Australian International School Saigon - Thu Thiem Campus vs British International School HCMC - Secondary Campus
Australian International School Saigon - Thu Thiem Campus and British International School HCMC - Secondary Campus are both in Ho Chi Minh City, about 3 km apart. Both schools offer IB and Cambridge IGCSE programmes. Australian International School Saigon - Thu Thiem Campus also offers Cambridge (Secondary) and Reggio Emilia, and British International School HCMC - Secondary Campus also offers British. Published annual fees are ₫295,600,000 - 912,300,000 at Australian International School Saigon - Thu Thiem Campus and ₫834,700,000 - 956,300,000 at British International School HCMC - Secondary Campus, which puts British International School HCMC - Secondary Campus roughly 48% higher. Australian International School Saigon - Thu Thiem Campus takes pupils from 1.5 to 18, and British International School HCMC - Secondary Campus from 11 to 18. British International School HCMC - Secondary Campus is the larger school, with around 2,400 pupils to Australian International School Saigon - Thu Thiem Campus's 1,200. Typical class sizes are 19 at Australian International School Saigon - Thu Thiem Campus and 20 at British International School HCMC - Secondary Campus.
AIS’s Thu Thiem campus is located at 264 Mai Chi Tho, An Phu Ward, Thu Duc City (Ho Chi Minh City). The area is part of the modern Thu Thiem peninsula, a growing residential and educational district about 15 minutes from the city centre. The school is easily accessible from major roads such as Hanoi Highway and Mai Chi Tho Boulevard, with convenient transport links across the city.
Location
The Secondary Campus is located at 246 Nguyen Van Huong Street, Thao Dien, Thu Duc City, next to the Junior Campus and connected to it by a private pedestrian bridge. The Thao Dien area is a well-established, international neighbourhood with easy access to District 1 via the Saigon Bridge. The campus is within walking distance of local cafés, supermarkets, and residential housing, making it convenient for families living nearby.
Stages
Stages
AIS Thu Thiem offers a full education pathway for students aged 1.5 to 18, from Infant and Kindergarten through Primary (Years 1–6), Secondary (Years 7–11), and Senior School (Years 12–13). The curriculum transitions from the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) to Cambridge Lower Secondary and IGCSE, and culminates with the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP).
Stages
The Secondary Campus provides education for students in the Secondary and Sixth Form stages, serving learners typically aged 11 to 18. Students follow the English National Curriculum in lower secondary, then progress to Cambridge IGCSE qualifications, and complete their studies with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. This progression prepares students for entry to universities worldwide.
School type
School type
AIS is a co-educational international school, welcoming both local and expatriate students. It also offers boarding accommodation for students in Years 7–13, located on the Thu Thiem campus.
School type
The Secondary Campus 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, coordinated through its Student Support Services team. Support may include differentiated instruction, small group intervention, and pastoral care within mainstream classes. English language learners also receive EAL (English as an Additional Language) support where needed.
Additional learning support
The school provides Additional Educational Needs (AEN) and English as an Additional Language (EAL) support for students who need extra help. Support includes small-group interventions, targeted instruction, and collaboration with class teachers. The school is not a specialist SEN institution but accommodates a range of mild to moderate learning needs within its mainstream setting.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school follows an Australian educational philosophy and is affiliated with the Inspired Education Group, an international schools network headquartered in London. While Australian in origin, AIS offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) and Cambridge programmes to an international student body.
Country affiliation
The school follows the British curriculum and is part of Nord Anglia Education, a UK-based global schools group.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
The school does not have any religious affiliations.
Religious affiliation
The school does not have any religious affiliations.
School day structure
School day structure
The school day begins at 8:00 am and finishes at 2:40 pm for Secondary students. Morning recess runs from 9:30 to 10:00 am, and lunch is from 12:40 to 1:20 pm. After-school activities take place between 2:50 and 3:50 pm, with language support sessions (EAL and Vietnamese) continuing until around 4:05 pm. This schedule balances academic classes, enrichment opportunities, and time for social interaction.
School day structure
The school day begins at 7:50 a.m. with registration and the last period ending at 2:40 p.m. Co-curricular clubs and sports sessions take place after lessons and run until 4:55pm.
Bus service details
Bus service details
AIS provides a reliable, air-conditioned bus service that covers a wide network across Ho Chi Minh City. Each bus has a licensed driver and a trained monitor to ensure safety. The standard bus departs at 3:00 pm, with a later service at 4:05 pm for students taking part in after-school activities. Families can arrange route options during enrolment, and changes to travel plans can be managed through the school reception.
Bus service details
BIS HCMC provides a school bus service serving multiple districts across the city. Each bus is supervised by trained staff who assist students during pick-up and drop-off. The service is centrally coordinated by the school’s transport office, with routes reviewed regularly to meet family needs.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application Fee A one-time, non-refundable fee of VND 3,500,000 is payable upon application submission.
Acceptance Fee
* Kindergarten (Infant–Senior): VND 32,000,000 (an additional VND 32,000,000 due upon progression to Year 1) * Primary & Middle School (Years 1–11): VND 64,000,000 * Senior School (Years 12–13): VND 32,000,000
Tuition Fees (per year, Plan A – Annual Payment)
* Infant Kindergarten: VND 295,600,000 * Junior Kindergarten: VND 302,100,000 * Senior Kindergarten: VND 305,400,000 * Year 1: VND 566,000,000 * Years 2–6: VND 619,300,000–653,800,000 * Years 7–9: VND 710,500,000–752,800,000 * Years 10–11: VND 763,900,000–792,800,000 * Years 12–13: VND 860,700,000
Payment Options Tuition may be paid annually, in two instalments, or four instalments. A 6% discount applies for full annual payment, with an extra 1.5% early payment discount if settled before a due date.
Bus Service Fees (per year) Depending on route and distance, annual bus fees range from VND 13,277,000 (short distance, e.g. Thao Dien–Thu Thiem) to VND 53,890,000 (long distance, e.g. Bien Hoa, Dong Nai). Both one-way and return options are available.
Other Costs Uniforms, meals for Years 7–13, extracurricular activities, and optional after-school care incur additional charges.
Refund Policy Refunds on annual tuition are based on the student’s withdrawal date: 95% before school starts, 65% in Term 1, 40% in Term 2, 15% in Term 3, and 0% in Term 4.
Payment Methods Fees can be paid by bank transfer or credit card, in VND or USD, using the prevailing Vietcombank or ANZ exchange rate
Fee details
Application Fee A non-refundable Application Fee of VND 4,700,000 is required upon submission of the application. This covers the administrative processing of new student applications.
Registration Fee A one-time, non-refundable Registration Fee of VND 73,300,000 confirms a student’s enrolment and secures their place at the school.
Security Deposit A refundable Security Deposit of VND 24,500,000 per student is required upon joining. The deposit is refunded in full when the student leaves, provided 90 days’ written notice is given.
Tuition Fees (2025–2026 Academic Year)
* Year 7: VND 834,700,000 per year (Term 1 452,700,000 | Term 2 338,790,000 | Term 3 190,510,000) * Year 8: VND 834,700,000 per year (Term 1 452,700,000 | Term 2 338,790,000 | Term 3 190,510,000) * Year 9: VND 834,700,000 per year (Term 1 452,700,000 | Term 2 338,790,000 | Term 3 190,510,000) * Year 10: VND 880,500,000 per year (Term 1 477,540,000 | Term 2 357,380,000 | Term 3 200,960,000) * Year 11: VND 880,500,000 per year (Term 1 477,540,000 | Term 2 357,380,000 | Term 3 200,960,000) * Year 12: VND 956,300,000 per year (Term 1 518,650,000 | Term 2 388,150,000 | Term 3 218,260,000) * Year 13: VND 956,300,000 per year (Term 1 518,650,000 | Term 2 388,150,000 | Term 3 218,260,000)
Billing Schedule and Payment Terms Tuition may be paid annually before the school year begins or per term in advance. Annual payments receive an approximate 15 percent discount. Payments are accepted in VND, or in USD for overseas transfers at the prevailing bank exchange rate. Late payments incur a 1.5 percent monthly surcharge.
Additional Costs Tuition does not include meals, transport, uniforms, school trips, co-curricular clubs, or instrumental music lessons.
Refund Policy Parents must provide 90 days’ written notice before withdrawal. Refunds are based on the term of withdrawal: 55 percent of annual tuition (Term 1), 30 percent (Term 2), and 0 percent (Term 3). Term fees and late enrolment fees are non-refundable.
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) Thu Thiem offers an internationally recognised curriculum from early years through to graduation. In the Early Years and Primary School (Kindergarten to Year 6), students follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP), supported by elements of the Australian and Cambridge curricula in English, Mathematics, and Science. The Middle School (Years 7–9) continues with the Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme, preparing students for external assessment and subject specialisation. In Years 10–11, students study for the Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) across core and elective subjects. The Senior School (Years 12–13) offers the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), providing a globally recognised qualification for university entry. The curriculum is delivered in English, complemented by language, arts, and technology programmes throughout all school stages.
Curriculum details
The Secondary Campus at BIS HCMC offers a structured academic pathway that builds upon the British education system. Students in the lower secondary years follow the English National Curriculum, studying core subjects such as English, Mathematics, Sciences, Humanities, and Modern Foreign Languages. In the upper secondary stage, students work towards the Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), selecting a combination of subjects that reflect their interests and strengths. In the final two years, students undertake the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, an internationally recognised qualification for university entry. Specialist teachers lead lessons across all subjects, supported by extensive facilities for Science, Technology, Performing Arts, and Sport. The curriculum promotes academic depth, research skills, and independence in preparation for higher education and global opportunities.
1. Enquiry or School Tour Families begin by completing an Enquiry Form or booking a personalised school tour. This allows parents to learn about the school’s curriculum, facilities, and boarding or day options available at the Thu Thiem or Thao Dien campuses. Tours are arranged directly with the Admissions Office or online.
2. Application Form and Supporting Documents Parents then complete the Enrolment Application Form and submit required documents online. These include school reports from the previous two years, a copy of the student’s birth certificate or passport, parents’ passports or identity cards, and any relevant Special Educational Needs assessment reports. Certificates of achievement in academics, sport, or community programmes may also be included.
3. Entrance Exams and Interview Applicants are invited to complete an entrance exam and attend an interview with the Principal or Deputy Principal. This step helps the school assess academic readiness and English language proficiency before placement.
4. Offer Letter and Acceptance Successful candidates receive a formal Offer Letter. To confirm the place, families must pay a non-refundable Acceptance Fee, followed by tuition fees according to their chosen payment plan.
5. Welcome to AIS Once payment and paperwork are completed, the student’s enrolment is finalised, and they officially join the AIS community.
Admissions
1. Enquiry and consultation Families begin the process by completing the online enquiry form on the BIS HCMC website. The Admissions Team responds promptly to provide information about entry requirements, availability, and curriculum pathways. Parents are encouraged to arrange a campus tour—in person or virtually—to gain an overview of life at the Secondary Campus.
2. Campus visit and discussion During the visit, families meet members of the academic and pastoral teams, tour classrooms, and learn about programmes such as the IGCSE and IB Diploma. The Admissions Team offers guidance on subject choices and placement options for students joining from other educational systems.
3. Application submission Parents submit the online application form and supporting documents, including copies of the student’s passport, birth certificate, previous school reports, and any additional learning or language assessments. The Application Fee of VND 4,700,000 is payable at this stage.
4. Entrance assessment and interview Students undertake an age-appropriate entrance assessment and, for older year groups, an interview with a senior member of staff. These steps help determine academic readiness and English language proficiency.
5. Offer and confirmation Successful applicants receive a formal Offer Letter from the Admissions Office. A student’s place is secured upon payment of the Registration Fee and Security Deposit and completion of the enrolment paperwork.
6. Induction and transition Before joining, new students and families are invited to attend orientation sessions to meet teachers, explore the campus, and learn about school routines. The pastoral team ensures smooth academic and social integration.
Scholarships
Scholarships
AIS Saigon offers academic and talent-based scholarships for new students entering Years 7-12, with awards ranging from 10% up to 100% of the annual tuition fee. The selection is based on academic achievement and individual talents in the school’s three pillars: academics, arts, and sports. The application process requires submission of the scholarship application form, recent school reports, evidence of achievement (academic, sporting, cultural, or community), passport or birth certificate copies, and payment of an application fee of VND 3,500,000. Shortlisted applicants are then invited to take assessments (including English test, cognitive ability test, and writing test) followed by an interview with the senior leadership team. Recipients must maintain high standards of achievement and participation, with scholarship continuation contingent upon consistent performance and contribution to school life.
Scholarships
The school does not publicly disclose or advertise any scholarship programmes for the Secondary Campus. Admissions are based on application review and assessment, with all places subject to full tuition fees as published in the annual fee schedule.
Waitlist
Waitlist
AIS operates on a rolling admissions basis, and enrolment is subject to seat availability in each year group.
Waitlist
The school operates a waitlist system when year groups reach full capacity. Applications are held on file and reviewed as spaces become available, with priority given to siblings of current students and children of returning families.
