Australian International School Saigon - Thu Thiem Campus vs British Vietnamese International School Ho Chi Minh City

	A Australian International School Saigon - Thu Thiem Campus Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam	B British Vietnamese International School Ho Chi Minh City Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year ₫295,600,000 - 912,300,000	Fees / year ₫250,400,000 - 668,600,000
Age range	Age range 1½ - 18 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (DP), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Reggio Emilia Approach	Curriculum IPC (International Primary Curriculum), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Pupils	Pupils 1,200	Pupils 1,000
Typical class size	Typical class size 19	Typical class size 21
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, Vietnamese
Opened	Opened 2007	Opened 2011
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location AIS’s Thu Thiem campus is located at 264 Mai Chi Tho, An Phu Ward, Thu Duc City (Ho Chi Minh City). The area is part of the modern Thu Thiem peninsula, a growing residential and educational district about 15 minutes from the city centre. The school is easily accessible from major roads such as Hanoi Highway and Mai Chi Tho Boulevard, with convenient transport links across the city.	Location BVIS HCMC sits at 44-46 Street 1, Binh Hung, Binh Chanh District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The campus is located in the Binh Chanh suburb, providing a quieter, more spacious environment compared with the city centre. While slightly removed from the central business districts, it is accessible by car or organised transport, and offers a more campus-style setting in Ho Chi Minh City.
Stages	Stages AIS Thu Thiem offers a full education pathway for students aged 1.5 to 18, from Infant and Kindergarten through Primary (Years 1–6), Secondary (Years 7–11), and Senior School (Years 12–13). The curriculum transitions from the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) to Cambridge Lower Secondary and IGCSE, and culminates with the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP).	Stages The school is structured into Early Years (starting around age 2), Primary (approx ages 5–11) and Secondary (ages 11–18) including Sixth Form/A-Level study. This means children can remain in one school community from early years through to university preparation.
School type	School type AIS is a co-educational international school, welcoming both local and expatriate students. It also offers boarding accommodation for students in Years 7–13, located on the Thu Thiem campus.	School type BVIS HCMC is a co-educational day school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support AIS provides individualised support for students with additional learning needs, coordinated through its Student Support Services team. Support may include differentiated instruction, small group intervention, and pastoral care within mainstream classes. English language learners also receive EAL (English as an Additional Language) support where needed.	Additional learning support The school offers tailored additional learning support including English as an Additional Language (EAL) programmes and Vietnamese as an Additional Language (VAL). For students with mild additional educational needs (“inclusion”) there is an Inclusion team that works with class teachers to provide personalised support in small-group settings.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school follows an Australian educational philosophy and is affiliated with the Inspired Education Group, an international schools network headquartered in London. While Australian in origin, AIS offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) and Cambridge programmes to an international student body.	Country affiliation BVIS HCMC is based in Vietnam and operates as an international school within the country. It does not function as an overseas branch of a foreign national government but follows an internationally recognised curriculum with a bilingual Vietnamese-English pathway.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school does not have any religious affiliations.	Religious affiliation The school has no stated religious affiliation and is non-denominational in its educational approach.
School day structure	School day structure The school day begins at 8:00 am and finishes at 2:40 pm for Secondary students. Morning recess runs from 9:30 to 10:00 am, and lunch is from 12:40 to 1:20 pm. After-school activities take place between 2:50 and 3:50 pm, with language support sessions (EAL and Vietnamese) continuing until around 4:05 pm. This schedule balances academic classes, enrichment opportunities, and time for social interaction.	School day structure The regular school day runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:05 p.m., with designated break and lunch periods depending on the year group. Students typically arrive before 8:30 a.m. for registration and morning activities, and after-school clubs or co-curricular programmes are available on certain days.
Bus service details	Bus service details AIS provides a reliable, air-conditioned bus service that covers a wide network across Ho Chi Minh City. Each bus has a licensed driver and a trained monitor to ensure safety. The standard bus departs at 3:00 pm, with a later service at 4:05 pm for students taking part in after-school activities. Families can arrange route options during enrolment, and changes to travel plans can be managed through the school reception.	Bus service details BVIS HCMC operates a comprehensive school-bus service for families across Ho Chi Minh City. The service is managed by a contracted transport provider, offering multiple pick-up and drop-off points, seat-belt-equipped coaches, and supervision staff on board. Details about routes, timings and fees are shared with families through the school’s admissions and parent information channels.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application Fee A one-time, non-refundable fee of VND 3,500,000 is payable upon application submission. Acceptance Fee * Kindergarten (Infant–Senior): VND 32,000,000 (an additional VND 32,000,000 due upon progression to Year 1) * Primary & Middle School (Years 1–11): VND 64,000,000 * Senior School (Years 12–13): VND 32,000,000 Tuition Fees (per year, Plan A – Annual Payment) * Infant Kindergarten: VND 295,600,000 * Junior Kindergarten: VND 302,100,000 * Senior Kindergarten: VND 305,400,000 * Year 1: VND 566,000,000 * Years 2–6: VND 619,300,000–653,800,000 * Years 7–9: VND 710,500,000–752,800,000 * Years 10–11: VND 763,900,000–792,800,000 * Years 12–13: VND 860,700,000 Payment Options Tuition may be paid annually, in two instalments, or four instalments. A 6% discount applies for full annual payment, with an extra 1.5% early payment discount if settled before a due date. Boarding Fees (Years 7–13) * Full Boarding (Monday–Sunday): VND 248,100,000 * School-Day Boarding (Monday–Friday): VND 215,300,000 Bus Service Fees (per year) Depending on route and distance, annual bus fees range from VND 13,277,000 (short distance, e.g. Thao Dien–Thu Thiem) to VND 53,890,000 (long distance, e.g. Bien Hoa, Dong Nai). Both one-way and return options are available. Other Costs Uniforms, meals for Years 7–13, extracurricular activities, and optional after-school care incur additional charges. Refund Policy Refunds on annual tuition are based on the student’s withdrawal date: 95% before school starts, 65% in Term 1, 40% in Term 2, 15% in Term 3, and 0% in Term 4. Payment Methods Fees can be paid by bank transfer or credit card, in VND or USD, using the prevailing Vietcombank or ANZ exchange rate	Fee details Application Fee * VND 3,700,000 — Non-refundable, payable when submitting an application form. Registration Fee * Foundation Stage (F1–F3): VND 24,500,000 * Primary & Secondary: VND 73,300,000 (One-time, non-refundable payment confirming a student’s place; families pay the difference when transferring from Foundation to Primary.) Security Deposit * VND 36,700,000 per child — refundable upon withdrawal with 90 days’ written notice. Tuition Fees (by Year Group) All tuition fees are in VND. Annual tuition fees are discounted by approximately 15% if paid in full before 6 August 2025. Fees may also be paid termly (Term 1 / Term 2 / Term 3). Foundation Stage * F1 (Mầm non 1) — Annual 250,400,000 \| Term 1 135,840,000 \| Term 2 101,470,000 \| Term 3 57,280,000 * F2 (Mầm non 2) — Annual 250,400,000 \| Term 1 135,840,000 \| Term 2 101,470,000 \| Term 3 57,280,000 * F3 (Mầm non 3) — Annual 338,900,000 \| Term 1 183,850,000 \| Term 2 137,330,000 \| Term 3 77,530,000 Primary School * Year 1 — Annual 472,800,000 \| Term 1 256,490,000 \| Term 2 191,590,000 \| Term 3 108,160,000 * Year 2 — Annual 479,800,000 \| Term 1 260,280,000 \| Term 2 194,430,000 \| Term 3 109,760,000 * Year 3 — Annual 486,700,000 \| Term 1 264,030,000 \| Term 2 197,230,000 \| Term 3 111,340,000 * Year 4 — Annual 486,700,000 \| Term 1 264,030,000 \| Term 2 197,230,000 \| Term 3 111,340,000 * Year 5 — Annual 486,700,000 \| Term 1 264,030,000 \| Term 2 197,230,000 \| Term 3 111,340,000 Lower Secondary * Year 6 — Annual 486,700,000 \| Term 1 264,030,000 \| Term 2 197,230,000 \| Term 3 111,340,000 * Year 7 — Annual 582,600,000 \| Term 1 316,050,000 \| Term 2 236,090,000 \| Term 3 133,270,000 * Year 8 — Annual 593,300,000 \| Term 1 321,860,000 \| Term 2 240,420,000 \| Term 3 135,720,000 * Year 9 — Annual 593,300,000 \| Term 1 321,860,000 \| Term 2 240,420,000 \| Term 3 135,720,000 Upper Secondary (IGCSE & A Levels) * Year 10 — Annual 606,800,000 \| Term 1 329,180,000 \| Term 2 245,890,000 \| Term 3 138,810,000 * Year 11 — Annual 606,800,000 \| Term 1 329,180,000 \| Term 2 245,890,000 \| Term 3 138,810,000 * Year 12 — Annual 668,600,000 \| Term 1 362,710,000 \| Term 2 270,940,000 \| Term 3 152,950,000 * Year 13 — Annual 668,600,000 \| Term 1 362,710,000 \| Term 2 270,940,000 \| Term 3 152,950,000 Refund Policy Parents must give 90 days’ written notice of withdrawal to qualify for a partial refund of annual tuition, calculated according to the student’s final school day. Termly fees and late-enrolment fees are non-refundable. Included / Excluded Items Included: school lunches, day trips, and compulsory health insurance. Excluded: uniforms, bus transport, residential trips, and certain extracurricular or instrumental classes. Payment Options Fees are invoiced in Vietnamese Dong (VND) and payable locally. Payments from outside Vietnam may be made in USD by bank transfer at the prevailing exchange rate.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements The Thu Thiem Campus offers a premium on-site boarding option for students in Years 7 to 13. The boarding house accommodates up to 50 students in premium facilities and provides 24/7 academic and personal support with comfortable common areas and boarding rooms.	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement The BVIS HCMC has a daily school uniform for all students from Foundation 1 to Year 13. A detailed overview of the full uniform for EYFS, Primary, Secondary and Sixth Form is available, along with guidelines for purchasing BVIS uniforms.
Food options	Food options —	Food options The canteen serves a variety of nutritious meals every day. Lunch menus are published for EYFS, Year 1–3, Year 4–6 and secondary.
House system	House system —	House system The school operates a house system with four houses: Dalat (green), Hanoi (red), Hue (yellow) and Saigon (blue). Students are allocated to a house on enrollment; house points can be earned for achievements, and Class Dojo is linked to house points in Primary.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership ACG Australian International Education Services Company Limited is the corporate entity behind AIS Thu Thiem. The school is part of a global premium schools group.	Governance and ownership The school is part of Nord Anglia Education, a global premium international schools group.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The Australian International School (AIS) Thu Thiem offers an internationally recognised curriculum from early years through to graduation. In the Early Years and Primary School (Kindergarten to Year 6), students follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP), supported by elements of the Australian and Cambridge curricula in English, Mathematics, and Science. The Middle School (Years 7–9) continues with the Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme, preparing students for external assessment and subject specialisation. In Years 10–11, students study for the Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) across core and elective subjects. The Senior School (Years 12–13) offers the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), providing a globally recognised qualification for university entry. The curriculum is delivered in English, complemented by language, arts, and technology programmes throughout all school stages.	Curriculum details Students in Early Years (ages 2-5) follow the British EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) programme delivered bilingually in English and Vietnamese. For Primary (ages 5-11) the school blends the National Curriculum for England with the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), also integrating Vietnamese language and culture. In Secondary Years 7-9 (ages 11-14) students follow the National Curriculum for England, preparing for Upper Secondary. For Years 10-11 (ages 14-16) students study the internationally-recognised Cambridge IGCSE qualifications. Finally, in Years 12-13 (ages 16-18) students specialise in their chosen subjects and study the Cambridge International A Levels.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar View document	Academic calendar View document
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning AIS supports students’ social and emotional learning through its Pastoral Care and Homeroom programme. Each student belongs to a homeroom group led by a teacher who monitors wellbeing and personal growth. The school employs a full-time school counsellor who provides individual and group guidance, and staff receive training to identify and support students’ social needs. SEL is embedded across daily school life, including assemblies, advisory periods, and community activities. The aim is to foster confidence, respect, and empathy through structured relationships between teachers and students.	Social & emotional learning BVIS HCMC promotes students’ personal and social development through a supportive pastoral structure. Teachers and tutors provide regular opportunities for students to discuss emotions, relationships, and empathy as part of daily class life. The school encourages respect, inclusion, and self-awareness across all age groups, helping students develop positive interpersonal skills and resilience. Social and emotional learning is embedded within the broader bilingual curriculum and reinforced through classroom practices and group activities. The school does not publish a dedicated SEL curriculum document or framework.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) AIS provides individualised support for students with identified learning needs through its Student Support Services (SSS) team. The Special Education Needs (SEN) Coordinator, Mr. Shane Priddis, oversees provision and collaborates with classroom teachers to adapt learning where appropriate. Support may include differentiated instruction, modified materials, and targeted interventions. The school can accommodate students with mild to moderate learning difficulties but is not a specialist SEN institution. Additional SEN support fees apply, as outlined in the official fee schedule.	Special educational needs (SEN) BVIS HCMC offers inclusion support for students with additional educational needs through its Learning Support team. Teachers receive guidance to differentiate lessons and adapt materials where needed, and individual support plans are used for identified students. The school applies an “assess, plan, do, review” approach to track progress and maintain consistency between teachers and families. BVIS HCMC supports students with mild to moderate learning difficulties but is not a specialist SEN institution.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language AIS offers dedicated English as an Additional Language (EAL) programmes for students who require language support. The EAL Coordinator, leads the programme, which provides tailored instruction during school hours based on each student’s assessed proficiency. EAL is available from Year 2 to Year 11, with separate annual fees depending on the level of support required. The programme helps students build the language skills necessary to fully access the curriculum.	English as an additional language The school provides structured English language support for non-native speakers through dedicated EAL staff. In Primary, the EAL teacher works closely with class teachers to deliver small-group and in-class language sessions. In Secondary, students receive targeted English support alongside their mainstream curriculum, with periodic assessments to monitor progress. The school also offers Vietnamese as an Additional Language (VAL) for students learning Vietnamese as a second language.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing AIS employs a qualified school counsellor who supports the mental wellbeing of students across all year levels. Counselling services include confidential sessions for individuals and small groups, as well as referrals to external mental health professionals when necessary. The counsellor works closely with teachers, homeroom mentors, and the leadership team to promote a safe and supportive environment. Regular wellbeing checks, peer support initiatives, and open communication between staff and families contribute to maintaining positive mental health among students.	Mental wellbeing The school states that student health, safety, and wellbeing are a core priority. Pastoral care is delivered through teachers and tutors who maintain communication with parents and monitor students’ wellbeing. Students are encouraged to speak with staff about any personal or social concerns. The website does not list a dedicated counselling service or formal mental-health department.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding AIS operates under a clear Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy that outlines responsibilities for all staff in protecting students. Designated safeguarding officers are appointed to manage and respond to any concerns. Staff receive annual training on safeguarding and reporting procedures. Visitor management, supervision protocols, and secure communication channels help ensure student safety across all school activities and campuses.	Safeguarding BVIS HCMC outlines safeguarding and child-protection responsibilities as central to its operations. Staff recruitment materials indicate compliance with international safeguarding standards, including background checks and child-protection training.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy View document
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The Thu Thiem Campus serves ages 1.5 to 18 years and is AIS Saigon's main campus offering the full AIS academic journey from kindergarten to Year 13 in a single location. It is the largest AIS campus and features purpose-built and upgraded facilities designed to support dynamic and engaging lessons. The campus provides a home-for-boarders environment with a dedicated boarding house for students. The facilities reflect modern, state-of-the-art technology to support learning across academics, arts, and sports.	Facilities overview Located in the Binh Chanh District of Ho Chi Minh City, BVIS HCMC operates on a purpose-built campus with technology-enabled spaces. The campus includes specialist creative, sports, and STEAM spaces, a dedicated 200-seat theatre, a large library, and modern classrooms. The facilities include two 25-metre swimming pools, a double-sized multipurpose sports hall, and an all-weather pitch. The learning environment supports English and Vietnamese instruction and is connected to Nord Anglia Education's global learning network.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The campus has an extensive sports complex that includes a gymnasium, basketball courts, and tennis courts, as well as a FIFA-sized football field. An on-site swimming pool supports swimming as part of the physical education program and for skill development. These facilities support a broad sports program and competitive AIS Titans teams.	Sports facilities BVIS HCMC has two 25-metre swimming pools. It has a double-sized, multipurpose sports hall and an all-weather pitch. Students participate in inter-school sports through BVIS HCMC's Bulldogs and Hammerhead teams.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Modern classrooms are equipped with advanced technology, including AI and VR capabilities, to enhance teaching and learning. Brand-new science laboratories support biology, chemistry and physics experiments. The library and media centre provide resources for research and study, with an adjacent IB Centre for Diploma Programme students. Art studios and dedicated music, dance and drama rooms support performing and visual arts. Computer labs and design and technology workshops enable digital literacy and practical engineering projects.	Academic facilities The English National Curriculum is taught in English and Vietnamese in the Early Years Foundation Stage and Primary, leading to IGCSE and A Level qualifications in secondary. The classrooms are technology-enabled, with a dedicated STEAM room. BVIS HCMC benefits from global collaborations with MIT, The Juilliard School, and UNICEF, and connects to the Global Campus online platform for international learning experiences.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The school offers extensive extracurricular opportunities across sports, arts and technology, including robotics, GLEE Club, drama, dance, arts and crafts, chess, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish. Sports options include tennis, basketball, cricket, football, swimming, and other activities, with involvement in AIS Titans teams and participation in national and international tournaments. Welfare lessons and a broad enrichment programme support wellbeing, social skills and cyber-safety.	Extra curricular facilities There are more than 100 after-school clubs available to students. Global Campus connects BVIS HCMC students with Nord Anglia peers worldwide. The school provides university guidance and counselling with a dedicated counsellor and hosts university fairs to support future applications.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History The Australian International School (AIS) was established in 2006 to provide an international education grounded in Australian values and teaching principles. Initially operating from smaller campuses in Ho Chi Minh City, the school expanded to include the purpose-built Thu Thiem campus, which now serves students from Kindergarten to Year 13. AIS became part of the Inspired Education Group, a global network of international schools, strengthening its international connections and academic offerings. Over the years, AIS has maintained a focus on combining academic excellence with personal development in a multicultural environment.	History BVIS HCMC opened in 2011, founded by Maurice and Rosie Nguyen of the BIS Group of Schools, with the aim of offering a bilingual international education rooted in Vietnamese culture. In 2015 the school joined the Nord Anglia Education family, expanding its global connections and resources. The school celebrates its 15th anniversary in the 2025–2026 academic year.
Community	Community AIS has a diverse and inclusive community of local and expatriate families from more than 40 nationalities. The school celebrates a variety of cultural events throughout the year, including International Day, Tet (Lunar New Year), and Book Week, which bring students, staff, and families together. Community activities such as school concerts, charity fundraisers, and sports competitions encourage engagement across year levels. The school promotes collaboration between families and teachers to foster a warm, supportive atmosphere.	Community The school community hosts cultural events such as the traditional Tết Festival each year, fostering Vietnamese heritage alongside the bilingual curriculum. It also operates a “house system” (houses named Dalat, Hanoi, Hue and Saigon) to build smaller community groups within the student body. The calendar includes parent-seminars, grandparents’ day gatherings and family-friendly social occasions.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association AIS has an active Parent Teacher Association (PTA) that plays a central role in strengthening the school community. The PTA organises events such as the Welcome Back Picnic, International Day, and the AIS Christmas Fair, providing opportunities for families to socialise and contribute to school life. It also supports fundraising activities for community and service projects. Regular meetings and social gatherings allow parents to share feedback and collaborate with the school leadership team. Through these initiatives, the PTA helps create a positive connection between home and school.	Parent teacher association BVIS HCMC refers to a parent-group called “Friends of BVIS” (FoBVIS) which supports community events and acts as a link between families and school events. For example, Friends of BVIS invited parents to join a panel during principal selection and helped organise the Tết Festival activities. The parent-group welcomes volunteers of any level of involvement and assists in running parent-seminars and coffee mornings. It also helps maintain communication channels between staff, students and families, though a formal “PTA” committee structure (with specified officers) is not publicly detailed.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school serves students from infancy to Year 13 (ages 1.5 to 18) with instruction in English by native-speaking teachers. Cambridge International programmes (IGCSE) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme are offered, with results including high IB scores and notable IGCSE achievements. Senior students receive tailored university and career guidance to support admissions to leading universities worldwide. The curriculum progresses from infant play-based learning to IB Diploma and Cambridge qualifications.	Academic & intellectual The school teaches the English National Curriculum from the Early Years Foundation Stage through IGCSEs and A Levels. The curriculum is structured around Nord Anglia's six core pillars of education, including academic excellence and an advanced learning environment. The school is enriched by global collaborations with MIT, Juilliard, and UNICEF, extending learning beyond the classroom. Language development happens in English and Vietnamese, and learners connect with a global community through the Global Campus, linking with peers in 32 countries on joint projects and events.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The campus provides dedicated spaces for the arts, including Art Studios for visual arts and design, and rooms for music, dance and drama. There are Arts & Crafts spaces and Design & Technology workshops to support creative projects. The facilities support performing arts, visual arts and project-based learning across the curriculum.	Arts & creative Performing arts education is enriched through collaboration with The Juilliard School. Creative learning takes place in technology-enabled spaces that support music, drama, and the arts, enabling students to develop expressive talents. Arts and creativity are integral to the Nord Anglia framework, with experiences that complement core academics.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Mandarin Chinese and Spanish language clubs are available. The language offerings support cross-cultural communication within the school community.	Cultural & language The school fosters appreciation for Vietnam's language, culture, and traditions and blends this with international education. Language development occurs in English and Vietnamese, supporting bilingual proficiency and cross-cultural communication. The curriculum integrates Vietnamese language and heritage into learning, fostering a strong cultural identity.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Students participate in a broad range of extracurricular activities across sports and arts, including Robotics, GLEE Club, Drama, Dance, Arts & Crafts, Chess, Tennis, In-line Skating, Judo, Basketball, Cricket, Football and Swimming, as well as Magic Club, Surfing, Golf and more. AIS Titans sports teams provide competitive opportunities at national and international levels.	Social & hobbies Beyond-classroom experiences are central to the BVIS HCMC learning journey. As part of the Nord Anglia Education family, students connect with peers in 32 countries via Global Campus, engaging in exclusive global projects, STEAM festivals and sports tournaments. Local adventures in Vietnam and global expeditions develop teamwork, resilience and a sense of global citizenship.
Community & service	Community & service Welfare lessons are provided to all students, with mindfulness focus for Primary students and cyber-safety for Secondary students. There are opportunities for community service and public speaking as part of the student experience.	Community & service The school's social purpose includes UNICEF partnerships embedded in learning and local outreach activities to fundraise for and support issues students care about. Students are encouraged to become global change-makers through community service learning and civic projects. The Nord Anglia Student Advisory Board provides a platform for student voices in delivering community initiatives.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Senior students receive tailored university and career guidance to support admissions to top universities and future planning.	Leadership & professional Students have leadership opportunities through the Student Advisory Board, a global student-elected team that discusses and decides how to deliver community projects. Teachers participate in ongoing professional development through Nord Anglia University, supporting innovative teaching and practice. This culture of leadership and professional growth benefits students and staff alike.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Facilities include a gymnasium, basketball and tennis courts, a FIFA-sized football field and an on-site swimming pool. The Thu Thiem campus offers a premium boarding residence with extended access to the campus and 24/7 academic and personal support. Welfare and wellbeing programs include mindfulness and cyber-safety initiatives as part of student life.	Lifestyle & wellbeing The school emphasises wellbeing and personal development, with students encouraged to flourish socially and emotionally in addition to academic success. The Nord Anglia approach includes collaborative projects and global experiences that promote resilience and a sense of belonging.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The language of instruction is English, taught by native-speaking teachers. The curriculum is delivered in English across all stages, with Cambridge Lower Secondary and IGCSE, and the IB Diploma Programme for Years 12–13. Mandarin Chinese and Spanish are offered as extracurricular activities.	Language provision The languages taught and used in instruction are English and Vietnamese; in primary years both languages are used, and in secondary 80–93% of instruction is in English with Vietnamese Literature prioritized. The school follows the English National Curriculum and offers IGCSE and A Levels.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching The school provides bilingual teaching in the primary years with English and Vietnamese as languages of instruction.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards * BritCham Vietnam “Great Innovation in Education” Award (2022) – Recognised BVIS HCMC’s bilingual phonics programme for enabling students to develop English and Vietnamese literacy concurrently. * World’s Best School Prizes – Innovation Category (Top 10 Shortlist, 2023) – Acknowledged the school’s “Learn One Know Two” bilingual learning model as one of the world’s most innovative educational initiatives. * Microsoft Showcase School Recognition (2025–2026) – Granted to schools demonstrating exemplary use of Microsoft technology in teaching and digital learning. * The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Licensed Centre – BVIS HCMC is an accredited centre for the global youth development programme, offering Bronze and Silver levels to Secondary students aged 14–18, promoting leadership, service, and outdoor learning.
Accreditations	Accreditations * International Baccalaureate (IB) World School: AIS is authorised to offer the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the IB Diploma Programme (DP), signifying compliance with the IB’s global standards for inquiry-based, internationally oriented education. * Cambridge International School: The school is accredited by Cambridge Assessment International Education to deliver the Cambridge Lower Secondary and IGCSE programmes, ensuring recognised academic pathways aligned with international benchmarks. * Council of International Schools (CIS) Member: AIS is a member of the Council of International Schools, a global organisation that supports quality assurance and continuous improvement through rigorous evaluation and professional development.	Accreditations * Council of International Schools (CIS): BVIS HCMC is fully accredited by CIS, which recognises international schools that meet rigorous global standards in leadership, teaching, and student wellbeing. * Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC): The school is accredited by WASC, a U.S. accrediting body ensuring that BVIS HCMC meets recognised international benchmarks for curriculum quality and governance. * Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA): BVIS HCMC is a member of FOBISIA, a network of British-style international schools that collaborate through shared activities, competitions, and professional development. * Cambridge Assessment International Education: The school is recognised as a Cambridge International Centre, authorised to deliver IGCSE and A Level qualifications aligned with international standards. * International Primary Curriculum (IPC): The school implements the IPC framework in Primary, supporting an inquiry-based approach consistent with the English National Curriculum.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Enquiry or School Tour Families begin by completing an Enquiry Form or booking a personalised school tour. This allows parents to learn about the school’s curriculum, facilities, and boarding or day options available at the Thu Thiem or Thao Dien campuses. Tours are arranged directly with the Admissions Office or online. 2. Application Form and Supporting Documents Parents then complete the Enrolment Application Form and submit required documents online. These include school reports from the previous two years, a copy of the student’s birth certificate or passport, parents’ passports or identity cards, and any relevant Special Educational Needs assessment reports. Certificates of achievement in academics, sport, or community programmes may also be included. 3. Entrance Exams and Interview Applicants are invited to complete an entrance exam and attend an interview with the Principal or Deputy Principal. This step helps the school assess academic readiness and English language proficiency before placement. 4. Offer Letter and Acceptance Successful candidates receive a formal Offer Letter. To confirm the place, families must pay a non-refundable Acceptance Fee, followed by tuition fees according to their chosen payment plan. 5. Welcome to AIS Once payment and paperwork are completed, the student’s enrolment is finalised, and they officially join the AIS community.	Admissions 1. Enquiry Families begin the process by contacting the school’s Admissions Team, who provide information about the programmes and answer initial questions. Parents are invited to schedule a visit to learn more about the school’s approach, facilities, and community. 2. Guided Campus Tour A guided tour allows families to see the campus either in person or virtually. During the visit, staff highlight learning spaces and explain the school’s bilingual approach and daily routines. This step helps families decide whether the school environment fits their child’s needs. 3. Submit Application Form Parents complete the online application form and pay the required application fee. BVIS HCMC accepts applications throughout the year, although early submission is encouraged to ensure placement availability. 4. Placement All applicants participate in an interview and entrance assessment suited to their age group. For younger children, assessments may include informal play-based activities. The school reviews each applicant’s results and determines the most suitable year placement. 5. Securing Your Child’s Place Once an offer of admission is made, parents confirm acceptance by paying the registration fee and security deposit. This step officially secures the student’s place in the school. 6. Enrolment and Orientation Before starting classes, new students and families attend an orientation session. The programme helps students become familiar with their teachers, routines, and classmates, ensuring a comfortable transition into the BVIS community.
Scholarships	Scholarships AIS Saigon offers academic and talent-based scholarships for new students entering Years 7-12, with awards ranging from 10% up to 100% of the annual tuition fee. The selection is based on academic achievement and individual talents in the school’s three pillars: academics, arts, and sports. The application process requires submission of the scholarship application form, recent school reports, evidence of achievement (academic, sporting, cultural, or community), passport or birth certificate copies, and payment of an application fee of VND 3,500,000. Shortlisted applicants are then invited to take assessments (including English test, cognitive ability test, and writing test) followed by an interview with the senior leadership team. Recipients must maintain high standards of achievement and participation, with scholarship continuation contingent upon consistent performance and contribution to school life.	Scholarships BVIS HCMC offers “The 1 Scholarship Programme” for Secondary School (ages 11–16, Years 7-12) for the 2025-2026 year. The scholarship includes a 100% waiver of the application fee, a 100% waiver of the registration fee, and up to 20 % tuition fee reduction for the year. It is applicable for one academic year only and does not cover the security deposit, uniform, bus, trips or extra-curricular fees. Applicants submit evidence of academic and extra-curricular achievement and attend an assessment and interview.
Waitlist	Waitlist AIS operates on a rolling admissions basis, and enrolment is subject to seat availability in each year group.	Waitlist The school does not publicly detail a formal waitlist or pool system in its admissions information.
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Australian International School Saigon - Thu Thiem Campus vs British Vietnamese International School Ho Chi Minh City

Security Deposit

Tuition Fees (by Year Group)