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Many expat families move to Vietnam expecting international school fees to vary by city, curriculum, and campus size. For parents looking for lower annual tuition, there are schools across Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang that fall within the affordable range.
This guide outlines what “affordable” typically means in Vietnam, which types of schools fall into that category, and how to compare options without feeling overwhelmed.
View all Vietnam international schools: https://tips.doris.school/schools/vietnam
What Counts as “Affordable” in Vietnam?
Most affordable international schools in Vietnam fall within these ranges:
| Year Group | Typical Affordable Range (Annual Tuition) |
|---|---|
| Early Years | 120,000,000–200,000,000 VND |
| Primary | 150,000,000–240,000,000 VND |
| Secondary | 180,000,000–300,000,000 VND |
Additional costs vary by school, including uniforms, meals, transportation, and extracurriculars. Budgeting for these items is a common concern for parents comparing options.
Affordable International Schools in Ho Chi Minh City
The American School of Vietnam (TAS)
TAS offers an American-style curriculum from early years to high school, including Advanced Placement options. The campus follows a US-style learning model, with English-medium instruction and a broad subject offering. Fees are typically moderate compared with full IB or British premium schools.
Renaissance International School Saigon
Renaissance delivers a British-style education with IGCSE and A Level pathways. The school follows a structured curriculum and offers a wide range of subjects across primary and secondary levels. Tuition sits in the mid-range for HCMC.
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Australian International School (AIS Saigon)
AIS offers the IB Diploma Programme at the senior level and an international curriculum in earlier years. With multiple campuses in District 2, the school provides an English-medium environment with consistent academic pathways. AIS sits between mid-range and premium fees depending on year level.
European International School Ho Chi Minh City (EIS)
EIS is an IB World School offering PYP, MYP, and DP across its village-style campus in Thao Dien. The school provides an inquiry-based environment with a broad international community. Fees align with mid-to-upper band levels.
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Saigon South International School (SSIS)
SSIS follows an American curriculum with Advanced Placement options. The campus in District 7 offers a full K–12 pathway with English-medium instruction. Tuition levels are generally in the upper mid-range.
International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC)
ISHCMC offers the full IB continuum—PYP, MYP, and DP—and is one of HCMC’s longest-established international schools. The school has two campuses and a diverse community. Fees fall within the premium range.
British International School Ho Chi Minh City (BIS HCMC)
BIS HCMC delivers a British curriculum with IGCSE and A Levels. The school is part of Nord Anglia Education and offers specialist facilities across its campuses. Tuition is in the premium tier.
Explore HCMC schools
Affordable International Schools in Hanoi
Hanoi also has a selection of international schools with varying fee levels.
St. Paul American School Hanoi
SPASH offers an American-style curriculum with English-medium instruction across primary and secondary. The school provides a full K–12 structure with AP options. Fees sit within the mid-range for Hanoi.
Singapore International School (SIS @ Ciputra)
SIS follows a combination of the Singapore and Cambridge curricula. The school offers bilingual pathways alongside international programmes, making it a common choice for families seeking moderate fees.
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Hanoi International School (HIS)
HIS offers an IB Diploma Programme at the senior level, with international curricula in earlier years. The smaller campus environment appeals to families seeking a close-knit community. Tuition is in the mid to upper range.
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British International School Hanoi (BIS Hanoi)
BIS Hanoi offers the British curriculum from primary through to A Levels. As part of the Nord Anglia group, the school provides a structured international education. Fees sit in the premium tier.
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United Nations International School Hanoi (UNIS Hanoi)
UNIS offers the full IB continuum, PYP, MYP, DP, with a diverse student community. It is one of Hanoi’s longest-established international schools. Fees are among the highest in the city.
Explore Hanoi schools
What Affects Tuition Differences?
Parents commonly compare:- curriculum type (IB, British, American)
- language support offerings
- campus size and facilities
- extracurricular availability
- admissions demand
- additional daily costs
These factors explain why fees vary widely across cities.
How doris Helps You Compare
doris supports your school search with:- impartial listings (no sponsored placements)
- side-by-side comparisons
- personalised recommendations
- filtering by fees, curriculum, and location
FAQs
What makes a school “affordable” in Vietnam?
Affordable schools typically fall into the lower to mid-range of Vietnam’s tuition spectrum. Many offer bilingual or Cambridge-style pathways rather than full IB or premium international programmes.
Do affordable schools offer international curricula?
Yes. Many affordable schools use Cambridge, Singapore–Cambridge, or American pathways. Some offer bilingual models with international subjects.
Are affordable schools less academically rigorous?
Academic approach varies by school and curriculum. Fee level does not determine academic style or expectations.
Do affordable schools offer English support?
Most offer some level of EAL support, though service depth differs across campuses.
Are admissions competitive at lower-fee schools?
Admissions availability depends on year level and campus size. Some schools fill quickly, especially in primary.
Do affordable schools have additional fees?
Yes. Families should budget for uniforms, transport, meals, extracurricular activities, and registration fees.
How can I compare affordable options more easily?
doris provides impartial comparisons of schools based on curriculum, location, fee range, and programmes to help families narrow options.
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