Hanoi International School vs Westlink International School Hanoi
Hanoi International School and Westlink International School Hanoi are both in Hanoi, about 4 km apart. Both schools follow an IB curriculum. Published annual fees are ₫418,400,000 - 767,000,000 at Hanoi International School and ₫383,000,000 - 651,000,000 at Westlink International School Hanoi, which puts Hanoi International School roughly 15% higher. Hanoi International School takes pupils from 4 to 18, and Westlink International School Hanoi from 4 to 17. Westlink International School Hanoi is the larger school, with around 500 pupils to Hanoi International School's 300. Typical class sizes are 6 at Hanoi International School and 18 at Westlink International School 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
Westlink International School is located on Gia Vinh Road in the Tay Ho Tay urban area of Xuan Dinh Ward, Hanoi. The neighbourhood is close to Ciputra and Starlake residential areas, as well as major offices and the Korean Embassy. Families can access central Hanoi and Noi Bai International Airport easily via main arterial roads. This makes the campus convenient for both local and expatriate families relocating to the city.
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 is organised into Early Years (ages 4–5), Primary Years Programme (ages 6–10), and Middle Years (IB or Bilingual) for ages 11–15. An IB Diploma Programme for ages 16–17 is planned to open in August 2027. Each division follows its own curriculum structure.
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
Westlink is a co-educational day school that welcomes students of all genders. The school does not offer boarding facilities, and all programmes operate on a day-school model.
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
The school provides support through an Inclusive Learning Policy and offers Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) when required. A dedicated Head of Inclusion, EAL specialists, and a school counsellor support students with additional needs. Families may be required to fund LSA or EAL services depending on their child’s needs.
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 does not have a formal affiliation with any particular country. It offers the IB curriculum and a bilingual programme combining Vietnamese MOET and US core curriculum elements.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
Hanoi International School has no religious affiliation and welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds.
Religious affiliation
The school has no stated religious affiliation and operates 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
Students arrive between 7:30–8:00 a.m., with registration from 8:00–8:15 a.m. Lessons run across eight periods with scheduled snack and lunch breaks. The day ends around 3:55 p.m. on most days and 3:05 p.m. on Fridays, with optional ECAs afterwards.
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
Westlink provides a bus service with one-way and round-trip options. Fees vary by distance travelled, from under 5 km to over 20 km. Families register through the School Bus Service form, and bus charges can be paid yearly or termly.
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 Placement Test Fee of VND 2,500,000 is required for all applicants. Families enrolling in the IB Programme must pay an Enrollment Application Fee of VND 21,000,000. A refundable security deposit is required: VND 55,000,000 for IB students and VND 25,000,000 for Bilingual Programme students. This deposit is returned according to the school’s withdrawal and refund schedule.
Billing Schedule Families may pay annually or in three instalments. Each instalment amount is predetermined by grade level (e.g., PYP Intro instalments: 186,000,000; 166,000,000; 62,000,000). Instalments are paid at the start of each term.
Additional Fees Meals Meal packages vary by division: Full meal plan (lunch + snacks): approx. VND 26,000,000/year Lunch-only plan (MYP): approx. VND 21,000,000/year Five-meal coupon books: VND 800,000.
Transportation Fees School bus fees depend on distance and one-way/round-trip selection. Yearly fees range from approximately VND 17,600,000 to VND 41,600,000, with termly payment options also available.
Learning Support If a student requires a Learning Support Assistant (LSA), families must pay an additional annual LSA fee. A separate English as an Additional Language (EAL) fee applies for students receiving targeted language support.
Insurance Student insurance costs VND 10,000,000 per year.
Refund Policy Tuition refunds follow the school’s official Table of Refund for Withdrawal, which varies based on the timing of written notice. A Notice of Withdrawal must be submitted at least 7 school weeks before the student’s final day to qualify for a refund. Refund percentages differ for new and continuing students depending on withdrawal date.
Payment Options Westlink accepts bank transfer, cash, and credit/debit card payments. Families joining mid-year are billed pro rata according to the published enrolment schedule.
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
Westlink offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework alongside a Bilingual Programme that combines the Vietnamese MOET curriculum with elements of the US core curriculum. In Early Years, students follow an international early childhood programme focused on foundational literacy, numeracy, and inquiry-based learning. From Grades 1–5, students learn through the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), organised around six transdisciplinary themes and subject areas including language, mathematics, social studies, science, arts, and physical education. In Grades 6–10, students may enter the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), which includes eight subject groups, interdisciplinary projects, and service learning. Parallel to this, the Bilingual Middle Years Programme (Grades 6–9) integrates MOET subjects with English-medium instruction in selected areas. The school is also a Candidate School for the IB Diploma Programme (DP), planned for launch in August 2027, offering the DP core and subject groups for upper secondary students.
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. Initial Enquiry Parents begin the process by submitting an online enquiry form or contacting the Admissions Office directly. The school then provides information on programmes, age placement, and availability. Families may also request an individual consultation with the Admissions team to understand curriculum pathways (IB or Bilingual). This stage helps determine the appropriate grade level and any support needs.
2. School Tour and Consultation Parents are encouraged to visit the campus for a guided tour. During the tour, families meet academic leaders who explain the learning environment, curriculum structures, and student support systems. The team also reviews previous school records or background information provided by the family. This stage helps parents understand whether the programme aligns with their child’s needs.
3. Submission of Application Documents Families complete the digital Enrolment Application Form and submit required documents, including previous school reports (if applicable), identification documents, and photographs. Medical records, including immunisation history for Primary students, are also required. All documents may be submitted online or directly to the Admissions Office. The school reviews the documentation to confirm eligibility for the selected programme.
4. Placement Test Students complete an age-appropriate placement test assessing English skills and academic readiness. The test fee must be paid before testing, and results are valid for six months. Placement testing helps determine whether the IB or Bilingual pathway is suitable for the student. Some students may require follow-up interviews or additional assessments based on their results.
5. Offer Letter and Acceptance If the student meets entry requirements and a place is available, the school issues an Offer Letter. Parents then confirm acceptance by returning the signed Offer Letter and completing any outstanding documentation. Required fees—such as the enrolment fee, security deposit, and first instalment of tuition—must be paid to secure the place. If a Learning Support Assistant (LSA) or EAL support is required, the financial arrangements for those provisions are also finalised at this stage.
Scholarships
Scholarships
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Scholarships
The school includes a Scholarships section in its admissions menu, but it does not publicly publish details regarding scholarship criteria, application procedures, or eligibility on its website or in its admissions or fee handbooks. No specific academic, merit-based, or financial-aid scholarship structure is described. Therefore, the school does not publicly disclose detailed information about scholarships at this time.
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
Westlink International School Hanoi operates a waitlist system when a grade level or programme is full. Families may choose to join the waitlist if no immediate place is available. Students on the waitlist are contacted in order when a place opens, based on availability and completion of admissions requirements. The school does not describe a broader pool or lottery system beyond this standard waitlist process.
