Australian International School Saigon - Thao Dien Campus vs European International School Ho Chi Minh City
Australian International School Saigon - Thao Dien Campus and European International School Ho Chi Minh City are both in Ho Chi Minh City, about 1 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes, and Australian International School Saigon - Thao Dien Campus also offers Cambridge (Primary) and Reggio Emilia. Published annual fees are ₫295,600,000 - 693,000,000 at Australian International School Saigon - Thao Dien Campus and ₫274,700,000 - 817,900,000 at European International School Ho Chi Minh City, which puts European International School Ho Chi Minh City roughly 11% higher. Australian International School Saigon - Thao Dien Campus takes pupils from 1.5 to 11, and European International School Ho Chi Minh City from 2 to 18. Australian International School Saigon - Thao Dien Campus is the larger school, with around 1,300 pupils to European International School Ho Chi Minh City's 570. Typical class sizes are 19 at Australian International School Saigon - Thao Dien Campus and 7 at European International School Ho Chi Minh City.
IB (PYP), Cambridge (Primary), Reggio Emilia Approach
Curriculum
IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Pupils
Pupils
1,300
Pupils
570
Typical class size
Typical class size
19
Typical class size
7
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2006
Opened
2009
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
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.
Location
EIS is situated at 730 F-730 G-730 K Lê Văn Miến Street, An Khanh Ward, Thảo Điền, Thu Đức City (District 2) in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It lies in a residential, expatriate-friendly neighbourhood with access by local roads and serves families living in the city’s eastern suburbs.
Stages
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.
Stages
The school welcomes children aged 2 to 18 years. It is organised into early years (approx ages 2–5), primary (around ages 6–11), middle school (around ages 11–15) and high school (ages 16–18).
School type
School type
AIS Thao Dien is a co-educational international day school that welcomes both local and expatriate students.
School type
EIS is a co-educational day school.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
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.
Additional learning support
The school indicates that it provides “mainstream with SEN support” for students with additional learning needs, meaning that while specialised separate units may not be emphasised, support is offered within the regular classes.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school follows an Australian educational philosophy and is part of the Inspired Education Group, an international network of schools.
Country affiliation
The school is not formally affiliated with a particular national curriculum of one country; it is a private international school in Vietnam offering the IB curriculum.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
The school does not have any religious affiliations.
Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliations.
School day structure
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.
School day structure
Specific start and end times for each day are not publicly detailed.
Bus service details
Bus service details
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.
Bus service details
The school offers a dedicated bus service for students, with routes covering nearby neighbourhoods and suburbs, providing supervised transport to and from the campus each day.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
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.
Fee details
Application and Admission Fees
* Application Fee: VND 3,500,000 per student (one-time, non-refundable, payable on application). * Acceptance Fee (Admission Fee): • Early Years (Toddler – Kindergarten 1 & 2): VND 20,000,000 per student • Preschool: VND 40,000,000 per student • Grades 1–10: VND 40,000,000 per student • Grades 11–12: VND 32,000,000 per student
Note: The amounts listed above represent Plan A (Annual Payment). Under Plan B (2-instalment) or Plan C (4-instalment) options, fees are slightly higher to reflect the payment schedule. Discounts apply for early payments and siblings.
Security Deposit / Re-enrolment Deposit VND 30,000,000 per student, payable annually to secure placement. The deposit is deducted from tuition fees once enrolment is confirmed and refunded only with a 60-day written withdrawal notice.
Bus Fees (2025–2026) The annual bus service fee ranges from VND 27,948,000 to 50,140,000 for a round trip and VND 17,085,000 to 30,150,000 for a one-way journey, depending on distance. A 10 % discount applies for additional siblings using the service.
Other Services and Costs
* Canteen: Early Years – VND 19,400,000 per year; Grades 1–12 – VND 21,500,000 per year. * Uniforms: Available for purchase at the School Shop three days per week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday). * Family Discounts: Second child – 50 % waiver of the Acceptance Fee + 5 % tuition discount; third and subsequent children – full waiver + 10 % tuition discount (maximum 12 % total).
Refund and Withdrawal Policy Refunds are available based on the withdrawal date with a 60-day notice:
* Before school starts – 95 % refund * Term 1 – 65 % * Term 2 – 40 % * Term 3 – 15 % * Term 4 – 0 %
Students enrolling mid-year pay a pro-rated percentage based on their entry date.
Payment Methods and Terms Payments can be made via bank transfer (preferred) or credit card in VND, USD or EUR, based on Vietcombank’s buying rate on the transfer date. Late payments are subject to a 12 % annualised interest penalty.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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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
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
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.
Curriculum details
European International School Ho Chi Minh City (EIS) offers the full continuum of the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum for students aged 2 to 18 years. The school follows the Primary Years Programme (PYP) in the Early Years and Primary School, focusing on inquiry-based learning across key subjects. In Middle School, students progress into the Middle Years Programme (MYP), which builds academic depth and interdisciplinary understanding. The Diploma Programme (DP) is offered in Grades 11 and 12, providing internationally recognised qualifications for university entry worldwide. Core subjects include English, Mathematics, Sciences, Humanities, Languages, and the Arts, alongside physical education and community engagement. Students also take part in language acquisition (such as French, German, Spanish, Vietnamese, or Korean) and creative or service-oriented projects aligned with IB principles.
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.
Admissions
1. Submit Online Application Form Families begin the process by completing the online application form on the school website and uploading the required documents, such as recent school reports and identification.
2. Entrance Assessment and Interview Applicants take an entrance assessment and attend an interview with the Principal or Deputy Principal. This step allows the school to understand each student’s academic level and learning needs.
3. Offer of Place Successful applicants receive a formal Letter of Offer confirming a place at the school.
4. Acceptance of Offer Parents confirm acceptance by paying the required Acceptance Fee, securing the student’s place.
5. Tuition Fee Payment Tuition fees are then paid in accordance with the Debit Note issued by the school, following the chosen payment plan.
Scholarships
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.
Scholarships
EIS offers a Merit Scholarship Programme for selected students. Scholarships can cover from 15% up to 100% of tuition fees (excluding field trips, exam fees and other direct costs). Eligibility is based on academic achievement, leadership, critical thinking and community engagement; students apply by submitting reports, certificates and an English placement test, followed by an interview. The scholarship is awarded after evaluation by a committee and is reviewed annually.
Waitlist
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.
Waitlist
The school states that demand for places is very high and “most year groups have a waiting list.” In other words, once offered and accepted places are filled, additional applicants may be placed on a wait-list until spaces become available. The school accepts applications year-round but advises early registration to avoid disappointment.
