Vietnam school-selection checklist (printable)

Choosing a school in Vietnam takes more than a single visit. Use this checklist before you tour, during your tour, and before you sign anything.

Curriculum decision

The curriculum shapes everything — teaching style, university pathways, and how easily your child can re-enter school back home.

• IB (PYP / MYP / Diploma) — globally portable, inquiry-based, tends to be the most expensive
• British (IGCSE / A-Level) — strong in Hanoi and HCMC, good for UK university entry
• American (AP / US High School Diploma) — common at larger campuses, suits families heading back to North America
• Australian (ACARA) — fewer schools offer it; confirm the campus is genuinely accredited
• Vietnamese national curriculum with international stream — lower fees, but university options are narrower abroad
• Confirm the curriculum matches your home country so credits transfer if you leave mid-year

For city-specific school lists, see international schools in HCMC and international schools in Hanoi.

Fee structure to compare

Fees in Vietnam vary enormously. Budget for more than tuition alone.

• Annual tuition — most international schools in 2026 range from roughly USD 8,000 to USD 30,000 per year
• Capital levy or enrollment bond — some schools charge a one-off fee of USD 2,000 to USD 10,000; check whether it is refundable
• Annual registration or re-enrollment fee
• Textbook and materials fees (often billed separately)
• Uniform costs — ask for a full list including PE kit and formal uniform
• Lunch or canteen — included or extra
• School bus — monthly fee per route
• After-school activities (ASA / ECAs) — some are included, many are not
• Annual fee increase — ask for the average increase over the last three years

Language support for non-English-mother-tongue kids

If your child is not a native English speaker, or if you want Vietnamese maintained, ask specifically.

• English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme — is it included in tuition or charged separately
• How many EAL support hours per week does a new arrival typically receive
• At what proficiency level is EAL support withdrawn
• Mother-tongue language classes — which languages are offered, what are the fees
• Vietnamese language classes — level and frequency for expat students
• Ask to speak with the EAL coordinator directly, not just the admissions team

Accreditation to verify

Accreditation claims are common in Vietnam. Verify them independently.

• CIS (Council of International Schools) — check cis.org
• WASC / AdvancED / Cognia — check online registry
• IBO authorization — check ibo.org for official PYP / MYP / DP status
• COBIS (British schools abroad) — check cobis.org.uk
• Confirm the accreditation covers the specific campus you are enrolling in, not just a parent group

Class size and student-teacher ratio

Smaller classes matter more at primary level. Ask for current figures, not targets.

• Average class size at the year group your child will join
• Student-to-teacher ratio in the classroom (exclude administrators from the count)
• Teaching assistant presence in early years and primary
• Maximum class cap — and whether the school is currently at capacity in that year group

School day and after-school

Practical logistics affect daily family life significantly.

• School start and finish times
• Half-days or early finishes — frequency and advance notice given
• After-school care — hours available, supervision quality, fees
• Extra-curricular activities (sports, arts, clubs) — timetable and whether they run reliably
• Holiday calendar — confirm it aligns with your employer or planned travel

Transport — bus routes

Most international school families in Vietnam use the school bus. Confirm the detail before you commit.

• Does a bus route serve your neighbourhood or district
• Door-to-door pickup or fixed stops
• Journey time each way — ask parents on that route, not the school
• Bus monitor or escort on board
• Monthly bus fee — typical range is VND 1,500,000 to VND 4,000,000 depending on distance
• What happens if the bus is delayed or cancelled

What to ask at the tour

Prepare these questions before you visit.

• What is the current waitlist position for your child's year group
• How many students left last year and why (turnover is normal in expat schools; high turnover warrants a question)
• What is the staff retention rate among teachers
• Can you speak with a current parent, not one selected by the school
• What is the school policy on mobile phones and screen time
• How does the school communicate with parents — app, email, portal
• What is the process if a child needs learning support or has a diagnosed condition

Plan your applications early. Waitlists at popular schools in both cities fill fast — see school enrolment waitlist timing for a realistic timeline.

What red flags look like

Not every concern is a dealbreaker, but these warrant further investigation.

• Accreditation listed on the website but not verifiable on the accreditor registry
• Significant annual fee increases with no clear explanation
• Admissions staff cannot tell you current class sizes
• No current parent references available
• School is unwilling to share the most recent inspection or review report
• High teacher turnover with no explanation
• Pressure to sign or pay a deposit before you have visited

Application deadlines

Vietnam operates on a mix of rolling admissions and fixed intake windows.

• Most schools open applications for the following August start from October or November the year before
• Popular year groups (Grade 1, Grade 6, Grade 10) tend to close earliest
• Some schools run a second intake in January for mid-year arrivals — confirm availability
• Ask specifically whether a place is guaranteed or subject to assessment
• Keep copies of all application documents, transcripts, and vaccination records in one folder

Related

• International schools in Ho Chi Minh City
• International schools in Hanoi
• School enrolment waitlist timing
• Relocating to Vietnam with children
• Cost of living in Ho Chi Minh City