Horizon International Bilingual School - Hanoi Campus vs Japanese International School Hanoi
Horizon International Bilingual School - Hanoi Campus and Japanese International School Hanoi are both in Hanoi, about 11 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels and Cambridge A Levels programmes. Horizon International Bilingual School - Hanoi Campus also offers Cambridge (Primary) and Cambridge (Secondary), and Japanese International School Hanoi also offers EYFS and Japanese. Published annual fees are ₫278,277,000 - 606,956,000 at Horizon International Bilingual School - Hanoi Campus and ₫150,000,000 - 400,000,000 at Japanese International School Hanoi, which puts Horizon International Bilingual School - Hanoi Campus roughly 61% higher. Horizon International Bilingual School - Hanoi Campus takes pupils from 2 to 18, and Japanese International School Hanoi from 3 to 18. The two are similar in size, at around 500 and 446 pupils. Typical class sizes are 16 at Horizon International Bilingual School - Hanoi Campus and 26 at Japanese International School Hanoi.
Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Curriculum
Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Japanese Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
500
Pupils
446
Typical class size
Typical class size
16
Typical class size
26
Instruction language
Instruction language
English, Vietnamese
Instruction language
English, Japanese
Opened
Opened
2007
Opened
2016
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Horizon International Bilingual School – Hanoi Campus is located at 98 Tô Ngọc Vân Street, Villa 1 & 2, Tây Hồ District, Hanoi, Vietnam on the north-western side of central Hanoi. The campus sits in a residential neighbourhood near parks, cafes, and apartments popular with both local and international families. It is reachable by city roads connecting to Hanoi’s main districts and is served by typical urban transport routes.
Location
JIS is located at 84A Nguyễn Thanh Bình, phường Vạn Phúc, quận Hà Đông, Hà Nội, Vietnam. The campus sits within the Hà Đông district of Hanoi and is accessible via road.
Stages
Stages
The school provides a Kindergarten/early learning programme and continues through Primary, Lower Secondary, Middle School, IGCSE and A-Level phases. Students range from around Kindergarten age through to the end of secondary school, with structured progression through the Cambridge curriculum and the bilingual pathway.
Stages
JIS provides a full through-school experience from Early Years / Kindergarten, through Primary, through Lower Secondary (Middle School), to Upper Secondary (High School / Grade 12). For preschool (mầm non), there are different streams including Japanese Programme, Cambridge International Programme and a Bilingual Programme.
School type
School type
Horizon International Bilingual School – Hanoi Campus operates as a co-educational day school, enrolling both girls and boys across all levels. The official information does not describe any boarding facilities, indicating that students attend during the standard school day and return home afterwards.
School type
JIS is co-educational (boys and girls attend together). The school also offers boarding (residential) facilities for students from primary level upwards.
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 does not publicly disclose information on additional learning support.
Additional learning support
The school does not publicly disclose information on additional learning support.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school does not have any country affiliations.
Country affiliation
Japanese International School Hanoi is affiliated with Japan, it follows the Japanese education model as part of its offer, alongside international curricula.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
The school does not have any religious affiliations.
Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliations.
School day structure
School day structure
The school does not publicly disclose information on their day structure.
School day structure
The school does not publicly disclose information on day structure.
Bus service details
Bus service details
The school operates a bus service for the Hanoi Campus, with information provided on its official Hanoi Admissions pages about routes and safety protocols for buses. Parents can arrange this service when enrolling their child, and it follows standard safety practices for daily pick-up and drop-off.
Bus service details
Japanese International School provides bus service for families.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application Fee A non-refundable Admission Fee of VND 25,000,000 applies to all new students.
Tuition Fees Tuition varies by programme (Bilingual or International) and year group.
KINDERGARTEN (International Programme) Yearly Tuition Fee:VND 314,530,000
Tuition Fees • Kindergarten: 150,000,000 VND/year (75,000,000 VND per semester) • Primary (Grades 1–5): 240,000,000 VND/year (120,000,000 VND per semester). • Lower Secondary (Grades 6–9): 260,000,000 VND/year (130,000,000 VND per semester). • Upper Secondary (Grades 10–12): 280,000,000 VND/year (140,000,000 VND per semester). • Cambridge IGCSE Pathway: 338,000,000 VND/year (169,000,000 VND per semester). • Cambridge AS & A Level: 400,000,000 VND/year (200,000,000 VND per semester).
Boarding Fees • Boarding (for students aged 6 and up): 8,000,000 VND/month. This includes room, utilities, meals (breakfast & dinner weekdays; three meals on weekends) and evening study support.
Other Costs & Fees • Meals: Charged daily by age group • Uniforms & Learning Materials: – Kindergarten: ~1,860,000 VND to cover uniforms and class materials. – Grades 1–12: ~3,920,000 VND for uniforms and ~2,500,000 VND for basic learning materials; Health insurance ~800,000 VND for students aged 6+. • School Bus Services: Fees vary by distance and are paid monthly; sibling discounts apply.
Billing Schedule & Payment Terms • Payment Deadlines: Tuition must be paid before each semester’s start. Early full-year payment qualifies for a 5% or 2% discount depending on timing. • Sibling Discounts: 5% off tuition for two children; 10–15% for three or more siblings.
Refund & Cancellation Policy • If withdrawing within Semester 1, parents may receive a refund for Semester 2 tuition paid, after discounts are applied. This is provided that the school receives written withdrawal notice at least 60 days before the semester end. • Refunds for bus and boarding fees are prorated by unused months after a 7-day written notice.
Payment Options • Fees can be paid annually or by semester, with discounts for early full-year payment. Payments are typically made by bank transfer to the school’s account.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
The school has on-site boarding facilities for students.
Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
All students wear the school uniform from Monday to Friday. The uniform fosters discipline, respect, and a sense of belonging in the learning environment. Special exceptions apply during cultural celebrations and field trips to allow expression within the dress guidelines.
Uniform requirement
The school has a uniform policy requiring students to wear school uniforms.
Food options
Food options
Horizon Kitchen provides daily breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks for Kindergarten and Primary, prepared on campus by on-site chefs. The menu includes Vietnamese, Korean, Western, and Indian dishes, with meals designed by nutritionists using fresh ingredients. Vegetarian dishes, halal meals, and allergen-conscious options are available.
Food options
Meals are provided on campus for all students and staff, with fresh produce grown in an on-site garden used in meals.
House system
House system
The school assigns all students and staff to one of four Houses. Houses compete in academics, sports, arts, service, and citizenship, and are student-led with House Captains and committees. Older students mentor younger peers, and House points reward positive behaviors.
House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
The Horizon Board of Directors runs the school, representing the interests of students, teachers, staff, and financial affairs. The Board develops and maintains the School's Vision, Mission, Standards, and strategic objectives, evaluates policies, and approves the annual budget, while regularly evaluating leadership capacity.
Governance and ownership
The school is part of the Japanese International School network operated by ECS Group (ecsgroup.com.vn).
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Horizon offers two distinct academic pathways for learners from Kindergarten through to the end of secondary school.
The Bilingual Programme blends the Vietnamese National Curriculum (Ministry of Education and Training) with the Cambridge International Curriculum, delivering core subjects in English and preparing students for Cambridge Primary Checkpoints, Cambridge Lower-Secondary Checkpoints, and Cambridge IGCSE examinations, alongside Vietnamese national qualifications at key stages.
In the International Programme, students follow the Cambridge International Curriculum from Grade 1 through to Grade 12.
Curriculum details
Japanese International School offers a blend of Japanese education and international programmes from early years through secondary school. At the early years and primary level, students can follow the Japan International Program (JIP), where Japanese teachers deliver core subjects based on Japanese curriculum approaches, with added Vietnamese literacy and English learning integrated as appropriate.
Secondary students continue in the Japanese International Program with deeper study in science and other core areas, or they may pursue pathways that prepare for both Vietnamese high school graduation and potential study in Japan.
Alongside the Japanese curriculum, JIS also offers the Cambridge International Programme for students progressing toward IGCSE and Cambridge AS & A Level qualifications, providing internationally recognised assessments in secondary years.
Together these pathways cover fundamental subjects across all ages and culminate in recognized secondary qualifications suited to further education in Vietnam, Japan or globally.
Social and Emotional Learning support is delivered through weekly “Moral Classes” that are specifically designed to build students’ emotional intelligence, ethical reasoning, empathy, self-awareness, and conflict-resolution skills. These classes are age-appropriate and interactive, using storytelling, role-play, guided discussions, and reflection journals to help students understand emotions, friendships, peer pressure and ethical challenges as they grow. Teachers consistently reinforce SEL themes not only in these Moral Classes but also across the school day. This includes classroom activities, homeroom sessions and conversations about behaviour, so that the concepts become part of everyday learning and conduct. The SEL curriculum is grounded in international frameworks and aligned with the school’s core values of confidence, responsibility, resilience, innovation, and principled decision-making. This integrated approach supports students in forming positive social relationships and improving emotional regulation.
Social & emotional learning
JIS offers a subject called Wellbeing as part of the Cambridge International Programme, where students explore how emotions change in response to events and learn skills for understanding and managing feelings. In school news, it’s described that students work on emotional self-management and social skills such as conflict resolution and teamwork through these lessons. This subject is positioned within the curriculum to support students’ emotional and social skill development. However, information about additional SEL staff roles or broader policy support is not publicly available.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding SEN.
Special educational needs (SEN)
The school does not publicly disclose information on SEN.
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
Horizon International Bilingual School does not specify EAL support. However, the school does publicly discuss structured English language support through programmes aligned with the WIDA framework, aimed at helping learners build strong English skills and integrate into mainstream English-medium instruction.
English as an additional language
The school does not publicly disclose information on EAL availability.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
Horizon International Bilingual School provides student support through a dedicated School Counselor who works with individuals and small groups to help students navigate emotional, social and behavioural challenges. The counselor offers confidential guidance, supports students in developing coping skills, and assists with personal concerns that may affect learning or wellbeing. Students can be referred to the counselor by teachers, parents or they may self-refer.
The counselor collaborates with families when appropriate to support student growth. The counselor also works with teachers and staff to build a supportive classroom environment and shares strategies that help students manage stress, transitions and peer relationships. In addition to individual sessions, the counselor coordinates programmes that promote positive mental health awareness, resilience and self-management skills across the school community.
Mental wellbeing
The school does not publicly disclose detail specific in-school mental health programmes, counselling services or designated wellbeing staff.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
Horizon International Bilingual School follows a comprehensive Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy designed to prevent and respond to all forms of child abuse. The school uses safe recruitment practices, including mandatory background checks, to ensure staff suitability. All concerns must be reported immediately to the Head of Character Education, who leads the response and works with the school’s Child Protection Committee. This consists of the Principal, Head of Welfare, HR Manager, and a legal advisor. Reporting procedures emphasise removing a child from immediate danger, documenting concerns confidentially and referring cases to the Allegations Management Team when necessary. The school also provides annual staff training, promotes child-rights education, and offers safety seminars for students and parents as part of its safeguarding programme.
Safeguarding
The school does not publicly disclose information on their children safeguarding policy.
Ha Noi Campus has a range of facilities supporting science, technology, arts, and athletics. The campus includes physics, chemistry and biology laboratories, two computer laboratories, and a Makerspace for hands-on design and creation. It features a Music Room, an Art Studio, and a Dance Room for arts education. The Library serves as a central reading and research hub, and the campus garden is shaded by mango and jackfruit trees. The Conference Hall hosts assemblies, performances and presentations for the school community. Outdoor sport facilities include a basketball court, a volleyball court, a soccer field, and a tennis court.
Facilities overview
The school sits on 1.6 hectares at 84A Nguyễn Thanh Bình, Hà Đông, Hanoi, and is divided into three modern zones: Kindergarten–Primary, Secondary, and Physical Education. It features a modern range of spaces including a library, science laboratories, an art room, sewing room, cooking facilities, a gym, a four-season saltwater swimming pool, a large multipurpose hall, several mini football fields, tennis courts, a large basketball court, a table-tennis room, and a piano classroom with a Hoffmann piano. The four-season saltwater pool uses salt electrolysis and an advanced water treatment system. The rooftop garden spans over 2,000 square meters on the Kindergarten–Primary building, and a 2-hectare organic farm provides fresh produce for meals and supports experiential learning. A 12-story dormitory houses foreign teachers and staff on campus. The library contains more than 10,000 books for reading and research.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
The campus has a basketball court, a volleyball court, a soccer field, and a tennis court. These facilities support team sports and physical education activities on campus.
Sports facilities
For physical education, the school offers a four-season saltwater swimming pool, a gym, mini football fields, tennis courts, a large basketball court, and a table tennis room. A large hall supports sports activities and events. The swimming pool uses salt electrolysis and modern water treatment. The campus provides a variety of outdoor and indoor spaces to support PE and sport-related activities.
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
The Hanoi Campus provides Physics, Chemistry and Biology Laboratories, two Computer Laboratories, and a Makerspace for practical learning. The facilities enable experimentation, coding and hands-on projects across science and technology subjects.
Academic facilities
Academic facilities include a library with over 10,000 books, science laboratories for chemistry, physics, and biology, and specialty rooms for art, sewing, and cooking. There is a modern piano classroom, and piano lessons are available for students from Grade 1. The facilities support hands-on and project-based learning across disciplines.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
Clubs include robotics, debate, visual arts, coding, drama, cooking, and global issues. Clubs are run by teachers and students, promoting leadership and collaboration. The House System assigns students to one of four Houses, with cross-grade communities that compete in academics, sports, arts, service and citizenship. The House System is student-led, with House Captains and committees organizing events and campaigns to foster teamwork, empathy, perseverance, and a sense of belonging.
Extra curricular facilities
From Grade 1, students receive piano lessons in a dedicated piano classroom. The rooftop garden and the on-site organic farm provide practical, hands-on learning opportunities in agriculture, nutrition, and sustainability. The library supports reading programs and research for projects and extended learning beyond core classes. Swimming is part of the school's physical education offerings and uses the year-round saltwater pool.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
Horizon International Bilingual School began as an educational institution in 2005, originally established in Ho Chi Minh City, before expanding to open its Hanoi campus in 2007. The school has maintained a bilingual and international education model that reflects requirement integration between the Vietnamese National Curriculum and internationally recognised standards. In 2016, Horizon received official authorisation to deliver the Cambridge International Education Programme, including IGCSE and A-Level pathways. Over two decades, it has developed a network of students and alumni and grown in diversity and programme scope.
History
Japanese International School (JIS) in Hanoi was established in 2016 and operates as a through-school from early years (mầm non) through to upper secondary. The school follows Japanese education model combined with international curriculum elements. It serves as part of broader educational offerings including multiple campuses (Hanoi and Hai Duong).
The school is structured to support long-term educational progression, linking cultural and academic exchange between Vietnam and the Japanese education context.
Community
Community
Horizon International Bilingual School’s school community is active and includes school-wide events such as Family Sports Day, celebrations of cultural holidays like the Mid-Autumn Festival, Language Week and the International Festival. These events reflect cultural engagement with both Vietnamese traditions and global celebrations, providing opportunities for community participation and shared learning. Students frequently take part in community-oriented activities such as regular dental check-ups and collaborative festival projects.
Community
The school community engages students and families in cultural exchange activities, such as regular cultural and learning exchanges with students from Japan, which help learners practice language and broaden cultural understanding.
Community events include parent participation days, such as “Parent Visit Day,” where families attend classes and participate in activities with their children.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
Horizon International Bilingual School has an active Parent Teacher Association (PTA) that serves as a formal body for parent involvement in school life and community activities. The PTA provides opportunities for parents to connect with school leadership and staff, share feedback, and support collaborative initiatives related to student wellbeing and school events. It also organises and participates in community gatherings and drives that bring families together with teachers for shared activities. Parents engaged in the PTA may support programmes that extend beyond the classroom, such as service projects and volunteer activities. The PTA’s presence reflects the school’s emphasis on partnership between families and educators in the educational experience.
Parent teacher association
The school does not publicly disclose information related to PTA.
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
The Hanoi Campus offers two Cambridge-aligned programmes: the Bilingual Programme and the International Programme. The Bilingual Programme combines the Vietnamese national curriculum (MOET) with the Cambridge International Curriculum, provides an intensive English program, and teaches core subjects in English. Students prepare for MOET end-of-grade qualifications in grades 5, 9, and 12. The Bilingual Programme includes Cambridge Primary Checkpoints, Cambridge Lower-Secondary Checkpoints, and Cambridge IGCSE examinations. Bilingual subjects such as mathematics and science are taught by both Vietnamese and international educators using 21st-century teaching approaches, with language development intended to prepare students for local MOET examinations.
Academic & intellectual
The Cambridge International Programme is taught in English from Early Years through Cambridge Primary to IGCSE and A Level. Learning and assessment follow Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) guidelines. The program includes core subjects such as Mathematics, Science, English, Global Perspectives, Computer Science, ICT, Economics, and Art.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
Arts (Mỹ thuật) is included as a Cambridge subject within the curriculum.
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
Japanese is taught by native Japanese teachers, and students are immersed in a multicultural environment.
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
Students in the Cambridge pathway have opportunities to participate in academic competitions, enrichment activities, and international events.
Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
The Find Your Ikigai program connects career orientation with character education, supporting students as they explore talents, interests, and future study paths.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
The education framework centers on three pillars—physical, spiritual, and learning—and emphasizes ethics, discipline, and a respectful, Japanese-influenced school culture.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
In the bilingual programme, English and Vietnamese are the languages of instruction across subjects. The International Programme follows the Cambridge International Curriculum (Cambridge Secondary for Secondary; Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge Advanced for High School). Horizon Kindergarten provides international and bilingual education. The Language Policy identifies English Language Learners and requires an initial language assessment for all new students, with ESL support provided based on placement decisions using the WIDA MODEL.
Language provision
Japanese language is taught by Japanese teachers as part of the school's programs. Teaching and assessment in the Cambridge program are conducted under Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) guidelines. The school emphasizes a multicultural environment to support language development and international-mindedness.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
The Hanoi Campus offers bilingual programmes at Primary, Secondary and High School levels. The bilingual programme uses the Vietnamese national curriculum complemented with Cambridge Resources for English-based subjects, with instruction delivered in English and Vietnamese.
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 does not publicly disclose information on any awards won by the school.
Awards
The school does not publish a list of formal awards received by the institution.
Accreditations
Accreditations
Ministry of Education and Training of Vietnam – This is the national education authority in Vietnam; accreditation by the Ministry confirms the school meets all Vietnamese statutory educational standards and allows students to receive an official Vietnamese high-school diploma upon completion of Grade 12.
Cambridge Assessment International Education – This international accreditation authorises the school to offer Cambridge International qualifications, including Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level programmes. These qualifications are recognised globally and support university entry worldwide.
WIDA Framework affiliation – The school is affiliated with the WIDA Framework, an internationally used model for supporting academic language development. This framework guides structured English-language support for learners at all levels.
Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award participation – Horizon participates in this award programme, which is recognised in many countries and provides structured opportunities in leadership, service, personal development, and adventure for students who pursue this award.
National College for Professional Development affiliation – The school’s educators benefit from professional learning opportunities through this UK-based organisation, which supports teacher professional growth and reflective practice.
Accreditations
Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) JIS is authorised to deliver the Cambridge International Programme, including IGCSE and AS & A Level qualifications. This allows the school to register students for Cambridge examinations and follow Cambridge curriculum frameworks.
Japanese-model Education Programme JIS states that it is *“the only school in Vietnam following the Japanese education model”*, indicating educational alignment with Japanese curricular structures and teaching approaches. While this is a curricular affiliation rather than a formal accreditation body, it is a defined institutional framework that shapes teaching and learning at the school.
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. Begin the admissions process by submitting a completed Application Form to the school’s Admissions Office. Along with the form, you must provide recent school reports or transcripts, a copy of the student’s passport or ID, health and vaccination records and any supporting documents such as standardized test results or certificates.
2. After receiving your application, the admissions team will arrange a detailed introduction to the school’s curriculum, vision, and programmes. A campus tour is conducted so you can become familiar with the facilities and daily routines before assessments begin.
3. Students undergo a series of assessments to ensure appropriate placement and support.
4. Once assessments are complete, the school will notify parents of the admission decision. If the student is accepted, the admissions team will guide families through the registration process and share details of the tuition and fee structure along with the payment agreement plan.
5. After registration and payment are finalised, the school issues an Official Letter of Acceptance.
Admissions
1. Step 1: Gather Information Parents begin by learning about JIS through the school’s published materials, online information, consultations with the admissions office, or direct visits. This includes understanding the learning environment, curriculum options (e.g., Japanese, Cambridge and linked programmes), teaching methods, staff, facilities, and financial policies before applying.
2. Step 2: Submit a Registration Form Parents must complete the online registration form on the school’s website. This form asks for details such as the student’s name, birthdate, current class, and parent contact information.
3. Step 3: Pay the Registration Fee After registering, parents are required to pay a registration fee of 5,000,000 VND per student. The fee is transferred to the school’s designated bank account.
4. Step 4: Schedule the Admissions Interview/Test Once the registration fee is confirmed, the admissions office schedules a selection interview or test session. These are held on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, with different time slots for Kindergarten versus Primary/Secondary levels.
5. Step 5: Attend the Assessment Day On the day of admission, parents and students participate in the selection process. For Kindergarten, parents and children attend the interview together; for Primary, the child participates with a parent present for a psychological skills check. For Secondary (THCS/THPT), the student completes their assessment independently.
6. Step 6: Receive Results After the assessment, the school notifies families of the outcome. Parents are contacted with information about acceptance or further steps, and the admissions office remains available for follow-up support as needed.
Scholarships
Scholarships
Horizon International Bilingual School operates a scholarship programme that rewards students for high performance in external and internal examinations, with awards paid either as tuition-fee waivers for the following semester or, in the case of graduating students, as cash payments in VND.
Scholarships
Japanese International School Hanoi does not provide any information about scholarships.
Waitlist
Waitlist
The school does not publicly describe information on waitlist or applicant pool system.
Waitlist
Japanese International School Hanoi does not provide any information about any existing waitlist.