-April for best selection
- Popular grade levels (K, Grade 1, Grade 6, Grade 9): Apply 12 months advance
Wait list management: Sibling priority, corporate sponsor priority, then wait list order. Re-application required annually if not accepted.
Can I get refunds if we leave mid-year?
Partial refunds possible based on withdrawal timing. Most schools use quarterly/termly refund structure:
Standard refund policy:
- Before Term 1 starts: 55% refund
- During Term 1 (Aug-Dec): 55% refund of annual tuition
- During Term 2 (Jan-Mar): 30% refund
- During Term 3 (Apr-Jun): 0% refund
Required: 60-90 days written notice before departure date
Non-refundable: Application, registration, enrollment fees
Refundable: Security deposit (if all conditions met, school property returned)
Example: Paid VND 800M annual tuition, withdraw November (Term 1). Refund: VND 800M x 55% = VND 440M returned. Lost: VND 360M + all one-time fees.
What happens if I pay tuition in installments and leave?
Quarterly/semester payment = quarterly refund only. If you paid semester 1 (VND 400M) and leave in October, no refund – you paid for full semester regardless of withdrawal timing.
UNIS Hanoi exception: Pro-rated refund if proper 60-day notice given and withdrawal before semester midpoint. Otherwise, full semester tuition charged.
Strategy: If uncertain about staying full year, quarterly payment offers better flexibility despite 5-6% premium cost.
Need Help with School Selection or Family Relocation?
Choosing the right school involves balancing educational quality, budget constraints, curriculum fit, and long-term family plans. Vietnam’s international school market offers excellent value compared to Singapore/Hong Kong, but requires careful planning 6-12 months advance.
Key takeaways:
- Public schools: FREE starting 2025-26 (Resolution 217/2025/QH15), $50-$100 additional costs only
- International schools: VND 649M-959M in HCMC, $12,570-$38,210 in Hanoi, VND 215M-265M in Da Nang
- First-year total: Budget VND 765M-1.273B ($29,423-$49,038) including all fees
- Annual increases: Expect 5-6% tuition growth yearly
- Cost-saving strategies: Sibling discounts (20-35%), early payment (10-15%), Da Nang location (40-60% savings)
Browse more family relocation resources: Family & Dependents in Vietnam
