Australian International School Saigon - Thu Thiem Campus vs British Vietnamese International School Ho Chi Minh City
Australian International School Saigon - Thu Thiem Campus and British Vietnamese International School Ho Chi Minh City are both in Ho Chi Minh City, about 11 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge IGCSE programmes. Australian International School Saigon - Thu Thiem Campus also offers IB, Cambridge (Secondary) and Reggio Emilia, and British Vietnamese International School Ho Chi Minh City also offers IPC, British, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels and EYFS. Published annual fees are ₫295,600,000 - 912,300,000 at Australian International School Saigon - Thu Thiem Campus and ₫250,400,000 - 668,600,000 at British Vietnamese International School Ho Chi Minh City, which puts Australian International School Saigon - Thu Thiem Campus roughly 31% higher. Australian International School Saigon - Thu Thiem Campus takes pupils from 1.5 to 18, and British Vietnamese International School Ho Chi Minh City from 2 to 18. The two are similar in size, at around 1,200 and 1,000 pupils. Typical class sizes are 19 at Australian International School Saigon - Thu Thiem Campus and 21 at British Vietnamese International School Ho Chi Minh City.
IPC (International Primary Curriculum), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Pupils
Pupils
1,200
Pupils
1,000
Typical class size
Typical class size
19
Typical class size
21
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English, Vietnamese
Opened
Opened
2007
Opened
2011
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
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
BVIS HCMC sits at 44-46 Street 1, Binh Hung, Binh Chanh District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The campus is located in the Binh Chanh suburb, providing a quieter, more spacious environment compared with the city centre. While slightly removed from the central business districts, it is accessible by car or organised transport, and offers a more campus-style setting in Ho Chi Minh City.
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 school is structured into Early Years (starting around age 2), Primary (approx ages 5–11) and Secondary (ages 11–18) including Sixth Form/A-Level study. This means children can remain in one school community from early years through to university preparation.
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
BVIS HCMC is a co-educational day school.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
—
Pupil nationality mix
—
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 offers tailored additional learning support including English as an Additional Language (EAL) programmes and Vietnamese as an Additional Language (VAL). For students with mild additional educational needs (“inclusion”) there is an Inclusion team that works with class teachers to provide personalised support in small-group settings.
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
BVIS HCMC is based in Vietnam and operates as an international school within the country. It does not function as an overseas branch of a foreign national government but follows an internationally recognised curriculum with a bilingual Vietnamese-English pathway.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
The school does not have any religious affiliations.
Religious affiliation
The school has no stated religious affiliation and is non-denominational in its educational approach.
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 regular school day runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:05 p.m., with designated break and lunch periods depending on the year group. Students typically arrive before 8:30 a.m. for registration and morning activities, and after-school clubs or co-curricular programmes are available on certain days.
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
BVIS HCMC operates a comprehensive school-bus service for families across Ho Chi Minh City. The service is managed by a contracted transport provider, offering multiple pick-up and drop-off points, seat-belt-equipped coaches, and supervision staff on board. Details about routes, timings and fees are shared with families through the school’s admissions and parent information channels.
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
* VND 3,700,000 — Non-refundable, payable when submitting an application form.
Registration Fee
* Foundation Stage (F1–F3): VND 24,500,000 * Primary & Secondary: VND 73,300,000 (One-time, non-refundable payment confirming a student’s place; families pay the difference when transferring from Foundation to Primary.)
Security Deposit
* VND 36,700,000 per child — refundable upon withdrawal with 90 days’ written notice.
Tuition Fees (by Year Group)
All tuition fees are in VND. Annual tuition fees are discounted by approximately 15% if paid in full before 6 August 2025. Fees may also be paid termly (Term 1 / Term 2 / Term 3).
Foundation Stage
* F1 (Mầm non 1) — Annual 250,400,000 | Term 1 135,840,000 | Term 2 101,470,000 | Term 3 57,280,000 * F2 (Mầm non 2) — Annual 250,400,000 | Term 1 135,840,000 | Term 2 101,470,000 | Term 3 57,280,000 * F3 (Mầm non 3) — Annual 338,900,000 | Term 1 183,850,000 | Term 2 137,330,000 | Term 3 77,530,000
Primary School
* Year 1 — Annual 472,800,000 | Term 1 256,490,000 | Term 2 191,590,000 | Term 3 108,160,000 * Year 2 — Annual 479,800,000 | Term 1 260,280,000 | Term 2 194,430,000 | Term 3 109,760,000 * Year 3 — Annual 486,700,000 | Term 1 264,030,000 | Term 2 197,230,000 | Term 3 111,340,000 * Year 4 — Annual 486,700,000 | Term 1 264,030,000 | Term 2 197,230,000 | Term 3 111,340,000 * Year 5 — Annual 486,700,000 | Term 1 264,030,000 | Term 2 197,230,000 | Term 3 111,340,000
Lower Secondary
* Year 6 — Annual 486,700,000 | Term 1 264,030,000 | Term 2 197,230,000 | Term 3 111,340,000 * Year 7 — Annual 582,600,000 | Term 1 316,050,000 | Term 2 236,090,000 | Term 3 133,270,000 * Year 8 — Annual 593,300,000 | Term 1 321,860,000 | Term 2 240,420,000 | Term 3 135,720,000 * Year 9 — Annual 593,300,000 | Term 1 321,860,000 | Term 2 240,420,000 | Term 3 135,720,000
Upper Secondary (IGCSE & A Levels)
* Year 10 — Annual 606,800,000 | Term 1 329,180,000 | Term 2 245,890,000 | Term 3 138,810,000 * Year 11 — Annual 606,800,000 | Term 1 329,180,000 | Term 2 245,890,000 | Term 3 138,810,000 * Year 12 — Annual 668,600,000 | Term 1 362,710,000 | Term 2 270,940,000 | Term 3 152,950,000 * Year 13 — Annual 668,600,000 | Term 1 362,710,000 | Term 2 270,940,000 | Term 3 152,950,000
Refund Policy
Parents must give 90 days’ written notice of withdrawal to qualify for a partial refund of annual tuition, calculated according to the student’s final school day. Termly fees and late-enrolment fees are non-refundable.
Included / Excluded Items
Included: school lunches, day trips, and compulsory health insurance. Excluded: uniforms, bus transport, residential trips, and certain extracurricular or instrumental classes.
Payment Options
Fees are invoiced in Vietnamese Dong (VND) and payable locally. Payments from outside Vietnam may be made in USD by bank transfer at the prevailing exchange rate.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
—
Boarding arrangements
—
Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
—
Uniform requirement
—
Food options
Food options
—
Food options
—
House system
House system
—
House system
—
Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
—
Governance and ownership
—
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
Students in Early Years (ages 2-5) follow the British EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) programme delivered bilingually in English and Vietnamese. For Primary (ages 5-11) the school blends the National Curriculum for England with the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), also integrating Vietnamese language and culture. In Secondary Years 7-9 (ages 11-14) students follow the National Curriculum for England, preparing for Upper Secondary. For Years 10-11 (ages 14-16) students study the internationally-recognised Cambridge IGCSE qualifications. Finally, in Years 12-13 (ages 16-18) students specialise in their chosen subjects and study the Cambridge International A Levels.
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 Families begin the process by contacting the school’s Admissions Team, who provide information about the programmes and answer initial questions. Parents are invited to schedule a visit to learn more about the school’s approach, facilities, and community.
2. Guided Campus Tour A guided tour allows families to see the campus either in person or virtually. During the visit, staff highlight learning spaces and explain the school’s bilingual approach and daily routines. This step helps families decide whether the school environment fits their child’s needs.
3. Submit Application Form Parents complete the online application form and pay the required application fee. BVIS HCMC accepts applications throughout the year, although early submission is encouraged to ensure placement availability.
4. Placement All applicants participate in an interview and entrance assessment suited to their age group. For younger children, assessments may include informal play-based activities. The school reviews each applicant’s results and determines the most suitable year placement.
5. Securing Your Child’s Place Once an offer of admission is made, parents confirm acceptance by paying the registration fee and security deposit. This step officially secures the student’s place in the school.
6. Enrolment and Orientation Before starting classes, new students and families attend an orientation session. The programme helps students become familiar with their teachers, routines, and classmates, ensuring a comfortable transition into the BVIS community.
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
BVIS HCMC offers “The 1 Scholarship Programme” for Secondary School (ages 11–16, Years 7-12) for the 2025-2026 year. The scholarship includes a 100% waiver of the application fee, a 100% waiver of the registration fee, and up to 20 % tuition fee reduction for the year. It is applicable for one academic year only and does not cover the security deposit, uniform, bus, trips or extra-curricular fees. Applicants submit evidence of academic and extra-curricular achievement and attend an assessment and interview.
Waitlist
Waitlist
AIS operates on a rolling admissions basis, and enrolment is subject to seat availability in each year group.
Waitlist
The school does not publicly detail a formal waitlist or pool system in its admissions information.
