British International School HCMC - Secondary Campus and Saigon South International School (SSIS) are both in Ho Chi Minh City, about 10 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes. British International School HCMC - Secondary Campus also offers British and Cambridge IGCSE, and Saigon South International School (SSIS) also offers Advanced Placement (AP), American and Bespoke. Published annual fees are ₫834,700,000 - 956,300,000 at British International School HCMC - Secondary Campus and ₫479,212,000 - 882,200,000 at Saigon South International School (SSIS), which puts British International School HCMC - Secondary Campus roughly 32% higher. British International School HCMC - Secondary Campus takes pupils from 11 to 18, and Saigon South International School (SSIS) from 3 to 18. British International School HCMC - Secondary Campus is the larger school, with around 2,400 pupils to Saigon South International School (SSIS)'s 1,500. Typical class sizes are 20 at British International School HCMC - Secondary Campus and 14 at Saigon South International School (SSIS).
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B
British International School HCMC - Secondary Campus
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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S
Saigon South International School (SSIS)
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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| Snapshot | Snapshot | |
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Fees / year
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Fees / year ₫834,700,000 - 956,300,000 | Fees / year ₫479,212,000 - 882,200,000 |
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Age range
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Age range 11 - 18 years | Age range 3 - 18 years |
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Type
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Type Co-educational | Type Co-educational |
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Curriculum
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Curriculum IB (DP), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE | Curriculum IB (DP), Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum |
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Pupils
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Pupils 2,400 | Pupils 1,500 |
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Typical class size
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Typical class size 20 | Typical class size 14 |
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Instruction language
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Instruction language English | Instruction language English |
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Opened
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Opened 2005 | Opened 1997 |
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Bus service
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Bus service Yes | Bus service Yes |
| Essentials | Essentials | |
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Location
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Location The Secondary Campus is located at 246 Nguyen Van Huong Street, Thao Dien, Thu Duc City, next to the Junior Campus and connected to it by a private pedestrian bridge. The Thao Dien area is a well-established, international neighbourhood with easy access to District 1 via the Saigon Bridge. The campus is within walking distance of local cafés, supermarkets, and residential housing, making it convenient for families living nearby. | Location SSIS is located at 78 Nguyen Duc Canh, Tân Hưng Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The campus is in the Phú Mỹ Hưng residential zone, a well-planned neighbourhood with lakes, green spaces and local amenities, and is approximately 20 minutes by car from the city centre. |
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Stages
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Stages The Secondary Campus provides education for students in the Secondary and Sixth Form stages, serving learners typically aged 11 to 18. Students follow the English National Curriculum in lower secondary, then progress to Cambridge IGCSE qualifications, and complete their studies with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. This progression prepares students for entry to universities worldwide. | Stages The school serves Early Childhood (starting at age 3) through to Grade 12. It is organised into divisions encompassing Early Years/Kindergarten, Elementary (Grades 1–5), Middle School (Grades 6–8) and High School (Grades 9–12). |
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School type
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School type The Secondary Campus is a co-educational day school. | School type SSIS is a co-educational day school. |
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Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix — | Pupil nationality mix — |
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Additional learning support
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Additional learning support The school provides Additional Educational Needs (AEN) and English as an Additional Language (EAL) support for students who need extra help. Support includes small-group interventions, targeted instruction, and collaboration with class teachers. The school is not a specialist SEN institution but accommodates a range of mild to moderate learning needs within its mainstream setting. | Additional learning support The school offers Learning Support services for students with mild to moderate learning differences, working with parents and teachers to develop individual learning plans. It also offers English as an Additional Language (EAL) support for multilingual learners. |
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Country affiliation
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Country affiliation The school follows the British curriculum and is part of Nord Anglia Education, a UK-based global schools group. | Country affiliation There is no formal affiliation to a particular national government. SSIS operates as a not-for-profit international school based in Vietnam, following an American standards-based curriculum. |
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Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation The school does not have any religious affiliations. | Religious affiliation The school has no religious affiliations. |
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School day structure
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School day structure The school day begins at 7:50 a.m. with registration and the last period ending at 2:40 p.m. Co-curricular clubs and sports sessions take place after lessons and run until 4:55pm. | School day structure Specific published times are not detailed on the school's website. |
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Bus service details
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Bus service details BIS HCMC provides a school bus service serving multiple districts across the city. Each bus is supervised by trained staff who assist students during pick-up and drop-off. The service is centrally coordinated by the school’s transport office, with routes reviewed regularly to meet family needs. | Bus service details SSIS provides a bus service for students. Each bus has an assigned monitor to ensure students board and alight safely. For after-school activities (ASAs), special bus departures are scheduled (for example at 4:10 pm and 4:40 pm) with an extra charge for ASA-only riders. |
| Fees | Fees | |
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Fee details
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Fee details Application Fee A non-refundable Application Fee of VND 4,700,000 is required upon submission of the application. This covers the administrative processing of new student applications. Registration Fee A one-time, non-refundable Registration Fee of VND 73,300,000 confirms a student’s enrolment and secures their place at the school. Security Deposit A refundable Security Deposit of VND 24,500,000 per student is required upon joining. The deposit is refunded in full when the student leaves, provided 90 days’ written notice is given. Tuition Fees (2025–2026 Academic Year) * Year 7: VND 834,700,000 per year (Term 1 452,700,000 | Term 2 338,790,000 | Term 3 190,510,000) * Year 8: VND 834,700,000 per year (Term 1 452,700,000 | Term 2 338,790,000 | Term 3 190,510,000) * Year 9: VND 834,700,000 per year (Term 1 452,700,000 | Term 2 338,790,000 | Term 3 190,510,000) * Year 10: VND 880,500,000 per year (Term 1 477,540,000 | Term 2 357,380,000 | Term 3 200,960,000) * Year 11: VND 880,500,000 per year (Term 1 477,540,000 | Term 2 357,380,000 | Term 3 200,960,000) * Year 12: VND 956,300,000 per year (Term 1 518,650,000 | Term 2 388,150,000 | Term 3 218,260,000) * Year 13: VND 956,300,000 per year (Term 1 518,650,000 | Term 2 388,150,000 | Term 3 218,260,000) Billing Schedule and Payment Terms Tuition may be paid annually before the school year begins or per term in advance. Annual payments receive an approximate 15 percent discount. Payments are accepted in VND, or in USD for overseas transfers at the prevailing bank exchange rate. Late payments incur a 1.5 percent monthly surcharge. Additional Costs Tuition does not include meals, transport, uniforms, school trips, co-curricular clubs, or instrumental music lessons. Refund Policy Parents must provide 90 days’ written notice before withdrawal. Refunds are based on the term of withdrawal: 55 percent of annual tuition (Term 1), 30 percent (Term 2), and 0 percent (Term 3). Term fees and late enrolment fees are non-refundable. | Fee details * Application Fee: VND 10,000,000 (one-time, non-refundable, per new student). * Registration Fee: VND 60,000,000 (one-time, non-refundable, per new student, also applies to returning students re-enrolling after one or more years). Enrollment Deposit * Deposit: VND 45,000,000. * Payable upon signing the Letter of Acceptance (new students). * Deducted from the tuition invoice (from full payment or Q4 installment). * Refundable if a Departure Notice is given at least 60 days before leaving. Tuition Fees * EC3–4: 509,800,000 / Q1 178,430,000; Q2 127,450,000; Q3 127,450,000; Q4 76,470,000 * Kindergarten: 580,000,000 / Q1 203,000,000; Q2 145,000,000; Q3 145,000,000; Q4 87,000,000 * Grades 1–5: 702,700,000 / Q1 245,945,000; Q2 175,675,000; Q3 175,675,000; Q4 105,405,000 * Grades 6–8: 749,700,000 / Q1 262,395,000; Q2 187,425,000; Q3 187,425,000; Q4 112,455,000 * Grades 9–10: 794,300,000 / Q1 278,005,000; Q2 198,575,000; Q3 198,575,000; Q4 119,145,000 * Grades 11–12: 882,200,000 / Q1 308,770,000; Q2 220,550,000; Q3 220,550,000; Q4 132,330,000 Families choosing full annual payment by June 25 receive a 6% discount. Billing and Payment Schedule * Quarterly Installments: All installments are non-refundable. * Late enrollment: Tuition charged pro-rata (100%, 85%, 60%, 35% depending on entry quarter). * Refunds: Departure > 60 days = partial refund based on quarter (60% in Q1 → 0% in Q4). * Sibling Discount: 20% for third and subsequent children in the same family. Other Costs Families cover uniforms, lunches, personal supplies, AP & IB exam fees, extracurriculars (athletics, VEX Robotics, debate, performing arts), and bus transport. Students in Grades 4–12 must bring a MacBook. Payment Options Payments can be made via Vietcombank (Nam Sai Gon Branch) or Standard Chartered Bank (Vietnam) in VND or USD. All bank charges are borne by the payer, and an exchange rate applies to foreign currency transfers. |
| Diving deeper | Diving deeper | |
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Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements — | Boarding arrangements — |
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Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement — | Uniform requirement The school requires wearing the approved SSIS uniform to school each day. Uniform items are purchased at the school store, and uniform details are division-specific as shown in the uniform items guide. |
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Food options
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Food options There are bistros and cafés on all BIS HCMC campuses; libraries on each campus; a canteen is available on the Junior Campus. | Food options SSIS has a cafeteria with a catering partner (Aden) starting in the 2025–2026 school year. EC and KG receive pre-ordered lunches delivered to classrooms; Grades 1–12 use their SSIS ID card to pay for meals; menus are published by division. During kitchen and cafeteria renovations (February 24–June 4, 2025), meals were prepared offsite and delivered to the school. |
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House system
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House system — | House system SSIS has a four-house system: Hydra, Naga, Shenlong, Wyvern. House shirts are worn for orientation and house-based activities; house colors are red for Hydra, green for Naga, yellow for Shenlong, and purple for Wyvern. |
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Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership Part of Nord Anglia Education. BIS HCMC is a member of FOBISIA, a registered centre for UK examination boards, and a designated International Baccalaureate World School. The school operates across three purpose-built campuses in the Thao Dien area of Ho Chi Minh City, with the Secondary Campus linked to the Junior Campus by a covered bridge. | Governance and ownership SSIS is established as a not-for-profit entity of the Phu My Hung Corporation. |
| Academics | Academics | |
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Curriculum details
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Curriculum details The Secondary Campus at BIS HCMC offers a structured academic pathway that builds upon the British education system. Students in the lower secondary years follow the English National Curriculum, studying core subjects such as English, Mathematics, Sciences, Humanities, and Modern Foreign Languages. In the upper secondary stage, students work towards the Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), selecting a combination of subjects that reflect their interests and strengths. In the final two years, students undertake the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, an internationally recognised qualification for university entry. Specialist teachers lead lessons across all subjects, supported by extensive facilities for Science, Technology, Performing Arts, and Sport. The curriculum promotes academic depth, research skills, and independence in preparation for higher education and global opportunities. | Curriculum details Teaching and learning at SSIS follow an American-standards based framework across Early Childhood through Grade 12, emphasising inquiry, student engagement and critical thinking. In the Elementary School, a written curriculum provides integrated “Super Units” that connect subjects such as English, Maths, Science, Social Studies, Arts and Vietnamese, while specialist teachers support subjects like Visual Art, Drama, Music and Physical Education. In Middle School, students move into discipline-based classes, expanding their study of modern world languages, mathematics, science and humanities. In High School (Grades 9-12), students can pursue the high school diploma pathway with a choice of Advanced Placement (AP) courses or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) alongside the SSIS Diploma. The program of studies shows that students earn credits by subject area and can select pathways that match their future study plans. |
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Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio — | Student teacher ratio — |
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Exam results
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Exam results — | Exam results — |
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Higher education progression
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Higher education progression — | Higher education progression — |
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Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented — | Gifted and talented — |
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Academic calendar
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Academic calendar | Academic calendar |
| Wellbeing & support | Wellbeing & support | |
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Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning Social and emotional learning at the Secondary Campus is embedded within the Personal, Social, Health, and Economic (PSHE) curriculum and the school’s pastoral structure. Each student belongs to a form group led by a tutor, who provides daily guidance and support. PSHE lessons address topics such as relationships, personal growth, online safety, and decision-making. Assemblies and year group activities reinforce respect, empathy, and responsibility. The school’s pastoral team, led by Heads of Year, ensures that social and emotional wellbeing is nurtured throughout a student’s secondary education. | Social & emotional learning Saigon South International School integrates social and emotional learning throughout daily school life. The Wellness Program helps students build skills in communication, empathy, responsibility, and community engagement. In the Elementary School, SEL is included through classroom activities such as goal setting and reflection. Middle School students participate in an Advisory Program focused on self-awareness, healthy relationships, and personal growth. In High School, regular advisory sessions and peer activities encourage connection, confidence, and a sense of belonging across the student community. |
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN) The Secondary Campus provides tailored support for students with Additional Educational Needs (AEN), including mild to moderate learning or attention difficulties. The Learning Support Department works closely with subject teachers to adapt lessons and provide targeted interventions. Support may include small-group sessions, differentiated materials, and one-to-one guidance. The school is not a specialist SEN institution, but it accommodates a range of learning needs within its mainstream academic framework. Regular monitoring ensures that students receive consistent and appropriate support. | Special educational needs (SEN) The school provides Learning Support for students with mild to moderate learning differences. This support is offered through collaboration between classroom teachers, learning specialists, and parents. Individual Learning Plans are developed to help students meet their academic and personal goals. SSIS clarifies that it is not a specialist SEN institution and cannot accommodate students requiring intensive or full-time therapeutic support. |
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English as an additional language
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English as an additional language The school offers an EAL programme designed to help students develop the language skills needed to succeed across all subjects. Specialist EAL teachers support students through focused instruction, either within lessons or in small withdrawal groups. Progress is assessed regularly to ensure students gain confidence and fluency in English. EAL support is integrated into the academic timetable to enable students to participate fully in the curriculum and wider school life. | English as an additional language The school offers an English as an Additional Language program for multilingual learners starting from Kindergarten. EAL teachers work alongside classroom teachers to help students develop their English skills while engaging fully in classroom learning. English language proficiency is assessed during the admissions process to determine placement and support levels. |
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Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing The Secondary Campus maintains a proactive approach to student wellbeing, supported by pastoral staff and the school counselling team. Counsellors are available for confidential guidance, and teachers receive ongoing training to recognise and respond to wellbeing concerns. PSHE lessons and wellbeing initiatives promote resilience, self-care, and healthy relationships. The school also runs activities and awareness weeks that encourage open discussion around mental health and stress management. | Mental wellbeing Student mental wellbeing is supported through access to school counsellors and structured wellness education across divisions. The High School program includes counselling services, advisory sessions, and lessons focused on life skills and resilience. These initiatives aim to help students navigate academic and personal challenges in a supportive environment. |
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding BIS HCMC has a formal Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy, aligned with international best practice and Nord Anglia Education standards. All staff receive regular training on child protection and reporting procedures. The school designates safeguarding leads responsible for ensuring that concerns are managed appropriately and confidentially. Parents are informed of safeguarding commitments through the parent handbook and communication channels. Policies are reviewed annually to maintain a safe, transparent, and supportive school environment. | Safeguarding Saigon South International School (SSIS) maintains a comprehensive Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy approved by its Board of Directors and reviewed every four years. The policy applies to all teaching and non-teaching staff and outlines clear responsibilities for protecting students’ safety and wellbeing. The school fosters a “Culture of Care,” ensuring all community members are aware of their duty to promote child welfare and report any concerns. A Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), supported by divisional principals and counsellors, oversees the safeguarding process and coordinates a “Team Around the Child” approach to provide multi-layered support. Staff are required to record concerns using a secure online system (CPOMS), with clear procedures for emergencies, confidentiality, and follow-up actions. The policy also mandates annual safeguarding training, parent education sessions, and compliance with international and Vietnamese child-protection laws, including the 2016 Vietnamese Children’s Law and UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. |
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Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy | Safeguarding policy |
| Facilities | Facilities | |
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Facilities overview
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Facilities overview Secondary Campus is connected to the Junior Campus by a covered bridge and provides a 21st‑century learning environment with technology‑enabled spaces. It features DREAMS, science, and design and technology labs, and a robotics room. It offers indoor and outdoor basketball courts, a football pitch, a fitness centre, and a 25‑metre swimming pool. Creative spaces include a professional auditorium, dance studios, soundproof music rooms, and The Curve, the expansive secondary library. | Facilities overview The SSIS campus spans 6 hectares and serves EC through Grade 12 in three divisions, with bright, modern classrooms and expansive outdoor spaces. Two new buildings were added in 2024 to expand learning spaces. Three libraries hold nearly 30,000 titles across divisions. A state-of-the-art IDEA Center and Design Lab, plus divisional maker spaces including the ES Spark Lab, support hands-on learning and design thinking. The HS IDEA center houses 3D printers, CNC machines, an industrial laser and water cutters, and a 3D scanner; SSIS also supports robotics through VEX and FIRST teams with a dedicated VEX arena for practice. |
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Sports facilities
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Sports facilities The campus has a 25‑metre swimming pool, an Astroturf pitch, basketball courts, and a fitness centre. | Sports facilities Athletics facilities indoors include two air-conditioned gyms with three full courts for basketball and volleyball, a brand new fitness studio, and a six-lane pool. Outdoors, there are three full soccer fields with stadium lighting. |
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Academic facilities
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Academic facilities The Secondary Campus houses a suite of science labs, design and technology labs, a robotics room, and visual arts studios. DREAMS labs support technology‑rich learning, and The Curve library provides study spaces, with a dedicated Sixth Form Centre and wellbeing area to support senior students. | Academic facilities Bright, modern classrooms support instruction across EC through Grade 12. A state-of-the-art IDEA Center and Design Lab, with divisional maker spaces, support STEAM learning. The HS IDEA center houses 3D printers, CNC machines, an industrial laser and water cutters, and a 3D scanner. The MS design lab provides coding and construction, and the Spark Lab covers robotics, circuitry, physical computing, AR/VR, and multimedia. The libraries offer more than 25,000 physical books and more than 4,500 online titles across three divisions. The campus features a 360-seat auditorium and a Blackbox Theatre for performing arts. |
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Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities The school offers more than 100 co‑curricular activities on each campus, including sport, drama, music, arts, leadership, environment, and politics. Students participate in expeditions in Vietnam and around the world and engage in international collaborations, including partnerships with MIT and The Juilliard School. | Extra curricular facilities Robotics and maker activities are supported by the ES Spark Lab, the MS design lab, and the HS IDEA center, with VEX and FIRST robotics teams and a VEX arena for practice. The performing arts spaces include a 360-seat auditorium and a Blackbox Theatre for after-school productions. Athletic facilities enable participation in citywide and regional leagues with two indoor gyms, a six-lane pool, a fitness studio, and three outdoor soccer fields with stadium lighting. Outdoor learning spaces and learning gardens provide environments for clubs and project-based activities. The libraries and arts spaces support a range of clubs, study groups, and performances. |
| Parent experience | Parent experience | |
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History
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History The British International School Ho Chi Minh City began in 1997 as a small pre-school named Tiny Tots, founded by Maurice and Rosie Nguyen. Over time, it expanded into a full through-school to meet the growing educational needs of the expatriate and local communities. The Secondary Campus opened in 2005 in Thao Dien, enabling the introduction of internationally recognised programmes such as the IGCSE and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. In 2015, BIS HCMC joined the Nord Anglia Education group, strengthening its links with global education partners and broadening student opportunities across academics, arts, and service. | History The school was founded in 1997 by the Phu My Hung Corporation as a non-profit international school. Lawrence S. Ting and Ferdinand P. Tsien are noted as the visionary founders behind the establishment of the school. Over time the school has expanded its campus, added new facilities and grown its student body to serve a broad international community. The governance is non-profit and linked to the Phu My Hung development. |
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Community
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Community The Secondary Campus community includes students from over 50 nationalities who contribute to a culturally rich and inclusive environment. The school calendar features events such as International Week, STEAM and Arts Festivals, and Sports Tournaments, which celebrate diversity and teamwork. Students are also actively involved in service and sustainability initiatives, working with local charities and community organisations to promote environmental awareness and social responsibility. | Community The community at the school is multicultural, with students and families from a wide range of nationalities. Regular events include International Day, Family Fun Day, Elementary Sports Day and Christmas Tree Lighting which bring together students, parents and staff. The school emphasises parent-and-community involvement in planning and running these events, fostering active participation across the community. |
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Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association The Parent Teacher Group (PTG) at the Secondary Campus promotes communication and engagement between parents, teachers, and students. It organises a variety of activities, including welcome events for new families, charity fundraisers, and cultural celebrations. Parents may join PTG subcommittees or serve as event volunteers to help coordinate community activities. The group also runs initiatives such as uniform swaps, social gatherings, and coffee mornings to connect families. Working alongside school leadership, the PTG supports both the academic and social wellbeing of the Secondary Campus community. | Parent teacher association The PTA at the school comprises parents, teachers and staff working together to support the school community. It organises coffee mornings for new and returning parents to connect and receive updates, as well as large events such as the Family Fun Day and International Day. The PTA also runs “Parent Clubs” including Art Club, Book Club, Coffee Club, Spanish Language Class, Pilates Club and Sports Club. Country Ambassadors are part of the PTA network, assisting families from specific nationalities to connect within the school community. Volunteers are encouraged to join event committees and support initiatives throughout the school year. |
| Extra-curricular | Extra-curricular | |
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Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual The school offers IGCSEs and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). In 2025, 97% of IGCSE students achieved at least five A*-C grades, with 39 students achieving A*-A in all subjects. The class of 2025 IB Diploma average score was 36.3, above the world average of 30.6, and one student achieved a perfect 45 points. The school is a member of FOBISIA and is a designated International Baccalaureate World School. | Academic & intellectual SSIS follows an American standards-based curriculum. The high school program includes Advanced Placement (AP) courses and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). SSIS is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). SSIS is the only international school in Ho Chi Minh City offering both AP and IB in high school. |
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Arts & creative
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Arts & creative The co-curricular program includes a STEAM collaboration with MIT and a performing arts collaboration with The Juilliard School. There are more than 100 activities across the three campuses, spanning sport, drama, music, arts, leadership, environment and politics. The Secondary Campus features a professional auditorium, dance studios, and soundproofed music rooms for artistic expression. Facilities on the campuses include technology-enriched DREAMS labs and well-equipped libraries. | Arts & creative SSIS supports arts across visual and performing arts. The STEAM Design Center is 7,100 square meters and includes a makerspace, a robotics lab, an art exhibition space, visual art studios, and science labs. The high school offers AP Art and Design courses. |
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Cultural & language
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Cultural & language The BIS HCMC community includes students from more than 55 countries. More than 90% of teachers hold British qualifications and have UK experience, and language learning is supported by native-speaking language teachers. The school is a FOBISIA member, a registered centre for UK exam boards, and an International Baccalaureate World School. The Global Campus connects BIS HCMC to 81 Nord Anglia schools worldwide. | Cultural & language SSIS serves an international student body. SSIS provides an English-language curriculum with English-language support through its EAL program. During admissions, linguistic needs are comprehensively assessed to determine English-proficiency services. SSIS is a member of MRISA and SEASAC. |
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Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies There are more than 100 co-curricular activities across the three campuses, including sport, drama, music, arts, leadership, environment, and politics. Students have opportunities for expeditions and global trips. Pastoral care and wellbeing are supported by a dedicated team, including counsellors and a school nurse. A campus wellbeing programme helps keep students safe and healthy at school. | Social & hobbies SSIS offers After-School Activities, athletics, and clubs. Students can pursue interests beyond class through ASAs and sports. Campus life includes a range of social and recreational opportunities. |
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Community & service
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Community & service UNICEF collaboration engages students with global issues and social impact projects. The school supports environmental initiatives, including a student-led Precious Plastics project, and partners with Blue Dragon Children's Foundation and The Friends for Street Children Association to drive campaigns and education. Students learn through integrated social impact projects and hands-on community service locally and globally. | Community & service Service in Action connects SSIS students with local partners to perform service. These experiences foster empathy and real-world understanding. The program is integrated across school life. |
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Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional Parent Teacher Groups (PTGs) foster parent engagement and school community involvement. The Global Campus platform connects BIS HCMC to Nord Anglia's global network, enabling cross-school collaboration across 81 campuses. The school hosts student leadership activities and ambassadors as part of its global programs, and teachers pursue ongoing professional development, including an Executive Master's in International Education through King's College London. | Leadership & professional The Head of School is Dr. Catriona Moran. SSIS has a leadership team and a faculty recruited from around the world. Four high school guidance counselors support college and career planning. SSIS operates as a not-for-profit entity. |
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing The school provides a pastoral care team, counsellors, and a school nurse to support student wellbeing. A dedicated wellbeing programme and a focus on safety and health are integrated across the campuses. Secondary facilities include indoor and outdoor basketball courts, football pitches, a 25-meter swimming pool, a fitness suite, theatre spaces, and libraries to support physical and mental wellness. | Lifestyle & wellbeing SSIS provides well-being support through weekly advisory lessons in high school. Dedicated counselors support students' social and emotional growth. SSIS offers health and wellness initiatives and a broad program of student-life activities. |
| Language provision | Language provision | |
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Language provision
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Language provision Languages taught include English, Vietnamese, French, Spanish and Mandarin. An English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme supports students for whom English is not their first language. | Language provision The school uses an English-language curriculum. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is available for multilingual learners. During admissions, linguistic needs are comprehensively assessed to determine the level of English proficiency. EAL specialists collaborate with classroom teachers to support language development and ensure access to the English-language curriculum. |
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Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching — | Bilingual teaching — |
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Immersion programs
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Immersion programs — | Immersion programs — |
| Reputation | Reputation | |
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Awards
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Awards * TES Awards for International Schools 2024 – Finalist, “International School of the Year” BIS HCMC was shortlisted for this global education award recognising innovation and impact among international schools worldwide. * Green Flag Award (Eco-Schools Framework) The school has achieved the Eco-Schools Green Flag Award for sustainability initiatives, recognising its work in student-led environmental projects. * Nord Anglia Education Global Campus Recognition As part of Nord Anglia Education, the school has been recognised within the group for outstanding student engagement in the Global Campus online learning platform and UNICEF partnership activities. | Awards — |
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Accreditations
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Accreditations * Council of International Schools (CIS): BIS HCMC is accredited by CIS, a global organisation that evaluates international schools against rigorous standards of teaching, leadership, and student wellbeing. This confirms that the school meets recognised international benchmarks for quality education and governance. * Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC): The school is jointly accredited by WASC, a US-based accrediting body that assesses institutional integrity, curriculum effectiveness, and student achievement. The joint CIS–WASC process ensures both global and regional recognition of quality assurance. * Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA): BIS HCMC is a member of FOBISIA, a network of British-style schools across Asia that collaborate on academic, sporting, and cultural standards, and share best practices in teaching and learning. * Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE): The school is an approved Cambridge International Centre authorised to deliver the IGCSE programme. This accreditation enables BIS HCMC to offer Cambridge-certified qualifications for secondary students. * International Primary Curriculum (IPC): The school is an accredited IPC member school, implementing the internationally recognised primary curriculum that focuses on thematic, cross-subject learning for younger students. * International Baccalaureate (IB) World School: BIS HCMC is authorised by the International Baccalaureate Organisation to offer the IB Diploma Programme for students in Years 12–13. This confirms its adherence to IB teaching and assessment standards. | Accreditations * Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC): A U.S.-based regional accreditor recognised for validating school quality and continuous improvement for schools in East Asia and the Pacific. * International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO / IB Diploma Programme authorisation): Authorisation that allows SSIS to offer the IB Diploma Programme, demonstrating it meets the standards and practices of the IB organisation. * College Board (AP Programme authorisation): Recognition that SSIS is authorised to offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses, enabling students to take rigorous college-level subjects while in high school. * Council of International Schools (CIS) Membership: SSIS is a member of CIS which supports international school quality through benchmarked peer review and professional development. * Association of International Schools in South East Asia (AISA) or similar regional associations: SSIS holds membership in regional international-school networks (such as SEASAC and MRISA) which link the school to peer institutions for activities and standards. |
| Admissions | Admissions | |
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Admissions
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Admissions 1. Enquiry and consultation Families begin the process by completing the online enquiry form on the BIS HCMC website. The Admissions Team responds promptly to provide information about entry requirements, availability, and curriculum pathways. Parents are encouraged to arrange a campus tour—in person or virtually—to gain an overview of life at the Secondary Campus. 2. Campus visit and discussion During the visit, families meet members of the academic and pastoral teams, tour classrooms, and learn about programmes such as the IGCSE and IB Diploma. The Admissions Team offers guidance on subject choices and placement options for students joining from other educational systems. 3. Application submission Parents submit the online application form and supporting documents, including copies of the student’s passport, birth certificate, previous school reports, and any additional learning or language assessments. The Application Fee of VND 4,700,000 is payable at this stage. 4. Entrance assessment and interview Students undertake an age-appropriate entrance assessment and, for older year groups, an interview with a senior member of staff. These steps help determine academic readiness and English language proficiency. 5. Offer and confirmation Successful applicants receive a formal Offer Letter from the Admissions Office. A student’s place is secured upon payment of the Registration Fee and Security Deposit and completion of the enrolment paperwork. 6. Induction and transition Before joining, new students and families are invited to attend orientation sessions to meet teachers, explore the campus, and learn about school routines. The pastoral team ensures smooth academic and social integration. | Admissions 1. Inquiry and Application Submission Families begin by completing the online application form and uploading all required documents. An application fee of VND 10,000,000 is payable at this stage. Applicants in Early Childhood to Kindergarten complete a developmental observation, while Grades 1–12 complete written assessments in English and mathematics. 2. Assessment and Interview Following the initial review, students may be invited for additional testing or an interview to determine English proficiency and overall readiness. The Admissions Office evaluates prior school records, assessment results, and whether the school can meet the student’s learning needs. 3. Decision and Offer After review, applicants may receive an offer of admission, be placed on the waiting list, or be declined. Accepted families receive a formal Letter of Acceptance, which must be signed and returned along with a completed health form. 4. Payment and Enrollment To secure a place, families must pay the required enrollment deposit and tuition (or first installment) by the due dates listed in the fee schedule. All payments must be completed before the student’s first day of class. 5. Orientation and Start New students and parents are invited to attend orientation sessions before the start of the academic year in August. Middle and High School students also meet with a counselor to confirm course selections and discuss academic planning. 6. Rolling Admissions Applications are accepted year-round, although placement is based on space availability. Families seeking entry in August are encouraged to begin the process by January of the same calendar year. |
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Scholarships
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Scholarships The school does not publicly disclose or advertise any scholarship programmes for the Secondary Campus. Admissions are based on application review and assessment, with all places subject to full tuition fees as published in the annual fee schedule. | Scholarships SSIS offers the annual Lawrence S. Ting Scholarship for one Vietnamese student entering Grade 10 who has only attended local Vietnamese schools. The scholarship is renewable for up to three years, is awarded on the basis of academic excellence, English proficiency, interest in global/international affairs and service to others. The application timeline begins in December and features a written test, group discussion and interview rounds, with winners announced in May. |
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Waitlist
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Waitlist The school operates a waitlist system when year groups reach full capacity. Applications are held on file and reviewed as spaces become available, with priority given to siblings of current students and children of returning families. | Waitlist SSIS operates a wait-pool (waiting list) system. Qualified applicants whose grade level is full are placed on the waiting list until space becomes available. Admission thereafter depends on space and on the candidate meeting requirements. |
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