Ho Chi Minh City has one of the most dynamic international school markets in Southeast Asia. Vietnam's growing role as a manufacturing hub, the influx of regional headquarters and a rapidly expanding domestic middle class have pushed the city's international schools to compete on quality and capacity. For expat families arriving in 2026, the upside is real choice. The downside is that the best places fill quickly. This step-by-step guide explains how admissions work, what documents you need, and how to time the move so your child starts term without disruption.
Ho Chi Minh City Admissions at a Glance
The Vietnamese academic year runs from August to early June. The main intake is mid-August, with a smaller January window for the second semester. Apply between November and March of the previous academic year for the strongest chance at the most popular year groups (Reception, Year 7 and Year 12).
Step 1: Choose the Curriculum
Most international schools in HCMC follow one of these tracks:
- British (Cambridge, IGCSE, A-Levels) — the largest segment.
- IB (PYP, MYP, DP) — strong and growing, particularly at the established schools.
- American (US High School Diploma, AP) — well represented, especially in District 2.
- Vietnamese International / bilingual — combines the Vietnamese MOET curriculum with international qualifications, suitable for families with Vietnamese heritage.
Step 2: Where to Live, Where to Apply
HCMC traffic is heavy, especially during morning and evening peaks. School clusters:
- District 2 (Thao Dien) — the expat heart of the city. Many of the largest international schools have campuses here or in adjacent Thu Duc City.
- District 7 (Phu My Hung) — a planned residential district popular with families. Several major international schools have campuses here.
- District 1 (city centre) — convenient for many workplaces but fewer international school campuses.
Decide where to live first. A 30-minute commute is realistic; a 70-minute commute will become unbearable by the third month.
Top International Schools to Consider
The ABC International School
A long-established British school with Cambridge primary and IGCSE pathway. A solid mid-range option with multiple campuses. See the school profile.
British Vietnamese International School Ho Chi Minh City
A bilingual British-Vietnamese option combining the English National Curriculum with strong Vietnamese language and culture. See the school profile.
Step 3: Submit the Application
Apply directly through each school's admissions office. Documents typically required:
- Passport copies for the child and both parents
- Birth certificate (apostilled if issued abroad)
- School reports for the last two years
- Vaccination records
- A teacher reference letter on school letterhead
- Educational psychology or learning support reports if relevant
- Application fee, typically VND 2,500,000-VND 7,000,000
Step 4: Assessment and Interview
Most schools run age-appropriate assessments in English and maths. From around Year 4 these become more formal. Children with English as a second language may also sit a language proficiency test. Interviews with parents are common. Many schools accept video-call assessments for families still abroad.
Step 5: Offer, Deposit and Enrolment
Offers usually arrive within three to six weeks. Acceptance involves signing the enrolment agreement and paying a deposit, typically the equivalent of one term's fees. Many schools also charge a one-off enrolment or development fee (VND 30,000,000-VND 200,000,000 in the premium segment), so read the fee schedule carefully.
Step 6: Visa and Practical Sequencing
Your sponsoring employer should secure your TRC (Temporary Residence Card) or business visa and your child's dependent visa before the first day of class. Schools accept conditional offers pending visa issuance but will not let a child start in person until valid status is in place. Build at least four to six weeks of buffer into the relocation.
Tuition Fees in Vietnamese Dong
HCMC fees are mid-range for Southeast Asia. Annual tuition ranges for 2026:
- Early years (ages 3-5): VND 220,000,000-VND 500,000,000
- Primary (Grades 1-6): VND 320,000,000-VND 720,000,000
- Lower secondary (Grades 7-9): VND 420,000,000-VND 850,000,000
- Upper secondary, IB Diploma and A-Levels: VND 550,000,000-VND 1,000,000,000
Tips That Save Time
Apply to two schools concurrently — even at the same fee tier — so a single rejection does not push your start date by a term. The admissions teams understand this and will not penalise you for it.
If you cannot visit HCMC in person before applying, ask for a virtual campus tour and a video interview with admissions. All the major schools now offer this as standard.
Compare All International Schools in Ho Chi Minh City
Compare schools, curricula and fees on International School Advisor: browse the directory.
FAQ
When does the academic year start in HCMC?
Mid-August for primary and secondary, with kindergarten often starting a week or two earlier.
Do my children need Vietnamese to enrol?
No. International schools teach in English and offer Vietnamese as a subject. Children typically reach a functional level within a year.
Can I apply from abroad without visiting first?
Yes. All the major HCMC international schools offer virtual tours, online applications and video assessments for families still in their home country.