For families with children, school selection is often the most consequential decision in a relocation. Vietnam offers public, private, bilingual and international schools, but in practice almost all expat children attend international or bilingual schools, because public schools teach entirely in Vietnamese. Fees and waiting lists vary a lot, so this is the part of your move to start planning first.
How the Vietnamese Education System Is Structured
Children in Vietnam start primary school at age 6. The school year runs from late August or early September to late May. The system is organised into the following stages:
Mầm non (ages 3 months–5) — nursery and kindergarten; not compulsory, but most children attend kindergarten from age 3.
Tiểu học (ages 6–10) — five years of compulsory primary education, grades 1 to 5.
Trung học cơ sở (ages 11–14) — four years of lower secondary school, grades 6 to 9.
Trung học phổ thông (ages 15–17) — three years of upper secondary school, grades 10 to 12, ending with the national high school graduation exam.
Since September 2025, tuition at public schools has been free for Vietnamese students from preschool to grade 12. Foreign children can attend public schools, but they must meet Vietnamese language requirements, and in practice very few expat families choose this route.
International Schools List
Choosing the right school is one of the most important parts of relocating to Vietnam. To help make the process easier, we keep an up-to-date list of international schools in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Da Nang, with curricula, age ranges and fees.
This resource is designed for expat families exploring:
- British, American, IB, Australian, Canadian and French curricula
- Well-established and newer international schools
- Key options popular with expat communities
- Schools across Vietnam’s main relocation hubs
See the full international school list, free: XploreVietnam Navigator school directory
Public Schools in Vietnam
Public schools are available throughout the country. Instruction is entirely in Vietnamese, and English is taught as a foreign language subject. Classes are large and the teaching style is traditional, with a strong focus on exams.
Foreign children can enrol, but schools will ask for proof that your child can study in Vietnamese, as well as a passport, residence documents, previous school records and a health certificate. If your child doesn’t speak Vietnamese, the school may require a language course before admission. Acceptance also depends on each school and local education office.
Public school can work for families staying long-term with young children who will learn Vietnamese quickly, or for children with a Vietnamese parent. For most expat families, it isn’t a practical option.
Private Schools in Vietnam
Vietnam’s private schools follow the national curriculum, often with smaller classes, better facilities and more English than public schools. Many large private groups also run bilingual programmes, teaching part of the day in English.
Bilingual schools cost much less than international schools, often a few thousand to around ten thousand dollars a year. They can be a good middle ground for families who want their children to learn Vietnamese, or who have a Vietnamese parent. But the core curriculum is still Vietnamese, so check how well it will transfer if you move on.
Popular private and bilingual schools fill quickly for the start of the school year, so apply early.
International and Bilingual Schools in Vietnam
For families who want English-language instruction, a curriculum that transfers back to their home country, or straightforward access to international universities, international schools are the standard choice. Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi have the widest selection, and Da Nang has a smaller but growing number of options.
International schools offer the International Baccalaureate (IB), the British curriculum (IGCSEs and A-levels), the American curriculum, and Australian, Canadian and French programmes. Fees are high: from under $10,000 a year at some schools to around $38,000 at the most expensive, plus application, registration and building fees, uniforms, meals and transport.
Most international schools accept applications all year round, but the most popular schools have waiting lists for some grades. Apply 6 to 12 months before your move if you can, and ask about assessments, which are often part of the admissions process.
XploreVietnam can assist with identifying international and private schools across Vietnam, available to Concierge and package clients.
Homeschooling in Vietnam
Homeschooling is not formally recognised in Vietnam, and there is no official way to register it. Some expat families, especially those staying for a short time, use accredited online schools from their home country or elsewhere.
Because this sits in a legal grey area, your child’s study may not be recognised if they later join a school in Vietnam. If you plan to homeschool, get advice before you move and keep full records of your child’s schooling.
Childcare in Vietnam
Public nurseries and kindergartens (mầm non) — Public nurseries and kindergartens are very cheap and widely available, but they operate in Vietnamese and places in popular areas can be limited.
Private and international kindergartens — Private kindergartens with English or bilingual programmes are common in the big cities. International kindergartens and the early years programmes of international schools typically cost from around $500 to $2,000 a month, and many accept children from age 2 or younger.
Montessori and alternative preschools — Montessori, Reggio Emilia and other alternative preschools are available in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, often in the main expat areas.
Nannies and helpers (người giúp việc) — Nannies and domestic helpers are affordable and widely used by expat families. A full-time helper typically earns around VND 7–12 million a month, depending on experience, hours and English. As anywhere, check references carefully before hiring.
Summer camps — Many international schools and private organisations run holiday camps, from sports and swimming to languages and coding. The long summer break runs from about June to August.
How XploreVietnam Supports Families
Choosing the right school is one of the highest-stakes parts of a family relocation, and one of the most time-sensitive. XploreVietnam’s Concierge and package clients get help shortlisting schools that fit their children, budget and area, arranging school visits and preparing applications, so you can plan your housing around the school you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions: Schools in Vietnam
Can expat children attend public schools in Vietnam?
Yes, but they must be able to study in Vietnamese, and the school may require a language course first. Public schools teach entirely in Vietnamese, so most expat families choose international or bilingual schools.
Is public school free for foreign children?
Public school tuition has been free for Vietnamese students since September 2025. Fees for foreign students depend on the school, so check directly.
Are there International Baccalaureate (IB) schools in Vietnam?
Yes. There are several accredited IB schools in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, and in Da Nang, alongside British, American, Australian, Canadian and French schools.
How much do international schools cost?
From under $10,000 a year at some schools to around $38,000 at the most expensive, depending on the school and grade, plus extra fees for registration, meals, transport and uniforms.
When should I start applying to international schools in Vietnam?
As early as possible, ideally 6 to 12 months before your move. Most schools accept applications all year, but popular schools have waiting lists for some grades.
Is homeschooling legal in Vietnam?
Homeschooling is not formally recognised in Vietnam. Some expat families use accredited online schools, but get advice first, as this sits in a legal grey area.
How much does childcare cost in Vietnam?
International kindergartens typically cost around $500 to $2,000 a month. Local private kindergartens cost much less, and a full-time helper typically earns around VND 7–12 million a month.
At what age does school start in Vietnam?
Primary school starts at age 6, in grade 1. Most children attend kindergarten from age 3, although it isn’t compulsory.