When Does International School Start in Vietnam? A 2027 Guide

Most international schools in Vietnam begin their academic year in mid-August, while local Vietnamese schools follow a nationally set start date in early September, confirmed each year by the Ministry of Education and Training. Unlike some of Vietnam's neighbours, this isn't a dramatic mismatch, more a matter of a few weeks, with both systems broadly finishing by early summer.

For 2027 to 2028, expect a similar pattern, though the government typically confirms the exact local start date only a few months ahead, and international schools set their own dates around 12 months out.

Why the dates differ slightly from local schools

Vietnam's Ministry of Education and Training sets one national opening date each year for public schools, complete with a first-day ceremony broadcast nationally. The 2025 to 2026 year, for example, opened on 5 September, with some year groups allowed to start up to two weeks earlier. International schools aren't part of this and set their own dates independently, generally opening in mid-August so they can complete a first term before the October break, in step with the American, British or IB calendar they follow.

Term dates and key holidays

Within the August-to-June international school year, you can generally expect:

• National Day: 2 September is a fixed public holiday, and both local and international schools close for it, alongside 1 September in many years.
• Tet (Lunar New Year): The longest break of the year for most schools, timed by the lunar calendar and falling on 6 February 2027, with a week or more off either side.
• Winter break: Around two weeks over Christmas and New Year at international schools, separate from the Tet break.
• Reunification Day and Labour Day: 30 April and 1 May are fixed public holidays that fall inside the spring term.
• Plan ahead: International schools in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi each set their own term dates, so confirm directly with the school rather than assuming a shared calendar.

What to prepare, and from when

Five popular international schools in Vietnam

1. Taipei School in Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City. Taiwan-linked K-12 curriculum, day and boarding, ages 3 to 18, around 1,340 pupils. VND 94,070,000 to 202,130,000 a year (approx. USD 3,600 to 7,700) depending on grade.

2. Saigon South International School (SSIS), Ho Chi Minh City. American curriculum with AP and IB Diploma, ages 3 to 18, around 1,500 pupils. VND 479,212,000 to 882,200,000 a year (approx. USD 18,300 to 33,700).

3. Western Australian International School System (WASS), Ho Chi Minh City. Western Australian curriculum through to IB Diploma, ages 2 to 18, around 2,500 pupils across five campuses. VND 68,000,000 to 200,000,000 a year (approx. USD 2,600 to 7,600).

4. Odyssey International School, Da Nang. IB Primary and Middle Years candidate school, ages 3 to 14, around 50 pupils. VND 198,000,000 to 570,000,000 a year (approx. USD 7,600 to 21,800).

5. Singapore International School, Danang, Da Nang. Singapore curriculum blended with Cambridge, ages 1.5 to 18, around 550 pupils. VND 498,380,000 to 626,014,000 a year (approx. USD 19,000 to 23,900).

Schools shown for informational purposes only. doris does not rank or promote any school.

Check school availability in Vietnam on doris

Schools in Vietnam may have waiting lists for certain year groups, so it helps to prepare well ahead of your preferred start date.

Start by exploring schools in Vietnam on doris and opening the profiles of those on your shortlist. You can review admissions details and, where available, check availability or send an enquiry to ask about places, waiting lists and application requirements. Include your child’s age and intended start date so the school can give you relevant guidance.

View admissions details, scholarships and waiting list information.

Start your school search early to give your family more time to explore options and prepare your application.

FAQ

What month does international school usually start in Vietnam? Most international schools start in mid-August. Local Vietnamese schools start in early September, on a date confirmed nationally each year.

What are the term dates for schools in Vietnam? Vietnamese public schools run two semesters, roughly September to mid-January and mid-January to late May. International schools generally run August to June, in two semesters or three terms depending on curriculum.

Does the international school year in Vietnam match the local school year? Broadly, yes, both run roughly the same months, with international schools starting a few weeks earlier. Both close for Tet and Vietnam's national holidays.

When should we start applying for a 2027 start in Vietnam? Around 12 months ahead, particularly for younger year groups at popular schools in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

How is the exact local school start date set each year in Vietnam? The Ministry of Education and Training confirms a national opening date annually, usually in early September, with an official first-day ceremony held at schools across the country.

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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: school academic calendars and fee pages, Vietnam Ministry of Education and Training.

Schools are listed for informational purposes only. doris does not rank or promote any school.