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BVIS HCMC

05 October, 2026

Top 9 Best International Primary Schools in Ho Chi Minh City in 2026

Top 9 Best International Primary Schools in Ho Chi Minh City 2026 - truong tieu hoc quoc te tphcm

An increasing number of families are choosing international education from the primary years to provide their children with a strong academic foundation, language proficiency and the skills needed for a global future. With the wide range of international schools in Ho Chi Minh City available today, finding an environment that matches each student's development goals is an important decision. Explore the 9 international primary schools in Ho Chi Minh City highlighted in 2026, along with key criteria to help parents make an informed decision based on their child's long-term learning and development goals.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Criteria for Choosing an International Primary School in Ho Chi Minh City
Top 9 Best International Primary Schools in Ho Chi Minh City in 2026

Criteria for Choosing an International Primary School in Ho Chi Minh City

When choosing a suitable international primary school, parents should look beyond reputation and tuition fees and consider a range of factors as a whole. Below are some practical criteria that many parents in Ho Chi Minh City consider when choosing an international primary school for their children.

Educational Approach and Curriculum

An international school's curriculum determines its approach to learning and students' development pathway. At primary level, international schools typically offer the English National Curriculum, the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), or American or Canadian curricula. Each curriculum has its own strengths in developing academic knowledge, critical thinking, creativity and a global outlook. Parents should make their choice based on their child's long-term educational pathway and individual needs.

>> Find out more: How British education supports flexible career pathways

International Accreditation

International accreditation provides an independent benchmark of a school's educational quality, safety and reputation. Some common organisations include CIS, FOBISIA, WASC, NEASC, CIE, IPC and IBO.

Teaching Staff

Teacher quality is one of the factors that has the greatest influence on a child's learning experience at primary level. Parents should look into teachers' qualifications, teaching experience and international professional certifications such as PGCE or QTS.
Beyond subject knowledge, primary teachers should understand children's developmental needs, be able to motivate students to learn and create a positive environment that helps children develop confidence, independence and a lasting love of learning.

Learning Environment and Support

International schools should provide age-appropriate facilities such as libraries, laboratories, art rooms, playgrounds, sports halls and safe swimming pools. In addition, extracurricular programmes, clubs, experiential learning activities and opportunities to participate in academic, sporting or artistic competitions can contribute to students' holistic development. English as an Additional Language (EAL) or Vietnamese as an Additional Language (VAL) support, school meals with nutritious menus and allergy management, as well as school bus services with bus monitors, are also factors parents should consider.

Mental and Emotional Wellbeing

A quality school should place a strong emphasis on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), helping children recognise their emotions, develop empathy, independence and communication skills. Positive discipline policies, anti-bullying measures, and comprehensive wellbeing support and counselling can also help children feel safe, cared for and happy at school.
>> Explore:

How your child’s learning needs evolve from primary years to university readiness
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Top 9 Best International Primary Schools in Ho Chi Minh City in 2026

With so many options in terms of educational environments, curricula and tuition fees, finding a suitable international primary school in Ho Chi Minh City can take considerable time. The table below provides a quick overview of 10 notable schools, helping parents understand the differences in curriculum approach and tuition fees before exploring each school in more detail.

International School	Primary Curriculum	Primary Age/Year Groups	2026–2027 Primary Tuition Fees
BVIS HCMC	British Curriculum + IPC	5–11 years	VND 489–513 million/year
BIS TP.HCM	British Curriculum + IPC	5–11 years	VND 679–759 million/year
SSIS	North American Curriculum	6–11 years	VND 730–782 million/year
ISHCMC	IB PYP	6–11 years	VND 702–769 million/year
AIS	IB PYP	5–11 years	VND 597–689 million/year
TAS	American Curriculum + IB PYP	6–11 years	VND 564–573 million/year
CIS	Canadian Curriculum	6–11 years	VND 558–641 million/year
EIS	IB PYP	6–11 years	VND 511–679 million/year
RISS	IB PYP	5–11 years	VND 522–656 million/year

>> See also:

How to choose an international school: 8 Essential tips for Parents
7 benefits of studying at an international school that parents show know

1. British Vietnamese International School (BVIS HCMC)

The British Vietnamese International School Ho Chi Minh City (BVIS HCMC) is one of the leading educational environments for parents who want their children to follow a British education pathway from the primary years. The school is located in the 6B Intresco residential area (Binh Chanh Commune), at the gateway to southern Saigon and bordering District 7, providing a peaceful and spacious learning environment.

BVIS HCMC Primary programme nurturing independent thinking and creativity

BVIS HCMC's Primary programme nurtures independent thinking, creativity and a passion for learning in every student (Source: BVIS HCMC)

As a member of Nord Anglia Education, BVIS HCMC offers a Primary programme for students aged 5 to 11 based on the English National Curriculum, combined with the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) to develop students' knowledge, skills and global outlook.
At BVIS, Primary students learn approximately 60% of their lessons in English and 40% in Vietnamese, providing a foundation for developing language proficiency while maintaining a connection with Vietnamese traditions, culture and identity. At Secondary level, the proportion of learning in English gradually increases to approximately 93%, helping students develop confidence as they progress towards the IGCSE and A Level programmes and prepare for future international learning opportunities.
In particular, the school has invested in a comprehensive range of modern facilities supporting academic learning, technology and students' talents. These include two 25-metre swimming pools, a library with more than 80,000 books, a STEAM lab equipped with 3D printing and robotics technology, a multi-purpose sports hall, a 200-seat theatre, and dedicated art and dance studios. This provides a positive learning environment where students can confidently explore, challenge themselves and develop holistically.

EXPLORE THE BVIS PRIMARY CURRICULUM

BVIS's academic quality is demonstrated by the results of the GL Assessment standardised international assessments for Year 6 students in the 2025–2026 academic year:

Mathematics: 98% of students achieved or exceeded the expected level, with an average SAS score of 111 — 11 points above the UK benchmark for students of the same age.
English: 81% of students achieved or exceeded the expected level, with an average SAS score of 104.5 — 4.5 points above the UK national benchmark.

Outstanding academic results achieved by BVIS Primary students (Year 6) in 2025–2026 (Source: BVIS HCMC)

Contact details for the British Vietnamese International School Ho Chi Minh City (BVIS HCMC):

School address: 44–46 Street No. 1, 6B Intresco Residential Area, Binh Chanh Commune, Ho Chi Minh City.
Opening hours: Monday–Friday (8:00 am–5:00 pm)
Primary School telephone: +84 (28) 3758 0709 ext. 111
Email: admissions@bvisvietnam.com
BVIS tuition fees for Primary: VND 489–513 million/year

(Source: Official published fee schedule for the 2026–2027 academic year on the BVIS HCMC website)

ADMISSIONS ENQUIRY

>> See also: How to recognise strong teaching quality in international schools in Vietnam

2. British International School (BIS HCMC)

The British International School (BIS HCMC) is part of the same group as BVIS and belongs to Nord Anglia Education. The school is located in the centre of the Thao Dien peninsula along the Saigon River, with a green, airy campus and convenient transport links to District 1 and Binh Thanh District.
BIS also offers a Primary programme combining the English National Curriculum with the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), helping students build a strong academic foundation. The learning environment is supported by a teaching team with 100% internationally recognised professional qualifications, mainly from the UK, with a particular focus on student wellbeing. Its international-standard facilities include smart classrooms, a library, science laboratories, a technology workshop, a sports complex and modern dedicated art facilities.

Spacious BIS HCMC campus with green spaces

The spacious, airy BIS HCMC campus with green spaces providing a fresh learning environment for students (Source: BIS HCMC)

Contact details for the British International School Ho Chi Minh City (BIS HCMC):

Address: 225 Nguyen Van Huong, An Khanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Telephone: 028 3744 4551
Email: bis.admissions@bisvietnam.com
Primary tuition fees: VND 679–759 million/year

(Source: Official published fee schedule for the 2026–2027 academic year on the BIS HCMC website)

3. Saigon South International School (SSIS)

Saigon South International School (SSIS) is an international school following an American education model. Located in the heart of Phu My Hung, SSIS occupies a 6-hectare campus with spacious green areas, stringent security and well-connected transport infrastructure.
At Primary level, SSIS uses project-based learning combined with STEAM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics), helping students develop innovative thinking and initiative from an early age. Its teaching staff mainly come from North America, Australia and the UK and have strong professional qualifications.

The modern library and learning spaces at Saigon South International School (SSIS) (Source: SSIS)

Contact details for Saigon South International School:

Address: 78 Nguyen Duc Canh, Tan Hung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Telephone: +84 (28) 3622 0870
Email: info@ssis.edu.vn
Primary tuition fees: VND 730–782 million/year

(Source: Official published fee schedule for the 2026–2027 academic year on the SSIS website)

4. International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC)

International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) offers a full International Baccalaureate (IB) pathway in Ho Chi Minh City. The school is located in An Khanh, Thu Duc City, conveniently close to Hanoi Highway and the Metro line, providing easy access from District 1, Binh Thanh and the Saigon Hi-Tech Park.
The Primary programme is for students aged 5 to 11 and follows the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), with inquiry-based learning at its core. ISHCMC's facilities include a modern library, a technology Makerspace, fabrication laboratories, a film studio, art studios, a 25-metre swimming pool and multi-purpose outdoor sports facilities. Its teaching staff come from a range of countries and are trained in the IB programme, with appropriate teaching qualifications for their specialist areas.

Modern learning spaces at the ISHCMC library

The library with diverse learning spaces at International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) (Source: ISHCMC)

Contact details for International School Ho Chi Minh City:

Address: 28 Vo Truong Toan, An Khanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Telephone: 028 3898 9100
Email: admissions@ishcmc.edu.vn
Primary tuition fees: VND 702–769 million/year

(Source: Official published fee schedule for the 2026–2027 academic year on the ISHCMC website)

5. Australian International School (AIS)

Australian International School (AIS) provides an international education environment with an Australian-oriented curriculum. Its Primary programme is based on the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP).
The school has two Primary campuses: the Thu Thiem campus on Mai Chi Tho Boulevard, a major route connecting Thu Thiem with District 1, and the Thao Dien campus within the peaceful APSC riverside complex. AIS campuses offer learning spaces and specialist facilities for academics, arts, technology and sports, as well as age-appropriate play areas. Its teachers have experience working in international education environments and are organised according to subject areas and age groups.

The modern computer room at Australian International School (AIS), supporting learning and technology activities (Source: AIS)

Contact details for Australian International School:

Address:
- Thu Thiem Campus: 264 Mai Chi Tho, Binh Trung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Thao Dien Campus: APSC Complex, 36 Thao Dien Street, An Khanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Telephone: 028 3742 4040 or 028 3744 6960
Email: info@aisvietnam.com
Primary tuition fees: VND 597–689 million/year

(Source: Official published fee schedule for the 2026–2027 academic year on the AIS website)
>> See also: 5 Benefits of Residential Trips & Experiential Learning for Students

6. The American School (TAS)

The American School (TAS) offers a Primary programme from Year 1 to Year 5, combining the US Common Core Standards with the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). The programme focuses on developing academic knowledge alongside communication, thinking and leadership skills.
TAS is located at a major transport junction in the east of the city, providing convenient access from District 1, District 2 and Thu Duc City. Its learning environment combines classrooms with spaces for practical activities, creative work, sports and extracurricular activities. Facilities are designed to meet the learning needs of Primary students. Teachers responsible for the programme are trained to teach according to American and IB PYP approaches.

Learning and play spaces at The American School TAS

Learning and play spaces for Primary students at The American School (Source: TAS)

Contact details for The American School:

Address: 06 Song Hanh Street, Ho Chi Minh City–Long Thanh–Dau Giay Expressway, Binh Trung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Telephone: 090 9046 223
Email: admissions@mytas.edu.vn
Primary tuition fees: VND 564–573 million/year

(Source: Official published fee schedule for the 2026–2027 academic year on the TAS website)

7. Canadian International School (CIS)

Canadian International School (CIS) offers the Ontario curriculum for students aged 6 to 11 (Years 1–6). The school campus is located in the well-planned Nam Saigon urban area, with green surroundings, well-developed infrastructure and a secure environment.
The learning environment at CIS combines academic spaces with facilities for sports, arts and creative activities. Its facilities include a 50-metre swimming pool, a library, an art room and group learning areas. International teachers are trained according to the programme's professional requirements, with Canadian teachers meeting the standards of the Ontario College of Teachers.

The 50-metre swimming pool at Canadian International School (CIS), supporting sports and physical activities (Source: CIS)

Contact details for Canadian International School:

Address: 07 Street No. 23, Tan My Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Telephone: 1900 255 636
Email: enquiry@cis.edu.vn
Primary tuition fees: VND 558–641 million/year

(Source: Official published fee schedule for the 2026–2027 academic year on the CIS website)

8. European International School (EIS)

European International School (EIS) provides a European-inspired international education through the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) for children aged 6 to 11. The school is located in An Khanh, Thu Duc City, and follows a distinctive "education village" model surrounded by green gardens.
The learning environment at EIS includes spaces for learning, reading and group activities, while its Learning Resource Centre provides books and learning materials to support independent exploration. Teachers receive ongoing training in the IB programme and teaching methods and have experience working in international education environments.

Classroom and learning spaces at European International School EIS

Classroom and learning spaces at European International School (Source: EIS)

Contact details for European International School:
Address: 730F–730G–730K Le Van Mien, An Khanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Telephone: 028 7300 7257
Email: info@eishcmc.com
Primary tuition fees: VND 511–679 million/year
(Source: Official published fee schedule for the 2026–2027 academic year on the EIS website)
>> Find out more:

9. Renaissance International School Saigon (RISS)

Renaissance International School Saigon (RISS) offers the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) for students from Year 1 to Year 6, comprising Lower Primary (Years 1–3) and Upper Primary (Years 4–6). The school is conveniently located between District 7 and District 4, providing easy access for residents of Districts 1, 4, 7 and 8.
RISS maintains small class sizes and provides learning spaces dedicated to areas such as arts, music, design and sports. Facilities include a 25-metre indoor saltwater swimming pool, a 320-seat theatre, sports courts and a large grass field. International teachers are trained to deliver the IB PYP and support students throughout their learning journey.

The 320-seat theatre at Renaissance International School Saigon (RISS), a space for artistic activities (Source: RISS)

Contact details for Renaissance International School:

Address: 74 Nguyen Thi Thap Street, Tan Thuan Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Telephone: 028 3773 3171 (ext 120/121/122)
Email: admissions@renaissance.edu.vn
Primary tuition fees: VND 522–656 million/year

(Source: Official published fee schedule for the 2026–2027 academic year on the RISS website)
>> Discover more: International School Fees in Ho Chi Minh City for the 2026–2027 Academic Year

Choosing an international primary school is an important decision, as it is not only where children build their academic foundations but also where they develop confidence, a love of learning and the skills needed for the future. Therefore, when looking for an international primary school in Ho Chi Minh City, parents should consider factors such as the curriculum, educational approach, learning experiences and the school's support throughout each stage of their child's development.
Among the schools that many families consider, BVIS HCMC stands out with a Primary programme based on the English National Curriculum, combined with a student-centred learning approach and a continuous educational pathway through to IGCSE and A Level. This makes it an option worth considering for families seeking an international education that places emphasis on academic achievement, holistic development and strong preparation for future university opportunities and success anywhere in the world.
>> Read more: Where to Study A Level in Vietnam? How to Choose the Right School for Your Child

Parents can explore BVIS's curriculum, learning environment, experiential activities and admissions process through:

Campus Address: 44–46 Street No. 1, 6B Intresco Residential Area, Binh Hung Commune, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Hotline: (028) 3758 8033
Email:admissions@bvisvietnam.com

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