Quick answer: how do you choose an international school in Vientiane? Start with age and curriculum. Vientiane International School offers the IB from age 3, International School of Laos teaches in English and Lao, and Briston is an early-years option. Most fees are set in US dollars, roughly USD 4,000 to USD 25,000 a year by school and stage.
Last reviewed: October 2026 by Emma from ISA. Fee ranges are indicative; always confirm with the school.
Vientiane is a small, slow-paced capital, and the international school market reflects that: a handful of schools, small year groups and families who often know each other within a term. That makes the decision simpler in one sense and harder in another, because a poor fit is not easily fixed by switching to the school down the road. This guide sets out a clear way to approach how to choose an international school in Vientiane, with the questions to ask and an honest look at the three schools listed on our site.
We focus on decisions rather than rankings. The right school for a diplomat's child staying two years is often different from the right school for a family planning a long stay, and both differ from a family with a three year old who simply needs a good English-speaking nursery.
Vientiane in practice: who comes and where schools are
International families in Vientiane are mostly linked to embassies, United Nations agencies and NGOs, development banks, mining and hydropower projects, and a growing number of regional businesses with ties to Thailand and China. The city sits on the Mekong, opposite Thailand, and the Friendship Bridge to Nong Khai is a short drive away, which some families use for shopping, healthcare and weekend breaks.
Schools sit in the districts where expatriate families tend to live. Vientiane International School (VIS) has its address on Phonesavanh Road in Saphanthong Tai village, Sisattanak district, south-east of the centre. International School of Laos is on Singha Road in Nongbone village, Saysettha district, north-east of the centre. Distances are short by big-city standards, but rainy season downpours, roadworks and school-run traffic can stretch a 15 minute drive. Most families pick housing after choosing a school, not before.
Curricula available
- International Baccalaureate: Vientiane International School offers the IB programme for students aged 3 and up, as an independent, not-for-profit day school.
- English and Lao instruction: International School of Laos lists English and Lao as languages of instruction, with a strong emphasis on competitions in academics, arts and sport.
- English-medium early years: Briston International Nursery and Kindergarten teaches in English for nursery and kindergarten ages only.
A decision framework for Vientiane families
Curriculum and continuity. Think about where your child goes next. If you expect to move on to another international posting, an IB school makes transfers smoother, because the programme is used by international schools worldwide. If you plan a long stay, ask how each school handles the last two years of secondary and what its graduates do after leaving.
Language. Decide whether you want an English-only environment or meaningful Lao in the timetable. A school that teaches in English and Lao can suit Lao-heritage children or families staying long term; children on short postings may be better served by strong English support and a mother-tongue plan.
Location and commute. Map the school against your workplace and likely housing. Sisattanak and Saysettha are both well used by expatriate families, and a shorter run makes after-school activities realistic.
Budget and currency. Lao inflation peaked at around 41% year on year in early 2023 as the kip lost much of its value against the US dollar and Thai baht, which is why most international schools in Vientiane set fees in US dollars. Families paid in kip feel this most. As a rough guide, early-years programmes run at roughly USD 4,000 to USD 9,000 a year, and full international school tuition at roughly USD 10,000 to USD 25,000 depending on stage. Add registration, deposits, transport, meals, uniforms and exam fees.
School size and community. Small schools mean small classes but also fewer subject choices at the top end. Ask how many students sit in your child's year group and what happens if a subject has only one or two takers.
The schools and who each one suits
Vientiane International School (VIS)
VIS describes itself as an independent, not-for-profit day school in the small capital of Lao PDR, offering the International Baccalaureate for students aged 3 and up and teaching in English. It sits in Sisattanak district. Who it fits: families on international postings who want continuity with IB schools elsewhere, and older students who need a recognised pre-university programme. Tip: ask about class sizes at the top of the school and the range of IB Diploma subjects actually running this year.
International School of Laos
International School of Laos teaches in English and Lao, and its profile describes a programme built around inter and intra-school competitions in academics, performing arts, fine arts, literature and sport. Its campus is in Nongbone village, Saysettha district. Who it fits: families who want Lao alongside English, and children who respond well to a competitive, activity-heavy culture. Tip: ask which curriculum framework is followed in each stage and how the school prepares older students for qualifications recognised abroad.
Briston International Nursery and Kindergarten
Briston is an early-years setting, not a full school: it offers nursery and kindergarten with English as the language of instruction. Its profile gives little detail about the curriculum, so ask for a written outline of the daily programme and the age bands. Who it fits: families with toddlers and pre-school children who want an English-speaking start, or who are not yet ready to commit to a full international school. Tip: plan the transition early, because a place at a primary school is a separate application with its own timeline.
Questions to ask on a school visit
About learning. Ask which curriculum runs in your child's year, how English language support works for non-native speakers, and how the school supports children with learning differences. Request a sample timetable and ask to see a lesson in progress, not just the facilities.
About people. Ask how long teachers typically stay, what proportion are qualified in the curriculum they teach, and how the school communicates with parents. In a small market, teacher turnover has a large effect on each class.
About money. Ask for the full annual cost in writing, including the following:
- Application and registration fees: usually non-refundable.
- Deposit: ask the notice period needed to recover it.
- Capital or development levy: one-off or annual.
- Transport, meals and uniforms: often billed separately.
- Exam fees and devices: IB exam entries and laptops in upper years.
Also check whether fees are payable in US dollars only, whether an employer can be invoiced directly, and what is refunded if a posting ends mid-year.
See the full picture
Once you have a shortlist, compare the schools side by side in our guide to the best international schools in Vientiane Prefecture, then book visits to at least two before you decide.
More guides to schools in Vientiane
Frequently asked questions
Which international school in Vientiane offers the IB?
Vientiane International School (VIS) offers the International Baccalaureate for students aged 3 and up. It is an independent, not-for-profit day school in Sisattanak district. Families on international postings often favour it for continuity, since IB programmes are used by schools worldwide. Ask which IB Diploma subjects are running in the current year before you apply.
Are international school fees in Vientiane paid in US dollars?
Mostly, yes. After Lao inflation peaked at around 41% year on year in early 2023, most international schools set fees in US dollars to protect against the falling kip. Families paid in kip carry the currency risk. Ask whether a school accepts kip or baht payments and what exchange rate it applies on the invoice date.
Is there an English-speaking nursery in Vientiane?
Yes. Briston International Nursery and Kindergarten teaches in English and takes nursery and kindergarten ages only. Vientiane International School also accepts children from age 3. Early-years fees are roughly USD 4,000 to USD 9,000 a year. Visit during a normal morning to watch routines, and plan ahead for the move into primary.