International School Ho Chi Minh City - Primary Campus vs Vietnam Finland International School

	I International School Ho Chi Minh City - Primary Campus Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam	V Vietnam Finland International School Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year ₫279,000,000 - 747,100,000	Fees / year ₫457,590,000 - 639,240,000
Age range	Age range 2 - 10 years	Age range 6 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), Bespoke Curriculum, Reggio Emilia Approach	Curriculum IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum, Finnish Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 1,400	Pupils 400
Typical class size	Typical class size 23	Typical class size 22
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, Finnish, Vietnamese
Opened	Opened 1993	Opened 2019
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location The Primary Campus is located at 28 Vo Truong Toan, An Khanh, Thu Duc City (formerly District 2), Ho Chi Minh City. The campus sits in a residential area with good access to major districts, and the school has its own bus service covering many parts of the city.	Location VFIS is located at Gate 9, Ton Duc Thang University, 19 Nguyen Huu Tho Street, Tan Hung Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It sits within the university campus in a planned urban district, with accessible transport links and a calm, campus-conducive environment for families relocating.
Stages	Stages The school serves children from Early Years (from age 2) through Primary up to around age 10–11 (Grade 5). It is part of a wider 2–18 years school but this campus focuses on the early to primary years.	Stages The school offers programmes from Grade 1 through to Grade 12, covering primary, lower secondary and upper secondary levels. It delivers both an International Programme (Grades 1–12) and a Bilingual Programme (Grades 1–12).
School type	School type It is a co-educational, day-school.	School type VFIS is a co-educational day school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The school offers Student Support and Enrichment services including tailored programmes for English as an Additional Language (EAL), Learning Support, differentiation and inclusive practices to support individual needs.	Additional learning support VFIS provides English Language Support (EAL) for students whose first language is not English, including foundation courses and grouped support classes. Additionally, the welfare services include a multi-professional team with special education teacher involvement to support student well-being.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school is international with no formal affiliation to a specific national system.	Country affiliation The school is affiliated with Vietnam in that it is located in Vietnam and is part of a Vietnamese public university; additionally it draws on the Finnish education ethos and curriculum standards but is not a Finnish “branch school” in the sense of being governed from Finland.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school has no religious affiliations.	Religious affiliation VFIS does not specify any religious affiliation; it is a secular international school.
School day structure	School day structure While the exact daily times are not detailed on publicly available pages, the school operates a regular day schedule with morning advisory, class blocks, a lunch break and co-curricular activities after lessons.	School day structure On a typical day, the school opens from 7:30 am Monday to Friday, with formal lessons starting at 8:00 am and the main school day ending at 3:15 pm. Lunch and recess together last approximately 45 minutes (at different times depending on grade). After-school extra-curricular and additional classes may continue until about 4:00 pm.
Bus service details	Bus service details The school operates a bus transportation service for students aged 4 years and above, covering many districts of Ho Chi Minh City. For families with children at both campuses, a complimentary shuttle connects Secondary students for single-drop convenience. Buses are operated to school standards with staff trained in child-safeguarding.	Bus service details VFIS offers a dedicated school bus service operated by the school. The service is owned and run by VFIS, uses experienced drivers and monitors, and covers routes within approximately 10 km of the campus. Parents can register via the school’s transport office for pick-up and drop-off.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Admissions Fee The Admissions Fee is required when a student receives an offer of placement and is non-refundable. * Early Explorer to Kindergarten: VND 25,000,000 * Grade 1 to Grade 12: VND 50,000,000 For families with more than one child enrolling, a 50% sibling discount applies to the second and subsequent children. If two or more siblings join at the same time, the youngest child receives the discount. Annual Tuition Fees ISHCMC operates an all-inclusive tuition model that covers the cost of instruction, uniforms, field trips, student devices, and core learning activities. The following are the annual payment option fees: * EE2 (Half Day): VND 279,000,000 * EE2 (Full Day) / EE3: VND 384,400,000 * EE4: VND 499,800,000 * Year 1 / Grade 1–2: VND 681,900,000 * Grade 3–4: VND 727,400,000 * Grade 5: VND 747,100,000 Other payment plans are available by semester or term, though the total amount payable is higher than the annual plan. Additional Fees and Inclusions An Annual Development Fee (ADF) of VND 67,500,000 applies to Grades 1–12. Families may instead purchase a one-time Certificate of Entitlement (COE) at VND 337,500,000, which covers one child’s ADF for the duration of their enrollment. The annual tuition includes all required textbooks, stationery, local excursions, after-school activities, sports programs, English as an Additional Language (EAL) support, wellbeing and counselling services, annual uniform set, and morning fruit snacks. Optional elective activities, overseas trips, and some extended sports programs may incur additional charges. Billing and Payment Terms Invoices are issued annually with the main due date on 1 July 2025. Payments can be made by bank transfer or through company sponsorship arrangements. Families can choose between annual, semester, or term payment plans. Refund Policy The Admissions Fee is non-refundable. Tuition refunds, if applicable, are governed by ISHCMC’s withdrawal and refund policy, which is outlined in the school’s admissions documentation.	Fee details Application Fees Primary applicants (Grades 1–5) pay an application fee of 2,250,000 VND. Secondary and High School applicants (Grades 6–12) pay 4,500,000 VND. This fee covers the entrance assessment and administration and is non-refundable. Tuition Fees International Programme – Annual Tuition (per grade): • Grades 1–5: 457,590,000 VND • Grades 6–7: 499,230,000 VND • Grades 8–10: 525,690,000 VND • Grades 11–12: 639,240,000 VND Term Tuition (per term): • Grades 1–5: Term 1 – 230,620,000 VND; Term 2 – 263,570,000 VND • Grades 6–7: Term 1 – 251,610,000 VND; Term 2 – 287,560,000 VND • Grades 8–10: Term 1 – 264,950,000 VND; Term 2 – 302,800,000 VND • Grades 11–12: Term 1 – 322,180,000 VND; Term 2 – 368,200,000 VND Billing Schedule & Payment Terms All annual tuition or Term 1 fees must be paid before the school year begins; Term 2 tuition must be paid before Term 2 starts. Early full-year payment made before 27 May receives a 10% reduction; payments between 28 May and 16 July receive a 5% reduction. Sibling & Long-Term Reductions Sibling reductions range from 10% (second child) to 20% (fourth child onward). A 3% reduction applies for students enrolled for five or more consecutive years. Other Costs Security deposit: 25,000,000 VND (International Programme). Meals: Primary includes lunch and snack; Secondary and High School include lunch only. Bus service fees vary by distance (5–15 km and Phu My Hung) and by public or private pick-up points. Refund Policies Refunds depend on withdrawal timing, with up to 100% refunded before the school year begins and partial refunds after the year has started. Fee Payment Options Fees may be paid annually or by term through the school’s accepted payment channels (e.g., bank transfer).
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement VFIS has uniforms designed for activities both inside and outside the classroom. There is a separate uniform for PE activities, field trips and traveling. Uniforms are obligatory for every VFISer when arriving at or leaving campus or representing the School off-campus.
Food options	Food options Nutritious lunches are provided on campus; lunchtime is described as a time to refuel and recharge.	Food options VFIS offers daily nutritious, balanced meals for all students in the school canteen. Meals are prepared by an outsourced international catering company that meets Vietnamese Food Safety Requirements and EN ISO 9001:2015 (TUV Austria). The menu provides Western, Asian and vegetarian options, and there are cultural theme weeks during the school year.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The International School Ho Chi Minh City Primary Campus is part of Cognita, a global family of international schools. Cognita provides governance oversight for its schools, and ISHCMC joined Cognita in 2011.	Governance and ownership VFIS operates as a not-for-profit international school under Ton Duc Thang University, a not-for-profit public property independent from businesses.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) Primary Campus delivers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) for students aged 2 to 10 (Early Explorer to Grade 5). The Early Years (ages 2–5) programme is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, encouraging exploration, creativity, and collaboration through play-based, inquiry-led learning. From Grade 1 onward, students continue within the IB PYP framework, developing conceptual understanding across core subjects such as English, mathematics, science, social studies, and the arts. Instruction is in English, with Vietnamese taught as a language subject to promote cultural and linguistic connection. The curriculum also integrates music, visual arts, design technology, and physical education, supported by access to facilities like the Makerspace, Fab Lab, and Primary Library. This foundation prepares students for the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) at ISHCMC’s secondary campus.	Curriculum details Vietnam–Finland International School (VFIS) offers two pathways from Grade 1 to Grade 12: an International Programme and a Bilingual Programme. The International Programme follows the Finnish National Core Curriculum, with Vietnamese language, History, Geography and Ethics added for Vietnamese citizens as required by national regulations. The Bilingual Programme combines Finnish curriculum principles with subjects taught in Vietnamese in alignment with Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training. From Grade 10, students begin a preparatory year leading toward the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP), which is formally offered in Grades 11 and 12. Across all years, students learn English with a structured progression based on Cambridge Assessment English, supported by additional English Language Support where needed. Specialist subjects include arts, crafts, home economics, physical education, and science, reflecting the broad subject areas in the Finnish framework.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar View document	Academic calendar View document
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) promotes social and emotional learning through its “Be Well” model, which focuses on mental, physical, and social wellbeing. Dedicated school counsellors support students individually and in small groups to develop self-awareness, empathy, and positive relationships. SEL themes such as mindfulness, communication, and resilience are integrated into the homeroom and advisory programmes. The Primary Campus also participates in community-wide initiatives like Global Be Well Day, which encourages discussions and activities centred on emotional balance and wellbeing.	Social & emotional learning VFIS supports students’ social and emotional development through its pupil-welfare services, which focus on learning, mental and physical health, and social well-being. The school states that this work is carried out by a multi-professional team that includes psychologists, counsellors, school nurses, and a special education teacher, overseen by the principal. Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) are used to guide student progress and provide structured support. The school also emphasises close collaboration between welfare staff, teachers, and families to ensure that students’ needs are identified and monitored. No additional SEL-specific programmes are publicly described.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) ISHCMC supports students with mild to moderate learning needs through its Learning Support programme. The Learning Support team collaborates with teachers, parents, and students to identify needs early and provide individualised strategies and interventions. Where appropriate, Individualised Learning Plans (ILPs) are developed to guide support within the classroom. The school provides assistance for a range of learning differences but is not a specialist SEN institution and does not provide extensive support for severe or complex needs.	Special educational needs (SEN) VFIS has a special education teacher as part of its welfare services, indicating that the school offers some level of SEN support. The welfare team includes professionals such as psychologists and counsellors who may also contribute to supporting students with additional needs. However, the school does not publicly specify which categories of SEN it can accommodate, nor does it describe specialised SEN programmes or facilities. There is no indication that VFIS is a specialist SEN institution. The available information confirms only that SEN support exists but does not detail its scope.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language Students whose first language is not English receive targeted support through the English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme. Specialist EAL teachers assess students’ English proficiency and provide both in-class and small-group instruction to help them access the mainstream curriculum. The programme emphasises language development in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Collaboration between classroom teachers and EAL staff ensures that language support is integrated across subjects.	English as an additional language VFIS provides structured English Language Support for students who require additional help. New students are assessed upon entry, and those who need support complete a compulsory foundation course, often held in the summer. During the school year, students may be placed into English support groups based on their proficiency level, with progress reviewed at the end of each semester. Additional English classes are available as paid programmes. This is the only EAL-related provision the school publicly describes.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Student wellbeing is supported through a comprehensive programme combining pastoral care, counselling, and health services. The Primary Campus includes a wellness centre staffed by trained medical and wellbeing professionals. Mindfulness activities and safe spaces, such as quiet reflection areas, are used to help students manage emotions and reduce stress. The school also organises wellbeing workshops for parents and runs awareness initiatives promoting balanced, healthy lifestyles.	Mental wellbeing The school’s welfare services state a commitment to promoting students’ mental and physical health as part of overall well-being. Psychologists and counsellors are included in the welfare team, indicating that professional mental-health support is available on campus. The emphasis on individual guidance and collaboration between staff and families is positioned as part of this support. Beyond these core services, the school does not publicly detail additional mental-wellbeing programmes, therapy services, or structured interventions.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding ISHCMC maintains clear safeguarding and child protection policies to ensure the safety of all students. Each campus designates Safeguarding Leads who oversee training, reporting, and the implementation of protective measures. All staff undergo background checks and child protection training before working with students. The school campus includes controlled entry systems, 24-hour security, and monitored visitor access, with safety protocols applied to all school activities and excursions.	Safeguarding VFIS publicly describes its welfare services team but does not publish a dedicated safeguarding or child-protection policy on its website. There is no publicly available information about staff safeguarding training, reporting procedures, or child-protection frameworks. As such, apart from the presence of counsellors and psychologists, the school does not disclose further safeguarding provisions.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The Primary Campus is located at 28 Vo Truong Toan, An Khanh, Ho Chi Minh City. It features an award-winning Primary Library, a Fab Lab, a Makerspace, food tech rooms, a film studio, and dedicated art rooms to support inquiry-based learning. Collaborative learning spaces with wide corridors and breakout areas support group work and individualized study. The gym, adventure playground, a 25-meter six-lane pool, and outdoor courts provide space for movement and play.	Facilities overview VFIS is located on Ton Duc Thang University's main campus. The building has a basement and three floors plus a roof, with a total construction area over 50,000 m2 on a 5-hectare site within TDTU's main campus. The facilities were designed by Finnish architects to reflect Finnish education principles and learning approaches. The learning environment aims to enable the joy of learning, support thinking and learning to learn, develop transversal skills through multidisciplinary modules, and promote communal knowledge. Open Learning spaces, Flexible Classrooms, Modern Practical Rooms, an Inspiration Library, and Outdoor Open Space form the core learning environments, while the campus integrates with Ton Duc Thang University facilities to support independent and collaborative study.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The Primary Campus has a gym, an adventure playground, a 25-meter six-lane pool, and outdoor courts for physical education and sports activities.	Sports facilities Outdoor Open Space is listed as a VFIS facility.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The Primary Campus houses the Primary Library, Fab Lab, Makerspace, food tech rooms, a film studio, and dedicated art rooms to support inquiry-based learning. Collaborative learning spaces with wide corridors and breakout areas facilitate group work and independent study.	Academic facilities VFIS offers two programmes from Primary through Upper Secondary: International and Bilingual. The Finnish National Core Curriculum provides the framework for the International and Bilingual programmes, with local adaptations. The International Programme is taught in English by Finnish and international teachers, and upper secondary follows the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme with a Grade 10 IB preparatory year. The Bilingual Programme integrates Finnish and Vietnamese curricula, with Vietnamese as the main language of instruction and selected subjects taught in English. The English-language program is developed on the Cambridge English framework and aims for CEFR level B2 (IELTS 6.5) at graduation. VFIS became an IB World School in 2021 and offers the IB Diploma Programme in Grades 11-12. The school operates under Ton Duc Thang University.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Primary School offers 95+ after-school activities in state-of-the-art ECA facilities and 26+ programs in the IPAA (ISHCMC Performing Arts Academy). ASAs run in two sessions per semester, with each session lasting six to eight weeks. Activities include Claymation, Kungfu, Violin, Mad Scientist, Skating, Graffiti, Sewing, Magic, Chess, Taekwondo, String Ensemble, Choir, Calligraphy, Mindfulness, and Primary Production. IPAA provides 26+ performing arts programs as part of ISHCMC's arts offerings.	Extra curricular facilities VFIS offers co-curricular opportunities including visual arts, organised clubs, and Model United Nations.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History The International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) was founded in 1993, making it the first international school established in Ho Chi Minh City. It began as a small institution serving the growing expatriate community and has since expanded into a full International Baccalaureate (IB) World School offering education from Early Years to Grade 12. ISHCMC is part of the Cognita Group, an international network of over 100 schools worldwide. Over the past three decades, the school has developed two campuses — Primary and Secondary — to accommodate its growing student population and curriculum expansion.	History VFIS was established under Decision No. 5834/QD-HCMC by the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee on 7 November 2016 and operates as a non-profit institution affiliated with Ton Duc Thang University. The school opened its first academic year in August 2019 under the Finnish-inspired educational model. Initially serving Grades 1–9, it has since expanded to cover higher secondary levels and runs both International and Bilingual programmes.
Community	Community The ISHCMC community includes families from more than 50 nationalities, reflecting a diverse and inclusive international environment. The school regularly organises community events such as International Day, Global Be Well Day, and Sports Festivals that bring students, staff, and parents together. Cultural celebrations, including Tet (Vietnamese New Year) and other international holidays, are integrated into the calendar to foster intercultural understanding.	Community The VFIS community brings together students, teachers and families from diverse cultural backgrounds and hosts regular events such as the back-to-school Orientation Day, where new students and parents meet their teachers and peers. The school also organises cross-cultural programmes including the Finnish Education Expo, which invites Finnish school representatives and parents to explore study pathway options. These activities aim to foster inclusive relationships among stakeholders and strengthen the school’s collaborative, multicultural ethos.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association At ISHCMC, the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) plays an important role in building community and supporting student life. The PTO is composed of elected parent and faculty representatives who collaborate closely with the school’s leadership team. It helps organise major community events such as the Family Fun Night, International Festival, and Celebration of Cultures, which bring together families from across the school. The PTO also runs welcome activities for new families, coffee mornings, and social gatherings that promote connection and inclusion within the school community. In addition, it coordinates volunteer opportunities and fundraising initiatives that contribute to school programmes and local community projects.	Parent teacher association The school website does not publicly provide detailed information about a specific Parent Teacher Association (PTA) structure, groups or regular files of activities labelled as a “PTA”. Therefore, the existence of a formal PTA with named committees, events or parent-led groups is not clearly disclosed on the school’s public materials.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school operates on two campuses: Primary Campus at 28 Vo Truong Toan, An Khanh, Ho Chi Minh City, and Secondary Campus at 1 Xuan Thuy, An Khanh, Ho Chi Minh City. The school is an IB World School for children aged 2–18 and offers the IB continuum from Early Years through Diploma. The Primary Campus serves ages 2–11 (Early Years to Grade 5) and the Secondary Campus serves Grades 6–12.	Academic & intellectual VFIS is an IB World School authorized in 2021 to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The curriculum blends the Finnish core curriculum with Vietnamese values and uses a research-based, learner-centered pedagogy. In the international program, students study 180 days and there are no standardized tests. VFIS offers two educational programs, International Programme and Bilingual Programme, for Grades 1–12, aligned with Finnish education standards to develop global citizenship.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The Primary Campus features facilities for the arts, including a dedicated art program, a library, a film studio, and maker spaces. The Secondary Campus provides theatre and music spaces, recording studios, and design suites to support arts and creative learning.	Arts & creative VFIS emphasizes arts and creative pursuits as part of the learning experience. Drama is taught in Grades 8–9 using active learning methods. Psychology is offered to Pre-IB students (Grade 10) and in the IB Diploma Programme. Rainbow Hour supports creativity and well-being as part of VFIS study.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The school serves a diverse community with students from 60+ nationalities, fostering global perspectives across campuses. Language support programs are offered to assist English language learners, including EAL and an Intensive English Language Program (IELP) for Grades 6–7.	Cultural & language VFIS offers International and Bilingual Programmes for Grades 1–12, with 15 nationalities represented. The Bilingual Programme includes Vietnamese language instruction; International Programme assessments are conducted in English and Bilingual Programme assessments are conducted in English and Vietnamese. VFIS operates within Ton Duc Thang University and emphasizes cross-cultural understanding and international-mindedness.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Both campuses offer after-school and co-curricular activities aligned with the IB framework, including arts, sports, and leadership programs integrated across the continuum.	Social & hobbies Student life includes events such as STEM Robotics Experience Day, the Finnish Culture & Education Experience Day, and Vietnamese Teachers' Day. The school hosts the VFIS Mathcounts Challenge and a Career Guidance & Study Abroad Fair. Upcoming events include VFIS Tet Fair 2026 on February 5, 2026, a School Tour & Information Day on January 31, 2026, and a Finnish performance exchange with the Imatra Big Band on January 16, 2026.
Community & service	Community & service The school is part of the Cognita family of schools, sharing global networks and wellbeing initiatives across Cognita and ISHCMC.	Community & service VFIS is the first Finnish international school in Southeast Asia and is a not-for-profit international school belonging to Ton Duc Thang University, a public autonomous university in Vietnam. VFIS pursues sustainable human development and aims to be a world-class learning community. Scholarships are available for current VFIS students (Grades 9–12) and new students (Grades 2–12), covering 25%–50% of tuition; selection is by the Scholarship Committee. Scholarships apply to tuition fees only and do not cover other fees.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional ISHCMC provides a structured IB pathway with dedicated college and university counseling as part of its academic program, supporting student transitions to higher education.	Leadership & professional VFIS has a leadership team led by the Head of School, Ms. Miekk-Oja Suvi Kristiina, and emphasizes Finnish standards and teacher autonomy. Teachers are encouraged to engage in continuous professional development. The school hosts Career Guidance & Study Abroad Fair to support student leadership and future planning.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The campuses emphasize wellbeing as part of the Cognita approach, with a culture of care and resources to support students' social and emotional development.	Lifestyle & wellbeing VFIS emphasizes peace and happiness, with a learning approach that avoids excessive pressure or competition in the international program. The campus features Finnish-designed facilities, flexible classrooms, and open spaces to support well-being and safe growth. The school promotes meals, physical education, and mindfulness as part of student life.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision Languages taught in World Language classes include Vietnamese, Mandarin, Spanish, and English as an Additional Language (EAL). EAL support is provided across all levels from Early Years through Secondary and is delivered in collaboration with classroom teachers to build English proficiency while ensuring access to the IB curriculum. An Intensive English Language Program (IELP) is available for Grades 6–7 to accelerate English for success in the Secondary School, with 20-week or 40-week options and alignment to the Middle Years Programme. The language program also reports strong outcomes, including 57% bilingual IB Diploma achievement and $56M in scholarships in 2025, indicating language and academic strength.	Language provision The International Programme is taught in English by Finnish and international teachers. Vietnamese language and social studies are compulsory within the International Programme and Vietnamese is the main language of instruction in the Bilingual Programme, with selected subjects delivered in English. The English-language component follows Cambridge Assessment English framework and aims for CEFR level B2 (IELTS 6.5) by graduation.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching VFIS offers two programmes from Primary through Upper Secondary: the International Programme and the Bilingual Programme. The International Programme is taught in English by Finnish and international teachers and follows the Finnish National Core Curriculum with local adaptations; upper secondary students pursue the IB Diploma Programme in Grades 11-12 with an IB preparatory year in Grade 10. The Bilingual Programme provides an integrated Finnish and Vietnamese curriculum; Vietnamese is the main language of instruction, with selected subjects delivered in English. The English-language component uses the Cambridge framework and aims for CEFR level B2 by graduation.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards * Cognita Holistic Education Award (2024): Presented by the Cognita Group in recognition of ISHCMC’s “Positive ISHCMC” wellbeing framework, which supports students’ personal and emotional growth.	Awards VFIS does not publicly disclose any institutional awards given directly to the school in the last five years.
Accreditations	Accreditations * Council of International Schools (CIS): An international organisation that evaluates schools worldwide to ensure they meet high standards in teaching, learning, and student wellbeing. * New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC): A US-based accrediting body that recognises educational institutions committed to continuous improvement and quality assurance. * International Baccalaureate (IB) World School: Authorised to offer the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP), ensuring globally recognised academic standards. * East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS): A network of international schools in East Asia that promotes collaboration and professional development among educators. * South East Asia Student Activities Conference (SEASAC): A regional association that provides opportunities for student participation in inter-school sports, arts, and cultural events.	Accreditations International Baccalaureate (IB) World School – Diploma Programme: VFIS is authorised to offer the IB Diploma Programme for Grades 11–12. This accreditation confirms that the school meets the International Baccalaureate Organization’s standards for delivering the programme. Establishment Approval by the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee: The school was formally established under an official government decision in 2016. This authorisation recognises the school as an approved educational institution within Vietnam’s national regulatory framework.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Online Application Parents begin by completing the online application form on the ISHCMC website. This form collects details about the student, their previous education, and family background. No payment is required at this stage. 2. Document Submission Applicants must provide supporting documents including a copy of the student’s passport or birth certificate, passport-sized photo, and the last two years of school reports. A recommendation form is required for Grades 1–12, while Early Years applicants submit a teacher reference. Incomplete applications cannot proceed. 3. Assessment Once the application and documents are received, the student is invited for an age-appropriate assessment. This may include English language evaluations, cognitive tasks, and a review of learning readiness. For Primary students, the assessment also determines the need for EAL or Learning Support. 4. Admission Decision and Offer Applications are reviewed by the relevant section principal. If successful, the school issues a formal offer letter. Parents confirm acceptance by signing the Parent Agreement and paying the non-refundable Admissions Fee. 5. Enrolment and Orientation After acceptance, families complete medical and health forms and submit vaccination records. The school then schedules an orientation to introduce new students and parents to campus routines, teachers, and school life.	Admissions 1. Submit Application & Required Documents Parents begin by completing the application form and submitting the required documents to the Admissions Office. These documents typically include school records, identification documents, and the application fee. The school reviews the documents to determine the child’s eligibility to move to the next step. Parents are informed if any additional paperwork is needed. 2. Entrance Assessment & Interview VFIS requires an entrance assessment for all applicants. The assessment may include academic testing and an interview, depending on the year group and programme. Assessment scheduling is arranged by the Admissions Office after the application is processed. Families receive instructions on preparation, location, and required materials. 3. Review of Results & Placement Decision The school evaluates the entrance assessment results, academic history, and programme suitability. Based on this review, VFIS determines whether the applicant is eligible for placement. Parents are notified of the decision by the Admissions Office. Applicants who meet requirements may proceed to enrollment if space is available. 4. Offer Letter & Acceptance If the student is accepted, VFIS issues an official Offer Letter. Parents must confirm acceptance within the timeframe described by the school. The offer outlines the programme, grade placement, and next administrative steps. Failure to respond on time may result in the offer being withdrawn. 5. Payment of Security Deposit & Fees To secure the place, parents must pay the required security deposit and tuition fee according to the school’s payment schedule. Payment confirms the student’s seat for the upcoming academic year. The security deposit policies differ for returning and new students, as stated on the fees page. Parents receive confirmation once payment is completed. 6. Enrollment Completion & Orientation After payment, families complete remaining administrative steps such as uniform purchase, student card registration, and health-related requirements. The school informs parents of orientation dates and the start of term procedures. Enrollment is considered complete once all steps are fulfilled. Students then join their assigned class at the beginning of the school year.
Scholarships	Scholarships The school does not publicly disclose any scholarship or bursary programme on its website. All students are subject to the standard admissions and tuition fee policies.	Scholarships VFIS offers scholarships to students based on academic performance, assessment results, and other eligibility criteria defined by the school. Applicants may be required to sit scholarship-specific assessments, and results determine scholarship levels. Scholarships can cover a percentage of tuition fees, and conditions include maintaining academic performance and school conduct. Scholarship policies also clarify that tuition refunds for scholarship recipients are calculated after applying scholarship reductions. Detailed criteria, required documents, and application timelines are provided on the school’s scholarship page.
Waitlist	Waitlist The school does not publicly state that it operates a waitlist or pool system.	Waitlist The school does not publicly disclose the use of a waitlist or pool system.
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