YOUR INSIDER'S GUIDE TO EDUCATION

IN HO CHI MINH CITY SINCE 2008

SAIGON INSPIRATION EDUCATION

Introduction to Education

Ho Chi Minh City is known for its wide variety of first-rate international and local schools. Educational opportunities exist for every age, from preschool up to university. Education is not a one size fits all situation. The best school for each student comes down to the parent’s goals for their children’s future, the style of education that fits the family best, and, of course, the budget.

Below we’ll outline the various benefits and drawbacks of international and local schools in Ho Chi Minh City to help you find the ideal place for your child to continue their educational journey.

International Schools in Vietnam.

Expatriate parents often priorities internationally recognized curriculums (such as IB or Cambridge for upper levels or Montessori for young children) so that their children can easily continue their education in their home country or abroad. Luckily, there are now more than three dozen international schools in Ho Chi Minh City with a wide array of styles, curriculums, and programs.

Another factor to take into account is the primary language in the school. Ho Chi Minh City offers programs based in French, German, English, Korean and more. This makes for a smoother transition for students entering the schools from other language bases. In addition, some international schools are audited annually by their home countries to ensure that strict standards are maintained.

Many Vietnamese parents also choose international schools, but for different reasons. They might be looking for multicultural learning environments, bilingual studies, open-form learning, or diverse extracurricular activities (such as art, music, and swimming). In addition, international schools offer enhanced job prospects and career paths in the future because most overseas universities require an international education for admission.

The value of international school education in Ho Chi Minh City has improved exponentially over the past decade. This is reflected in the quality of the schools’ campuses, course offerings, and the excellent teaching staff attracted to HCMC from all over the world.

The one drawback to choosing an international school in HCMC is that you must, of course, be prepared to pay for it. Tuition fees vary greatly, but schools with a more advanced English curriculum typically average between USD 10,000 and USD 25,000 per year. In addition to tuition fees, expect to pay extra for enrollment, uniforms, extracurricular activities, transportation, and lunches.

Even if you have no qualms about the tuition and fees, there is still no guarantee that the best schools will admit your child. It is important to have a few schools to choose from and to be patient with the selection process and long waiting lists.

Vietnamese Schools

Vietnam’s complex educational system includes preschool, general education, vocational training, language schools, college, and post-graduate education. Both state and private institutions, as well as educational programs, are available throughout the city.

If you want your child to experience an authentic Vietnamese education, they can attend a Vietnamese school upon completion of a Vietnamese language test (often pending an interview with the school headmaster). This test may not be required for pre-schools and early primary schools; however, it is important to ask upfront and to be clear about your child’s language level.

International university students who do not speak Vietnamese may participate in some Master’s programs available through several Vietnamese universities that cooperate with universities abroad.

The leading advantages of Vietnamese schools are lower fees, a sense of hard work, respect, and discipline

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What other language learning entres are in Ho Chi Minh City?

These propositions were last checked in July 2022. If you notice something to be improved, please send us your details. Thanks.

Centre for Vietnamese and Southeast Asian Studies (Thai, Japanese, Korean, Chinese)

Room B012, 10-12 Dinh Tien Hoang, D1, HCMC, Vietnam / +84 28 3910 0692 / cvseas.edu.vn

Price: Around VND 1.6M/10 weeks (4.5h/week)

The Centre for Vietnamese and Southeast Asian Studies (CVSEAS) was established in 1990 by the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET). The school offers a range of Asian language courses, such as Thai, Japanese, Korean and Chinese.

Đông Du (Japanese)

43D/46 Ho Van Hue, Phu Nhuan District, HCMC, Vietnam / +84 28 3845 3782 / dongdu.edu.vn

75 Tran Nhan Tong Street, Ward 9, D5, HCMC, Vietnam / +84 28 3888 8968

45 Nguyen Thong, D3, HCMC, Vietnam / +84 28 3930 9644

Price: Around VND 5M / three months (six day week); around VND 2M / three months (three day week)

Đông Du is a Japanese school open to anyone who wants to learn Japanese. There are six centres offering Japanese, and the school’s Lê Thánh Tôn centre also offers Vietnamese classes. The organisation helps students who want to live and study in Japan. Teachers are Japanese with teaching degrees from their country.

Forward (Chinese)

83A Nguyen Thai Binh, Tan Binh District, HCMC, Vietnam / +84 28 3811 2667 / forward.edu.vn

322 Nguyen Tri Phuong, D10, HCMC, Vietnam / +84 28 3927 0025

Price: Chinese course: VND 2M / three months (three day week); VND 7M / four months (six day week).

Forward HCMC is a sister school to Forward in Taiwan, teaching both Chinese and English. The centre also runs training courses.

Goethe Institute (German)

18 Street 1, Do Thanh Quarter, D3, HCMC, Vietnam / +84 28 3832 6716 / goethe.de

Price: Around VND 15M / 12 week standard course

With centres around the world, the Goethe Institute is the German international organisation for education and cultural relations. You can choose from longer (intensive) or quicker (super intensive) courses in addition to standard courses. Tailored courses for exam preparation are also available.

Idecaf (French)

31 Thai Van Lung, D1, HCMC, Vietnam / +84 28 3829 5451 / idecaf.gov.vn

Price: Around VND1.4M / eight weeks for a conversation class and around VND 2.4M / eight weeks for a DELF preparation course

Located in the French Cultural Centre, this school teaches French language and promotes French culture. Exchange programmes are regularly organised with French students. The centre also helps students to study in France. Young Vietnamese interested to discover more about French culture can be part of several cultural events held throughout the year, and can enjoy French films screened on Saturday afternoons.

L’Atelier An Phu

33/19 Quoc Huong, Thao Dien,Thu Duc City, Vietnam / +84 908 381 492 / +84 28 3744 6844 / Latelier-anphu.com

Price: French, English group lessons, around VND360,000 / hour; French, English private lessons, around VND 800,000 / hour; Vietnamese group lessons, around VND 290,000 / hour; Vietnamese private lessons, around VND 500,000 / hour

L’Atelier has French, English and Vietnamese lessons for locals and expats alike. Kids, teens and adults are all welcome. The small classroom structure is catered towards easy, personalised learning using interactive lessons based on the needs of individual students. Their experienced teachers come from a diverse background.

Vietnamese Language Garden (Vietnamese)

135/10 Nguyen Cuu Van, Binh Thanh District, HCMC, Vietnam / +84 916 670 771 / Vietnameselanguagegarden.vn / contactus@vietnameselanguagegarden.vn

Price: Around 200K – 270K / hour

With seven years of experience teaching Vietnamese to vibrant expats, the Vietnamese Language Garden employees certified teachers who are trained to focus on personalised instruction in a comfortable and relaxed garden top and balcony setting. Flexible time and location programmes for expats who prefer the convenience of in-office or in-home lessons, virtual lessons or weekly classes. Cultural immersion activities are available with your teacher and outside of class time.

Vietnamese Language Studies (Vietnamese)

Floor 2, CMARD2 Building, 45 Dinh Tien Hoang, D1, HCMC, Vietnam / +84 934 044 669 / vlstudies.com

Price: Around VND 13M for a private 40-hour beginner class

VLS has been teaching Vietnamese for 20 years. It enables all its students to immerse themselves in Vietnamese culture in the context of daily life through a variety of extracurricular activities such as field trips, cooking classes and cultural talks. Its customers vary from individuals to multinational companies and consulates. VLS offers free trial classes every week to prospective students.

University of Social Sciences & Humanities HCMC (Vietnamese)

10-12 Dinh Tien Hoang, D1, HCMC, Vietnam / hcmussh.edu.vn / +84 28 3829 3828

Price: Around VND 5.4M-7M / eight weeks (daytime); VND 3M-3.2M / seven weeks (evening)

Vietnamese classes for foreigners. There are 15 students to every class. If you want personal courses, the university can introduce you to some teachers with a price of around VND330,000 per lesson (50min).

For information on language centres go to Are There Too Many English Centres in HCMC?

SAIGON INSPIRATION EDUCATION

VIETNAM: DEGREES OR CAREER EDUCATION?

WHAT VIETNAMESE CHILDREN LEARN IN SCHOOL

CHOOSING YOUR CHILDS EDUCATION

BEST INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS IN HO CHI MINH CITY

5 DISCIPLINE TRAPS TO AVOID WITH YOUR CHILDREN

“TRADE GAP” IN ED: FOREIGN STUDENTS MISSING IN VN UNIVERSITIES

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SCHOOL CURRICULUM

DID WE MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE? HOMESCHOOLING IN VIETNAM

ALTERNATIVE ED IN VIETNAM IS FOR THOSE WHO SCHOOL DIFFERENTLY

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE BEST ENGLISH CENTRES IN HO CHI MINH CITY

ARE THERE TOO MANY ENGLISH CENTRES IN HCMC?

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE? LEARNING VIETNAMESE AS A FOREIGNER IN SAIGON

THE REAL ENGLISH TEACHERS OF SAIGON

10 TIPS ON HOW TO WRITE AN ENGLISH ESSAY IF YOU ARE A FOREIGN STUDENT

VIETNAMESE ENGLISH LEARNERS LEARNING WITHOUT LEAVING HOME

WHAT'S THE MOST POPULAR SECOND LANGUAGE IN VIETNAM?

VIETNAM OUTPERFORMS WESTERN COUNTRIES IN EDUCATION

ARE VIETNAMESE STUDENTS ASKED TO WORK TOO HARD?

5 REASONS WHY LEARNING ENGLISH IS A PROBLEM FOR STUDENTS IN VIETNAM

WHY IS EDUCATION SO IMPORTANT TO VIETNAMESE?

FOREIGN UNIVERSITIES ARE SERVING A CORE VIETNAMESE VALUE

VIETNAMESE CHILDREN STUDY TOO MUCH YET LEARN LITTLE?

CLASSROOM CULTURE IN VIETNAM: WHAT FOREIGN STUDENTS SHOULD EXPECT

PROTECTING STUDENTS MENTAL HEALTH WHILST DISTANCE LEARNING

TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM: A HELP OR A HINDRANCE?

TECHNOLOGY IN SCHOOL: WHY YOUR CHILDREN NEED THAT LAPTOP

WHY YOU SHOULD NOT GIVE UP LEARNING VIETNAMESE

GET EDUCATED: JOB ALTERNATIVES TO TEACHING

HOW DIFFICULT IS IT TO LEARN VIETNAMESE?

TEACHME.VN – THE EASY WAY TO FIND YOUR PRIVATE TUTOR

Your insider's Guide to Kindergarten Schools in Ho Chi Minh City

HCMC EDUCATION KINDERGARTEN Aurora International School of the Arts

Aside from offering a leafy campus housed in a beautifully adapted villa, Aurora International Preschool of the Arts offers a robust communication system that ensures parents are an integral part of their child’s development. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia method, teachers are expertly trained to observe, interpret and document each child’s learning journey in full communication with parents.

7:30am to 4:30pm | Mon – Fri

11-13 Tran Ngoc Dien, Thao Dien, Thu Duc City, Vietnam

84 (0) 2837 442 991

HCMC EDUCATION KINDERGARTEN Kinder Academy

The curriculum at Kinder Academy integrates the best philosophies and practices from the student-guided approach of the Reggio Emilia method while focusing on STEM learning. This approach is designed to help children develop their motor, language, sensory, cognitive, imaginative, and social skills. Kinder Academy prioritised outdoor play with activities such as gardening, art, and movement classes.

7:30am to 4:30pm | Mon – Fri

204/25 Nguyen Van Huong, Thao Dien, Thu Duc City, HCMC

84 (0) 2835 355 153

HCMC EDUCATION KINDERGARTEN Vietnam Australia International School (VAS)

Vietnam Australia International School (VAS) was the first school recognised by the Cambridge Assessment in Ho Chi Minh City. Its seven campuses are home to over 9,000 students from Kindergarten to grade 12. The Kindergarten program features an English language programme based on the United Kingdom’s Early Years Foundation Stage to help children transition easily into a Cambridge Primary curriculum.

6am to 5pm | Mon – Fri | 7:30am to 11:30am Saturday

594 Duong 3/2, Phuong 14, Quan 10, Thanh pho Ho Chi Minh 700000, Vietnam

84 (0) 2838 687 576

Introduction to Kindergarten Schools

If you are looking for early years education in Ho Chi Minh City, you will find that there are a surprisingly diverse amount of options to consider. Luckily, we’ve gathered all the most important information (i.e. curriculum, fees, locations) in one place so that you can make an informed decision.

In the Vietnamese public school system, children are not required to start school until they are 6 years old. However, in major cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, the demand for international early years education has led to a large number of private nurseries, preschools, and kindergartens across the city. Very few places offer entirely informal ‘play school’ options that may be commonplace in other countries.

However, the structured education options are incredibly varied in their choice of curriculums. Several K-12 international schools also provide nursery and preschool classes, but the fees can be considerable. Boutique and independent kindergartens and nurseries may offer more affordable options while maintaining high standards

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What kindergarten schools are in District 1?

These propositions were last checked in July 2022. If you notice something to be improved, please send us your details. Thanks.

Asia Pacific College

33 C-D-E Nguyen Binh Khoem, Da Kao, D1, HCMC, Vietnam / +84 28 5404 2888 / asia-pacific-college

What kindergarten schools are in Thu Duc City (District 2)?

These propositions were last checked in June 2022. If you notice something to be improved, please send us your details. Thanks.

There are many international schools for you to choose from in Thu Duc City, what used to be District 2. With the city being a hotspot for expats, you will surely find a school with a healthy expat environment that is fit for your children. Here’s a general and limited list of Kindergarten schools to consider in Thu Duc City. Our following nursery schools section is more extensive and detailed.

These propositions were last checked in July 2022. If you notice something to be improved, please send us your details. Thanks.

There are many international schools for you to choose from in District 7, often referred as Phu My Hung. With the city being a hotspot for expats, you will surely find a school with a healthy expat environment that is fit for your children. Here’s a general and limited list of primary schools to consider in District 7. Our following primary schools section is quite extensive.

Canadian International School System

86 Duong So 23, Phu My, D7, HCMC, Vietnam / +84 28 5412 3456 / cis.edu.vn

KinderStar Preschool

08 Dang Dai Do, Tan Phong, D7, HCMC, Vietnam / +84 28 5411 8118 / kinderstar.edu.vn

Little Genius

200-202 Ha Huy Tap, Nam Thien 3, Tan Phong Ward, D7, HCMC, Vietnam / +84 28 5412 5210 / lgkids.vn

Renaissance International School Saigon

74 Nguyen Thi Thap, Binh Thuan, D7, HCMC, Vietnam / +84 28 3773 3171 / renaissance.edu.vn

Saigon South International School

78 Nguyen Duc Canh, Tan Phong, D7, HCMC, Vietnam / +84 28 5413 0901 / ssis.edu.vn

Tiny Flower Montessori School

S23, Nguyen Luong Bang, Phu My, D7, HCMC, Vietnam /+84 28 5413 1366 / ext. 102 / edu.vn

Montessori International School

216 Ly Long Tuong, Tan Phong, D7, HCMC, Vietnam / +84 28 5412 4772 / smisvn.com

Vietnam Australia International School

202 Hoang Van Thu, Tan Binh, HCMc, Vietnam / +84 9 1126 7755 / vas.edu.vn/en

For information on schools go to Vietnamese Children Study too Much Yet Learn Little

What kindergarten schools are there in Ho Chi Minh City further Districts?

These propositions were last checked in July 2022. If you notice something to be improved, please send us your details. Thanks.

There are many international schools for you to choose from in Saigon. With the city being a hotspot for expats, you will surely find a school with a healthy expat environment that is fit for your children. Here’s a general and limited list of nursery schools to consider in Ho Chi Minh City. Our following Kindergarten schools section is more extensive and detailed.

British Vietnamese International School HCMC

44-46 Street 1, Khu dan cu 6B Intresco, Binh Chanh District, HCMC, Vietnam / +84 28 3758 0709 / bvis

International School Saigon Pearl

92 Nguyen Huu Canh, Binh Thanh District, HCMC, Vietnam / +84 28 2222 7788 / issp.edu.vn

KinderWorld International Kindergarten

91 Nguyen Huu Canh, Binh Thanh District, HCMC, Vietnam / +84 28 7301 4777 / kik.edu.vn

Little-Angels International Preschool

159/12 Hoang Van Thu, Phu Nhuan, HCMC, Vietnam / +84 28 3844 3719 / little-angels.edu.vn

Lycée Français International Marguerite Duras (International French School)

Duong 11, Long Thanh My, Thu Duc City, Vietnam / +84 28 3725 2214 / lfiduras.com

Ecole Boule & Billes (International French School)

183 Điện Biên Phủ, Phường 15, Bình Thạnh District, HCMC, Vietnam / +84 919 098 917 / bouleetbilles.net

International School of North America

Duong 11, Long Thanh My, Thu Duc City, Vietnam / +84 28 3725 2214 / sna.edu.vn

20, Khu dan cu Him Lam, Binh Chanh District, HCMC, Vietnam / +84 28 7301 9799

Vietnam Australia International School

202 Hoang Van Thu, Tan Binh District, HCMC, Vietnam / +84 9 1126 7755 / vas.edu.vn/en

Western Australia School

157 Ly Chinh Thang, D3, HCMC, Vietnam / +84 28 7109 507 / wass.edu.vn/en

SAIGON INSPIRATION EDUCATION KINDERGARTEN

THE BEST INTERNATIONAL KINDERGARTENS IN HO CHI MINH CITY

THE BENEFITS OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT KINDERGARTEN FOR YOUR CHILD

Your insider's Guide to Education & Primary Schools in Ho Chi Minh City

HCMC EDUCATION PRIMARY Australian International School (AIS)

Australian International School’s (AIS) Primary School provides a dynamic learning environment with highly-qualified and dedicated staff. The primary school curriculum is based on the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP), which is supplemented with elements of the Cambridge International Primary Programme (CIPP). AIS also offers boarding options for up to 50 students.

7:30am to 4:30pm | Mon – Fri

36 D. Thao Dien, Thao Dien, Thu Duc City, Vietnam

84 (0) 2837 446 960

HCMC EDUCATION PRIMARY International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC)

ISHCMC’s primary school program focuses on the whole child from intellectual growth to emotional development. The IB Primary Years Program (PYP) curriculum is inquiry-based and innovative. ISHCMC’s campus is equipped with an integrated air purification system and has dedicated spaces for arts, technology and sports to ensure students are healthy and happy.

8:30am to 3:30pm | Mon – Fri

28 Vo Truong Toan, An Phu, Thu Duc City, Vietnam

84 (0) 2838 989 100

HCMC EDUCATION PRIMARY European International School (EIS)

The European International School Ho Chi Minh City prides itself on its campus, which is constructed as an education village with a calm and welcoming environment. Primary school students follow the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) in conjunction with numerous extracurricular activities. EISHCMC is accredited by CIS (Council of International Schools) and is also part of the Inspired Global network of schools.

7:30am to 4:30pm | Mon – Fri

730 F-G-K, D. Le Van Mien, Thao Dien, Thu Duc City, Vietnam

84 (0) 2873 007 257

Introduction to Primary schools

Finding the right primary school for your child in Ho Chi Minh City can be a time-consuming task. Due to the impressive range of options available with a variety of prices, curriculums, and locations, parents can sometimes get lost in all the details. In this section, we’ll break down the most important highlights for each primary school so that you can decide what is most important for you and your child.

If you’d like your child to have a fully-integrated experience in the Vietnamese language and culture, local government schools offer a standard level of education, primarily delivered in Vietnamese.

These schools can be a great option if you’re looking for a place that is conveniently located, easy on the budget, and strong in discipline. However, if your child doesn’t speak Vietnamese a local school is unlikely to be an appropriate choice. They will typically be tested on their language level before being allowed to enrol.

Premium international schools offer a broad choice of monolingual, bilingual, or multilingual foreign language curriculums that can provide for your every need. Fees for international primary schools are, as expected, considerably higher than local government options, but facilities are often top quality and class sizes are significantly smaller.

Many international primary schools also feed directly into secondary schools, which allow students continuity throughout their education. However, with standards at smaller, independent primary schools being consistently high across the city, many young students become adaptable and confident enough to deal with changes in education providers as time goes on.

Vietnamese public schools tend to follow a teacher-centered, test-based system that prioritizes exam results and academic performance, whilst international schools often prefer to follow a more student-centric approach. The academic rigors are high for both options but the curriculums and values of the schools can vary greatly.

For all the latest up-to-date information about the various choices available, please read on.

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What primary schools are in District 1?

These propositions were last checked in July 2022. If you notice something to be improved, please send us your details. Thanks.

There are some primary international schools for you to choose from in District 1. With the city being a hotspot for expats, you will surely find a school with a healthy expat environment that is fit for your children. Here’s a general list of primary schools to consider in District 1.