Quick answer: how do international school admissions work in Vientiane? Vientiane has three main English-medium options: Vientiane International School (full IB, ages 3 and up), International School of Laos (English and Lao) and Briston for early years. Apply three to six months ahead with passports, reports and records; expect an assessment, then a deposit. Fees are quoted in USD, roughly 6,000 to 25,000 a year.
Last reviewed: October 2026 by David from ISA. Fee ranges are indicative; always confirm with the school.
Vientiane is a small capital with a short list of international schools, and that shapes everything about the application process. This step-by-step guide to international school admissions in Vientiane explains how families secure a place, from the first enquiry email to paying the deposit, and what to do if you arrive in the middle of the school year.
Because there are so few schools, a single class with no space can change your plans, so timing and paperwork matter more than in larger cities. We cover the timeline, documents, age cut-offs, assessments and waiting lists, then look at the three schools on our verified list and what each asks of new families.
Vientiane for international families: the city, the districts and the school run
Families move to Vientiane for development agencies, embassies, United Nations bodies, NGOs, mining and hydropower projects, and a growing number of trade and logistics roles. That last group has grown since the Laos-China Railway opened on 3 December 2021, linking Vientiane with Boten on the Chinese border and Kunming beyond. Many postings run for two or three years, so schools here are used to frequent arrivals and departures, and admissions teams are generally responsive to families relocating at short notice.
The city stretches along the Mekong, with most expatriate housing in Sisattanak, Saysettha and the areas around Xaythany and the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge road. Vientiane International School sits in Saphanthong Tai village in Sisattanak district, south east of the centre, while International School of Laos is on Singha Road in Nongbone village, Saysettha district. Distances are short by Asian capital standards, and most school runs take 10 to 25 minutes by car. In the rainy season, roughly May to October, flooded roads can slow traffic, and many families rely on a driver or school transport where it is offered rather than motorbikes for children.
Curricula available in Vientiane
- International Baccalaureate (IB): Vientiane International School offers all three IB programmes, and its profile states it is the only school in Laos accredited with the IB that offers all three.
- English and Lao instruction: International School of Laos lists both English and Lao as languages of instruction, which suits families who want stronger local language exposure.
- English-medium early years: Briston International Nursery and Kindergarten teaches young children in English before they move to a primary school.
The schools: what each asks of new families
Vientiane International School (VIS)
VIS describes itself as an independent, not-for-profit day school offering the IB for students aged 3 and up, and its profile states it is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Facilities listed include a pool, gym, football and basketball courts, laboratory, library, music and art rooms. It holds a 4.8 rating from 5 ratings. Tip: as the main full IB school in the country, it is the first choice for many agency and embassy families, so popular year groups can fill; send your application with previous reports as soon as your posting is confirmed, and ask about the IB Diploma subject options before applying for a teenager.
International School of Laos
International School of Laos is at 23 Singha Road in Saysettha district and teaches in English and Lao. Its profile highlights inter and intra-school competitions in academics, performing arts, fine arts, literature and sports, and it holds a 5.0 rating from 4 ratings, with families mentioning social and emotional growth and caring staff. Tip: ask which curriculum framework each stage follows and how leaving reports are recognised by schools abroad, which matters if you expect to transfer again in two or three years.
Briston International Nursery and Kindergarten
Briston is the early years option on our list: a nursery and kindergarten teaching in English, with a 5.0 rating from 3 ratings. A review describes its aim of bringing high-quality international early childhood education to families in Laos. Tip: for toddlers and pre-schoolers, ask about settling-in sessions, staff ratios and nap routines, and plan the next step early, since the move to a primary school such as VIS usually needs its own application.
Fees and payments: what to expect in Vientiane
International schools in Laos usually quote fees in US dollars, while day-to-day local costs such as drivers, uniforms bought locally or snacks are paid in kip. The kip has lost much of its value against the dollar in recent years, so dollar fees protect schools but can be painful for families paid in local currency. Indicative annual ranges:
Nursery and kindergarten: roughly 4,000 to 9,000 USD a year, depending on hours per day.
Primary: roughly 6,000 to 18,000 USD a year, with the full IB school at the upper end.
Secondary and IB Diploma: roughly 10,000 to 25,000 USD a year.
Extras to plan for:
- Application fee: usually non-refundable and payable when you submit the form.
- Enrolment or registration fee: a one-off charge for new pupils, often several hundred to a few thousand dollars.
- Deposit: to hold a place after an offer, sometimes refundable at the end of enrolment.
- Development or capital levy: some schools charge an annual or one-off contribution.
- Transport and meals: billed separately where available.
- Uniform, devices and exams: including IB Diploma exam fees in the final year.
Practical advice: the admissions process step by step
Timeline from enquiry to first day. Most international schools in Vientiane follow an August to June year, while the Lao national school year runs on its own calendar. Aim to enquire three to six months before arrival. A typical sequence is: enquiry email and a video call or campus visit; online application with the fee; documents; assessment or interview; offer letter; then the deposit and enrolment fee to secure the seat. Many schools review applications on a rolling basis, so the earlier you complete the file, the better your chance in a year group with few spaces.
Documents and age cut-offs. Prepare scanned copies of passports and visas, birth certificates, the last two years of school reports, any learning support or psychological reports, and immunisation records. Some schools also ask for a teacher reference. Age placement depends on each school's cut-off date, often between 31 August and 31 December, so a child born in the autumn may land in different year groups at different schools. Ask the admissions office directly and confirm it in writing, especially if your child has been in a system where the year starts in January or April.
Assessments, waiting lists and mid-year entry. Assessments are usually light for young children (a play session or observation) and more formal from upper primary, with English and maths tasks and, where needed, an English language test. If a year group is full you may be offered a waiting list place; ask how many families are ahead of you and how often places come up, which in a city with frequent postings can be every term. Mid-year entry is common in Vientiane, but it is wise to keep a back-up option, for instance one of the other schools, while waiting.
Compare schools in Vientiane
To see how these schools compare on family ratings and profile details, visit our Best international schools in Vientiane ranking, and use it to build your shortlist before contacting admissions teams.
More guides to schools in Vientiane
Frequently asked questions
When should we apply to an international school in Vientiane?
Start three to six months before you arrive, and earlier if you are targeting a specific year group at Vientiane International School. Most international schools run an August to June year and admit on a rolling basis, so a complete file with reports and passports sent early gives the best chance of a seat in a small class.
Can my child join an international school in Vientiane mid-year?
Yes, mid-year entry is common because many families arrive on agency, embassy or project postings. Places depend on space in each class, so contact the school before you travel, send the last two years of reports, and ask whether a waiting list exists. Keeping a second school in mind avoids a gap in schooling.
Is there a nursery for expat toddlers in Vientiane?
Yes. Briston International Nursery and Kindergarten teaches young children in English and is rated 5.0 by families on its profile, while Vientiane International School takes children from age 3. Ask about hours, staff ratios and settling-in, and plan the separate primary application about six months before your child moves up.