International Schools in Ho Chi Minh City: Vietnam's Fast-Growing Market
Ho Chi Minh City has more than 50 international schools, and new ones open every year. Fees run from about USD 8,000 to 38,000 a year. With so many new schools, it pays to check how long a school has been running and how stable it is.
Fees
Lower-fee schools charge roughly VND 200 to 300 million a year (about USD 8,000 to 12,000). Mid-range schools charge roughly VND 300 to 650 million (about USD 12,000 to 25,000), and the most expensive about VND 650 million to 1 billion (about USD 25,000 to 38,000).
Districts
District 2 has the largest group of international schools and is popular with expats, with good roads and services. District 7 is a newer planned area with a growing number of schools. District 1, the downtown commercial area, has few. Outlying districts such as 9 and 12 have lower-fee schools that are generally less established.
Traffic is heavy, with scooters everywhere, so choose a school close to home or work.
Curricula
The IB is increasingly common, and there are British, American, Montessori and bilingual schools as well.
Established and newer schools
The longer-running schools in District 2 are generally well managed. Newer schools vary more: some are good, and others are still settling. For a newer school, ask how long the leadership has been in place, how enrolment has changed, and whether the campus is permanent. Schools in the city do sometimes relocate or expand.
Living in Ho Chi Minh City
Economic growth has brought more corporate relocations and more remote workers. Housing and day-to-day costs are well below Bangkok or Singapore. There are international hospitals, and most families find medical care adequate. Air quality is generally better in the wet season, and the dry season can bring haze.
Admissions
Most schools run an autumn application cycle, though not all, so check each school's dates. Schools are less oversubscribed than in Singapore or Hong Kong, but popular ones do fill.
How to start your search
Choose the district first, then narrow by budget and curriculum. Because the market changes quickly, visit schools and talk to current families before deciding.
International Schools in Ho Chi Minh City
A prestigious Nord Anglia school offering a world-class British-style education in Thao Dien.
A premier IB school in District 2 offering a balanced academic and sporting education.
The first international school in HCMC, offering a fully accredited IB continuum curriculum.
The only non-profit American international school in HCMC, known for academic rigor.
A boutique 'educational village' in Thao Dien offering the full IB continuum.
A well-established British-style school in District 7 with a focus on community.