Renaissance International School Saigon vs Vietnam Finland International School

	R Renaissance International School Saigon Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam	V Vietnam Finland International School Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year ₫189,500,000 - 805,600,000	Fees / year ₫457,590,000 - 639,240,000
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 6 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE	Curriculum IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum, Finnish Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 500	Pupils 400
Typical class size	Typical class size 25	Typical class size 22
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, Finnish, Vietnamese
Opened	Opened 2007	Opened 2019
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Renaissance International School Saigon is located at 74 Nguyen Thi Thap, Tan Thuan Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The area is a modern, family-friendly district known for its international schools and residential communities. It is well-connected to central Ho Chi Minh City by major roads and bridges, and is close to shopping centres, cafés, and recreational areas.	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 educates students from Early Years (age 2) through to Year 13 (age 18). It is divided into Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, and Sixth Form, offering a continuum from the IB PYP to IGCSE and the IB Diploma Programme.	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 Renaissance 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 provides English as an Additional Language (EAL) support and tailored assistance for students who need extra help with academic progress. Learning support is coordinated through classroom teachers and specialist staff to ensure inclusive participation.	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 follows a British-style international curriculum framework combined with IB programmes, but it is not officially affiliated with any single country.	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 The school day typically begins at 8:00 am and finishes around 3:30 pm, with morning and lunch breaks provided. Specific timings vary slightly between Early Years, Primary, and Secondary levels.	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 offers a bus service for students, operated through a contracted provider. The service includes multiple routes across District 7 and other nearby districts, with pick-up and drop-off points arranged for convenience and safety.	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 Application Fee A one-time, non-refundable application fee is VND 2,000,000 (Early Years–Year 2) or VND 4,000,000 (Year 3–Year 13). Registration Fee Payable once upon acceptance: VND 25,000,000 (Early Years), VND 40,000,000 (Primary), and VND 55,000,000 (Secondary). Security Deposit VND 22,000,000 per child, refundable with at least 90 days’ written withdrawal notice before the final school day. Tuition Fees by Year Group (Annual Amounts) EARLY YEARS * Early Years 1 (Half Day): 189,500,000 * Early Years 1 (Full Day): 291,600,000 * Early Years 2 (Full Day): 208,500,000 * Early Years 2 (Full Day, older cohort): 320,700,000 * Early Years 3: 379,800,000 PRIMARY SCHOOL * Year 1: 491,300,000 * Year 2: 556,800,000 * Year 3: 617,400,000 * Year 4: 617,400,000 * Year 5: 617,400,000 * Year 6: 617,400,000 SECONDARY SCHOOL * Year 7: 691,000,000 * Year 8: 691,000,000 * Year 9: 691,000,000 * Year 10: 725,900,000 * Year 11: 725,900,000 * Year 12: 805,600,000 * Year 13: 805,600,000 Other Fees * Meal Fees (annual): Early Years 17,200,000 \| Primary 18,800,000 \| Secondary 20,400,000 * School Bus (annual): VND 28,900,000 – 38,700,000 depending on distance * Uniforms: Three standard and two PE sets plus cap and school bag provided for new Early Years and Primary students Payment Schedule & Terms Tuition is billed in advance, payable annually or by term. Annual full payment saves 15%. Late payments incur a 0.05% daily fee. Payments accepted via bank transfer to Standard Chartered Bank (VND) or Shinhan Bank (USD).	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 The school requires students to wear the Renaissance uniform. Uniform details are published to parents in the Parent Handbooks, and uniforms are included in tuition with additional items at parents' expense.	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 —	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 Renaissance is governed by a Board of Directors that sets the mission, vision and core values, determines strategic direction, appoints and supports the Head of School, and reviews policies and financial matters. The Head of School leads day-to-day operations and is supported by a Senior Leadership Team.	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 Renaissance International School Saigon offers a comprehensive international curriculum from Early Years through to pre-university level. The Early Years programme follows the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) framework, focusing on inquiry-based learning and the development of essential early skills. The Primary School continues with the IB PYP, building knowledge through transdisciplinary themes across core subjects. In Lower Secondary, students study a combination of the Cambridge curriculum and the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), which is currently a candidate programme. During Years 10 and 11, students prepare for the Cambridge IGCSE examinations, and in Years 12 and 13, they undertake the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). This progression offers a clear and internationally recognized pathway leading to university study.	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 The school’s Counselling Department works with Form Tutors and Homeroom Teachers to integrate wellbeing programmes into designated curriculum time. The counsellor provides short-term individual and group sessions, and may refer to external professionals when required. The school states that wellbeing is delivered alongside academic support via a coordinated team of teachers, counsellors, and support staff. As of now, the website does not list specific SEL curricula or staff credentials by name.	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) The school states it supports students with varied learning backgrounds and styles, and that admissions assess language proficiency and may request assessment documents such as IEPs or reports. It explicitly says that this is not a specialist SEN institution, and that support is offered “where feasible and appropriate.” The website does not specify the full range of SEN types it can accommodate, nor detailed staffing or dedicated resource-rooms.	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 The school describes a dedicated EAL programme offering in-class and small-group support for students who arrive with limited English. Teachers collaborate with parents and faculty to help learners access the mainstream curriculum. Workshops for parents are also noted. This is a clearly defined support structure on the school website.	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 The school states that students’ physical, emotional and social wellbeing are priorities, and that the welfare team promotes resilience, self-care and strong relationships. It reports that over 95% of parents say their children feel happy, safe and respected according to a recent survey. The website does not however provide a detailed mental-health policy or full description of counselling service capacity.	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 The website affirms a commitment to student welfare and states that staff screening is required for employment. However, the school does not publish a publicly accessible detailed child-protection or safeguarding policy document specifying e.g. reporting protocols, named safeguarding leads or governance oversight.	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 school has a 25m indoor saltwater swimming pool with five lanes, used for lessons and competitive swimming under a dedicated coach. The library serves as a hub for information, technology, and reading literacy, with a regularly updated collection and a dedicated teacher-librarian who supports learners from Early Years through the IB Diploma Programme, including digital literacy courses. The campus features a 320-seat, sound-proofed theatre for school productions and community events, a dining room served by Skyline offering a range of options including Asian, Korean, Western and vegetarian dishes, and a sports hall central to the extensive sporting programme. The campus also houses an Art Room, a Music Room and a MakerSpace with CAD/CAM, 3D printing, robotics and project-based learning, plus outdoor spaces with shaded seating and pathways. A large 6000m2 grass sports field supports training and events alongside an AstroTurf pitch.	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 Indoor swimming pool: 25m indoor saltwater pool used for lessons and competitive swimming with a dedicated coach. The Sports Hall is the central space for the school's sports programme and community events; it is undergoing renovation for the new academic year. In addition to the pool and sports hall, there is an AstroTurf football pitch and a 6000m2 grass sports field to support wide-ranging sports, training and matches.	Sports facilities Outdoor Open Space is listed as a VFIS facility.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Academic facilities include a well-equipped library with a teacher-librarian and digital literacy program serving Early Years through IBDP; science laboratories for practical work across subjects; a MakerSpace with CAD/CAM, 3D printing and robotics; dedicated computer resources to support learning; Art Rooms and Music Rooms for the arts; and outdoor learning spaces on campus.	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 Extracurricular offerings include competitive swimming with a dedicated coach and school swim teams; theatre productions in a 320-seat theatre; arts and music programs; a MakerSpace enabling coding, robotics, CAD/CAM and 3D printing; and outdoor events and sports activities on the large grass field and AstroTurf pitch, plus a central sports hall for community events.	Extra curricular facilities VFIS offers co-curricular opportunities including visual arts, organised clubs, and Model United Nations.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Renaissance International School Saigon was founded in 2007 and is identified as one of the early international schools in Ho Chi Minh City. Ownership traces to a partnership of Vietnamese founders dedicated to establishing an English-medium international school in Vietnam. Over time the school has grown its authorisations, and it now describes itself as a full-age provision from early years to Year 13.	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 school community regularly hosts news, events and blog posts under a “News & Events” section, reflecting a calendar of school-wide gatherings, cultural celebrations and community updates. Typical events include sports days, student leadership and service-learning activities, and whole-school initiatives engaging students, parents and staff.	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 The website does not publicly disclose a detailed overview of a formal Parent Teacher Association (PTA) with named committees or specific recurring events.	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 Renaissance offers three IB programmes—the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (IBDP)—alongside the Cambridge IGCSE. The PYP serves students aged 2 to 11 and emphasizes inquiry-based learning and foundational skills in reading, writing, mathematics, and science. The MYP provides a balanced curriculum that includes arts, music, and sports and fosters global-minded, creative, critical, and reflective thinkers. The Cambridge IGCSE and the IB Diploma Programme offer rigorous study pathways that prepare students for higher education and future careers.	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 Arts, music, and sports are integrated within the MYP as part of the school's holistic IB approach. The curriculum emphasises arts-rich learning to develop creativity and problem-solving across subjects. The school fosters creative thinking through project-based learning and opportunities to engage in arts-related activities.	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 Mandarin, Korean, French, and Vietnamese are offered as World Languages. The language environment provides immersive learning with language-rich resources, specialised classes, tutoring, and assessments to develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Language learning is supported by a program that addresses individual language needs and builds confidence in communication.	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 Enrichment programmes include a wide range of after-school clubs and activities that extend learning beyond the classroom. The enrichment program covers life skills, leadership/service, and personal interests. Participation in these activities broadens social connections and supports personal development.	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 Service Learning is integrated into the curriculum and engages students from the youngest age to the CAS projects of the IB Diploma. Through thoughtful investigation, planning, and participation in community service action, students become empowered agents of positive change. The Pastoral Care Programme supports a safe, inclusive environment that values every child and fosters belonging.	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 Enrichment includes leadership opportunities within after-school programmes, including leadership/service activities. Service-learning and CAS projects provide pathways to developing professional and civic skills. Students gain experience in collaboration, planning, and responsibility through these activities.	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 Physical Education and Sports are central to school life; all students participate in two PE lessons per week and may take part in after-school coaching, teams, and interschool competitions. House-based activities and events foster belonging and school spirit. Pastoral Care and a safe, inclusive environment support student well-being and personal growth.	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 English is the language of instruction. Mother-tongue study is offered in English, Vietnamese, and Korean. From Year 2, French and Chinese are available as additional World Languages. Mandarin Chinese is offered as a World Language alongside Korean, French, and Vietnamese.	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 The school uses English as the language of instruction. It supports mother-tongue study in English, Vietnamese, and Korean. From Year 2, French and Chinese (Mandarin) are offered as additional World Languages. The language provision is integrated across the curriculum to support international-minded learners.	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 The language environment is immersive and language-rich, with resources and activities designed to develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The school provides language supports through specialised classes, tutoring, and assessments to address individual needs. World Languages include Mandarin Chinese, Korean, French, and Vietnamese.	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	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 accreditation body for international schools that evaluates institutions against global standards of governance, student learning, and safeguarding; the school was re-accredited in May 2023. * International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO): The school is authorised to offer the IB Diploma Programme and is part of the IB’s continuum accreditation, meaning all three IB programmes are offered. * Cambridge Assessment International Education (CIE): The school is approved to offer Cambridge IGCSE and other Cambridge international qualifications, which are recognised globally. * Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA): A network membership for British-style international schools in Asia, offering collaboration and activities across schools. * East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS): A regional membership that connects schools in East Asia for professional development, student exchanges and educational cooperation.	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. Inquiry and Initial Contact Families begin by contacting the Admissions Office or submitting an online inquiry form. The Admissions team provides detailed information about the school, programmes, and available year levels. 2. Campus Visit and Consultation Parents are invited to visit the school for a campus tour and consultation. During this visit, the Admissions Officer discusses the curriculum, facilities, and placement options suited to the student’s age and background. 3. Application Submission Applicants complete the official application form and submit required documents, including recent school reports, a copy of the student’s passport, and a birth certificate. A non-refundable application fee of VND 2,000,000 (Early Years–Year 2) or VND 4,000,000 (Year 3–Year 13) is payable at this stage. 4. Assessment and Interview Students undergo placement testing and/or an interview depending on their year group. The school uses the results to determine academic readiness and English language support requirements. 5. Offer and Registration Successful applicants receive an offer letter. Once parents accept, they must pay a registration fee (VND 25–55 million depending on level) and a security deposit (VND 22 million) to confirm the place. 6. Orientation and Start The school provides orientation for new students and parents before the term begins to help families integrate smoothly.	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 offers Merit Scholarships for Secondary students, covering partial tuition for high-achieving applicants. Awards are based on academic performance, personal achievements, and an interview process. Students must submit additional scholarship application materials, including school transcripts and references. Scholarships are reviewed annually and may be renewed based on continued academic achievement and positive school engagement.	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 Renaissance International School Saigon does not publicly mention a waitlist or pool system on its admissions pages. Admissions are processed on a first-come, first-served basis once applications and assessments are complete, subject to space availability.	Waitlist The school does not publicly disclose the use of a waitlist or pool system.
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