United Nations International School of Hanoi vs Westlink International School Hanoi
United Nations International School of Hanoi and Westlink International School Hanoi are both in Hanoi, about 1 km apart. Both schools follow an IB curriculum. Published annual fees are ₫373,000,000 - 776,000,000 at United Nations International School of Hanoi and ₫383,000,000 - 651,000,000 at Westlink International School Hanoi, which puts United Nations International School of Hanoi roughly 11% higher. United Nations International School of Hanoi takes pupils from 3 to 12, and Westlink International School Hanoi from 4 to 17. United Nations International School of Hanoi is the larger school, with around 1,100 pupils to Westlink International School Hanoi's 500. Typical class sizes are 1100 at United Nations International School of Hanoi and 18 at Westlink International School Hanoi.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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 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.
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
UNIS Hanoi has no religious affiliation and describes itself as a non-denominational institution.
Religious affiliation
The school has no stated religious affiliation and operates as a non-denominational institution.
School day structure
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.
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
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.
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 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.
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
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.
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. 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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
