Japanese International School Hanoi vs Singapore International School - Gamuda Gardens
Japanese International School Hanoi and Singapore International School - Gamuda Gardens are both in Hanoi, about 11 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge A Levels programmes. Japanese International School Hanoi also offers Cambridge International AS Levels, EYFS and Japanese, and Singapore International School - Gamuda Gardens also offers Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary) and Singapore. Published annual fees are ₫150,000,000 - 400,000,000 at Japanese International School Hanoi and ₫110,165,000 - 626,014,000 at Singapore International School - Gamuda Gardens, which puts Singapore International School - Gamuda Gardens roughly 34% higher. Both take pupils from 3 to 18. Typical class sizes are 26 at Japanese International School Hanoi and 20 at Singapore International School - Gamuda Gardens.
JIS is located at 84A Nguyễn Thanh Bình, phường Vạn Phúc, quận Hà Đông, Hà Nội, Vietnam. The campus sits within the Hà Đông district of Hanoi and is accessible via road.
Location
Singapore International School @ Gamuda Gardens is situated on Gamuda Gardens 2 Road within the Gamuda Gardens urban township in Hoang Mai District, Hanoi. The area is a planned residential neighbourhood with direct access to major roads such as Phap Van. Families living in surrounding districts can reach the campus by car or school bus. The setting is residential and quiet, with amenities located within the wider township.
Stages
Stages
JIS provides a full through-school experience from Early Years / Kindergarten, through Primary, through Lower Secondary (Middle School), to Upper Secondary (High School / Grade 12). For preschool (mầm non), there are different streams including Japanese Programme, Cambridge International Programme and a Bilingual Programme.
Stages
The school offers education from Pre-Nursery through Year 12, covering Early Years, Primary, Lower Secondary, IGCSE, and A/AS Level stages. Students may enter either the Integrated Programme or the International Programme from Primary onward. Kindergarten levels are offered through both integrated and international pathways.
School type
School type
JIS is co-educational (boys and girls attend together). The school also offers boarding (residential) facilities for students from primary level upwards.
School type
SIS Gamuda Gardens is a co-educational day school. It does not provide boarding facilities. Programmes are available in both English-medium and bilingual formats depending on level and track.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
The school does not publicly disclose information on additional learning support.
Additional learning support
The school does not publicly disclose any specialised provision for Additional Learning Needs or Special Educational Needs. No SEN teams, dedicated centres, or formal support structures are mentioned by the school.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Japanese International School Hanoi is affiliated with Japan, it follows the Japanese education model as part of its offer, alongside international curricula.
Country affiliation
The school is part of the Singapore International School system operated by KinderWorld Vietnam. It has no formal national affiliation, though its curriculum draws on Singapore and Cambridge frameworks.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliations.
Religious affiliation
The school is part of the Singapore International School system operated by KinderWorld Vietnam. It has no formal national affiliation, though its curriculum draws on Singapore and Cambridge frameworks.
School day structure
School day structure
The school does not publicly disclose information on day structure.
School day structure
The school does not publicly provide its timetable or daily schedule. Start times, break times, and dismissal times are not disclosed.
Bus service details
Bus service details
Japanese International School provides bus service for families.
Bus service details
A school transportation service is available, with home pick-up and drop-off options offered. Details of routes, timings, and fees are available directly from the campus office, and the service is listed as optional in the school’s fee documentation.
Tuition Fees • Kindergarten: 150,000,000 VND/year (75,000,000 VND per semester) • Primary (Grades 1–5): 240,000,000 VND/year (120,000,000 VND per semester). • Lower Secondary (Grades 6–9): 260,000,000 VND/year (130,000,000 VND per semester). • Upper Secondary (Grades 10–12): 280,000,000 VND/year (140,000,000 VND per semester). • Cambridge IGCSE Pathway: 338,000,000 VND/year (169,000,000 VND per semester). • Cambridge AS & A Level: 400,000,000 VND/year (200,000,000 VND per semester).
Boarding Fees • Boarding (for students aged 6 and up): 8,000,000 VND/month. This includes room, utilities, meals (breakfast & dinner weekdays; three meals on weekends) and evening study support.
Other Costs & Fees • Meals: Charged daily by age group • Uniforms & Learning Materials: – Kindergarten: ~1,860,000 VND to cover uniforms and class materials. – Grades 1–12: ~3,920,000 VND for uniforms and ~2,500,000 VND for basic learning materials; Health insurance ~800,000 VND for students aged 6+. • School Bus Services: Fees vary by distance and are paid monthly; sibling discounts apply.
Billing Schedule & Payment Terms • Payment Deadlines: Tuition must be paid before each semester’s start. Early full-year payment qualifies for a 5% or 2% discount depending on timing. • Sibling Discounts: 5% off tuition for two children; 10–15% for three or more siblings.
Refund & Cancellation Policy • If withdrawing within Semester 1, parents may receive a refund for Semester 2 tuition paid, after discounts are applied. This is provided that the school receives written withdrawal notice at least 60 days before the semester end. • Refunds for bus and boarding fees are prorated by unused months after a 7-day written notice.
Payment Options • Fees can be paid annually or by semester, with discounts for early full-year payment. Payments are typically made by bank transfer to the school’s account.
Fee details
Application Fees A Placement Test Fee of VND 2,940,000 is required for all new students. Registration fees vary by programme, with the International Programme charged at VND 21,500,000, the Integrated Programme at VND 8,600,000, the International Kindergarten at VND 6,450,000, and the Integrated Kindergarten at VND 3,225,000. A refundable deposit is required for enrolment, ranging from VND 11,000,000 to VND 26,000,000 depending on programme and level. Refund conditions are based on the school’s withdrawal procedures, though these are not detailed in the fee documents.
Tuition Fees (Per Year)
International Programme Year 1–3: VND 498,380,000 Year 4–5: VND 500,688,000 Year 6: VND 502,288,000 Year 7–8: VND 527,608,000 Year 9–10 (IGCSE): VND 587,479,000 A/AS Level Year 1: VND 598,515,000 A/AS Level Year 2: VND 626,014,000
International Kindergarten Programme PN–Nursery (Full Day): VND 280,615,000 K1–K2 (Full Day): VND 280,615,000 Preparatory (Full Day): VND 358,797,000 Half-day options with or without lunch are available at reduced rates.
Fees are billed by term as follows: Term 1: 35% Term 2: 25% Term 3: 25% Term 4: 15% Kindergarten fees are divided equally at 25% each term.
Additional Fees Uniforms, stationery, book packs, e-learning, meals (except where included for full-day Kindergarten), and insurance are charged separately. Families are also responsible for any additional costs related to camps, outdoor activities, field trips, and other school-based programmes. Fees for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) may apply depending on student requirements.
Transportation Fees A school bus service is available with home pick-up and drop-off. Transport fees vary depending on location and are provided directly by the school’s transport office. All buses operate with supervision, and the service is optional.
Refund Policy Deposits are refundable; however, specific notice periods or refund conditions are not outlined in the fee annexes. No additional refund policies are provided.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
The school has on-site boarding facilities for students.
Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
The school has a uniform policy requiring students to wear school uniforms.
Uniform requirement
Uniforms are required: a daily dress uniform, a PE uniform, and a winter uniform. The female uniform consists of a logo blouse with a grey skirt or grey pants, grey tights, and enclosed shoes in black, grey, or white. The male uniform consists of a logo shirt with grey pants and enclosed shoes in black, grey, or white. A unisex sports uniform is also worn for physical education. Uniform costs are available through enrolment staff.
Food options
Food options
Meals are provided on campus for all students and staff, with fresh produce grown in an on-site garden used in meals.
Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
The school is part of the Japanese International School network operated by ECS Group (ecsgroup.com.vn).
Governance and ownership
The school is governed under the KinderWorld Education Governance Model and is part of the KinderWorld Education Group. It operates two Gamuda Gardens campuses: KIK @ Gamuda Gardens and SIS @ Gamuda Gardens. The site lists affiliated schools in Vietnam and Singapore as part of the KinderWorld network.
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Japanese International School offers a blend of Japanese education and international programmes from early years through secondary school. At the early years and primary level, students can follow the Japan International Program (JIP), where Japanese teachers deliver core subjects based on Japanese curriculum approaches, with added Vietnamese literacy and English learning integrated as appropriate.
Secondary students continue in the Japanese International Program with deeper study in science and other core areas, or they may pursue pathways that prepare for both Vietnamese high school graduation and potential study in Japan.
Alongside the Japanese curriculum, JIS also offers the Cambridge International Programme for students progressing toward IGCSE and Cambridge AS & A Level qualifications, providing internationally recognised assessments in secondary years.
Together these pathways cover fundamental subjects across all ages and culminate in recognized secondary qualifications suited to further education in Vietnam, Japan or globally.
Curriculum details
Singapore International School @ Gamuda Gardens offers two pathways: the Integrated Programme and the International Programme. The Integrated Programme combines Vietnamese national curriculum subjects with English-medium components based on the Singapore curriculum, covering core areas such as Mathematics, Science, ICT, and English alongside Vietnamese Literature and Social Studies. The International Programme follows the Singapore curriculum in Primary and transitions to the Cambridge Primary and Cambridge Lower Secondary frameworks from Year 1 to Year 8. Students then progress to Cambridge IGCSE in Years 9 and 10, followed by Cambridge A/AS Levels in Years 11 and 12. Both pathways include additional subjects such as Physical Education, Arts, ICT, and character and life-skills programmes depending on year group. Instruction is delivered in English for the International Programme and in a bilingual format for the Integrated Programme.
JIS offers a subject called Wellbeing as part of the Cambridge International Programme, where students explore how emotions change in response to events and learn skills for understanding and managing feelings. In school news, it’s described that students work on emotional self-management and social skills such as conflict resolution and teamwork through these lessons. This subject is positioned within the curriculum to support students’ emotional and social skill development. However, information about additional SEL staff roles or broader policy support is not publicly available.
Social & emotional learning
The school includes a values-based element in its curriculum through a Virtues Programme, which focuses on building students’ interpersonal skills and positive behaviour. Students also participate in activities such as Student Council, which helps develop cooperation and leadership. Outdoor education experiences, offered from upper primary through secondary levels, provide additional opportunities for teamwork and social development. These activities contribute to students’ social growth alongside their academic learning. Beyond these programmes, the school does not publish further information regarding dedicated SEL staff or specialist SEL frameworks.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
The school does not publicly disclose information on SEN.
Special educational needs (SEN)
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding SEN support. There is no available information about specialist staff, dedicated SEN services, or accommodations for specific learning needs. The website does not state whether the school supports particular types of Special Educational Needs. There is also no indication that it is a specialist SEN institution. Based on publicly available material, no structured SEN provision can be confirmed.
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
The school does not publicly disclose information on EAL availability.
English as an additional language
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding EAL. There is no mention of dedicated EAL teachers, transition programmes, or structured English-language support for non-native speakers. The Integrated and International Programmes both include English instruction, but no additional language-support system is described. As such, the extent of EAL provision cannot be verified from available information.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
The school does not publicly disclose detail specific in-school mental health programmes, counselling services or designated wellbeing staff.
Mental wellbeing
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding mental-health or counselling services. There is no mention of school counsellors, wellbeing officers, or formal mental-health initiatives. The school does offer outdoor education and character-building activities, but these are not described as mental-health programmes. No structured mental-wellbeing provision can be confirmed from publicly available sources.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
The school does not publicly disclose information on their children safeguarding policy.
Safeguarding
The school does not publicly disclose information regarding safeguarding or child-protection policies. No documentation is provided about reporting procedures, staff training, or school-wide safety frameworks. There are no published safeguarding statements or policy summaries. Based on available information, formal safeguarding structures cannot be verified.
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
The school sits on 1.6 hectares at 84A Nguyễn Thanh Bình, Hà Đông, Hanoi, and is divided into three modern zones: Kindergarten–Primary, Secondary, and Physical Education. It features a modern range of spaces including a library, science laboratories, an art room, sewing room, cooking facilities, a gym, a four-season saltwater swimming pool, a large multipurpose hall, several mini football fields, tennis courts, a large basketball court, a table-tennis room, and a piano classroom with a Hoffmann piano. The four-season saltwater pool uses salt electrolysis and an advanced water treatment system. The rooftop garden spans over 2,000 square meters on the Kindergarten–Primary building, and a 2-hectare organic farm provides fresh produce for meals and supports experiential learning. A 12-story dormitory houses foreign teachers and staff on campus. The library contains more than 10,000 books for reading and research.
Facilities overview
The school operates on a Gamuda Gardens campus and provides spaces to support learning and student life. The facilities support classroom instruction, administration, and school activities.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
For physical education, the school offers a four-season saltwater swimming pool, a gym, mini football fields, tennis courts, a large basketball court, and a table tennis room. A large hall supports sports activities and events. The swimming pool uses salt electrolysis and modern water treatment. The campus provides a variety of outdoor and indoor spaces to support PE and sport-related activities.
Sports facilities
The school provides facilities for physical education and sports as part of the School Life program. These facilities support a range of PE and athletic activities.
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
Academic facilities include a library with over 10,000 books, science laboratories for chemistry, physics, and biology, and specialty rooms for art, sewing, and cooking. There is a modern piano classroom, and piano lessons are available for students from Grade 1. The facilities support hands-on and project-based learning across disciplines.
Academic facilities
The school has academic facilities to support the International Programme and Integrated Programme across Pre-School to Senior High School.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
From Grade 1, students receive piano lessons in a dedicated piano classroom. The rooftop garden and the on-site organic farm provide practical, hands-on learning opportunities in agriculture, nutrition, and sustainability. The library supports reading programs and research for projects and extended learning beyond core classes. Swimming is part of the school's physical education offerings and uses the year-round saltwater pool.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra Curricular Activities are offered as part of School Life. These activities provide opportunities for students to engage beyond academics.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
Japanese International School (JIS) in Hanoi was established in 2016 and operates as a through-school from early years (mầm non) through to upper secondary. The school follows Japanese education model combined with international curriculum elements. It serves as part of broader educational offerings including multiple campuses (Hanoi and Hai Duong).
The school is structured to support long-term educational progression, linking cultural and academic exchange between Vietnam and the Japanese education context.
History
Singapore International School @ Gamuda Gardens opened in December 2015 as part of the KinderWorld International Group, a private education provider operating schools across Vietnam. The campus was established to expand the group’s Singapore- and Cambridge-based education model within Hanoi’s Gamuda Gardens residential township. As with all campuses in the group, ownership and management fall under KinderWorld Vietnam, which oversees curriculum pathways, staffing, and school-wide operations. The school has continued to develop its Integrated and International programmes since its opening, though no further historical milestones are publicly documented.
Community
Community
The school community engages students and families in cultural exchange activities, such as regular cultural and learning exchanges with students from Japan, which help learners practice language and broaden cultural understanding.
Community events include parent participation days, such as “Parent Visit Day,” where families attend classes and participate in activities with their children.
Community
The school community includes students across Kindergarten, Primary, and Secondary levels within both the Integrated and International pathways. The campus organises cultural and community events throughout the year, such as celebrations, outdoor education activities, and student-led initiatives. Events often involve collaboration between staff and students, creating opportunities for participation across different age groups. Beyond these activities, the school does not publish a detailed list of annual community events.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
The school does not publicly disclose information related to PTA.
Parent teacher association
The school does not publicly disclose information about a Parent Teacher Association or any formal parent-school organisation. There is no available documentation describing PTA membership, roles, events, or activities. The school also does not publish details about parent-led groups, committees, or volunteer opportunities. As a result, no structured PTA framework can be confirmed from publicly available sources. If such a group exists, its operations are not described on the school’s public platforms.
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
The Cambridge International Programme is taught in English from Early Years through Cambridge Primary to IGCSE and A Level. Learning and assessment follow Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) guidelines. The program includes core subjects such as Mathematics, Science, English, Global Perspectives, Computer Science, ICT, Economics, and Art.
Academic & intellectual
The International Programme runs from Pre-Nursery to Senior High and includes an Integrated Programme option. The Cambridge International Examinations framework is used in the upper grades with Cambridge IGCSE and AS/A Level options. English is the language of instruction, and a bilingual pathway is offered across the International and bilingual programmes. The curriculum includes English, Mathematics, and Science as core academic areas, with Chinese and Vietnamese language components and a focus on information technology and STEM.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
Arts (Mỹ thuật) is included as a Cambridge subject within the curriculum.
Arts & creative
The Cambridge IGCSE includes Arts and Design among the subjects offered.
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
Japanese is taught by native Japanese teachers, and students are immersed in a multicultural environment.
Cultural & language
English is the primary language of instruction, with a bilingual pathway available; the curriculum includes Chinese and Vietnamese language components as part of the international program, and a bilingual option exists across programmes.
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
Students in the Cambridge pathway have opportunities to participate in academic competitions, enrichment activities, and international events.
Social & hobbies
Outward Bound Vietnam is integrated into the curriculum for Year 4 upwards, delivering outdoor education that develops teamwork, leadership, independence, and communication. Overseas Study opportunities include study tours to Malaysia and Singapore, and an immersion programme in the United States to enhance language proficiency and cultural exposure.
Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
The Find Your Ikigai program connects career orientation with character education, supporting students as they explore talents, interests, and future study paths.
Leadership & professional
Outward Bound fosters leadership, responsibility and accountability. Study tours and the Elmhurst University immersion programme develop soft skills, global awareness, and professional dispositions.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
The education framework centers on three pillars—physical, spiritual, and learning—and emphasizes ethics, discipline, and a respectful, Japanese-influenced school culture.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Outdoor education experiences build confidence, resilience and teamwork, while overseas study experiences expand personal growth and cultural understanding.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Japanese language is taught by Japanese teachers as part of the school's programs. Teaching and assessment in the Cambridge program are conducted under Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) guidelines. The school emphasizes a multicultural environment to support language development and international-mindedness.
Language provision
English is the primary language of instruction in the Integrated Programme, particularly at Pre-School. From Primary to Year 9, instruction combines the Vietnamese MOET Curriculum with international content, with English emphasized across subjects. Chinese and Vietnamese are offered as language subjects across the programmes.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
The Integrated Programme is conducted in English at the Pre-School level. From Primary to Year 9, instruction combines the Vietnamese MOET curriculum with international learning areas. Vietnamese language (MOET) and Chinese language are offered as part of the curriculum.
Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
The school does not publish a list of formal awards received by the institution.
Awards
The school does not publish any information indicating that it has received institutional awards.
Accreditations
Accreditations
Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) JIS is authorised to deliver the Cambridge International Programme, including IGCSE and AS & A Level qualifications. This allows the school to register students for Cambridge examinations and follow Cambridge curriculum frameworks.
Japanese-model Education Programme JIS states that it is *“the only school in Vietnam following the Japanese education model”*, indicating educational alignment with Japanese curricular structures and teaching approaches. While this is a curricular affiliation rather than a formal accreditation body, it is a defined institutional framework that shapes teaching and learning at the school.
Accreditations
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) The school is accredited by WASC, a U.S.-based regional accrediting body that evaluates schools on quality assurance and ongoing improvement. This accreditation indicates that the school meets established international standards of governance, teaching, and operations.
Cambridge Assessment International Education The school is registered to deliver Cambridge programmes, allowing it to offer Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge A/AS Level qualifications. This accreditation enables students to obtain internationally recognised secondary and pre-university credentials.
Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board (SEAB) Pathway Through its network, the school is authorised to administer Singapore curriculum–aligned assessments such as the International Primary School Examination (iPSLE). This provides students with access to a recognised Singapore-based academic benchmark.
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. Step 1: Gather Information Parents begin by learning about JIS through the school’s published materials, online information, consultations with the admissions office, or direct visits. This includes understanding the learning environment, curriculum options (e.g., Japanese, Cambridge and linked programmes), teaching methods, staff, facilities, and financial policies before applying.
2. Step 2: Submit a Registration Form Parents must complete the online registration form on the school’s website. This form asks for details such as the student’s name, birthdate, current class, and parent contact information.
3. Step 3: Pay the Registration Fee After registering, parents are required to pay a registration fee of 5,000,000 VND per student. The fee is transferred to the school’s designated bank account.
4. Step 4: Schedule the Admissions Interview/Test Once the registration fee is confirmed, the admissions office schedules a selection interview or test session. These are held on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, with different time slots for Kindergarten versus Primary/Secondary levels.
5. Step 5: Attend the Assessment Day On the day of admission, parents and students participate in the selection process. For Kindergarten, parents and children attend the interview together; for Primary, the child participates with a parent present for a psychological skills check. For Secondary (THCS/THPT), the student completes their assessment independently.
6. Step 6: Receive Results After the assessment, the school notifies families of the outcome. Parents are contacted with information about acceptance or further steps, and the admissions office remains available for follow-up support as needed.
Admissions
1. Initial Inquiry and Contact Parents may begin the admissions process by contacting the school’s administrative office or visiting the campus to request information about programmes, fees, and available year levels. At this stage, families can ask about placement-test requirements, class availability, and programme options (Integrated or International). The school provides guidance on which documents will be needed for a complete application.
2. Application Submission Families must submit an application form along with the required documents, which typically include student identification, previous school reports, and health information. The school also requires payment of the placement test fee and registration fee upon application. Parents are advised to confirm deadlines and programme availability when submitting documents.
3. Placement Assessment All new students are required to sit for a placement test, which helps the school determine readiness for the chosen programme and year level. The assessment is part of the compulsory admissions process and applies across both the Integrated and International Programmes. Families are informed of the testing schedule and assessment arrangements by the admissions team.
4. Offer of Placement Once the school reviews assessment results and verifies documents, families may receive an offer of placement. The offer outlines the confirmed year level, programme, and deposit requirements. Parents must complete all required payments within the stated timeframe to secure the place.
5. Confirmation and Enrolment To finalise enrolment, families complete any remaining administrative steps, such as submitting medical forms and confirming transportation arrangements if needed. The deposit becomes active only once all enrolment requirements are completed. The school provides orientation information to help new students prepare for their first day.
Scholarships
Scholarships
Japanese International School Hanoi does not provide any information about scholarships.
Scholarships
The school does not publicly disclose any scholarship programmes. There is no available information about academic, financial, or talent-based scholarships, nor any details regarding eligibility, application processes, or award conditions. As such, scholarships cannot be confirmed as part of the school’s offerings.
Waitlist
Waitlist
Japanese International School Hanoi does not provide any information about any existing waitlist.
Waitlist
The school does not publicly disclose whether it uses a waitlist or a pool-based admissions system. No information is available regarding queue procedures, priority criteria, or how waiting applicants are managed. Based on publicly accessible sources, the presence or structure of any waitlist system cannot be confirmed.
