British International School HCMC - Secondary Campus vs International School Ho Chi Minh City - Secondary Campus
British International School HCMC - Secondary Campus and International School Ho Chi Minh City - Secondary Campus are both in Ho Chi Minh City, about 1 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes, and British International School HCMC - Secondary Campus also offers British and Cambridge IGCSE. Published annual fees are close, at ₫834,700,000 - 956,300,000 for British International School HCMC - Secondary Campus and ₫849,400,000 - 959,000,000 for International School Ho Chi Minh City - Secondary Campus. Both take pupils from 11 to 18. British International School HCMC - Secondary Campus is the larger school, with around 2,400 pupils to International School Ho Chi Minh City - Secondary Campus's 1,400. Typical class sizes are 20 at British International School HCMC - Secondary Campus and 18 at International School Ho Chi Minh City - Secondary Campus.
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.
Location
The Secondary Campus is located in the Thảo Điền neighbourhood of Thu Đức City (District 2), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It lies in a well-connected area with access to many expatriate housing neighbourhoods and is about 15 minutes from the city centre. Bus routes cover multiple districts and the campus is part of the “one community, two campuses” model with the Primary Campus nearby.
Stages
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.
Stages
The school serves students aged approximately 11 to 18 and is structured for Grades 6-12 (Middle Years and High School). The curriculum follows the IB Middle Years Programme and then the IB Diploma Programme.
School type
School type
The Secondary Campus is a co-educational day school.
School type
It 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
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.
Additional learning support
The school offers a Student Support and Enrichment team which includes Learning Support for students with mild-to-moderate learning needs, English as an Additional Language (EAL) support and counselling. Individual learning plans (IEPs) are used where required.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school follows the British curriculum and is part of Nord Anglia Education, a UK-based global schools group.
Country affiliation
The school is international with no formal affiliation to a specific national system.
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
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.
School day structure
While the exact daily times are not detailed on publicly available pages, the school operates a regular day schedule with morning advisory, class blocks, a lunch break and co-curricular activities after lessons.
Bus service details
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.
Bus service details
The school operates a bus service for students aged 4 years and older, covering many districts of Ho Chi Minh City including District 1, District 2, District 3, District 4, District 5, Bình Thạnh, Tân Bình, Gò Vấp and Thu Đức. There is also a complimentary shuttle service between the Primary and Secondary campuses for eligible families.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
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.
Fee details
Application and Enrolment Fees A non-refundable application fee and registration fee are payable upon admission. These fees cover processing and administrative costs related to enrolment.
Tuition Fees For the 2025–2026 academic year, tuition fees vary by grade:
* Grades 6–8: VND 849,400,000 per year (or VND 437,400,000 per semester / Term 1: 315,100,000 / Term 2: 225,100,000 / Term 3: 225,100,000 / Term 4: 135,100,000). * Grades 9–10: VND 888,200,000 per year (or VND 457,400,000 per semester / Term 1: 329,500,000 / Term 2: 235,400,000 / Term 3: 235,400,000 / Term 4: 141,200,000). * Grades 11–12: VND 959,000,000 per year (or VND 493,900,000 per semester / Term 1: 355,800,000 / Term 2: 254,100,000 / Term 3: 254,100,000 / Term 4: 152,500,000).
Billing Schedule and Payment Terms Fees are billed per semester or per term, with due dates typically on 1 July 2025, 1 October 2025, 1 December 2025, and 1 March 2026.
Boarding The school does not offer boarding facilities; all students attend as day students.
Other Costs Additional costs include school uniforms, technology devices, transport (optional bus service), and some extracurricular activities.
Refunds and Payment Options Refunds follow the school’s admissions and withdrawal policy. Payments are accepted via bank transfer; other methods may be arranged upon request through the school’s finance office.
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 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.
Curriculum details
The International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) Secondary Campus follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework across all year levels. Students in Grades 6–10 study the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), which integrates subjects such as Language and Literature, Mathematics, Sciences, Individuals and Societies, Design, Arts, and Physical and Health Education. From Grades 11–12, students undertake the IB Diploma Programme (DP), which leads to the globally recognized IB Diploma qualification. The DP includes six subject groups and a core component of Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). Language learning, technology integration, and service are emphasized across all stages, and English is the main language of instruction. The curriculum prepares students for international university entry and supports diverse academic and personal pathways.
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.
Admissions
1. Submit Your Application Families begin the process by completing the school’s online application form. Required documents include the student’s personal information, recent school reports, and relevant academic or health records. Supporting documents help the admissions team understand the applicant’s background and readiness.
2. Assessment and Interview Applicants complete an age-appropriate academic assessment and take part in an interview. This step helps the school understand each child’s learning style, English proficiency, and overall suitability for the IB curriculum. Assessments are designed to ensure students can access the school’s programmes successfully.
3. Receive an Offer Once assessments and interviews are reviewed, the school notifies families of the admission decision. Successful applicants receive an offer letter outlining placement details, conditions (if applicable), and fee payment information. The admissions office remains available to guide families through the following administrative steps.
4. Confirm Enrolment Families confirm acceptance by submitting the required documents and arranging fee payments by the specified deadlines. This step secures the student’s place and allows preparation for orientation and the start of school.
Scholarships
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.
Scholarships
The school does not publicly disclose any scholarship or bursary programme on its website. All students are subject to the standard admissions and tuition fee policies.
Waitlist
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.
Waitlist
The school does not publicly state that it operates a waitlist or pool system.
