Horizon International Bilingual School - Hochiminh Campus vs Vietnam Australia International School - Garden Hills Campus
Horizon International Bilingual School - Hochiminh Campus and Vietnam Australia International School - Garden Hills Campus are both in Ho Chi Minh City, about 4 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge A Levels programmes, and Horizon International Bilingual School - Hochiminh Campus also offers Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary) and Cambridge International AS Levels. Published annual fees are ₫225,770,000 - 315,890,000 at Horizon International Bilingual School - Hochiminh Campus and ₫155,000,000 - 585,592,000 at Vietnam Australia International School - Garden Hills Campus, which puts Vietnam Australia International School - Garden Hills Campus roughly 37% higher. Horizon International Bilingual School - Hochiminh Campus takes pupils from 2 to 18, and Vietnam Australia International School - Garden Hills Campus from 3 to 18.
Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Curriculum
Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils
Pupils
500
Pupils
—
Typical class size
Typical class size
5
Typical class size
—
Instruction language
Instruction language
English, Vietnamese
Instruction language
English, Vietnamese
Opened
Opened
2005
Opened
2016
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
Vietnam Australia International School – Garden Hills Campus is located in Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City, at 168 Phan Van Tri Street, An Nhon Ward. The campus is in the northern part of the city with access to major roads connecting it to central and suburban areas of Ho Chi Minh City. The school’s setting features landscaped open spaces with green areas integrated into the campus design.
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 Garden Hills campus offers education from Kindergarten through Primary School, Secondary School, and High School, following the Cambridge International Programme alongside the Vietnamese National Curriculum.
School type
School type
Horizon is a co-educational day school, with boys and girls learning together across all grade levels.
School type
The school is co-educational, welcoming both boys and girls across all grade levels.
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 provide specific details about additional learning support provisions such as SEN programmes for students with special educational needs.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school does not have any country affiliations.
Country affiliation
The school does not have any country affiliations.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
The school does not have any religious affiliations.
Religious affiliation
The school does not have any religious affiliations.
School day structure
School day structure
The school does not publicly disclose information on their day structure.
School day structure
The school day varies slightly by level. Kindergarten lessons run from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.Primary School operates from 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.Secondary School begins at 7:30 a.m. and finishes at 4:30 p.m. These schedules provide full-day learning with time allocated for classroom activities, breaks, meals and end-of-day pick-up.
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 has bus transportation available across locations, with buses that pick up students of all grades across the city, prioritizing safety and supervised by professional staff.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application fees * Admission fee for new students: VND 25,000,000 (non-refundable).
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
—
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
—
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
The Garden Hills campus is part of the Vietnam Australia International School (VAS) system. The campus is governed by a leadership team including a Director, Academic Division (MOET & Cambridge), who serves as School Principal; a Deputy Principal; and an Acting Academic Deputy Manager for the MOET program. The Central Academic Division oversees the academic vision across all VAS campuses.
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
Vietnam Australia International School – Garden Hills delivers the Cambridge Academic Programme International (CAPI) across all year levels from Kindergarten through Primary, Secondary, and High School, with most subjects taught in English and a few in Vietnamese. Graduates of the programme receive Cambridge certificates that correspond with their stage of study. The school’s curriculum structure includes pathways such as CAPI (full Cambridge), CAP (Cambridge Academic Programme), and CEP (Cambridge English Programme) to match students’ learning needs. The curriculum is aligned with the Cambridge International framework and integrated into everyday teaching and assessment. Students build knowledge and skills progressively as they advance through each stage, culminating in internationally recognised Cambridge qualifications at secondary and high school levels. This curriculum is consistent with the VAS system’s commitment to international academic standards.
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 does not publicly disclose information regarding its Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) programmes.
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 regarding Special Educational Needs (SEN) support.
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 regarding English as an Additional Language (EAL) support. While English is part of the Cambridge curriculum offered at VAS, the school does not specify whether tailored EAL programmes, specialist teachers, or targeted language-support pathways are provided for students who require additional assistance.
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 information regarding mental wellbeing programmes or services.
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 regarding safeguarding or child protection policies.
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
Garden Hills Campus is designed with contemporary green architecture and abundant open spaces that connect learning with nature. It is the pioneering international school in North Saigon. The campus emphasizes adherence to safety, hygiene, fire prevention, and ventilation regulations. Classrooms and function rooms are equipped with cutting-edge technology to support age-appropriate learning. Garden Hills offers a serene, eco-friendly environment with 60% natural spaces and spaces like playgrounds for outdoor learning.
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 spaces include playgrounds with soft grass and tree-lined areas. The campus provides basketball and volleyball courts and multi-purpose indoor sports facilities. The facilities support physical education and teamwork with age-appropriate spaces. These facilities emphasize creativity and physical activity within a bilingual framework.
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 Cambridge Academic Programme International (CAPI) is the teaching framework used at Garden Hills. Most subjects are taught in English, with only a few in Vietnamese. Graduates receive globally recognized Cambridge certificates. The campus offers pathways across Kindergarten, Primary, Secondary and High School levels under Cambridge programs, including CAPI, Cambridge Academic Programme (CAP), and Cambridge English Programme (CEP).
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
Beyond academics, Garden Hills offers clubs, field trips, sports, and competitions to develop communication, collaboration and resilience. Activities include arts, robotics, and team-building events to build life skills such as problem-solving and teamwork.
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
Vietnam Australia International School – Garden Hills Campus was established in 2016, as part of the VAS system and designed with a focus on green architecture with ample open spaces and landscaping integrated into campus life. It is one of the international campuses within the Vietnam Australia International School (VAS) network, which began operating years earlier as part of a broader bilingual education initiative in Ho Chi Minh City. Garden Hills is recognised as a pioneering international school for the northern part of Ho Chi Minh City. *The official VAS network marking 20+ years of educational delivery underscores its broader historical context in the region.*
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 participates in the VAS Community Programme, through which students actively engage in community and social-impact projects, including service initiatives and student-led activities that benefit local families and groups. The broader VAS network regularly features system-wide cultural and service activities such as community projects, exhibitions, and collaborative events which are shared across campuses, including Garden Hills. These activities reflect a school culture where students, families, and staff participate beyond classroom learning.
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 official Vietnam Australia International School website does not disclose specific information regarding a Parent Teacher Association (PTA).
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
—
Academic & intellectual
Internal ECAs include critical thinking clubs conducted by both foreign and Vietnamese teachers during the school day. The programme provides opportunities to compete in academic and talent events such as VAS Olympics, English Speaking Contest, and Math-Robocon-Science Competitions. Garden Hills Campus has medal-winning participation in international and city-level events, including a Silver medal at the City-level April Olympiad in Ho Chi Minh City and Bronze medals at SASMO 2019 and the Duke of York ICT Competition. These activities develop analytical thinking, problem-solving, and subject-specific knowledge.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
Internal ECAs include creative environments and performing arts activities. After-school activities include arts-related options such as dancing. Competitions such as VAS Painting Contest and VAS Got Talent provide outlets for artistic talent. Art and performance are supported by teachers from diverse backgrounds.
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
English language development is supported through language-focused events such as the English Speaking Contest. Practical outdoor activities expose students to culture through tours to historic sites and natural environments. Outdoor learning sessions and cultural experiences are part of the programme.
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
Internal ECAs include sporting clubs and social and hobby groups. After-school activities include dancing, swimming, hiking, yoga, football, and basketball. The programme encourages participation in clubs and groups to develop interests and social skills.
Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
The school organises community activities focused on environment protection and philanthropy. VAS runs community programmes to foster service and social responsibility. These activities help build a sense of community and kindness.
Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
Competitions such as VAS Olympics and VAS MC Contest develop leadership, communication, and teamwork skills. Participation in team-based ECAs builds collaboration and professional skills. The programme provides opportunities to practice organization, planning, and presentation.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
After-school activities include dancing, swimming, hiking, yoga, football, and basketball. Internal sporting clubs and practical outdoor activities promote physical health and wellbeing. Outdoor learning sessions and themed tours contribute to wellness and balance.
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
Most subjects are taught in English, with a minority in Vietnamese. The Cambridge Academic Programme International (CAPI) and the Cambridge Academic Programme (CAP) are offered, along with the Cambridge English Programme (CEP). The Cambridge English Programme supports English language development.
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
The school offers bilingual teaching in English and Vietnamese; most subjects are taught in English, with a minority in Vietnamese.
Immersion programs
Immersion programs
—
Immersion programs
—
Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
The school does not publicly disclose information on any awards won by the school.
Awards
The school does not publicly state awards won in the past.
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) Vietnam Australia International School (VAS) states that it is *“the first school in Vietnam recognized as a partner of Cambridge Assessment International Education”* and delivers the Cambridge International Programme across its system, including Ba Thang Hai Campus. This partnership means VAS is authorised to offer Cambridge pathways and examinations such as Primary Checkpoint, Lower Secondary Checkpoint, IGCSE and AS & A Level, with students receiving internationally recognised Cambridge qualifications issued by CAIE.
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. Begin by completing the registration form for your child, which starts their admissions journey from Kindergarten through High School. During this step, you provide basic family and student information so the school can begin processing your inquiry and contact you with next steps. Registration is the official first step that opens access to assessment scheduling and pathway guidance.
2. Once registration is submitted, students are scheduled for placement testing appropriate to their age level. For Kindergarten, this involves a psychological and physical survey, while Primary and Secondary applicants sit tests in English, Vietnamese and Mathematics. Following assessment, the school and family discuss the most suitable learning pathway.
3. After tests and pathway decisions, families complete the formal admissions application, providing required documentation and education history. This includes submitting identification, academic records and any other forms requested by the admissions office. At this stage, families also handle payment of fees such as registration and any deposits. Upon acceptance, the school confirms enrolment and provides information about start dates and next administrative steps.
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
Vietnam Australia International School offers scholarship programmes that recognize academic performance and other student achievements as part of its commitment to supporting student access. There are three main scholarship types available:
* Academic Scholarship Programme: This award is given to students who demonstrate strong academic results in the VAS Entrance and Scholarship Exam. It is open to students entering Grades 1 through 12. * Sport Scholarship Programme: This is available for students who achieve results in recognised sports competitions outside of school. Applicants are assessed based on sporting achievement certificates. * Arts Scholarship Programme: This supports students who demonstrate excellence in arts activities, with eligibility based on arts competition results.
Waitlist
Waitlist
The school does not publicly describe information on waitlist or applicant pool system.
Waitlist
The school does not publicly disclose information on any existing waitlist system.