Australian International School Saigon - Thao Dien Campus vs Renaissance International School Saigon
Australian International School Saigon - Thao Dien Campus and Renaissance International School Saigon are both in Ho Chi Minh City, about 8 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes. Australian International School Saigon - Thao Dien Campus also offers Cambridge (Primary) and Reggio Emilia, and Renaissance International School Saigon also offers British and Cambridge IGCSE. Published annual fees are close, at ₫295,600,000 - 693,000,000 for Australian International School Saigon - Thao Dien Campus and ₫189,500,000 - 805,600,000 for Renaissance International School Saigon. Australian International School Saigon - Thao Dien Campus takes pupils from 1.5 to 11, and Renaissance International School Saigon from 2 to 18. Australian International School Saigon - Thao Dien Campus is the larger school, with around 1,300 pupils to Renaissance International School Saigon's 500. Typical class sizes are 19 at Australian International School Saigon - Thao Dien Campus and 25 at Renaissance International School Saigon.
IB (PYP), Cambridge (Primary), Reggio Emilia Approach
Curriculum
IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE
Pupils
Pupils
1,300
Pupils
500
Typical class size
Typical class size
19
Typical class size
25
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2006
Opened
2007
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
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.
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 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.
School type
School type
AIS Thao Dien is a co-educational international day school that welcomes both local and expatriate students.
School type
Renaissance 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 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.
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 follows a British-style international curriculum framework combined with IB programmes, but it is not officially affiliated with any single country.
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
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.
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 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.
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 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).
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
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.
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. 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.
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
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.
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
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.
