European International School Ho Chi Minh City vs International Schools of North America - Saigon South (SNA Saigon South)
European International School Ho Chi Minh City and International Schools of North America - Saigon South (SNA Saigon South) are both in Ho Chi Minh City, about 10 km apart. Both schools follow an IB curriculum. Published annual fees are ₫274,700,000 - 817,900,000 at European International School Ho Chi Minh City and ₫514,560,000 - 843,470,000 at International Schools of North America - Saigon South (SNA Saigon South), which puts International Schools of North America - Saigon South (SNA Saigon South) roughly 24% higher. European International School Ho Chi Minh City takes pupils from 2 to 18, and International Schools of North America - Saigon South (SNA Saigon South) from 3 to 18. The two are similar in size, at around 570 and 500 pupils. Typical class sizes are 7 at European International School Ho Chi Minh City and 22 at International Schools of North America - Saigon South (SNA Saigon South).
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.
Location
The International Schools of North America – Saigon South (SNA Saigon South) is situated on Street No. 20 in the Him Lam Residential Area, Binh Hung Commune, District 8, Ho Chi Minh City. The campus lies within the Saigon South area, a well-planned residential neighborhood known for its family-oriented environment and convenient access to major districts of the city. Its proximity to main roads and transport links makes it easily reachable for both local and expatriate families. The area offers a calm and secure setting that contrasts with the busier city center, making it a suitable environment for both learning and community life.
Stages
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).
Stages
SNA Saigon South offers a full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum from the Primary Years Programme (PYP) through the Middle Years Programme (MYP) to the Diploma Programme (DP). The school welcomes students from early primary to high school level, typically ranging in age from 3 to 18.
School type
School type
EIS is a co-educational day school.
School type
SNA Saigon South is a co-educational international 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 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.
Additional learning support
The school provides dedicated support for students with additional learning needs through its Student Support Services department. This includes English language acquisition programs for non-native speakers and an Inclusion Programme for students requiring academic, emotional, or behavioral support. Individual Education Plans (IEPs) are developed where necessary, ensuring each student receives targeted assistance. The school also offers counseling and wellbeing programs to help students thrive both academically and personally.
Country affiliation
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.
Country affiliation
The school operates as a fully authorized International Baccalaureate World School, drawing on global best practices in international education rather than following a country-specific curriculum.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliations.
Religious affiliation
The school does not have any religious affiliations.
School day structure
School day structure
Specific start and end times for each day are not publicly detailed.
School day structure
The typical school day begins around 8:15 a.m. and concludes at approximately 3:15 p.m., with scheduled breaks for snacks and lunch. Boarding students follow an extended daily routine, which includes supervised study periods, extracurricular activities, and structured evening programs. The daily schedule is designed to balance academic lessons with time for recreation, enrichment, and personal development.
Bus service details
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.
Bus service details
The school offers a well-organized bus service for students living across Ho Chi Minh City. This service is managed in partnership with a professional transport provider, ensuring safety and reliability. Families can choose between one-way or two-way options, depending on their needs. Bus routes cover multiple residential districts, and details regarding stops, timing, and fees are made available at the start of each academic year.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
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.
Fee details
Application Fee A one-time, non-refundable application fee of VND 5,600,000 is required upon submission of the admission form.
Registration Fee A one-time registration fee of VND 40,000,000 applies upon enrollment confirmation. This fee is refundable only if the student is deemed ineligible due to failing the entrance exam or for verified medical reasons.
Tuition Fees (per year and per semester) All fees are in VND. Payment may be made annually or by semester. Discounts apply for early full-year payment.
* Grades 1–5 (PYP): 514,560,000 per year / 257,280,000 per semester * Grades 6–10 (MYP): 689,240,000 per year / 344,620,000 per semester * Grades 11–12 (DP): 843,470,000 per year / 421,735,000 per semester
These tuition rates include textbooks, stationery, laboratory fees, co-curricular activities, IB examination fees (first attempt), English language support (if applicable), and student insurance.
Boarding Fees Boarding is available for both primary and secondary students:
* Primary (Mon–Fri): 94,300,000 per year * Primary (Mon–Sun): 115,200,000 per year * Secondary (Mon–Fri): 110,340,000 per year * Secondary (Mon–Sun): 135,640,000 per year Meals are included on school days only.
Other Fees
* Uniforms: Primary 2,975,000 / Secondary MYP 3,575,000 / Secondary DP 5,475,000 * Meals: Primary 35,470,000 per year / Secondary 40,930,000 per year * Transportation (within HCMC): From 21,000,000 to 40,230,000 per year (two-way), depending on pick-up zone
Discounts and Sibling Policy
* 10% discount for the second sibling, 15% for the third and subsequent siblings enrolled at SNA or other NHG schools. * 30% discount on bus fees for additional siblings sharing the same pick-up point.
Refund Policy Tuition refunds are available if withdrawal is due to relocation, disaster, or medical reasons, with notice at least 30 working days before departure. Refund rates vary by timing (e.g., 100% before start date, 50% within two months of term start). Meal and boarding fees are refundable based on unused days.
Payment Terms and Options Payments may be made by semester or annually via bank transfer to the school’s account.
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
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.
Curriculum details
The International Schools of North America – Saigon South (SNA Saigon South) offers a full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum, encompassing the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). Students in Grades 1–5 follow the PYP, which emphasizes inquiry-based learning across subjects such as language, mathematics, science, and the arts. Grades 6–10 study within the MYP framework, integrating global contexts and interdisciplinary projects that encourage critical thinking and personal development. In Grades 11–12, students pursue the IB Diploma Programme, which includes six subject groups, Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) components. English is the primary language of instruction, while Vietnamese and Korean are taught as additional languages. The curriculum prepares students for international higher education pathways and encourages engagement with local and global communities.
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.
Admissions
1. Application Submission Parents begin by completing the online or in-person application form and paying the non-refundable application fee. The form requires basic student details such as grade level, date of birth, and previous school records. Applications are typically accepted between March and June, although late submissions are considered depending on space availability.
2. Entrance Assessment and Interview Each applicant completes an entrance assessment, which may include academic testing, a writing sample, and an English proficiency evaluation. Younger students may participate in an interview or classroom observation. The admissions team reviews all results alongside the student’s past academic records to determine eligibility.
3. Offer of Placement Successful applicants receive an official offer of enrolment once assessment results and documentation meet school requirements. Parents confirm acceptance by signing the enrolment agreement and paying the one-time registration fee to secure the student’s place.
4. Payment and Orientation After registration, families pay tuition and other related fees such as meals, uniforms, and transportation according to the school’s payment schedule. Before the school year begins, students and parents are invited to orientation sessions to support a smooth transition into the school community.
5. Late Applications Applications received after the main intake period are considered on a rolling basis. Admission is subject to class capacity, assessment results, and the school’s ability to support the applicant’s educational needs.
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.
Scholarships
NextGen Scholarship (Grades 6–10) This merit-based award provides up to 50% tuition coverage for students entering the Middle Years Programme (MYP). Selection is based on two assessment rounds, including a MAP Growth test in Math and Reading, and a written essay or interview in English.
Little Eagle Talent Scholarship (Grades 1–5) This scholarship supports primary students showing strong academic and creative potential. It covers 50% of tuition and 50% of the registration fee. Applicants submit a short video showcasing a talent such as storytelling or singing in English and complete the school’s entrance assessment.
Both scholarships are valid for the duration specified in the offer, are non-transferable, and may not be exchanged for cash. Recipients are expected to maintain good academic standing and participate actively in school life.
Waitlist
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.
Waitlist
The school does not operate a formal waitlist or pooled admissions system.
