Horizon International Bilingual School - Hochiminh Campus vs Singapore International School - Saigon South
Horizon International Bilingual School - Hochiminh Campus and Singapore International School - Saigon South are both in Ho Chi Minh City, about 9 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels and Cambridge A Levels programmes. Horizon International Bilingual School - Hochiminh Campus also offers Cambridge (Primary) and Cambridge (Secondary), and Singapore International School - Saigon South also offers Singapore. Published annual fees are ₫225,770,000 - 315,890,000 at Horizon International Bilingual School - Hochiminh Campus and ₫280,615,000 - 626,014,000 at Singapore International School - Saigon South, which puts Singapore International School - Saigon South roughly 67% higher. Both take pupils from 2 to 18. Typical class sizes are 5 at Horizon International Bilingual School - Hochiminh Campus and 25 at Singapore International School - Saigon South.
Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Curriculum
Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, Singapore Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
500
Pupils
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Typical class size
Typical class size
5
Typical class size
25
Instruction language
Instruction language
English, Vietnamese
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2005
Opened
2007
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Horizon International Bilingual School – Ho Chi Minh Campus is located at 6–6A–8 Street No. 44, Thao Dien Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City. The school sits in Thao Dien, a residential area known for its access to international services, apartments, and community facilities. Its location places it close to major roads connecting Thu Duc City with central districts of Ho Chi Minh City, making travel convenient for families.
Location
Singapore International School @ Saigon South is located at 29 Street No. 3, Trung Son Residential Area, Hamlet 4, Binh Hung Commune, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The campus sits in a quiet residential neighborhood close to the Phu My Hung urban area, about 20 minutes from District 1 by car. It is easily accessible via main city roads and is well connected to nearby family communities in Saigon South.
Stages
Stages
The school operates as a K–12 programme, offering education from Kindergarten through High School, including Cambridge Primary, Lower Secondary, IGCSE, and A-Level pathways. Curriculum pages describe separate Primary, Secondary, and High School phases aligned with the Cambridge framework and bilingual requirements.
Stages
The school provides a continuous educational pathway from Pre-School through High School. It begins with Pre-School for children from approximately 18 months to below 6 years, followed by Primary and Junior High (Years 1–9), and continues into Senior High with Cambridge IGCSE, AS, and A Level programmes.
School type
School type
Horizon is a co-educational day school, with boys and girls learning together across all grade levels.
School type
Singapore International School @ Saigon South is a co-educational day school.
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’s learning framework supports students at different stages of English language proficiency through its Integrated and International Programmes. While there is a strong focus on language acquisition and academic support, the school does not publish a dedicated Special Educational Needs (SEN) department or programme.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school does not have any country affiliations.
Country affiliation
The school is part of the KinderWorld Education Group and follows a blend of Singapore and Cambridge curricula. It is not affiliated with any specific country’s national education system.
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
Classes at Singapore International School @ Saigon South begin at 8:25 am and finish at 4:45 pm. The day starts with a short Form Class session followed by Breakfast, and lessons are scheduled in 45-minute periods throughout the day. Lunch takes place between 11:15 am and 12:45 pm, depending on year level, and there is an afternoon Recess from 2:15 pm to 2:30 pm. The final period is followed by Extra-Curricular Activities (ECAs) from 4:00 pm to 4:45 pm.
Bus service details
Bus service details
Horizon International Bilingual School - Hochiminh Campus offers student transportation services, which include bus arrangements for families who need them.
Bus service details
The school provides a dedicated bus service for students living in and around Ho Chi Minh City. Routes are organized by residential zones, and each bus has an attendant to assist younger students. Pick-up and drop-off times are scheduled according to location, with fees varying by distance from the campus.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application fees * Admission fee for new students: VND 25,000,000 (non-refundable).
* Placement Test Fee: VND 2,940,000 per student (International Programme only) * Registration Fee: VND 21,500,000 per student (International Programme); VND 6,450,000 per student (Kindergarten Programme) * Deposit: VND 15,000,000 per student (International Programme); VND 20,000,000 for Kindergarten 1–2 and VND 26,000,000 for Preparatory Class (termly payment basis)
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Tuition Fees (2025 Academic Year)
*International Kindergarten (Full Day)*
* Kindergarten 1 & 2: VND 280,615,000 per year / VND 70,154,000 per term * Preparatory: VND 358,797,000 per year / VND 89,700,000 per term
*International Programme (Primary to A Level)*
* Year 1 – Year 3: VND 498,380,000 per year * Year 4 – Year 5: VND 500,688,000 per year * Year 6: VND 502,288,000 per year * Year 7 – Year 8: VND 527,608,000 per year * Year 9 – Year 10 (IGCSE): VND 587,479,000 per year * AS / A Level 1: VND 598,515,000 per year * AS / A Level 2: VND 626,014,000 per year
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Billing Schedule and Payment Terms
* Fees may be paid annually (one instalment) or termly (four instalments). * Annual payments are due 30 days before the first day of school. * Termly payments follow this schedule:
* 1st term – 35% (before school starts) * 2nd term – 25% (due 14 days before end of term) * 3rd term – 25% * 4th term – 15%
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Other Costs
* Uniforms, books, e-learning materials, meals, transportation, and insurance are billed separately. * Short-term daily care (Kindergarten 1–2) is VND 1,676,000 per day. * Additional expenses (e.g., field trips, camps, stationery) are paid as incurred.
Refund and Payment Options Refund policies are not detailed in the fee structure. Payments may be made via telegraphic transfer
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
The school has a uniform; all students wear the uniform from Monday to Friday with hygiene standards; exceptions apply during cultural celebrations and field trips.
Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
The canteen provides food services and a weekly menu is published.
Food options
The campus has a canteen.
House system
House system
The school assigns students to four Houses; Houses compete across academics, sports, arts, service, and citizenship; the House system is student-led with House Captains and committees.
House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
The school is governed by the Horizon International Bilingual School Board of Directors; it develops the school's Vision, Mission, Standards and Strategic Objectives, manages policies and finances including tuition and budget, and regularly evaluates leadership.
Governance and ownership
Integrated Programme is delivered through collaboration between Singapore Vietnam International School and Singapore International School. The school is accredited by Cambridge and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The campus features science labs and a swimming pool.
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Horizon Ho Chi Minh Campus follows the school’s Bilingual Programme, which combines the Vietnamese National Curriculum mandated by the Ministry of Education and Training with the Cambridge International Curriculum framework. Students learn core subjects such as mathematics, science, chemistry, physics, and biology in English alongside Vietnamese national subjects, with instruction delivered by both Vietnamese and international educators. As they progress, students prepare for Cambridge Primary Checkpoint assessments in the early years and Cambridge Lower Secondary Checkpoint before moving to Cambridge IGCSE examinations at the end of secondary school. The programme supports smooth transitions between stages and is arranged according to Vietnam’s legal requirements for bilingual and international curricula.
Curriculum details
The curriculum at Singapore International School @ Saigon South follows a structured pathway from early childhood through pre-university levels. In the Pre-School years, children follow an inquiry-based programme that blends play, language development, and early numeracy. The Primary and Junior High levels are based on the Singapore Curriculum, with subjects including English, Mathematics, Science, Chinese, and Vietnamese, emphasizing foundational skills and bilingual learning. From Year 9 onward, students transition to the Cambridge International Curriculum, preparing for IGCSE examinations in Years 9–10. The final two years—AS and A Levels—offer internationally recognized qualifications through Cambridge Assessment International Education, supporting progression to global universities. Across all levels, English is the main language of instruction, with Chinese and Vietnamese taught as additional languages.
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
The school mentions a “Virtues Programme” that reinforces character traits such as teamwork, perseverance and effective communication from early years through to high school. Since the Integrated and International Programmes include “self-confidence” and “leadership” development via an outward-bound course, these elements contribute to social-emotional learning. The website does not give detailed structure (e.g., dedicated SEL lessons, names of staff or mapped progression) beyond these mentions.
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 a detailed SEN policy or clearly defined categories of special educational needs supported. There is no accessible section on the website that lists staff dedicated to SEN, support tiers, or specialist facilities. Thus, it is not described as a specialist SEN institution.
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 states that English language development is a key focus and offers a “Nexgen’s English Competency Programme (neo™)” in the Integrated Programme from Year 3 upwards. However, there is no publicly-published detailed EAL programme (for students whose first language is not English), such as small-group EAL classes, exit criteria, or specialist staff. Therefore, specific EAL provision cannot be verified beyond the stated focus on English competency.
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
No dedicated public page on the school website outlines mental-health programmes, counsellors or well-being initiatives by name. While character education (via the Virtues Programme) and leadership/outward-bound activities are featured, there is no clearly described mental-wellbeing support framework (e.g., counselling service, emotional-health workshops) available in the publicly accessible materials.
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
Singapore International School @ Saigon South prioritises the welfare and safety of all students in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The campus incorporates safety measures such as CCTV and high-visibility classrooms. A school nurse, Guidance Counsellors, and designated Student Protection Officers are available for student support. Concerns about harm or neglect are reported to these contacts and referred to the Principal for follow-up. Students receive lessons on personal safety and protective behaviours through the Virtues Programme. All staff complete annual child protection training, and recruitment includes police background checks and reference verification.
The Hochiminh Campus has a basketball court, a volleyball court, a soccer field, and a tennis court for sport and physical education. It includes Physics, Chemistry and Biology laboratories, plus two Computer Labs. A Makerspace supports hands-on design and experimentation. The Arts spaces include a Music Room, an Art Studio, and a Dance Room. The Library serves as a central reading and research hub, and a campus garden provides a natural space for reflection. A Conference Hall hosts assemblies, performances and other large events.
Facilities overview
The school is a purpose-built international facility designed to provide an ideal learning environment for 21st-century students. It has specialized rooms for the arts and music, fully equipped science labs, computer rooms, and technology throughout the campus. The campus features multiple outdoor sports facilities and a covered swimming pool. The layout supports integrated learning across academic and co-curricular areas. The facilities reflect a commitment to providing a broad range of learning spaces for diverse activities.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
The campus provides a basketball court, a volleyball court, a soccer field, and a tennis court for sport and PE. These spaces accommodate PE classes and after-school sports programs. They support team-based activities and individual fitness development. The facilities are used for intramural and inter-school events where applicable.
Sports facilities
Outdoor sports facilities are available on the campus. A covered swimming pool is on site for aquatic activities. The Basketball Yard provides space for team sports and physical education. The campus supports outdoor physical education and sport programs through these facilities. The facilities complement indoor spaces for fitness and recreational activities.
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
The Physics Lab, Chemistry Lab, Biology Lab, and two Computer Labs support science and ICT learning. A Makerspace provides hands-on design and fabrication experiences. The Bilingual Programme combines MOET curriculum with the Cambridge International Curriculum and provides English-intensive instruction, with core subjects taught in English. Bilingual subjects including mathematics, science, chemistry, physics, and biology are taught by Vietnamese and international educators using 21st-century teaching methods.
Academic facilities
The school has specialized rooms for the arts and music. It has fully equipped science laboratories. Computer rooms are available and technology is integrated throughout the campus. A dedicated STEM Room supports STEM-related learning, and there are multiple laboratories for experiments. Classrooms are distributed across the site to support varied teaching and learning activities.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
After School Programs/Club Activities include robotics, programming, 3D design & printing, soccer, basketball, volleyball, chess club, and badminton. The program also features a House System and a range of clubs to foster identity and collaboration. Exchange activities include Learning Expo, Science Fair, and International Festivals. Saturday School provides additional classes; English language classes and an English Summer School are offered.
Extra curricular facilities
The campus includes spaces that support extracurricular activities, including two music rooms and a STEM Room. There are laboratories for practical work and a playground and Basketball Yard for outdoor activities. The facilities enable a broad range of after-school programs in arts, science, and sports.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
Horizon International Bilingual School in 2005 with its first K–12 campus in Ho Chi Minh City as part of the establishment of the school in Vietnam. The institution expanded with a second campus in Hanoi in 2007, growing its bilingual education offering. In 2016, Horizon was authorised to deliver the Cambridge International Education Programme, including IGCSE and A-Level pathways, reflecting its integration of international curricula into the bilingual model. Over two decades, Horizon has educated students from around 25–30 countries and developed an alumni network of graduates studying internationally. Its governance and mission emphasise bilingual instruction rooted in both Vietnamese and Cambridge standards.
History
SIS @ SS was founded in 2007 and is part of the KinderWorld Education Group. It operates under the group’s network of international schools in Vietnam, providing students with access to global curriculum pathways and upholding Eastern values. Over time the school has expanded its programmes to include both an Integrated Programme for Vietnamese students and an International Programme for students seeking Cambridge qualification routes.
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 actively engages in annual cultural and celebratory events including the Mid-Autumn Festival, Christmas Charity Fair, International Friendship Day and school concerts. These events bring together students, staff and parents in shared activities, reinforcing a sense of belonging and cultural awareness.
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
SIS @ SS’s PTA involves parents, teachers and staff collaborating on community initiatives and social gatherings. Activities include a Coffee & Sports Club, Art Wonder Club (where parents meet for creative sessions), Spanish Language Club, and Pilates Club for parent wellbeing. The PTA organizes events such as open house activities and volunteer-led committees to support new families and build parent networks.
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
The school offers two study pathways: International Programme and Integrated Programme. The International Programme is conducted in English and led by qualified local teachers. The Integrated Programme is conducted in English and led by qualified local teachers.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
The school teaches in English and Vietnamese. English-based subjects are delivered in English as part of the Bilingual Programme, with Vietnamese used for other curriculum components. EAL support is provided to students whose native language is not English to access the curriculum. Cambridge curriculum resources support English-language subjects.
Language provision
The school uses English as the primary instructional language with strong English language skills development, supported by Nexgen's English Competency Programme (neo™). Vietnamese language is taught as part of the MOET curriculum in the Integrated Programme, and Vietnamese language study is offered where appropriate in the International Programme. Chinese language is offered as part of the International Programme. The school's education pathways run from pre-school to senior high, including Cambridge IGCSE and AS/A Levels.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
The Ho Chi Minh City Campus offers the Bilingual Programme, which combines the Vietnamese national curriculum with the Cambridge International Curriculum. It provides an intensive English program and teaches core subjects in English. Bilingual subjects, including mathematics, science, chemistry, physics and biology, are taught by Vietnamese and international educators using 21st-century teaching methods. Students in the Bilingual Programme prepare for MOET-end qualifications at the end of grades 5, 9 and 12 and sit Cambridge Primary Checkpoints, Cambridge Lower-Secondary Checkpoints and Cambridge IGCSE examinations.
Bilingual teaching
Pre-School Integrated Programme classes are led by Vietnamese teachers and conducted in English. From Primary, the Integrated Programme blends the MOET Vietnamese curriculum with international components, with English as the main language of instruction and Vietnamese language studied as appropriate. The International Programme offers Chinese and Vietnamese languages.
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
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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
* Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC): SIS @ Saigon South is accredited by WASC, a U.S. regional accrediting agency that ensures schools meet international standards of educational quality and institutional effectiveness.
* Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board (SEAB): The school’s curriculum and assessment practices are aligned with SEAB, which oversees the national examinations system in Singapore.
* Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE): SIS @ Saigon South is an approved Cambridge International Centre, offering students IGCSE and AS/A Level qualifications recognised by universities worldwide.
* Nexgen’s English Competency Programme (neo™): The school implements this English-language development framework to support students’ English proficiency across grade levels.
* Outward Bound Vietnam: The school partners with Outward Bound Vietnam to provide structured outdoor education and leadership experiences for students.
* Affiliated Institutions: Partnerships include Hwa Chong Institution (Singapore), Elmhurst University (USA), and Edinburgh Napier University (Scotland), expanding pathways for further education and exchange opportunities.
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. Complete the Application Form Parents begin by submitting the school’s official online application form and providing supporting documentation such as birth certificate, previous academic transcripts, health records and photographs. The application fee is required before the screening process can be scheduled.
2. Screening, Assessment & Placement Applicants to the International Programme undergo assessments in English and mathematics; for those applying to the Integrated Programme, placement tests and age-based screening determine the most suitable year group. Class size limits and year-group availability are taken into account during this step.
3. Decision & Offer Letter Once screening is complete and contingent on space being available, the school issues a formal offer. If the relevant year group is full, the applicant may be placed on a waitlist until a vacancy opens.
4. Enrollment and Payment Upon being offered a place, parents accept the offer, sign the required documents, and pay the required deposit or tuition fee according to the school’s billing schedule before the student begins.
5. Orientation & Final Placement New students are placed in the appropriate class and participate in any orientation activities; older students may have placement interviews to ensure the correct curriculum track is selected.
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
The publicly available information for SIS @ SS does not clearly list a specific scholarship programme open to all applicants.
Waitlist
Waitlist
The school does not publicly describe information on waitlist or applicant pool system.
Waitlist
SIS @ SS operates a waitlist system when a given year group is fully subscribed. Qualified applicants are placed on the waitlist and will be offered a place in the order of availability once a vacancy arises.