Hanoi International School vs United Nations International School of Hanoi
Hanoi International School and United Nations International School of Hanoi are both in Hanoi, about 5 km apart. Both schools follow an IB curriculum. Published annual fees are close, at ₫418,400,000 - 767,000,000 for Hanoi International School and ₫373,000,000 - 776,000,000 for United Nations International School of Hanoi. Hanoi International School takes pupils from 4 to 18, and United Nations International School of Hanoi from 3 to 12. United Nations International School of Hanoi is the larger school, with around 1,100 pupils to Hanoi International School's 300. Typical class sizes are 6 at Hanoi International School and 1100 at United Nations International School of Hanoi.
Hanoi International School (HIS) is located at 48 Liễu Giai Street, Giảng Võ Ward, Ba Đình District, Hanoi, Vietnam. The school sits in central Hanoi, close to major embassies, residential areas, and key transport routes. Its convenient location allows easy access from many neighbourhoods across the city, supported by the school’s own bus network. The surrounding area is urban and well-connected with amenities and public services nearby.
Location
UNIS Hanoi campus sits within the Ciputra International Township, a residential area in Hanoi’s northern district. It is easily accessible from the city centre and within a short drive of Nội Bài International Airport. The surrounding area is peaceful and well-connected by major roads linking central Hanoi with the airport corridor.
Stages
Stages
HIS serves students from ages 4 to 18. The school is structured into three main sections: the Primary Years (Early Years to Grade 5), the Middle Years (Grades 6–10), and the Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12). Each stage follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework.
Stages
The school educates students from Early Years 3 (age 3) through Grade 12 (age 18). It is divided into Elementary (EY3 – Grade 5), Middle School (Grades 6–8), and High School (Grades 9–12). Each section follows one of the International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes — PYP, MYP, and DP.
School type
School type
HIS is a co-educational, English-medium day school. It does not provide boarding facilities, with all students attending on a day basis. The school accepts both local and international students.
School type
UNIS Hanoi is a not-for-profit, co-educational, day school with no boarding facilities. The school welcomes both international and Vietnamese students who meet admissions criteria. It operates under a governance structure that includes representatives from the United Nations, the Vietnamese Government, and the parent community.
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 inclusion and learning diversity support through its Student Support and Well-Being programme. It offers English as an Additional Language (EAL) and Basic English Support (BES) services, with in-class and small-group sessions delivered by specialist teachers. HIS is not a specialist SEN school but provides support for students with mild to moderate learning needs within its mainstream programmes.
Additional learning support
UNIS Hanoi provides structured support through its Student Support Services, which include Learning Support, English as an Additional Language (EAL), Counselling, Speech and Language Therapy, and an Educational Psychologist. These services operate under the school’s Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) framework to meet individual student needs within available capacity.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school has no specific country affiliation. It operates as an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School in Vietnam.
Country affiliation
The school was founded through collaboration between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Vietnamese Government in 1988. It continues to maintain this United Nations affiliation.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
Hanoi International School has no religious affiliation and welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds.
Religious affiliation
UNIS Hanoi has no religious affiliation and describes itself as a non-denominational institution.
School day structure
School day structure
The school day begins at 7:45 am and finishes at 3:00 pm for all students. On days when the Co-Curricular Programme (CCP) runs, activities continue until 4:00 pm. Students have scheduled breaks and lunchtime during the day, and all buses depart at either 3:00 pm or 4:00 pm, depending on participation in after-school activities.
School day structure
The school does not publicly list one standard daily timetable, as schedules differ by division. Elementary handbooks indicate morning sessions, lunch and recess breaks, and afternoon classes ending mid-afternoon. Secondary schedules follow a similar structure with advisory and subject periods spread across the day.
Bus service details
Bus service details
HIS operates an optional school bus service covering most areas of Hanoi. All buses are fitted with seat belts and include a bus monitor responsible for student safety. Regular routes depart at 3:00 pm, with a later 4:00 pm bus provided for students attending after-school clubs. Parents may register for the service on an annual, semester, or quarterly basis.
Bus service details
A dedicated School Bus Service is available for eligible students, operated under UNIS Hanoi’s transportation policies. The service includes defined pick-up and drop-off routes within Hanoi, safety guidelines, and student conduct rules. Families register through the school’s transport office and can review details in the Elementary Handbook and official policies.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application Fees A non-refundable assessment fee of VND 5,000,000 is payable when booking an entrance assessment. Upon receiving an offer, families must pay a one-time enrollment fee of VND 26,000,000 (non-refundable) and a refundable security deposit of VND 50,000,000, returned upon withdrawal once all school property has been returned and financial obligations met.
Tuition may also be paid by semester (+3%) or quarterly (+4%). Full quarter fees apply if a student attends any part of the quarter. Families paying the full annual amount before the published early payment deadline receive a 3% discount.
Additional Fees Book Deposit: VND 8,000,000 (refundable for new students) PE Uniform: VND 450,000 IB Diploma Exam Fees: VND 4,000,000 per subject (Grade 12 only) Lunch: Optional, provided by Joma Bakery Café (billed separately) Vietnamese Student Health Insurance: Required under local regulations
Transportation Fees Annual: VND 28,800,000 Semester: VND 14,400,000 Quarter: VND 7,200,000 Families may also select one-way service at half the standard fee. All buses are fitted with seatbelts and monitored by an attendant. Bus services are invoiced based on the selected payment schedule.
Learning Support The school provides in-class and small-group support for students with English as an Additional Language (EAL) or mild learning needs at no extra charge. When external specialists or individual learning coaches are required, these services must be arranged and funded privately by families.
Sibling Discount HIS offers a 5% tuition discount for the second enrolled child and 10% for the third and subsequent children.
Refund Policy Refunds are processed within 15 working days after withdrawal and the return of all school property. The refundable security deposit is returned once all outstanding accounts are settled. Tuition refunds follow the school’s published Withdrawal and Refund Policy.
Payment Options Payments can be made via bank transfer to the school’s designated account. Invoices are issued annually, per semester, or quarterly, depending on the chosen payment plan. Late payments incur a 10% surcharge after seven working days.
Fee details
Application Fees A non-refundable application fee is payable upon submission of the online application form. A tuition deposit is required to secure enrollment; this deposit is credited toward the first tuition payment but is non-refundable and non-transferable if the student does not attend.
Fees are invoiced annually or by installment according to the school’s published billing schedule. A seat deposit is required each year to confirm continued enrollment for returning students.
Additional Fees Other fees include a one-time enrolment fee, bus service fees, technology charges, and optional uniform purchases. Learning materials, school trips, and certain extracurricular activities may also incur additional costs.
Transportation Fees UNIS Hanoi operates an internal School Bus Service for eligible students living within Hanoi. Routes, safety standards, and supervision procedures are specified in the school’s transport policies. Fees are billed directly by the school and vary by route and distance.
Learning Support Students requiring additional academic or language support are assisted through the school’s Student Support Services, which include Learning Support, English as an Additional Language (EAL), Counselling, and Speech and Language Therapy. Families whose children require support beyond what the school can provide may be asked to arrange external specialists.
Refund Policy Refunds for tuition are governed by the school’s official Refund Procedures, which outline the percentage refundable based on the timing of withdrawal within the semester. The tuition deposit is non-refundable once paid.
Payment Options Payments can be made by bank transfer in USD or VND to UNIS Hanoi’s Techcombank accounts, or via cash deposit at Techcombank branches. Late payments may be subject to additional charges as stated in the school’s financial policies.
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
Hanoi International School (HIS) offers the full continuum of the International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes, comprising the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). The PYP, for students in Early Years to Grade 5, focuses on inquiry-based learning across six transdisciplinary themes. The MYP, covering Grades 6 to 10, develops academic and personal growth through eight subject groups, including Language and Literature, Sciences, Mathematics, and the Arts. In Grades 11 and 12, students follow the IB Diploma Programme, selecting six subjects alongside the core components: Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS). French, Vietnamese, Korean, and Japanese are offered as additional language options, and EAL support is integrated throughout all levels. The IB structure allows students to progress seamlessly through internationally recognised qualifications.
Curriculum details
UNIS Hanoi offers the full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum across all grade levels: the Primary Years Programme (PYP) from Early Years 3 to Grade 5, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) from Grades 6 to 10, and the Diploma Programme (DP) in Grades 11 and 12. Each programme provides an inquiry-based framework designed to develop conceptual understanding and skills across subject areas. In the Elementary years, students study core subjects such as Language, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Arts, and Physical Education, with additional instruction in Vietnamese, French, or Mandarin. The MYP builds on this with interdisciplinary units, Design, and Service as Action components. In the Diploma Programme, students complete six subjects chosen from the IB groups along with Theory of Knowledge (TOK), an Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) requirements. English is the language of instruction throughout the school.
1. Book a school visit or attend an information session. Families are encouraged to schedule a campus visit to tour the facilities, meet the admissions team, and discuss the school’s programmes. This initial meeting helps parents understand the IB curriculum and determine if the school is a suitable fit for their child.
2. Submit the application form and required documents. Parents must complete the HIS online application form and provide supporting documents, including copies of the student’s passport, recent school reports, and health records. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but families are advised to apply early as spaces are limited.
3. Attend an assessment and interview. Applicants are invited for an age-appropriate academic assessment, which may include English reading, writing, and comprehension tasks. Older students also attend an interview or classroom visit to help the school evaluate learning readiness and placement. An assessment fee applies at this stage.
4. Receive an offer and confirm enrolment. Successful applicants receive a formal offer letter outlining the placement and required fees. Parents confirm acceptance by paying the enrolment fee and the refundable security deposit, which secures the student’s place.
5. Pay tuition fees and prepare for school entry. Families select a payment plan (annual, semester, or quarterly) and settle tuition fees before the start of the term. The admissions office assists with final arrangements such as transportation registration, uniforms, and orientation schedules before the first day of school.
Admissions
1. Online Application Submission Families begin the admissions process by completing the online application form on the UNIS Hanoi website. Supporting documents such as school reports, passport copies, and health forms must be uploaded, and a non-refundable application fee must be paid at this stage. Applications are accepted year-round but depend on space availability.
2. Assessment and Interview Applicants are assessed to determine their readiness for the IB curriculum. For Early Years and Elementary applicants, this may include a play-based session or parent interview. For Grades 1–12, students complete an academic assessment and English language evaluation (if applicable). The school may also request additional information from previous schools to better understand the student’s learning profile.
3. Review by the Admissions Committee All applications are reviewed by a committee that includes principals, counsellors, and learning support specialists. Decisions are based on available space, the student’s academic background, English proficiency, and the school’s capacity to meet learning needs. The review ensures balanced classroom composition across language levels and learning support requirements.
4. Placement and Offer of Admission If a space is available, families receive a formal offer of admission via email. To confirm the place, parents must submit the tuition deposit and complete the required medical and consent forms. If space is not available, the student is placed in the wait pool.
5. Orientation and Enrollment Before the first day of school, new families attend a New Family Orientation to meet teachers, receive class schedules, and learn about school systems such as transport, uniforms, and technology use. Enrolled students are assigned a homeroom or advisory teacher who helps with the transition into school life.
Scholarships
Scholarships
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Scholarships
UNIS Hanoi offers a Scholarship Programme for academically capable students from Vietnamese public schools who would otherwise be unable to attend an international school. The scholarship covers 100% of tuition and associated fees through graduation, provided the recipient maintains academic and behavioural expectations. Applicants are selected through a rigorous process that includes academic testing, English assessments, interviews, and a review of family finances. Scholarship students are part of the broader UNIS community and participate fully in academic and co-curricular programmes.
Waitlist
Waitlist
HIS operates a waitlist system for year levels that have reached capacity. Applicants placed on the waitlist are contacted as soon as a vacancy arises, and admissions are considered on a rolling basis. The school does not operate a formal pool or ranking system; placement depends on available space and suitability following assessment.
Waitlist
UNIS Hanoi operates a wait pool rather than a chronological waiting list. When space is not available in a specific grade, qualified applicants are placed in this pool. Admission priority is determined by the school’s Priority Lane system, which ranks applications as follows:
Lane 1: United Nations, embassy, and diplomatic staff; faculty dependents; scholarship students Lane 2: Siblings of current students or graduates Lane 3: Alumni children Lane 4: Expatriate families Lane 5: Vietnamese nationals
If a place becomes available, offers are made based on the student’s priority lane and suitability for the available space, not by the date of application. Applicants in the wait pool remain eligible for one academic year and must reapply for the following year if no space opens.
