International Schools of North America - Saigon South (SNA Saigon South) vs Vietnam Finland International School
International Schools of North America - Saigon South (SNA Saigon South) and Vietnam Finland International School are both in Ho Chi Minh City, about 1 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes, and Vietnam Finland International School also offers Bespoke and Finnish. Published annual fees are ₫514,560,000 - 843,470,000 at International Schools of North America - Saigon South (SNA Saigon South) and ₫457,590,000 - 639,240,000 at Vietnam Finland International School, which puts International Schools of North America - Saigon South (SNA Saigon South) roughly 24% higher. International Schools of North America - Saigon South (SNA Saigon South) takes pupils from 3 to 18, and Vietnam Finland International School from 6 to 18. The two are similar in size, at around 500 and 400 pupils. Both keep typical class sizes around 22.
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.
Location
VFIS is located at Gate 9, Ton Duc Thang University, 19 Nguyen Huu Tho Street, Tan Hung Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It sits within the university campus in a planned urban district, with accessible transport links and a calm, campus-conducive environment for families relocating.
Stages
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.
Stages
The school offers programmes from Grade 1 through to Grade 12, covering primary, lower secondary and upper secondary levels. It delivers both an International Programme (Grades 1–12) and a Bilingual Programme (Grades 1–12).
School type
School type
SNA Saigon South is a co-educational international school.
School type
VFIS 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 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.
Additional learning support
VFIS provides English Language Support (EAL) for students whose first language is not English, including foundation courses and grouped support classes. Additionally, the welfare services include a multi-professional team with special education teacher involvement to support student well-being.
Country affiliation
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.
Country affiliation
The school is affiliated with Vietnam in that it is located in Vietnam and is part of a Vietnamese public university; additionally it draws on the Finnish education ethos and curriculum standards but is not a Finnish “branch school” in the sense of being governed from Finland.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
The school does not have any religious affiliations.
Religious affiliation
VFIS does not specify any religious affiliation; it is a secular international school.
School day structure
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.
School day structure
On a typical day, the school opens from 7:30 am Monday to Friday, with formal lessons starting at 8:00 am and the main school day ending at 3:15 pm. Lunch and recess together last approximately 45 minutes (at different times depending on grade). After-school extra-curricular and additional classes may continue until about 4:00 pm.
Bus service details
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.
Bus service details
VFIS offers a dedicated school bus service operated by the school. The service is owned and run by VFIS, uses experienced drivers and monitors, and covers routes within approximately 10 km of the campus. Parents can register via the school’s transport office for pick-up and drop-off.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
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.
Fee details
Application Fees Primary applicants (Grades 1–5) pay an application fee of 2,250,000 VND. Secondary and High School applicants (Grades 6–12) pay 4,500,000 VND. This fee covers the entrance assessment and administration and is non-refundable.
*Term Tuition (per term):* • Grades 1–5: Term 1 – 230,620,000 VND; Term 2 – 263,570,000 VND • Grades 6–7: Term 1 – 251,610,000 VND; Term 2 – 287,560,000 VND • Grades 8–10: Term 1 – 264,950,000 VND; Term 2 – 302,800,000 VND • Grades 11–12: Term 1 – 322,180,000 VND; Term 2 – 368,200,000 VND
Billing Schedule & Payment Terms All annual tuition or Term 1 fees must be paid before the school year begins; Term 2 tuition must be paid before Term 2 starts. Early full-year payment made before 27 May receives a 10% reduction; payments between 28 May and 16 July receive a 5% reduction.
Sibling & Long-Term Reductions Sibling reductions range from 10% (second child) to 20% (fourth child onward). A 3% reduction applies for students enrolled for five or more consecutive years.
Other Costs Security deposit: 25,000,000 VND (International Programme). Meals: Primary includes lunch and snack; Secondary and High School include lunch only. Bus service fees vary by distance (5–15 km and Phu My Hung) and by public or private pick-up points.
Refund Policies Refunds depend on withdrawal timing, with up to 100% refunded before the school year begins and partial refunds after the year has started.
Fee Payment Options Fees may be paid annually or by term through the school’s accepted payment channels (e.g., bank transfer).
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 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.
Curriculum details
Vietnam–Finland International School (VFIS) offers two pathways from Grade 1 to Grade 12: an International Programme and a Bilingual Programme. The International Programme follows the Finnish National Core Curriculum, with Vietnamese language, History, Geography and Ethics added for Vietnamese citizens as required by national regulations. The Bilingual Programme combines Finnish curriculum principles with subjects taught in Vietnamese in alignment with Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training. From Grade 10, students begin a preparatory year leading toward the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP), which is formally offered in Grades 11 and 12. Across all years, students learn English with a structured progression based on Cambridge Assessment English, supported by additional English Language Support where needed. Specialist subjects include arts, crafts, home economics, physical education, and science, reflecting the broad subject areas in the Finnish framework.
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.
Admissions
1. Submit Application & Required Documents Parents begin by completing the application form and submitting the required documents to the Admissions Office. These documents typically include school records, identification documents, and the application fee. The school reviews the documents to determine the child’s eligibility to move to the next step. Parents are informed if any additional paperwork is needed.
2. Entrance Assessment & Interview VFIS requires an entrance assessment for all applicants. The assessment may include academic testing and an interview, depending on the year group and programme. Assessment scheduling is arranged by the Admissions Office after the application is processed. Families receive instructions on preparation, location, and required materials.
3. Review of Results & Placement Decision The school evaluates the entrance assessment results, academic history, and programme suitability. Based on this review, VFIS determines whether the applicant is eligible for placement. Parents are notified of the decision by the Admissions Office. Applicants who meet requirements may proceed to enrollment if space is available.
4. Offer Letter & Acceptance If the student is accepted, VFIS issues an official Offer Letter. Parents must confirm acceptance within the timeframe described by the school. The offer outlines the programme, grade placement, and next administrative steps. Failure to respond on time may result in the offer being withdrawn.
5. Payment of Security Deposit & Fees To secure the place, parents must pay the required security deposit and tuition fee according to the school’s payment schedule. Payment confirms the student’s seat for the upcoming academic year. The security deposit policies differ for returning and new students, as stated on the fees page. Parents receive confirmation once payment is completed.
6. Enrollment Completion & Orientation After payment, families complete remaining administrative steps such as uniform purchase, student card registration, and health-related requirements. The school informs parents of orientation dates and the start of term procedures. Enrollment is considered complete once all steps are fulfilled. Students then join their assigned class at the beginning of the school year.
Scholarships
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.
Scholarships
VFIS offers scholarships to students based on academic performance, assessment results, and other eligibility criteria defined by the school. Applicants may be required to sit scholarship-specific assessments, and results determine scholarship levels. Scholarships can cover a percentage of tuition fees, and conditions include maintaining academic performance and school conduct. Scholarship policies also clarify that tuition refunds for scholarship recipients are calculated after applying scholarship reductions. Detailed criteria, required documents, and application timelines are provided on the school’s scholarship page.
Waitlist
Waitlist
The school does not operate a formal waitlist or pooled admissions system.
Waitlist
The school does not publicly disclose the use of a waitlist or pool system.
