Ho Chi Minh City, a bustling hub of culture and commerce, is also one of Vietnam’s leading destinations for international education. With a growing expatriate community and an increasing demand among Vietnamese families for globally recognized education, the city’s international school landscape has flourished over recent years.
International schools in Ho Chi Minh City are known for their modern facilities, multicultural environments, and highly qualified teaching staff, all aimed at fostering well-rounded, globally minded students. Beyond academics, many schools emphasize holistic development, providing extensive co-curricular programs in arts, sports, and community service. For families seeking quality education that prepares students for a global future, Ho Chi Minh City offers a rich selection of reputable international schools, each bringing unique strengths to the educational landscape. Let’s dive into the available international schools in Ho Chi Minh City in this article.
1. Australian International School Saigon (AIS)
Australian International School (AIS) is a top-tier international school in Ho Chi Minh City, known for being the only school in the city offering premium boarding for secondary students. AIS delivers a well-rounded private education from kindergarten through to the International Baccalaureate, combining modern resources with a curriculum designed to actively engage students. Offering globally recognized programs like the IB and IGCSE, AIS equips students with critical thinking, creativity, and innovation skills, preparing them to become confident individuals and future global citizens.
2. Anne Hill International School
Anne Hill International School was established in 2015 in Ho Chi Minh City. The school caters to students aged 18 months to 11 years, offering the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) and the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). The school also offers its students Vietnamese and Mandarin classes, exposing them to both the language and the cultural knowledge associated with it. Additionally, the school offers school bus services for students who live far from school and lack transportation.
3. Renaissance International School, Saigon
The Renaissance International School Saigon is located in Ho Chi Minh City and offers the British curriculum with an emphasis on developing critical thinking, problem-solving and independent learning skills. The school welcomes students aged two to 18 years. In April 2011, the school became a member of the Round Square sharing the goal of having a holistic approach to the six IDEALS of learning – Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership and Service. In addition to the subjects offered, the school also offers a range of extracurricular activities to ensure that their students have a well-balanced school life.
4. British International School Ho Chi Minh City
Located in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), the British International School was first established as Tiny Tots Preschool in 1997. The preschool expanded over the years to include both primary and secondary school education. It was officially called the British International School HCMC in 2000. The school caters for students aged two to 17 years old. The International Primary Curriculum (IPC) and the British Curriculum are offered. Students also sit for the IGCSE examinations and the IBDP.
5. British Vietnamese International School Ho Chi Minh City
Established in 2011, the British Vietnamese International School is the only bilingual school in Vietnam that has a licence to teach an international curriculum. The school was built to meet the demand of local parents who wanted their children to gain international qualifications in an environment which taught their mother tongue and nurtured Vietnamese culture. Therefore, all students have a high level of proficiency in both Vietnamese and English upon graduation. The International Primary Curriculum (IPC) and the British Curriculum are offered. Vietnamese subjects are embedded into the syllabus. Students also sit for the IGCSE and the A Levels.
6. Vietnam Australia International School
Vietnam Australia International School (VAS) strives for excellence, blending the Vietnamese National Curriculum with the Cambridge International program to give students a well-rounded foundation for future success while honouring Vietnamese values. VAS emphasizes the importance of quality education, equipping students not only with academic knowledge but also with essential life skills and cultural understanding. Through innovative teaching methods, VAS fosters an environment of kindness, respect, and personal growth, supporting students from age 2 through Year 12 to reach their full potential.
7. Saigon Star International School
Saigon Star International School was established in 2006 and is located in Ho Chi Minh City. Students aged two to 14 years old may enrol at the school from Preschool to Year 7 levels. At preschool level, students are taught using a combination of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework and Montessori classes. The International Primary Curriculum (IPC) and the International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC) are also offered.
8. Singapore International School @ Saigon South
Singapore International School @ Saigon South are situated within a purpose-built international school located in close proximity to the Phu My Hung residential area., offering modern facilities and a comprehensive education from Pre-Nursery through Year 12 for both Vietnamese and international students. Singapore International School offers a well-structured academic pathway, supporting students through three internationally recognized benchmarks: the International Primary School Examination (iPSLE), Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge AS/A Levels.
9. Anglophone British Curriculum International School
Established in 1995, ABC International School is a non-denominational, multi-national day school for students aged 2 to 18. The school follows the National Curriculum of England, offering instruction in English with adaptations for its Vietnamese setting. Students take IGCSEs and International AS/A Levels from Cambridge and AQA, gaining globally recognized qualifications. The faculty includes 75 overseas teachers recruited from countries such as the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, ensuring a high standard of education. The school is located in Ho Chi Minh City.
10. Horizon International Bilingual School
Horizon International Bilingual School has two campuses – in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh. The school welcomes students from kindergarten to high school and offers the Cambridge curriculum leading up to the IGCSE examination. The school also offers the Cambridge Advanced program to help prepare their upper secondary students for university.
Ho Chi Minh City offers a diverse range of international schools, each providing unique educational approaches and opportunities for students. From globally recognized programs like the Cambridge and IB to bilingual options that honour Vietnamese heritage, families can find a school that aligns with their academic and cultural values. With schools focusing on holistic development, critical thinking, and life skills, students in Ho Chi Minh City have access to a high-quality, well-rounded education that prepares them for success in a globalized world.
Further reading:
- International Schools in Hanoi, Vietnam
- American Schools in Vietnam
- School Education System in Vietnam
