APU American International School – Preschool & Elementary School Campus vs SNA Marianapolis International School
APU American International School – Preschool & Elementary School Campus and SNA Marianapolis International School are both in Ho Chi Minh City, about 27 km apart. Both schools offer Advanced Placement (AP) and American programmes. Published annual fees are close, at ₫237,600,000 - 372,000,000 for APU American International School – Preschool & Elementary School Campus and ₫238,000,000 - 412,650,000 for SNA Marianapolis International School. APU American International School – Preschool & Elementary School Campus takes pupils from 3 to 11, and SNA Marianapolis International School from 3 to 18. SNA Marianapolis International School is the larger school, with around 500 pupils to APU American International School – Preschool & Elementary School Campus's 300. Typical class sizes are 15 at APU American International School – Preschool & Elementary School Campus and 22 at SNA Marianapolis International School.
The campus lies in District 11 of Ho Chi Minh City, a well-connected urban area. The school also operates a shuttle bus service to assist families across different districts, making daily commutes easier.
Location
SNA Marianapolis International School is located at 397 Street 30/4 in Tran Bien Ward, Bien Hoa City, Dong Nai Province, Vietnam. The campus sits about 30 kilometres from Ho Chi Minh City and is part of the greater metropolitan area connected by major road links and transport routes. The school is set within a rapidly developing suburban district known for its green spaces and modern infrastructure, providing a safe and spacious environment for students.
Stages
Stages
This campus serves the Preschool through Elementary (K–5) levels. The broader APU system includes Middle School and High School on a nearby campus in District 11, offering a continuous learning pathway from early years through Grade 12.
Stages
The school offers a comprehensive K–12 programme structured into three main divisions: Elementary School (Grades 1–5), Middle School (Grades 6–8), and High School (Grades 9–12). A Pre-school entry level is also available for younger learners preparing to enter the formal elementary programme.
School type
School type
APU is a co-educational day school. The wider APU system also provides a boarding (dormitory) option for students who need residential arrangements, though the Preschool and Elementary students typically attend as day learners.
School type
SNA Marianapolis is a co-educational school, welcoming both boys and girls from Vietnam and overseas. The campus includes boarding facilities with separate accommodation for male and female students, offering a structured and supervised residential programme for those who live away from home.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
The school offers an English Language Development (ELD) programme to help students whose first language is not English. This support integrates English learning into daily instruction, ensuring students can participate fully in the American curriculum environment.
Additional learning support
The school provides an English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme for students whose first language is not English, helping them to access classroom learning and develop academic communication skills. Teachers receive support and guidance to differentiate instruction for EAL students in mainstream classes. While the school offers language support, it is not specifically structured as a special-needs school, and individualised education plans for significant learning difficulties are limited.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school follows an American curriculum aligned with U.S. education standards and practices.
Country affiliation
The school is based in Vietnam and forms part of the Nguyen Hoang Education Group (NHG), a Vietnamese organization that manages a network of international and bilingual schools across the country. Its curriculum and academic programmes follow an American educational model with Advanced Placement (AP) options in the upper grades.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliation.
Religious affiliation
SNA Marianapolis International School does not have a formal religious affiliation.
School day structure
School day structure
The website does not provide published start and end times for the Preschool & Elementary school day.
School day structure
The school day typically begins around 8:00 a.m., with students arriving on campus from 7:00 a.m. for morning drop-off. Classes continue through the day until approximately 3:30 p.m., with scheduled breaks and a lunch period in between. After-school activities and clubs run until about 4:20 p.m., providing students with opportunities for enrichment, sports, and creative pursuits beyond academic hours.
Bus service details
Bus service details
Yes. The school operates a shuttle bus service that connects families across multiple districts of Ho Chi Minh City. The system uses electronic student cards for safe pick-up and drop-off and emphasizes punctuality and communication with families.
Bus service details
The school offers a bus service for students living in Bien Hoa and surrounding areas, including parts of Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai Province. Transportation fees are based on the distance from the campus, and routes are organized to ensure safe and reliable pick-up and drop-off times. Bus monitors accompany students during travel to maintain supervision and communication with families.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application Fees A one-time Admission Fee of VND 15,000,000 is required for all new students. A refundable Enrollment Deposit of VND 15,000,000 is also charged and returned upon withdrawal according to school policy. Families re-enrolling each year must pay a Re-admission Fee as listed on the current fee schedule.
Tuition Fees (Per Year) APU offers three payment plans (Options A, B, and C), with Option A being the annual lump-sum plan. The following figures apply to the 2025–26 academic year:
Families may choose between annual, biannual, or monthly installment payment schedules, with corresponding deadlines specified in the official school fee document.
Additional Fees Expenses for school uniforms, lunch programs, transportation services, and optional extracurricular activities are billed separately. Other service charges, such as technology or materials fees, may apply as outlined by the school’s administration.
Transportation Fees The school operates a citywide shuttle bus service with routes covering all districts in Ho Chi Minh City. Bus fees depend on distance and are billed according to route and frequency. Each bus is equipped with safety measures and monitored using electronic student cards for pick-up and drop-off verification.
Refund Policy The Enrollment Deposit (VND 15,000,000) is refundable upon withdrawal, provided the required notice and conditions in the fee policy are met. Other refund terms are outlined in the school’s financial regulations.
Payment Options Families may pay via bank transfer or through arrangements with the school’s Finance Office. All payments must adhere to the school’s published schedule and currency requirements.
Fee details
Application and Registration Fees Families are required to pay a one-time, non-refundable Application Fee of VND 4,500,000 for Grade Pre and VND 5,600,000 for Grades 1–12. A Registration Fee of VND 30,000,000 is also required to confirm a student’s place.
Boarding Fees Boarding is available for students in Grades 6–12 at VND 100,000,000 per year (Monday–Friday) or VND 130,000,000 per year (Monday–Sunday).
Additional Costs
* EAL Programme: VND 58,000,000–66,000,000 per year depending on grade level. * Meals Plan: VND 29,250,000 (Pre–Grade 5) to VND 33,750,000 (Grades 6–12). * School Bus Service: From VND 19,090,000 (under 5 km) to VND 74,520,000 (25–30 km) per year.
Billing and Payment Terms Tuition and fees are billed annually and are non-refundable once the academic term begins. Payments are typically made in Vietnamese Dong via bank transfer or credit card to the school’s designated accounts.
Refund Policy Application and registration fees are non-refundable. Tuition refunds are not specified for mid-year withdrawals; families are advised to review enrollment agreements for full details.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
The Ho Chi Minh City Preschool–Elementary campus offers a boarding program with dormitories located within five minutes' walk from the campus. Dorm parents supervise students, and dorms include lounge and kitchen areas. Each bedroom houses one or two borders and is furnished with beds, dressers, wardrobes, end tables and desks. Boarding services include round‑the‑clock security, meals, tutoring support and after‑school guidance, a Big Brother and Big Sister program, room cleaning and laundry, extensive after‑school and weekend activities, and an early morning exercise program.
Boarding arrangements
The school has a nine-story residential hall. Sulina Dorm provides 447 beds and private living spaces designed for boarding students. The Bien Hoa Campus includes auxiliary areas such as common rooms and parent boarding rooms to foster a sense of community. A specialist house area has 100 beds for SNA Int. instructors and administrators, supporting a residential community unified by the school's mission.
Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
La Ri Vietnam (Lari's Caterer) provides school meals, delivering safe, nutritious meals with a menu that includes Asian and Western dishes. The catering emphasizes food safety and nutrition, with ingredients sourced from trusted suppliers and regular testing; the service holds ISO 22000 and ISO 45001 certifications. The SNA Marianapolis Menu (January 2026) is available as a PDF.
House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
The school is governed by the Governance Board. Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy serves as the Chairwoman of the School Council for SNA Marianapolis International School – Bien Hoa Campus. Joe Hanrahan, President of Marianapolis Schools, is a Council Member. Saint Mary International Education Joint Stock Company owns the school.
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
APU American International School – Preschool & Elementary Campus follows an American curriculum taught entirely in English and aligned with U.S. education standards. The Preschool program introduces early literacy and numeracy through a play-based learning approach, supported by the Jolly Phonics system for phonetic reading and writing. In Elementary School (Grades 1–5), students study core subjects including English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies, using U.S. programs such as Go Math, Interactive Science, and Next Move for English Language Development (ELD). The curriculum also includes Art, Music, Physical Education, and Information Technology, encouraging creativity and foundational skills. Students receive structured English support through the ELD program to strengthen academic language skills and prepare for later middle and high school coursework within the APU system.
Curriculum details
The Elementary School (Grades 1–5) uses an inquiry-based curriculum built around the Understanding by Design (UbD) framework, covering English Language Arts (based on U.S. Common Core), Mathematics, Science (NGSS standards), and Social Studies (C3 standards). The Middle School (Grades 6–8) features core courses in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Vietnamese, and Social Studies, with exploratory subjects like Fine Arts and Physical Education. For High School (Grades 9–12) students follow an American credit-based diploma system (minimum 25 credits required) and may select elective courses; in Grades 11–12 eligible students can take U.S. College Board AP (Advanced Placement) courses. A signature “Centers of Excellence” programme provides specialised tracks in areas such as Business & Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Social Justice with capstone projects in senior year.
The school does not publish a dedicated Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) framework on its website. However, APU’s Student Life section highlights community-building activities such as the Student Council and service-learning projects that help develop leadership, empathy, and teamwork among students. These initiatives suggest that the school encourages emotional and social growth through participation in collaborative and community-oriented experiences. No explicit SEL curriculum, dedicated staff, or named program is publicly documented.
Social & emotional learning
The school implements a structured Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) programme that helps students develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, and interpersonal skills. Lessons and activities focus on goal setting using the SMART model (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound). Students engage in collaborative projects and reflective exercises to strengthen empathy, communication, and problem-solving skills. The SEL approach is also supported through classroom routines and the development of the “Habits of Mind,” encouraging students to manage emotions and relationships positively.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding specific Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision or specialist staff.
Special educational needs (SEN)
SNA Marianapolis International School accepts students who may require additional learning or physical support, ensuring equitable access to school programmes and facilities. However, the school is not a specialist institution for students with complex or high-level Special Educational Needs. While learning support is available, the school does not publicly disclose detailed information about the types of SEN it can accommodate or the specific resources provided. Families are encouraged to discuss individual learning needs during the admissions process to confirm available support.
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
APU provides structured support for students learning English through its English Language Development (ELD) Program. The ELD program is designed to help non-native English speakers develop fluency and confidence in reading, writing, listening, and speaking while participating in the American curriculum. It integrates language instruction into daily academic subjects and is overseen by qualified teachers trained in English language education. This is the only dedicated EAL provision mentioned on the school’s official site.
English as an additional language
The school offers a dedicated English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme for students who are non-native English speakers. The programme combines visual learning tools, structured vocabulary instruction, and content-based language development to help students integrate into mainstream classes. Teachers employ strategies such as word walls, anchor charts, and scaffolded tasks to reinforce language comprehension. The EAL provision supports both academic progress and confidence in communication across all grade levels.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
The school provides general counseling services as part of its student support framework, including academic and personal guidance. Counselors and leadership staff with education backgrounds are available to assist students with adjustment and development needs. However, the school’s website does not describe specific mental health programs, wellness initiatives, or external partnerships. Beyond these services, no formal mental well-being curriculum or mental health staff structure is publicly detailed.
Mental wellbeing
Student wellbeing is promoted through the school’s SEL framework, which focuses on emotional balance, resilience, and healthy social relationships. Activities encourage students to express emotions constructively and seek help when needed. While these initiatives form part of daily learning and school culture, the school does not publicly share details about specific counselling services or mental health professionals on staff. The emphasis remains on proactive wellbeing education and supportive community engagement.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
The school does not publicly disclose detailed policies or frameworks related to safeguarding or child protection on its official website.
Safeguarding
The school follows a formal Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy designed to ensure the safety and welfare of every student. All staff and adults working with students are required to uphold the policy, which outlines clear procedures for reporting concerns or incidents within 48 hours. The policy includes confidentiality measures and emphasizes the right of every child to a secure and respectful environment free from abuse, neglect, or bullying. Regular staff training and adherence to safeguarding protocols form part of the school’s duty of care.
The Ho Chi Minh City Preschool–Elementary Campus (K–5) is located at 501 Lac Long Quan Street, Hoa Binh Ward, Dist 11. The campus offers a boarding program with dormitories located within five minutes' walking distance from the campus. Dorms include lounges and kitchens for student use, and dorm life provides round-the-clock security, meals, tutoring support, a Big Brother/Big Sister program, and housekeeping services. The campus also supports extensive after-school and weekend activities. The Elementary School day runs 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM, with after-school activities from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM.
Facilities overview
The Bien Hoa campus is located in Dong Nai Province. The campus covers nearly 33,420 m2 and is designed with open spaces and greenery to support experiential and creative learning. The Sulyna Dorm is a nine-storey boarding facility with 447 beds, and there are auxiliary spaces including common rooms and parent boarding rooms, plus 100 beds for foreign instructors. The facilities include a 680-seat hall, a two-storey library, classrooms that receive natural light, and modern laboratories.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
On-site sports facilities include a swimming pool and a football stadium.
Sports facilities
The sports area includes a multi-purpose stadium with a basketball court, a badminton yard, a gym, a five-lane covered swimming pool, a FIFA-standard football field, and a 100m running track.
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
The Elementary program uses a play-based curriculum designed to develop creativity and analytical thinking. English is the official language and the environment is 100% English-speaking. The English Language Development (ELD) program provides seven levels to improve listening, reading, speaking, and writing as part of APU's American academic programs.
Academic facilities
The school offers an American curriculum with Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and graduates receive an American High School Diploma. An English as an Additional Language (EAL) program supports English language development for content-based classes. Classrooms are designed with natural light, and the campus includes a theater-style hall with 680 seats, a two-storey library, and modern laboratories.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
Elementary students have after-school activities from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM. There is an extensive after-school and weekend activities program for boarding students.
Extra curricular facilities
Co-curricular activities include Performing and Visual Arts, Athletics, and Clubs and Organizations.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
APU American International School was founded in 2004 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, by Dr. Thy Nguyen Truong, who continues to oversee its development. The school was established with the goal of offering an American-style education for both local and international students. In 2015, APU expanded to include a second campus in Da Nang, extending its reach across Vietnam. The Preschool and Elementary division of the Ho Chi Minh City campus was later introduced in 2017 to provide early childhood and primary education aligned with the American curriculum. APU remains part of the larger APU Educational Development Group, which manages all academic programs and partnerships.
History
The school opened its first academic year in September 2021 under a partnership between Marianapolis Preparatory School (USA) and the Nguyen Hoang Education Group (NHG) in Vietnam. It is the second campus of the Marianapolis network and the first fully international school in Đồng Nai Province. The campus was built on a 33,420 m² site designed to serve K-12 students in an international programme environment.
Community
Community
APU promotes an active and diverse school community with events that bring together students, teachers, and families. Annual activities such as International Arts Week, Music Club performances, and service-learning projects encourage creativity and teamwork among students. Cultural celebrations, including Vietnamese Teachers’ Day and international holiday observances, help build a sense of connection and respect for cultural diversity within the community.
Community
The school community includes a diverse student body from more than 11 nationalities and hosts a wide variety of cultural and community events such as the Mid-Autumn Festival, a Christmas fair, drawing competitions in partnership with local organisations, and a Graduation Ceremony for the Class of 2025. These events bring together students, families and staff in celebration of cultural traditions and school life.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
The school’s website does not publicly provide information about a formal Parent Teacher Association (PTA) or its specific activities. While parent engagement is encouraged through school events and communication channels, there is no dedicated PTA body, leadership structure, or published calendar of meetings and events. Parents appear to participate mainly through school-organized community events, parent–teacher conferences, and orientation sessions.
Parent teacher association
While the school website lists many community and cultural events, it does not publicly provide detailed information specifically labeled as the “Parent Teacher Association (PTA)” with its own dedicated groups, committees or regular meetings. Parents are invited to participate in school events and community-based programmes, but the structure of a formal PTA organisation is not described.
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
The Da Nang Preschool & Elementary Campus offers Early Childhood (preschool) and Kindergarten–Elementary levels. The campus provides a developmentally appropriate curriculum designed to support the whole child, with an emphasis on Play-Based learning for the elementary years and structured programs in early childhood.
Academic & intellectual
The school offers a wide variety of clubs and activities across academic subjects, performing arts, games, science, history, culture, and more. Students may establish new clubs with faculty supervision if their interests are not represented. Clubs include A Capella Club, Ambassador Club, American Sign Language, Club Coding, Club Comic/Illustration Club, Community Service Club, Knitting/Crocheting Club, Marianapolis Engineering & Robotics Club, Math & Science Lab, Model United Nations, Tech Innovation Club, and Writing Center.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
The arts are spaces for students to express themselves, think creatively, work collaboratively, and develop new interests. Theater and Drama provide three annual opportunities to perform on stage: Autumn Term Drama, Winter Term Comedy, Spring Term Musical. Dance is taught in multiple styles with opportunities to join performance groups or perform solo acts. The arts program supports learning across music, dance, and theater and promotes wellness through creative activity.
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
The school uses an English-language environment with English as the official language across classrooms and school activities.
Cultural & language
The school offers cultural and language clubs through its Clubs and Organizations program, including American Sign Language and Model United Nations. Students may initiate new cultural or language clubs with faculty supervision. The program fosters global awareness and cross-cultural understanding. Participation in these clubs supports intercultural experiences.
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
Group activities span sports, arts, and clubs and are supported by on-campus facilities including a multi-purpose stadium with a basketball court, a badminton yard, a 5-lane covered swimming pool, a FIFA-standard football field, and a 100-meter running track. Middle and upper school students must participate in two seasons out of three for extracurricular activities each year. Elementary students participate in seasonal group activities to build confidence and social skills. Extracurricular activities emphasize teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship.
Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
The school offers community service and volunteering opportunities as part of its clubs. The Clubs page lists Community Service Club among the extracurricular options. Extracurricular activities are a pillar of the SNA Marianapolis educational experience. Participation in service activities supports social responsibility.
Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
The school offers leadership- and career-focused clubs such as Ambassador Club, Math Team, Model United Nations, and Tech Innovation Club. Participation develops communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. These clubs provide experiences related to business and entrepreneurship.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
The campus emphasizes a safe, nurturing environment that supports student self-confidence and personal development through teachers and positive settings.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Staying healthy in mind and body is integral to the co-curricular program. The Theater, Dance, and Visual Arts programs promote wellness through creative activity and performance. Group activities and sports on campus support physical fitness and social well-being.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
The school teaches primarily in English across elementary, middle, and high school. English Language Arts standards are based on the Common Core, and the science curriculum follows NGSS.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
The school’s website does not list any institutional awards received.
Awards
Ashui Awards – Building of the Year (2022): Recognised by the Ashui Awards, a national Vietnamese architecture and design competition, SNA Marianapolis Bien Hoa received this award in 2022 for its innovative and environmentally conscious campus design.
Accreditations
Accreditations
APU American International School states that it has received accreditation and membership certification from leading international educational organizations, aligning its programs with recognized U.S. education standards. However, the school’s website does not specify the names of accrediting bodies for the Preschool & Elementary campus or the full school system.
Accreditations
NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges): The school holds candidate status with NEASC, a U.S.-based regional accreditation body that assesses educational quality and institutional integrity. This status indicates that the school is actively working toward meeting NEASC’s standards for full accreditation.
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. Online Application Submission Parents begin by completing the online application form available on the school’s website. The form collects key information such as the student’s background, grade level, and contact details. Applicants are encouraged to submit all required documents, including recent school reports and identification, at this stage.
2. Scheduling a Campus Visit or Appointment After applying, families are asked to schedule a campus visit or an in-person appointment with the Admissions Office. This meeting allows parents and students to tour the campus, learn more about the American curriculum, and discuss class placement or support needs.
3. Admissions Review and Assessment (if required) The Admissions Office reviews submitted materials to determine eligibility for entry into the requested grade. Some applicants, especially those entering Elementary grades, may be asked to complete an English language or academic readiness assessment to ensure appropriate placement.
4. Offer of Admission and Fee Payment Once accepted, the family receives an offer of admission outlining tuition fees and payment options. To confirm enrollment, parents must pay the Admission Fee and the Enrollment Deposit as specified in the official fee schedule. The school then issues an enrollment confirmation.
5. Orientation and Start of Classes Before the term begins, newly admitted students and their families attend an orientation session to meet teachers and learn about the school’s routines, transportation, and extracurricular programs. Students then join their assigned classes at the start of the academic term.
Admissions
1. Fill Out the Form Parents begin by completing an online or in-person inquiry form to provide basic information about the student and request a consultation with the admissions team. This initial step allows the school to understand the applicant’s background, grade level, and language proficiency before proceeding further.
2. Register for Admission After consultation, families complete the full application form and pay the entrance test fee. Required documentation typically includes previous school reports, a copy of the student’s passport or birth certificate, and recent photographs.
3. Entrance Test Students are scheduled to take an entrance test and attend an interview. The assessment evaluates academic readiness and English proficiency to ensure proper grade placement. For younger students, informal assessments or developmental observations may be used instead of written exams.
4. Confirm Admission Once the student meets the admission requirements, parents receive the entrance test results and an offer of admission. Families must then pay the registration fee to confirm the student’s place for the upcoming school year.
Scholarships
Scholarships
APU offers merit-based scholarships and financial aid for students who demonstrate high academic achievement. Scholarship eligibility is typically determined by academic performance, such as maintaining a GPA of 4.0 or meeting other excellence criteria set by the school. Awards are reviewed on an annual basis and are granted according to the order of application received, with priority given to returning students. The scholarships apply to tuition fees within the APU program and do not extend to the College Bridge Program (CBP) or additional service fees. Each scholarship application is reviewed by an internal committee, and successful applicants are notified directly by the school’s Admissions Office.
Scholarships
The school website does not provide any publicly available information about scholarships or financial aid programmes. There is no mention of merit-based or need-based awards as part of the admissions or tuition process.
Waitlist
Waitlist
The school’s website does not indicate that it operates a waitlist or pool system for admissions.
Waitlist
The school does not publicly state that it operates a formal waitlist or applicant pool system. Admissions decisions are made based on the completion of entrance requirements and availability of places in each grade level.