Ho Chi Minh City — still called Saigon by most who live there — has become one of Southeast Asia's most dynamic destinations for expat families. The city draws professionals from across Europe, North America and Australia, and with that influx has come a growing network of international schools in Ho Chi Minh City that offer world-class education. Whether you are relocating for work or choosing to base your family here long-term, the school options in Saigon are genuinely impressive.
Why Expat Families Choose Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City sits at the heart of Vietnam's economic boom. It is a city of contradictions: gleaming glass towers next to French colonial facades, street food stalls beside rooftop restaurants. For families, it offers a low cost of living by Western standards, a strong expat community, and a warm climate year-round. The city's international school scene has matured considerably over the past decade, with campuses now offering facilities that rival schools in Singapore or Bangkok.
Curricula Available in Ho Chi Minh City
Expat families in Saigon will find a broad range of curricula on offer. The International Baccalaureate (IB), including the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP), is widely available and particularly popular among internationally mobile families. The British National Curriculum — with IGCSEs and A Levels — is another strong option, as is the American system with AP courses. Several schools also offer Australian curriculum pathways, reflecting the significant Australian expat community in Ho Chi Minh City.
Top International Schools in Ho Chi Minh City
International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC)
ISHCMC is one of the oldest and most respected international schools in Saigon, founded in 1993. It offers the full IB continuum from Early Years through to the IB Diploma, making it a strong choice for families who prioritise continuity and a globally recognised qualification. The campus in Thao Dien, District 2 is modern and well-resourced, with strong performing arts, sports and STEM programmes. ISHCMC is known for a diverse student body of around 50 nationalities and an experienced international teaching staff. Annual fees range from approximately $18,000 to $32,000 USD depending on year group.
Renaissance International School Saigon
Renaissance International School follows the British National Curriculum from Foundation Stage through to IGCSE and A Level, offering a familiar pathway for families from the UK and Commonwealth countries. The school is known for small class sizes and a nurturing atmosphere, with strong academic results and a pastoral care system that helps new students settle quickly. Located in District 2, it is close to where many expat families choose to live. Fees typically range from $12,000 to $24,000 USD per year depending on the year group.
International School Saigon Pearl (ISSP)
International School Saigon Pearl offers an American-based curriculum with strong emphasis on project-based learning and critical thinking from an early age. Situated on the Saigon Pearl compound in Binh Thanh District, the campus is compact but very well appointed, and the school benefits from a tight-knit community feel. ISSP is particularly popular with American and Canadian expat families, and its university counselling programme has sent graduates to top institutions in the US. Annual fees range from approximately $10,000 to $22,000 USD.
Vietnam Australia International School (VAS)
VAS is one of the largest international schools in Vietnam by enrolment, with multiple campuses across Ho Chi Minh City. It follows an Australian curriculum integrated with the Vietnamese National Curriculum, making it an excellent choice for families who want children to maintain Vietnamese language and cultural connections while accessing international standards of teaching. VAS has strong STEM facilities, a competitive sports programme and a bilingual learning environment. Fees range from around $8,000 to $16,000 USD annually, making it one of the more accessible international options in the city.
School Fees in Ho Chi Minh City
International school fees in Ho Chi Minh City vary significantly by school and curriculum. At the upper end, established IB schools like ISHCMC charge $25,000–$32,000 USD per year for senior students. British curriculum schools typically fall in the $15,000–$24,000 range, while American and Australian options can start from $10,000 USD. Many schools charge additional registration and enrolment fees of $1,000–$5,000 USD. Most schools denominate fees in US dollars, though payment can often be arranged in Vietnamese Dong at current exchange rates. It is worth budgeting for additional costs such as uniforms, school buses, lunches and extracurricular activities, which can add 10–20% on top of base tuition.
Practical Tips for Expat Families in Ho Chi Minh City
The majority of international schools are concentrated in District 2 (Thao Dien) and District 7 (Phu My Hung), which are also the neighbourhoods where most expat families choose to live. This makes school runs relatively straightforward, and many schools offer bus services across the city. Admissions processes vary by school — the more established schools have waiting lists, particularly for popular year groups, so it is advisable to apply well in advance of your planned move date, ideally six to twelve months ahead. Most schools accept rolling admissions, so if you need to start urgently, contact admissions offices directly. English is the language of instruction across all schools listed here, and specialist English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is widely available.
To compare more schools and see the latest rankings, visit the best international schools in Vietnam on ISA.
Frequently Asked Questions About International Schools in Ho Chi Minh City
What is the best international school in Ho Chi Minh City?
ISHCMC (International School Ho Chi Minh City) is widely considered the top choice for expat families seeking an IB education in Saigon, thanks to its long history, diverse community and strong academic record. Renaissance International School Saigon is the top option for families following the British curriculum.
How much do international schools in Ho Chi Minh City cost?
Annual fees at international schools in Ho Chi Minh City range from approximately $8,000 USD at more affordable options like Vietnam Australia International School to $32,000 USD at premium IB schools. Budget an additional 10–20% for extras such as uniforms, lunches and activities.
Is it easy to get into an international school in Ho Chi Minh City?
Most international schools in Ho Chi Minh City have rolling admissions and accept students throughout the year. However, the most popular schools — especially at specific year groups — can have waiting lists. Families should apply as early as possible, ideally six to twelve months before their intended start date.