International school fees in Vietnam span a wide range. At the lower end, schools like Hoi An International School charge from around VND 150,000,000 (approx. USD 6,000) per year. At the top end, International School Ho Chi Minh City reaches VND 959,000,000 (approx. USD 38,000). Most families, whether relocating or locally based, land somewhere in between — and understanding what drives that difference matters more than the headline number.
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| Tier | Annual Fee Range (VND) | Approx. USD | Example Schools |
|---|---|---|---|
| Affordable | VND 150M – 300M | USD 6,000 – 12,000 | Hoi An International School, Hanoi International School |
| Mid-range | VND 300M – 600M | USD 12,000 – 24,000 | Renaissance International School Saigon, European International School Ho Chi Minh City, Australian International School |
| Premium | VND 600M – 960M | USD 24,000 – 38,000 | UNIS Hanoi, British International School Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon South International School |
Schools shown for informational purposes only. doris does not rank or promote any school.
Published tuition is rarely the full cost. Most schools charge additional fees that families only discover during the admissions process.
Fees typically included in tuition:
Fees typically charged separately:
Always request a full fee schedule, not just the tuition figure, before comparing schools. Fees shown are approximate and subject to change. Verify directly with the school.
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Curriculum choice has a real effect on cost. Full IB continuum schools (PYP through DP) tend to carry the highest fees, partly due to IBO authorisation costs and the specialist training required for teachers. British curriculum schools show the widest range — British International School Hanoi and British International School Ho Chi Minh City both reach close to VND 950,000,000 at senior levels, while Renaissance International School Saigon offers the same framework from VND 189,000,000. For families weighing IB against British options, this IB vs British curriculum comparison is a useful starting point. American and AP programmes sit broadly in the mid-to-premium range.
Most international schools in Vietnam raise tuition annually. Typical increases run between 5% and 10%, though some schools have exceeded this following the post-pandemic period of rising staff and operating costs. A school charging VND 400,000,000 today may cost VND 440,000,000 or more in two years.
When meeting with admissions teams, ask directly: what has the average annual fee increase been over the past three years, and is there a cap? Schools with transparent governance will answer clearly. Those that deflect are worth noting.
For relocating families whose employers provide an education allowance, the premium tier is often accessible without significant personal outlay, though allowances rarely cover every additional charge. For families funding fees independently, the mid-range schools represent genuine value, particularly those offering strong Cambridge or IB outcomes without the infrastructure costs of larger campuses.
For locally based Vietnamese families, this is a significant financial commitment. One parent perspective from an expat forum in Ho Chi Minh City captures a common view: "My son attends SSIS and I highly recommend it to anyone who can comfortably afford it. Excellent facilities, small class sizes, qualified teachers." That qualifier, comfortably afford it, carries real weight. Stretching a budget to reach a premium school while carrying other financial pressures rarely produces the experience families hope for. A mid-range school where a family is financially comfortable often serves children better than a prestigious name with ongoing financial stress behind it.
For broader context on fees across the region, the doris guide to affordable international schools in Southeast Asia is worth reading alongside this one.
Q: What is the average international school fee in Vietnam in 2026?
A: Across all tiers and cities, a reasonable average sits between VND 350,000,000 and VND 550,000,000 per year (approx. USD 14,000 – 22,000). Fees in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City tend to be higher than in smaller cities such as Hoi An or Da Nang.
Q: Are there any international schools in Vietnam under USD 10,000 per year?
A: Yes. Hoi An International School starts from VND 150,000,000 (approx. USD 6,000), and Hanoi International School begins at around VND 200,000,000 (approx. USD 8,000). These options are more limited in number and tend to be located outside the main urban centres.
Q: Do Vietnam international schools charge a capital levy on top of tuition?
A: Many do. Capital levies vary widely, some schools charge a one-time enrolment contribution, others bill it annually. Always request the full fee breakdown including any non-tuition charges before accepting an offer.
Q: How much do fees typically increase each year at international schools in Vietnam?
A: Annual increases of 5% to 10% are common. Some schools have increased fees more sharply in recent years. Ask admissions teams directly for the historical increase rate and whether any fee cap or guarantee applies to returning families.
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This guide was written by Aziza F, part of the doris editorial team. doris sources school data from institutions worldwide and speaks directly with parents navigating the school search process. Fee data reflects published and publicly available information for the 2026 to 2027 academic year and is reviewed annually. External sources: IBO.org, Cambridge Assessment International Education.
Schools are listed for informational purposes only. doris does not rank or promote any school.