International school fees in Ho Chi Minh City span one of the widest ranges in Southeast Asia — from around USD 8,000 a year at solid bilingual campuses to USD 40,000 at the top IB schools. Vietnam's commercial capital hosts more than 30 international schools, and understanding what drives price differences will save your family real money without compromising quality. This 2026 guide breaks down tuition tier by tier, itemises the extras and explains how to budget smartly.
Fee Tiers in Ho Chi Minh City (2026)
- Bilingual and Vietnamese-international schools: USD 6,000–12,000 per year
- Mid-tier international schools: USD 12,000–22,000 per year
- Premium tier (established IB and British schools): USD 25,000–40,000 per year at secondary level
Fees rise steeply with age: a premium school might charge USD 20,000 for Kindergarten but USD 38,000 for the IB Diploma years. Most schools invoice in Vietnamese dong at a posted USD equivalence, and many offer 2–5% discounts for annual upfront payment or siblings.
What the Top Schools Charge
International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC)
The city's oldest international school and a full IB continuum campus. Expect roughly USD 20,000 in early years rising to USD 38,000 for the Diploma Programme, positioning it firmly in the premium tier alongside its District 2 (Thu Duc) neighbours.
British International School Ho Chi Minh City (BIS HCMC)
Vietnam's largest international school, part of Nord Anglia, teaching the English National Curriculum through to the IB Diploma. Fees run approximately USD 18,000–36,000 by age, plus a one-time enrolment fee.
Australian International School Saigon (AIS)
An Inspired group school offering the Australian curriculum, IGCSE and IB Diploma across several campuses. Slightly below the very top of the market at roughly USD 15,000–30,000, with strong facilities for the price.
Saigon South International School (SSIS)
The American-curriculum reference in Phu My Hung, District 7, offering AP and the IB Diploma. Tuition sits around USD 18,000–35,000, and the surrounding district's family infrastructure keeps demand high.
European International School Ho Chi Minh City (EIS)
A full IB continuum school with a European multilingual character, typically USD 14,000–28,000 — a competitive route into the complete IB pathway below premium-tier pricing.
The Extras Invoices Add
Beyond tuition, budget: application fees (USD 100–300, non-refundable), one-time enrolment or capital fees (USD 1,000–4,000 at premium schools), refundable deposits, daily buses (USD 1,200–2,500 per year), lunches (USD 500–900), uniforms, devices from upper primary, and EAL support surcharges of up to USD 3,000 where intensive English help is needed. Altogether, extras add 8–15% to headline tuition in a typical first year.
District matters too: living in District 2 or District 7 near your chosen school cuts both bus costs and commute fatigue — worth weighing when you pick housing. Compare verified fees, reviews and profiles in the full ranking of the best schools in Ho Chi Minh City on International School Advisor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an international school in Ho Chi Minh City cost in 2026?
Between USD 6,000 and 40,000 per year depending on tier and age: bilingual schools from USD 6,000, mid-tier international schools USD 12,000–22,000, and premium IB or British schools USD 25,000–40,000 at secondary.
Are Ho Chi Minh City school fees cheaper than Singapore or Bangkok?
Premium-tier fees are broadly comparable to Bangkok and 20–30% below Singapore, while HCMC's mid and bilingual tiers offer notably better value than either city for families able to be flexible on brand names.
What discounts do HCMC international schools offer?
Common reductions include sibling discounts of 5–10%, early-payment discounts of 2–5% for annual upfront settlement, and occasional corporate agreements negotiated by large employers — always ask HR before paying list price.