A Guide to Secondary Schools in Ho Chi Minh City for Foreign Parents
- Truc Huynh
- Jan 31
- 4 min read
Introduction
Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), the bustling economic and cultural hub of Vietnam, is home to a diverse and growing expatriate community. One of the primary concerns for foreign families relocating to HCMC is finding the right secondary school for their children. With a range of international, private, and bilingual schools available, parents have multiple options to choose from, each catering to different curricula, languages, and cultural approaches.
This comprehensive guide explores the different types of secondary schools in HCMC, their admission processes, key features, and tips for choosing the right school for your child.
1. Types of Secondary Schools in Ho Chi Minh City
a) International Schools
International schools in HCMC offer globally recognized curricula, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), British, American, Australian, and French educational systems. These schools cater primarily to expatriate families and often have a multicultural student body.
Notable International Schools in HCMC:
British International School (BIS) – Offers the British curriculum and IB diploma.
International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) – Provides IB programs from primary to secondary levels.
Saigon South International School (SSIS) – Follows the American curriculum.
European International School (EIS) – Delivers IB programs in a multilingual setting.
Lycée Français International Marguerite Duras (LFIMD) – Offers the French curriculum.
b) Bilingual and Private Schools
Bilingual schools blend international curricula with Vietnamese education, making them an attractive choice for families seeking global exposure while maintaining local cultural values.
Popular Bilingual and Private Schools:
Vietnam Australia International School (VAS) – Offers both Vietnamese and international curricula.
The Canadian International School (CIS) – Uses an Ontario-based curriculum with international integration.
Renaissance International School Saigon – British curriculum with bilingual options.
Ho Chi Minh City University of Education High School for the Gifted – Prestigious school for academically gifted students, offering specialized tracks.
c) Public Vietnamese Schools
Public schools in Vietnam follow the national curriculum set by the Ministry of Education and Training. These schools are ideal for families who wish to immerse their children in the Vietnamese education system, though they may not be suitable for non-Vietnamese-speaking students due to the language barrier.
2. Admission Process and Requirements
Each school has a unique admission process, but here are the general steps foreign families should be aware of:
a) International Schools
Application Submission: Parents need to submit an online or paper application along with required documents, including passports, academic transcripts, and health records.
Entrance Assessment: Most international schools conduct assessments in English, mathematics, and reasoning skills to evaluate the student’s proficiency.
Interview: A personal interview with the student and parents may be required.
Admission Decision: Schools inform parents of acceptance, waitlisting, or rejection.
Enrollment & Fees: Once accepted, families must complete paperwork and pay tuition fees.
b) Bilingual & Private Schools
Similar admission steps to international schools, but some bilingual schools may require additional Vietnamese proficiency tests.
c) Public Vietnamese Schools
Admission is generally limited to Vietnamese citizens. However, some schools accept foreign students who meet the language and residency requirements.
3. Tuition Fees and Financial Considerations
a) International Schools
International school tuition in HCMC is among the highest in Southeast Asia. Fees range from $10,000 to $35,000 per year, depending on the school, grade level, and additional services such as transport, meals, and extracurricular activities.
b) Bilingual & Private Schools
Bilingual schools offer slightly lower tuition, ranging from $6,000 to $15,000 per year, while private schools following the national curriculum typically charge between $3,000 and $10,000 annually.
c) Public Schools
Public schools charge significantly lower fees, ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand USD annually. However, these schools are rarely attended by expatriate students due to the language and curriculum barriers.
4. Facilities and Extracurricular Activities
International and private schools in HCMC provide state-of-the-art facilities, including:
Modern science labs, libraries, and technology centers
Sports facilities, such as swimming pools, football fields, and basketball courts
Performing arts studios for music, drama, and dance
Extracurricular clubs, including Model United Nations, robotics, and entrepreneurship programs
Public schools, while offering fewer facilities, focus on academic rigor and national competitions in subjects like mathematics and literature.
5. Language and Cultural Adaptation
a) English Language Support
Most international schools conduct lessons in English, with additional English as a Second Language (ESL) support for non-native speakers.
b) Vietnamese Language and Culture
Some bilingual schools offer Vietnamese language courses to help foreign students integrate into local society. Cultural exchange programs and history lessons enhance students' understanding of Vietnam.
c) Support for Non-Vietnamese Students
Many schools have student counseling services, buddy programs, and parent associations to help new students adjust to their environment.
6. Transportation and School Locations
a) School Buses
Most international schools provide bus services with designated pick-up points across HCMC.
b) Traffic Considerations
HCMC’s traffic can be unpredictable. Living near the school can reduce commute time and stress.
c) School Locations
Most international schools are located in expatriate-friendly districts such as:
District 2 (Thao Dien, An Phu) – A hub for international families with easy access to international schools.
District 7 (Phu My Hung) – Another popular area for expatriates, with many international schools and modern infrastructure.
Binh Thanh District – Home to some international schools, but with a mix of local and expatriate communities.
7. Tips for Choosing the Right Secondary School
Identify Your Priorities: Decide if you want an international curriculum, bilingual education, or a public school.
Visit Schools: Take campus tours to see facilities and meet teachers.
Consider Curriculum and Future Plans: If your child may attend university abroad, choose an internationally recognized curriculum.
Check Language Support: Ensure the school provides adequate language assistance if needed.
Compare Tuition Fees: Ensure the school fits your budget, considering additional costs.
Talk to Other Parents: Join expatriate forums or parent groups to get firsthand reviews.
Conclusion
Finding the right secondary school in Ho Chi Minh City is crucial for your child's education and well-being. With many options available, from prestigious international schools to bilingual institutions and Vietnamese public schools, parents should carefully consider their child's academic needs, future aspirations, and financial circumstances. By researching, visiting schools, and connecting with other expatriate families, you can make an informed decision to ensure your child’s success in this vibrant city.
For more information, visit school websites or contact their admissions offices directly. If you have any questions, feel free to join expatriate community forums or consult relocation specialists who can guide you through the process.
Comments