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Australian International School Saigon - Thao Dien Campus

Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees ₫295,600,000 - 693,000,000
Ages 1½ - 11 years
Pupil numbers 1300
Type Co-educational
Opened 2006
Bus Service Yes
Part of
AIS Saigon
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), Cambridge (Primary), Reggio Emilia Approach
Taught languages English, Mandarin, Vietnamese
Typical class size 19
Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, STEM
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Social and Hobbies, Community and Service, Leadership and Professional, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Primary School, Kindergarten
Introduction

AIS Saigon’s Thao Dien campus serves ages 1.5–11 across two nearby sites in the APSC Compound: Lotus (Kindergarten) and Cherry Blossom (Primary), 300 metres apart. Learning is delivered in English and follows the IB Primary Years Programme, with Cambridge Primary used in core areas; Primary students also study Sciences, Technology, Social Studies, Vietnamese Language & Culture (or the Vietnamese National Curriculum for local students), Arts and PSPE. Families use AIS’s supervised citywide bus service, and after Year 6 students progress to the Thu Thiem campus for Secondary pathways (Cambridge Lower Secondary, IGCSE, and IB Diploma). The campus location is a practical choice for families living in Thao Dien’s residential neighbourhoods, with the school address at 36 Thao Dien Road.

This campus is part of AIS Saigon

APSC Compound, 36 Thao Dien Road, An Khanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

The Essentials

Australian International School Saigon - Thao Dien Campus has 1,300 pupils, typical class sizes of 19, instruction in English.

Location
AIS Thao Dien is located within the An Phu Superior Compound (APSC) at 36 Thao Dien Road, Thu Duc City (formerly District 2), Ho Chi Minh City. The Thao Dien area is a well-established residential neighbourhood known for its international community, cafés, and family-friendly amenities. The campus is approximately 15 minutes from the city centre and easily accessible via major roads and school transport links.

Stages
The Thao Dien campus provides education for Early Years and Primary students, from Infant Kindergarten (age 1.5) through Year 6 (age 10–11). It includes two nearby sites: Lotus (Kindergarten) and Cherry Blossom (Primary), both within walking distance of each other. Students progress to the Thu Thiem campus for Secondary and Senior School.

Type
AIS Thao Dien is a co-educational international day school that welcomes both local and expatriate students.

Additional learning support
AIS provides individualised support for students with additional learning needs through its Student Support Services team. This includes assistance for mild to moderate Special Educational Needs (SEN) and tailored English as an Additional Language (EAL) programmes. Support is designed to help each student access the curriculum successfully.

Country affiliation
The school follows an Australian educational philosophy and is part of the Inspired Education Group, an international network of schools.

Religious affiliation
The school does not have any religious affiliations.

School day structure
Classes begin at 8:00 am and finish at 2:40 pm, with breaks for morning recess and lunch. After-school activities take place between 2:50 pm and 3:50 pm, providing additional opportunities in sports, arts, and clubs.

Bus service
AIS offers a supervised school bus service that connects Thao Dien with other districts in Ho Chi Minh City. Routes are organised by distance, and each bus includes a licensed driver and an onboard assistant. The service operates five days a week, with options for both one-way and return travel, ensuring safe and reliable transport for students.
Diving Deeper

Food Options
The Lotus Campus canteen serves balanced home-cooked meals daily.

Governance and Ownership
The school is part of ACG Australian International Education Services Company Limited and is aligned with Inspired Education's global network of premium schools.
Fees

Annual tuition at Australian International School Saigon - Thao Dien Campus ranges from VND 295,600,000 to VND 693,000,000 for 2026/27.

Application Fee
A one-time, non-refundable fee of VND 3,500,000 is required at the time of application.

Acceptance Fee

* Kindergarten (Infant–Senior): VND 32,000,000, with an additional VND 32,000,000 due when progressing to Year 1.
* Primary (Years 1–6): VND 64,000,000.

Tuition Fees (per year)

* Infant Kindergarten: VND 295,600,000
* Junior Kindergarten: VND 302,100,000
* Senior Kindergarten: VND 305,400,000
* Year 1: VND 566,000,000
* Year 2: VND 619,300,000
* Year 3: VND 631,400,000
* Year 4: VND 640,000,000
* Year 5: VND 647,500,000
* Year 6: VND 653,800,000

Payment Options
Families can pay fees in one annual payment or through two or four instalments. Discounts are offered for full annual payment and early settlement.

Bus Service Fees (per year)
Annual bus fees vary depending on distance, ranging from approximately VND 13,000,000 to VND 54,000,000 for one-way or return services.

Other Costs
Additional expenses include uniforms, lunches, optional after-school activities, and school supplies.

Refund Policy
Tuition fee refunds are calculated on a decreasing scale based on the student’s withdrawal date, with the highest refund before the start of the school year and none after the final term begins.

Payment Methods
Fees may be paid by bank transfer or credit card, in VND or USD, using the exchange rate set by the school’s designated banks.
Academics

Australian International School Saigon - Thao Dien Campus teaches IB (PYP), Cambridge (Primary), Reggio Emilia Approach for students aged 1.5 to 11.

Curriculum
The Australian International School (AIS) Thao Dien offers an internationally recognised curriculum for students from Infant Kindergarten to Year 6. Teaching in the Early Years is based on the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) framework, which encourages inquiry and hands-on exploration across all areas of learning. In the Primary School, students continue within the PYP while also following the Cambridge Primary curriculum for English, Mathematics, and Science, ensuring strong foundations in literacy and numeracy. Additional subjects include Social Studies, Vietnamese Language and Culture, Music, Visual Arts, Physical Education, and Technology. Lessons are delivered in English, with Vietnamese offered for both native and non-native speakers. On completion of Year 6, students transition to the Thu Thiem campus for Cambridge Lower Secondary, IGCSE, and the IB Diploma Programme.

Academic calendar
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
AIS integrates social and emotional learning throughout its Early Years and Primary programmes. Teachers foster self-awareness, empathy, and cooperation through daily classroom routines, group projects, and pastoral activities. Homeroom teachers play an active role in monitoring student wellbeing and supporting positive relationships. Assemblies, themed activities, and school-wide events encourage students to reflect on values such as respect and responsibility. The school counsellor also contributes to SEL initiatives by providing support when social or emotional challenges arise.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
AIS supports students with mild to moderate learning needs through its Student Support Services (SSS) team. The Special Education Needs (SEN) Coordinator works with teachers to adapt lessons, set learning goals, and monitor progress. Support may include small-group or in-class assistance depending on each student’s needs. Additional SEN fees may apply when extra staffing or resources are required. AIS is not a specialist SEN institution and may refer families to external professionals if more intensive support is needed.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
AIS provides structured EAL (English as an Additional Language) support for students whose first language is not English. The EAL Coordinator oversees individualised or small-group instruction to develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. EAL provision begins from Year 2 and continues through the primary years. Assessment at enrolment determines the level of language support required. Additional EAL fees apply depending on the extent of assistance needed.

Mental Wellbeing
AIS employs a qualified school counsellor who offers confidential support for students facing emotional, behavioural, or social challenges. The counsellor provides individual sessions, group workshops, and referrals to external specialists where necessary. Teachers and leadership staff collaborate to ensure early identification and intervention for students in need of additional care. Regular communication between teachers and families helps maintain a supportive environment focused on student wellbeing.

Safeguarding
AIS maintains a clear Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy that outlines procedures for ensuring student safety. All staff members receive regular safeguarding training and are required to report any concerns to designated Child Protection Officers. The school enforces supervision guidelines, visitor management protocols, and safety checks across all activities. These measures aim to ensure that students are protected and that any issues are handled promptly and appropriately.
Parent Experience

History
The Australian International School (AIS) was established in 2006 in Ho Chi Minh City to provide an international education based on Australian teaching principles. The Thao Dien campus was one of the school’s first locations, serving as the foundation for its early years and primary programmes. Over time, AIS expanded to include the Thu Thiem and Xi campuses, creating a connected learning pathway from Kindergarten to Year 13. The school is part of the Inspired Education Group, an international network of schools operating across more than 20 countries.

Community
AIS Thao Dien has a close-knit, multicultural community representing families from over 40 nationalities. The school celebrates a variety of cultural and community events throughout the year, such as International Day, Tet (Lunar New Year), and Book Week. These events bring together students, parents, and staff to share cultural traditions and strengthen community connections.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
AIS has an active Parent Teacher Association (PTA) that plays an important role in supporting school life and community engagement. The PTA organises regular events such as the Welcome Back Picnic, International Day, and the Christmas Fair, encouraging families to socialise and participate in school activities. It also coordinates fundraising and charity initiatives that contribute to local community projects. The PTA meets regularly with school leadership to discuss community feedback and ideas for improving the student experience. Through these efforts, the PTA helps maintain strong partnerships between families and the school.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
AIS Thao Dien Campus comprises two campuses, Lotus (Kindergarten) and Cherry Blossom (Primary), located about 300 metres apart within the An Phu Superior Compound on Thao Dien Road. Lotus Campus was refurbished in summer 2024 with boutique-style buildings, purpose-designed classrooms, a green garden, and European Kompan playgrounds. Cherry Blossom Campus was refurbished in summer 2024 with upgraded classrooms, language rooms, a library, a computer room, a new auditorium and playgrounds. Children attend Lotus for Kindergarten and transfer to Cherry Blossom for Years 1 to 6, with Year 5 and 6 events hosted at the Thu Thiem Campus to support transition. The Cherry Blossom Campus is adjacent to the AIS Sports Centre, providing access to a swimming pool and multi-sport courts. The Lotus Campus is near the Thao Dien Sports Centre, which offers swimming and multi-sport facilities.

Sports Facilities
Cherry Blossom Campus is adjacent to the AIS Sports Centre, offering access to a swimming pool and multi-sport courts. The Lotus Campus is near the Thao Dien Sports Centre, which provides a swimming pool and multi-sport facilities. The facilities support curricular and after-school sports and swimming activities. The campuses provide access to these sports amenities via the nearby centres.

Academic Facilities
Instruction is conducted entirely in English. The curriculum integrates the IB Primary Years Programme (EYP for Junior & Senior Kindergarten) and Cambridge English and Cambridge Maths for Years 1 to 6. Infants follow Inspired Reggio Emilia Early Years Approach and Play-Based Learning. AIS is part of Inspired Education Group. The curriculum also uses inquiry-based learning to develop critical thinking and real-world skills.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The international schools in Thao Dien offer a wide range of extracurricular activities for kindergarten and primary students. Clubs include GLEE Club, Arts & Crafts, Chess, Tennis, Basketball, Football, Netball, and Swim Squad. Primary students participate in Robotic STEM, Drama, Dance, Magic Club, Spanish, In-line Skating, Acro/Gymnastics, Judo and Sewing. Regular events, field trips, and school camps are held for Years 2 to 6.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers Robotic STEM as an extracurricular activity for primary students. Primary students also participate in Drama, Dance, Magic Club, Spanish, In-line Skating, Acro/Gymnastics, Judo, and Sewing. Regular events, field trips, and school camps for Years 2 to 6 support independence, self-esteem, and resilience.

Arts & Creative
Specialist art facilities include art and music rooms and a new auditorium, enabling students to explore and develop creative talents. Primary students engage in visual and performing arts as part of the enrichment programme.

Cultural & Language
Spanish is offered as an extracurricular language. Cultural activities are available as part of the enrichment programme.

Social & Hobbies
The school offers clubs and sports such as GLEE Club, Arts & Crafts, Chess, Tennis, Basketball, Football, Netball, and the Swim Squad, with additional after-school activities through the sports centre. Primary students can also join Robotic STEM, Drama, Dance, Magic Club, Spanish, In-line Skating, Acro/Gymnastics, Judo, and Sewing.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership opportunities are included in the enrichment programme. Participation in clubs and team activities helps students develop leadership, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The Cherry Blossom campus is adjacent to the AIS Sports Centre, which provides a swimming pool and multi-sport courts for curricular and extracurricular activities. The facilities support physical fitness, teamwork, and well-being.
Languages

Language Provision
The school teaches in English, and instruction is conducted entirely in English from infants to Year 6. The curriculum includes the IB Primary Years Programme and the Cambridge International curriculum for English and Maths. Vietnamese support teachers are provided to assist language needs. Spanish is offered as an extracurricular language activity for primary students.
Reputation

Accreditations
* International Baccalaureate (IB) World School: AIS is authorised to offer the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the IB Diploma Programme (DP), signifying compliance with the IB’s global standards for inquiry-based, internationally oriented education.

* Cambridge International School: The school is accredited by Cambridge Assessment International Education to deliver the Cambridge Lower Secondary and IGCSE (in Thu Thiem Campus) programmes, ensuring recognised academic pathways aligned with international benchmarks.

* Council of International Schools (CIS) Member: AIS is a member of the Council of International Schools, a global organisation that supports quality assurance and continuous improvement through rigorous evaluation and professional development.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Enquiry and School Tour
Families begin the process by completing an online enquiry form or arranging a personal tour of the Thao Dien campus. The Admissions Team provides information about the Early Years and Primary programmes, facilities, and available year groups.

2. Application Submission
Parents submit the Application Form along with copies of the child’s birth certificate or passport, recent school reports (if applicable), and any relevant health or learning support documents. A non-refundable Application Fee of VND 3,500,000 is payable at this stage.

3. Assessment and Interview
Younger children may be observed during a play-based session, while older applicants might take a short academic assessment. The school may invite families to meet with the Principal or Admissions staff to ensure the programme is a good fit for the child’s needs.

4. Offer and Acceptance
Successful applicants receive a Letter of Offer confirming the year group and start date. A place is secured once parents sign the Enrolment Agreement and pay the Acceptance Fee.

5. Orientation and Start of School
Families receive details about class placement, uniforms, and transport. Orientation activities help new students and parents become familiar with daily routines and teachers before school begins.

Scholarships
AIS scholarships apply only to students entering Years 7–12, which are offered at the Thu Thiem campus. The Thao Dien campus (Early Years to Year 6) does not offer scholarships.

Waitlist
AIS operates a rolling admissions process throughout the year, depending on availability in each year group. The school does not publish details of a formal waitlist or pool system.
School Events
The school has not added events
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