International school admissions in Hanoi move faster and demand more paperwork than many relocating families expect. Vietnam's capital has a mature international education scene, and its best-known schools manage genuine waitlists at popular entry points. This 2026 guide explains how the admissions process works in Hanoi, which documents to prepare, when to apply and how the leading schools assess applicants, so your family arrives with school places already secured.
How International School Admissions Work in Hanoi
Most international schools in Hanoi run rolling admissions, but the main intake is August, aligned with the northern-hemisphere academic year. The typical process has five stages: an online application with supporting documents, an application fee, an age-appropriate assessment (observation for early years, MAP or CAT4 plus English testing for older students), a family interview, and an offer that must be confirmed with a deposit within one to two weeks. From complete file to offer usually takes two to four weeks — quicker than in many cities — but seats in Year 1, Grade 6 and IB entry years are limited.
Documents You Will Need
Prepare these before you land: the last two years of school reports translated into English, a copy of the child's passport and visa or residence card, immunisation records, any learning-support or educational-psychologist reports, teacher recommendation forms (usually confidential, sent school-to-school), and a recent photograph. Schools may also ask for a parent statement describing the child's interests and needs. Having everything scanned and ready routinely saves families three to four weeks.
Leading International Schools in Hanoi
United Nations International School of Hanoi (UNIS)
Founded in 1988, UNIS Hanoi is one of only two UN-affiliated schools in the world and offers the full IB continuum. Admissions are competitive: the school balances nationality quotas deliberately, so early application matters, especially for English-language-learner places.
British International School Hanoi (BIS Hanoi)
A Nord Anglia school delivering the English National Curriculum, IGCSEs and the IB Diploma. The admissions team assesses English level and school reports; places in early primary fill first. Its Long Bien campus draws families from across the city.
Dwight School Hanoi
The newest campus of the global Dwight network offers the IB programme with a personalised-learning ethos. As a growing school it currently has broader seat availability, making it a strong option for mid-year arrivals.
Westlink International School
Westlink, part of the ISP group, runs an international curriculum with strong Mandarin and Vietnamese language options on a modern campus in Tay Ho West — the district where many expat families settle. Admissions include a friendly student visit day rather than high-stakes testing.
Admissions Timeline for 2026-27
For August 2026 entry: tour schools and shortlist by late 2025, submit applications from January 2026, complete assessments by March or April, and confirm offers before June, when leavers' seats are reallocated. Mid-year entry is realistic in Hanoi because expatriate turnover is constant, but English-support places are capped per class, so children needing EAL help should apply earliest of all.
Tuition ranges roughly from USD 12,000 in the early years to USD 35,000 for IB Diploma years at the most established schools, with application fees of USD 100–300 and refundable deposits common. Compare verified profiles and reviews in the full ranking of the best schools in Hanoi on International School Advisor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does international school admission take in Hanoi?
Usually two to four weeks from a complete application to an offer. Add time for popular entry years — Year 1, Grade 6 and IB years can carry waitlists — and one to two weeks to pay the deposit that secures the seat.
Do Hanoi international schools test children before admission?
Yes, but proportionately: early years use play-based observation, while older students typically sit MAP or CAT4 assessments plus an English-language evaluation. Results guide placement and EAL support rather than serving as strict pass-fail exams at most schools.
Can we apply to Hanoi schools mid-year?
Yes. Rolling admissions and constant expatriate turnover mean mid-year seats open regularly, though English-support places are limited per class. Contact admissions directly with your arrival date — schools often hold assessments online before you relocate.