International Education Trends in Ho Chi Minh City: What Expat Families Should Know in 2026

Quick answer: How many international schools are there in Ho Chi Minh City? Ho Chi Minh City has over 100 international and bilingual schools catering to expatriate and local families. These range from large, established institutions following British, American or IB curricula to smaller bilingual schools offering Vietnamese-English instruction. The number continues to grow as demand rises.

Last reviewed: September 2026 by Catherine from ISA. Fee ranges are indicative; always confirm with the school.

Ho Chi Minh City is one of Southeast Asia's fastest-growing markets for international education, and the pace of change shows no sign of slowing down in 2026. Vietnam's commercial capital attracts a growing number of expatriate professionals alongside a rising Vietnamese middle class willing to invest in globally recognised schooling. For families considering a move to the city, understanding the trends shaping the education landscape is essential to making the right choice.

Rapid Growth in School Supply

The number of international and bilingual schools in Ho Chi Minh City has increased dramatically over the past five years. New campuses continue to open in the Thu Duc City (formerly District 2) area, Binh Thanh and the emerging Nha Be corridor south of the centre. This expansion is driven by rising demand from both expatriate and affluent local families. While the growth is good news for parents in terms of choice, it also means that quality varies considerably. Established schools with long track records sit alongside newer institutions that are still building their academic reputation. Careful due diligence, including visiting campuses and speaking with current parents, remains important.

The Rise of Bilingual Schools

One of the most significant trends in Ho Chi Minh City is the rapid growth of bilingual Vietnamese-English schools. These institutions are designed primarily for Vietnamese families but attract a growing number of expat children whose parents want them to develop Vietnamese alongside English. Bilingual schools typically follow the Vietnamese national curriculum enriched with English-medium instruction in selected subjects, or an international curriculum with mandatory Vietnamese language classes. For families planning a long-term stay in Vietnam, bilingual schools offer the advantage of cultural integration and language acquisition that fully international schools may not provide to the same extent.

IB Programme Expansion

The International Baccalaureate continues to gain ground in Ho Chi Minh City. Several schools have been authorised to offer the PYP and MYP in recent years, and more are in the candidacy phase. The IB Diploma remains a sought-after qualification for Vietnamese and expat students alike, valued for its rigour, global recognition and emphasis on independent research. Schools offering the full IB continuum from PYP through to the Diploma are particularly attractive to families who want curriculum continuity from early years through to university entry.

Schools Leading the Way

British Vietnamese International School

BVIS is a Nord Anglia Education school offering a blend of the English National Curriculum and the Vietnamese national programme. This dual approach makes it a popular choice for families seeking strong English-medium academics alongside Vietnamese language and cultural development. The school serves students from nursery through secondary and benefits from the global Nord Anglia network's enrichment programmes.

La Petite Ecole

La Petite Ecole offers a French-English bilingual programme for early years and primary students, following the French national curriculum. It is an attractive option for French-speaking families or those who want their children to develop trilingual skills in French, English and Vietnamese. The school is known for its warm, child-centred approach and strong community feel.

Horizon International Bilingual School

Horizon delivers a bilingual Vietnamese-English programme underpinned by the Cambridge International Curriculum. The school has invested heavily in modern facilities and technology, including dedicated STEM labs and maker spaces. It is positioned for families who want their children to be fully bilingual while following an internationally recognised academic pathway.

Australian International School Saigon

AIS follows the IB programme alongside the Australian curriculum framework, offering students both the IB Diploma and the option of the Western Australian Certificate of Education. The school has a large campus in Thu Duc City with extensive sports and arts facilities. It is well suited to families looking for a relaxed, inquiry-based learning style with strong pastoral support.

FOSCO International School

FOSCO caters primarily to Korean and international families in Ho Chi Minh City, offering a Korean-medium programme alongside English instruction. It fills an important niche for the city's substantial Korean expat community, providing familiar curriculum structures while adapting to the Vietnamese context.

Fee Inflation and Value Considerations

International school fees in Ho Chi Minh City have risen steadily, driven by demand, currency dynamics and investment in new facilities. Premium international schools now charge between VND 400 million and VND 800 million per year (approximately USD 16,000 to USD 32,000), while bilingual schools offer a more affordable range from VND 80 million to VND 250 million (USD 3,200 to USD 10,000). Fee increases of 5 to 8 per cent per year are common at the top end of the market. Families should factor in these annual increases when budgeting over multiple years, particularly if employer education allowances are capped at a fixed amount.

Technology and Pedagogical Innovation

Many international schools in Ho Chi Minh City are investing heavily in educational technology, including one-to-one device programmes, AI-assisted learning platforms and dedicated innovation centres. STEM and STEAM programmes have become a standard part of the offering at most reputable schools. Several institutions have introduced project-based learning and design thinking into their curriculum to prepare students for a rapidly changing world. For families evaluating schools, it is worth asking how technology is integrated into daily learning rather than simply checking whether devices are provided.

What This Means for Expat Families in 2026

The expanding market means more choice, but also more complexity. Start your research early and shortlist schools based on curriculum fit, language goals, campus location and budget. The Thu Duc City area has the highest concentration of international schools and is a popular residential zone for expats. District 7 (Phu My Hung) is another established expat hub with several schools nearby. Consider whether your child would benefit from a fully international environment or a bilingual setting with stronger local integration. And above all, visit in person before committing: the energy, culture and community of a school are difficult to assess from a brochure alone.

Exploring international schools in Vietnam? Visit ISA to compare school profiles, reviews and fees across Ho Chi Minh City and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many international schools are there in Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City has over 100 international and bilingual schools catering to expatriate and local families. These range from large, established institutions following British, American or IB curricula to smaller bilingual schools offering Vietnamese-English instruction. The number continues to grow as demand rises.

Are bilingual schools a good option for expat children in Vietnam?

Bilingual schools can be an excellent choice for expat families planning a longer stay in Vietnam. They provide structured Vietnamese language instruction alongside English-medium academics, helping children integrate culturally and develop a valuable additional language. The quality and balance of instruction varies between schools, so visiting and asking about the language programme in detail is recommended.

What are average international school fees in Ho Chi Minh City?

Premium international schools charge between VND 400 million and VND 800 million per year (USD 16,000 to USD 32,000), while bilingual schools range from VND 80 million to VND 250 million (USD 3,200 to USD 10,000). Fees have been rising at 5 to 8 per cent annually at the higher end of the market, so budgeting for increases over several years is advisable.