Vientiane International School

Laos, Vientiane

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The school at a glance

Instructs in English

Fees LAK 8,000 - 28,200

Ages 3 - 18 years

Pupil numbers 480

Type Co-educational

Opened 1991

Bus Service No

Availability Not shared by this school

Academic offering

Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)

Taught languages Lao, Mandarin, German, Japanese, Korean, French, Russian, Spanish

Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Languages

Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language

Stages Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, Sixth Form

Introduction

Vientiane International School (VIS) is an IB World School delivering the full continuum of International Baccalaureate programs for students aged 3 to 18. English is the primary language of instruction, with a Home Language program supporting Lao, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, German, French and Russian, and an English Language Acquisition program for learners developing English. The school is private, co-educational and day-based, located on a five-hectare campus in Saphanthong Tai Village, about 2 km from central Vientiane. It operates seven buildings with more than 50 classrooms, four science laboratories, a black box theatre, a two-storey library media centre, and dedicated performing arts and music spaces. Facilities include two full-sized basketball courts, two sporting fields, a 25-metre pool, a wading pool and a large cafeteria. The academic year runs 180 days across two semesters, with Lao holidays and international breaks. The student body comprises 426 students from 39 nationalities. An international community.

www.vislao.com

PO BOX 3180, Phonesavanh Road, Saphanthong Tai Village, Sisattanak District, Vientiane, Lao PDR

Gallery

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Vibes and Culture

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The Essentials

Location

Located in Saphanthong Tai Village, Sisattanak District, Vientiane, Lao PDR. The campus is 2 kilometres from the centre of Vientiane and 12 kilometres from Wattay International Airport. It sits on a 5-hectare site with seven buildings and extensive facilities. Mailing address: PO BOX 3180 Phonesavanh Road, Saphanthong Tai Village, Sisattanak District, Vientiane, Lao PDR.

Stages

Early Years (Nursery, starting age 3) through Diploma Programme; IB Primary Years Programme, IB Middle Years Programme, and IB Diploma Programme.

Type

private, co-educational, day school

Pupil Nationality Mix

426 students; 39 nationalities represented.

Additional learning support

Support services include Inclusive Learning, English Language Acquisition (ELA) and a Student Support Team with counselors; includes academic, social, emotional and behavioral support.

Country affiliation

Laos (Lao PDR) as host country

School day structure

Primary EY–Grade 5: 7:50 a.m.–3:00 p.m. (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri); 7:50 a.m.–1:00 p.m. on Wednesdays. Secondary School (Grade 6–12): 8:45 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri); 8:45 a.m.–2:00 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Bus service

A limited bus service is provided for students residing in Vientiane; bus fee is $550 per semester or $1,100 per year; optional and route availability applies.

Diving Deeper

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Fees

Application and entrance fees
- Application Fee: USD 250 per student, payable in advance upon submission of application documents. This fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
- Enrollment Fee: USD 1,000 per student, payable in advance with the Application Fee to secure a place when an offer of admission is made. The Enrollment Fee is refundable only if the student is not admitted; it is otherwise non-transferable.
- New Student Fee: USD 2,500 per new student, payable prior to the student's first day of school. This fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.

Annual tuition, capital fee and instalments (2026–2027)
- Nursery
- Tuition (annual): USD 8,000.
- Capital Fee: none.
- Total annual payable: USD 8,000.
- Tuition if paid by semester (2 equal instalments): USD 4,000 per semester.
- Tuition if paid quarterly (4 equal instalments): USD 2,000 per quarter.

- Prep One
- Tuition (annual): USD 11,200.
- Capital Fee: none.
- Total annual payable: USD 11,200.
- Tuition if paid by semester: USD 5,600 per semester.
- Tuition if paid quarterly: USD 2,800 per quarter.

- Prep Two
- Tuition (annual): USD 11,200.
- Capital Fee (annual): USD 3,000.
- Total annual payable (tuition + capital fee): USD 14,200.
- Tuition if paid by semester: USD 5,600 per semester (capital fee is charged separately and due within two weeks of the start of the school year or date of enrollment).
- Tuition if paid quarterly: USD 2,800 per quarter (capital fee remains a separate annual charge).

- Primary (Grades 1–5)
- Tuition (annual): USD 21,975.
- Capital Fee (annual): USD 3,000.
- Total annual payable (tuition + capital fee): USD 24,975.
- Tuition if paid by semester: USD 10,987.50 per semester.
- Tuition if paid quarterly: USD 5,493.75 per quarter.
- Capital Fee must be paid within two weeks of the start of the school year or date of enrollment and is non-refundable and non-transferable for early departures.

- Secondary (Grades 6–8)
- Tuition (annual): USD 25,280.
- Capital Fee (annual): USD 3,000.
- Total annual payable (tuition + capital fee): USD 28,280.
- Tuition if paid by semester: USD 12,640 per semester.
- Tuition if paid quarterly: USD 6,320 per quarter.
- Capital Fee must be paid as stated above.

- Secondary (Grades 9–12)
- Tuition (annual): USD 28,200.
- Capital Fee (annual): USD 3,000.
- Total annual payable (tuition + capital fee): USD 31,200.
- Tuition if paid by semester: USD 14,100 per semester.
- Tuition if paid quarterly: USD 7,050 per quarter.
- Capital Fee must be paid as stated above.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Tuition Fees are invoiced in full for the academic year. Parents may request payment in two equal (Semester) instalments or four equal (Quarterly) instalments; these instalment options are flexible payment arrangements and do not prorate tuition for partial-year attendance. Payment dates are fixed: 1 August (first instalment for both S and Q), 1 October (Q), 1 January (second S / third Q), and 1 April (Q).
- Capital Fee is billed based on enrollment date and must be paid within two weeks of the start of the school year or date of enrollment regardless of billing cycle. The Capital Fee is prorated only by specific enrollment windows (100% before October holiday, 75% after October holiday, 50% after December holiday, 25% after Pi Mai holiday).
- Late-enrolment tuition proration schedule: 100% if enrolled prior to the October holiday; 75% after the October holiday; 50% after the December holiday; 25% after the Pi Mai holiday. No proration is done by days enrolled — proration is based on these enrollment cutoffs.
- Early student departure: if a student is enrolled more than 30 calendar days in a semester, the full tuition for that semester is payable. No tuition refunds are processed until all check-out procedures are completed and outstanding charges are settled. No discounts or refunds are provided for periods of online learning.

Other fees and ongoing charges
- Supplementary Fees: elective or discretionary activities (school trips associated with courses, Grade 12 IB examination fees, co-curricular activities, MRISA sports trips, and similar activities) are charged separately and invoiced as needed.
- Personal Home Language (PHL) program: German HPL Program fee USD 3,000 annually; other languages (except Lao) are invoiced by individual tutors and payable to the tutor.
- Bus Service (optional, limited availability): USD 1,325 per school year for round-trip service within Vientiane; priority is given to full-year, round-trip commitments.
- Meal service: provided by an external vendor and charged directly to families through a cashless system (FlexiSchools); meal charges are separate from school invoiced fees.

Refunds and chargeback rules
- Enrollment Fee: refundable if the student is not admitted; otherwise non-transferable. New Student Fee: non-refundable. Capital Fee: non-refundable and non-transferable for early student departures.
- Tuition refunds are subject to completion of all check-out procedures and settlement of outstanding charges; the school will not process refunds until these conditions are met. No discounts or refunds will be considered during periods of online learning. In cases of Force Majeure, refunds may be withheld until outstanding liabilities are settled; any residual funds after liabilities are addressed will be allocated proportionally as account credits and maintained for four years.

Payment methods and charges
- All fees and charges are quoted in and payable in USD. Families unable to access USD may pay in Lao Kip (KIP) at the School Rate of Exchange on the date of payment. Payments must be made by bank transfer or cheque deposit to the designated accounts shown on the school invoice. Reference the Family ID and student name on payments to ensure correct crediting.
- Credit card payments can be accepted at the Business Office and are processed in KIP; such payments are subject to a 3% bank charge. Local banks typically withhold approximately USD 15 per international transaction; all bank charges are for the remitter's account. Late payment: a monthly Late Payment Fee of USD 150 will be applied to any overdue balance of annual tuition and other fees exceeding USD 500 after a 30-calendar-day grace period; unpaid accounts may lead to suspension, withheld reports/transcripts/diplomas, and potential collection action.

Academics

Curriculum

Vientiane International School is an accredited IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme to students ages three and up. English is the primary language of instruction. VIS follows an IB continuum with the Primary Years Programme in the early years, the Middle Years Programme in Grades 6–10, and the Diploma Programme in Grades 11–12. The Primary School is IB PYP authorized; the Secondary School uses IBMYP for Grades 6–10 and the IBDP for Grades 11–12. VIS provides a Home Language program supporting seven languages (Lao, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, German, French, Russian) and an English Language Acquisition program to support English learners. The academic year is 180 days, split into two semesters, with Lao National holidays observed in addition to international breaks. The student body comprises 426 students from 39 nationalities.

Exam Results

Diploma Programme outcomes include 26 Diploma candidates and 24 Diplomas awarded, and 31 IB courses offered. Class of 2024 university offers were made to 31 students. Highest DP score total reached 45/45, and VIS DP score averages have been in the high-30s with world averages in the low-30s (e.g., VIS 37 vs world 33 in recent years).

Higher Education Progression

Graduates are admitted to universities around the world. The Class of 2024 had 31 university offers to 31 students across 9 countries and 58 universities globally, including institutions in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, the Netherlands, Germany, Australia, Laos, and Thailand, among others.

Wellbeing

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Parent Experience

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Facilities

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Extra-Curricular Activities

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Languages

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Reputation

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Admissions

Step 1 | Prepare the Necessary Documents. Prepare the documents in PDF or digital format. Include school reports for the past two academic years, translated if not in English. Include a transcript for Grades 10-12, translated if not in English, if applicable. Provide passport copies for the parents and applicant, birth certificate or adoption papers (translated if not in English), a recent passport photo, and regular vaccination records. Step 2 | Complete the Online Registration. All applications must be submitted through the online application form. Upload the documents from Step 1 and complete the Student Language Profile. Provide the principal's or counselor's contact details for the recommendation form, submit the Health Information Form, download and print the Physical Examination Form when visiting the physician, and arrange payment of the Application Fee and Enrollment Fee. Step 3 | Admissions Assessment or Interviewing. Early Years applicants and families will be invited for a casual interview on campus or online. English Proficiency Assessment (WIDA screener) for non-English speaking applicants in Grade 1 and up to determine their English Language proficiency and if EAL support is required. Grades 3-10 applicants will be assessed using MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) for Reading and Math. If the student has taken MAP assessments at their current school within the past six months, those results will be accepted. Interviews may be conducted for selected applicants depending on the grade level and background of the applicants. Grade 11-12 applicants and their families will meet with the IBDP Coordinator to receive course information. Applicants applying for Grade 9 and above need to be proficient in English to enroll. Step 4 | Application Review by the Admissions Team. The Admissions Committee will review the application in accordance with the school's admissions criteria. Applications submitted during the school term typically take approximately one week to process, two weeks or longer for students with learning needs. Applications received during school holidays will take two weeks or longer. Additional information or meetings with parents, teachers or specialists may be requested to support the review process and to ensure that VIS can best meet the student's needs. The Head of School will give final approval before an offer can be placed. Step 5 | Offer of Admission. Should an Offer of Admission be extended, you will receive an Offer Email from the Admissions Office. Step 6 | Welcome Information. As the school year approaches, you will receive access to our Welcome Site, which includes information about New Family Orientation, the first day of school, and general details to help you and your child have a successful start to the year. Step 7 | New Family Orientation. New families are invited to attend the New Family Orientation before starting school. During orientation, you will meet school leaders, counselors, and support staff, explore the campus, learn about the curriculum, student life, and how to get involved, and be able to ask questions about routines, schedules, school buses, and more. Step 8 | Welcome to VIS. With your child's first day of school, their journey officially begins at VIS. Our staff will be ready to ensure a smooth and welcoming transition for students and parents.

Scholarships

Phu Bia Mining Scholarship is offered to a Lao student. The first Phu Bia Mining Scholarship was offered to a Lao student in 2011.

School Events

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FAQs

What age range does Vientiane International School (VIS) serve and what IB programs are offered?

VIS serves students aged 3 to 18 and offers the IB continuum: Primary Years Programme (PYP) in the early years, Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grades 6–10, and the Diploma Programme (DP) for Grades 11–12. English is the language of instruction, and a Home Language program supports seven languages. The school operates on a 180‑day academic year across two semesters.

Where is VIS located and what is the campus like?

VIS is in Saphanthong Tai Village, Sisattanak District, Vientiane, Laos, about 2 km from the city centre and 12 km from Wattay International Airport. The 5-hectare campus has seven buildings, more than 50 classrooms, four science labs, a black box theatre, a two‑storey library media centre, and extensive outdoor facilities including two covered basketball courts and multiple fields.

Is VIS a boarding school, and how many students and nationalities does it have?

VIS is a co‑educational day school. The school serves around 426 students from 39 nationalities, reflecting a diverse international community.

What are the core fees I should expect when applying and enrolling, and what tuition looks like by level?

There is an Application Fee of USD 250 per student, an Enrollment Fee of USD 1,000, and a New Student Fee of USD 2,500. Tuition varies by level, ranging from about USD 8,000 for Nursery to USD 28,200 for Grades 9–12, with an additional Capital Fee of USD 3,000 for some grades and optional charges such as transport and meals.

How does the VIS admissions process work and what assessments are used?

Admissions involve submitting required documents online, an admissions assessment or interview, and English proficiency screening if needed. Grades 3–10 applicants take MAP tests in Reading and Math, and non‑English speakers in early years may have a WIDA screener. Offers are issued after committee review and Head of School approval, followed by new family orientation.

Are there scholarships available for Lao students at VIS?

Yes, VIS offers the Phu Bia Mining Scholarship for Lao students; the program has been awarded since 2011.

Which IB programs are implemented at VIS, and how is the continuum structured across the school?

VIS uses the IB continuum: PYP in the Early Years, MYP in Grades 6–10, and DP in Grades 11–12. The Primary School is PYP authorized, the Secondary School follows MYP, and the Diploma Programme is offered in the final years.

What are the Diploma Programme outcomes and where do VIS graduates typically study?

In the DP, 26 students were Diploma candidates with 24 Diplomas awarded; the Class of 2024 received 31 university offers across 9 countries and 58 universities. The highest DP score reached 45/45, with VIS averages in the high-30s, above the world average.

What learning support options does VIS provide for English learners and students with learning differences?

VIS offers an English Language Acquisition (ELA) program with differentiated instruction, plus a Student Support Team (SST) with Inclusive Learning Specialists. The school uses Universal Design for Learning and flexible co‑teaching, and admissions consider the student's support needs with limited spaces per grade for those requiring extra help.

What facilities support academic work and the arts at VIS?

VIS has four science laboratories, performing arts and music practice rooms, a black box theatre, and a two‑storey library media centre to support learning across subjects.

What sports and outdoor facilities are available on VIS's campus?

Outdoor facilities include two covered full‑sized basketball courts, two manicured fields, a 25‑metre swimming pool, a wading pool, and a fitness centre, with dedicated early years and primary play areas.

What campus upgrades or modernizations are underway at VIS?

The Campus Gateway Project is modernizing VIS with new learning centres and renovations, and The Commons and The Courts were completed in 2023 as part of campus improvements.

What kinds of clubs and extracurricular activities does VIS offer?

VIS offers a broad range of co‑curricular activities across arts, sports, STEM, and clubs, with opportunities to participate in local and international leagues and to engage in arts and performance programs.

Are there leadership opportunities for students at VIS?

Yes. The school emphasizes leadership through the MYP and DP frameworks and has a Student Leadership Council that plans house and campus events, fostering responsible, principled leadership.

What kind of experiential or community service trips does VIS provide?

All students participate in five‑day experiential and community engagement trips to rural Lao communities, designed to connect learning with real‑world contexts and included in tuition.

How does VIS support English language learners and students with additional learning needs?

The school provides ELA support for English learners, Inclusive Learning through the SST, and targeted interventions using Universal Design for Learning; admissions consider each student's needs and the capacity to provide appropriate support.

What wellbeing resources are available to VIS students?

VIS offers Wellbeing@VIS with a social‑emotional learning program, advisory support, counseling services, and wellbeing initiatives such as the Mindfulness Garden and dedicated wellbeing projects to foster resilience and belonging.

How does VIS handle safeguarding and child protection?

VIS follows the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child framework for safeguarding, with staff training and policies to protect students and connect families with needed services.

Is there a school uniform at VIS?

VIS does not require a school uniform; there is a dress code, and PE uniforms are required. Closed shoes are required for science and design classes.

How does VIS organize student life around a house system and leadership?

VIS runs a house system with both competitive and non‑competitive activities; the Student Leadership Council coordinates events and fosters student agency across secondary grades.

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