Australian International School Saigon - Thao Dien Campus

AIS Thao Dien is located within the An Phu Superior Compound (APSC) at 36 Thao Dien Road, Thu Duc City (formerly District 2), Ho Chi Minh City. The Thao Dien area is a well-established residential neighbourhood known for its international community, cafés, and family-friendly amenities. The campus is approximately 15 minutes from the city centre and easily accessible via major roads and school transport links.

The Thao Dien campus provides education for Early Years and Primary students, from Infant Kindergarten (age 1.5) through Year 6 (age 10–11). It includes two nearby sites: Lotus (Kindergarten) and Cherry Blossom (Primary), both within walking distance of each other. Students progress to the Thu Thiem campus for Secondary and Senior School.

AIS Thao Dien is a co-educational international day school that welcomes both local and expatriate students.

AIS provides individualised support for students with additional learning needs through its Student Support Services team. This includes assistance for mild to moderate Special Educational Needs (SEN) and tailored English as an Additional Language (EAL) programmes. Support is designed to help each student access the curriculum successfully.

The school follows an Australian educational philosophy and is part of the Inspired Education Group, an international network of schools.

The school does not have any religious affiliations.

Classes begin at 8:00 am and finish at 2:40 pm, with breaks for morning recess and lunch. After-school activities take place between 2:50 pm and 3:50 pm, providing additional opportunities in sports, arts, and clubs.

AIS offers a supervised school bus service that connects Thao Dien with other districts in Ho Chi Minh City. Routes are organised by distance, and each bus includes a licensed driver and an onboard assistant. The service operates five days a week, with options for both one-way and return travel, ensuring safe and reliable transport for students.

The Australian International School (AIS) Thao Dien offers an internationally recognised curriculum for students from Infant Kindergarten to Year 6. Teaching in the Early Years is based on the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) framework, which encourages inquiry and hands-on exploration across all areas of learning. In the Primary School, students continue within the PYP while also following the Cambridge Primary curriculum for English, Mathematics, and Science, ensuring strong foundations in literacy and numeracy. Additional subjects include Social Studies, Vietnamese Language and Culture, Music, Visual Arts, Physical Education, and Technology. Lessons are delivered in English, with Vietnamese offered for both native and non-native speakers. On completion of Year 6, students transition to the Thu Thiem campus for Cambridge Lower Secondary, IGCSE, and the IB Diploma Programme.

AIS integrates social and emotional learning throughout its Early Years and Primary programmes. Teachers foster self-awareness, empathy, and cooperation through daily classroom routines, group projects, and pastoral activities. Homeroom teachers play an active role in monitoring student wellbeing and supporting positive relationships. Assemblies, themed activities, and school-wide events encourage students to reflect on values such as respect and responsibility. The school counsellor also contributes to SEL initiatives by providing support when social or emotional challenges arise.

AIS supports students with mild to moderate learning needs through its Student Support Services (SSS) team. The Special Education Needs (SEN) Coordinator works with teachers to adapt lessons, set learning goals, and monitor progress. Support may include small-group or in-class assistance depending on each student’s needs. Additional SEN fees may apply when extra staffing or resources are required. AIS is not a specialist SEN institution and may refer families to external professionals if more intensive support is needed.

AIS provides structured EAL (English as an Additional Language) support for students whose first language is not English. The EAL Coordinator oversees individualised or small-group instruction to develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. EAL provision begins from Year 2 and continues through the primary years. Assessment at enrolment determines the level of language support required. Additional EAL fees apply depending on the extent of assistance needed.

AIS employs a qualified school counsellor who offers confidential support for students facing emotional, behavioural, or social challenges. The counsellor provides individual sessions, group workshops, and referrals to external specialists where necessary. Teachers and leadership staff collaborate to ensure early identification and intervention for students in need of additional care. Regular communication between teachers and families helps maintain a supportive environment focused on student wellbeing.

AIS maintains a clear Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy that outlines procedures for ensuring student safety. All staff members receive regular safeguarding training and are required to report any concerns to designated Child Protection Officers. The school enforces supervision guidelines, visitor management protocols, and safety checks across all activities. These measures aim to ensure that students are protected and that any issues are handled promptly and appropriately.

1. Enquiry and School Tour
Families begin the process by completing an online enquiry form or arranging a personal tour of the Thao Dien campus. The Admissions Team provides information about the Early Years and Primary programmes, facilities, and available year groups.

2. Application Submission
Parents submit the Application Form along with copies of the child’s birth certificate or passport, recent school reports (if applicable), and any relevant health or learning support documents. A non-refundable Application Fee of VND 3,500,000 is payable at this stage.

3. Assessment and Interview
Younger children may be observed during a play-based session, while older applicants might take a short academic assessment. The school may invite families to meet with the Principal or Admissions staff to ensure the programme is a good fit for the child’s needs.

4. Offer and Acceptance
Successful applicants receive a Letter of Offer confirming the year group and start date. A place is secured once parents sign the Enrolment Agreement and pay the Acceptance Fee.

5. Orientation and Start of School
Families receive details about class placement, uniforms, and transport. Orientation activities help new students and parents become familiar with daily routines and teachers before school begins.

AIS scholarships apply only to students entering Years 7–12, which are offered at the Thu Thiem campus. The Thao Dien campus (Early Years to Year 6) does not offer scholarships.

AIS operates a rolling admissions process throughout the year, depending on availability in each year group. The school does not publish details of a formal waitlist or pool system.