International education has become an increasingly popular choice for families in Ho Chi Minh City who want globally recognised curricula, strong English-language environments and well-rounded academic experiences. As demand grows, the most common question families ask is simple: how much do international school fees actually cost?
There is no single answer. Annual tuition in Ho Chi Minh City typically ranges from about 150,000,000 VND to 950,000,000 VND (roughly 6,000 to 38,000 USD), depending on the school, curriculum and year level. Where a family lands within that range depends on the tier of school they choose and the extra costs beyond tuition.
This guide breaks down international school fees in Ho Chi Minh City: the tuition tiers, the additional costs to budget for, how fees rise each year, and how to weigh value when choosing an international school in Ho Chi Minh City, including schools such as The ABC International School (ABCIS).
Key Takeaways for Parents
- The total cost of an international education goes far beyond annual tuition, often including one-time application, admission and capital levy charges.
- Budget for variable costs such as uniforms, transport, lunches, technology and extracurricular activities.
- Fees are progressive, rising as a child moves from Early Years and Primary into more resource-intensive Secondary and Sixth Form.
- Most schools also raise tuition each year, commonly by around 5 to 10 percent.
- This investment funds highly qualified teachers, strong facilities, small class sizes and globally recognised qualifications.
International School Fee Tiers in Ho Chi Minh City at a Glance
International schools in Ho Chi Minh City broadly fall into three price tiers. The table below shows typical annual tuition in each, to help you set a realistic budget band before comparing individual schools.
| Tier | Typical annual tuition (VND) | Approx. USD | What you usually get |
|---|---|---|---|
| More affordable | 150M – 300M | 6,000 – 12,000 | Smaller or newer campuses, recognised curricula, essentials covered |
| Mid-range | 300M – 600M | 12,000 – 24,000 | Established schools, good facilities, strong Cambridge or IB outcomes |
| Premium | 600M – 950M+ | 24,000 – 38,000+ | Large central campuses, extensive facilities, highest staffing levels |
ABCIS delivers a full British curriculum from its South Saigon campuses, which avoids the overheads of the largest central-district sites. You can see exactly where its fees sit on the official fee page, and read more about why families choose ABCIS.
What Do International School Fees Typically Include?
Understanding international school fees goes beyond tuition alone. Most international schools in Ho Chi Minh City apply a multi-component fee structure, where the total cost of education is made up of several different charges. Breaking these down helps families gain a clearer picture of what they are paying for and how to plan their budget effectively.
1. Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are the primary and most significant component of international school costs. These fees are typically charged on an annual or term basis and vary depending on the student’s year level.
In general, tuition fees reflect:
- The academic programme delivered (such as British, American, or IB curricula)
- Teacher qualifications and staffing levels
- Student-to-teacher ratios
- Access to academic resources and learning support
As students progress into higher year levels, tuition fees usually increase. This is often due to more specialised subject teaching, smaller class groups in certain subjects, and additional academic requirements.
2. Application and Enrolment Fees
Most schools charge one-time, non-refundable fees during admissions: an application fee, sometimes an assessment fee for entrance testing, and a registration or enrolment fee to secure a place. Application and registration commonly run from about 2,000,000 to 25,000,000 VND (roughly 80 to 1,000 USD), and can be higher at top-tier schools.
3. Capital Levy or Development Fee
Many schools charge a capital levy or development fee towards campus building and maintenance. This is sometimes one-off and sometimes annual, and typically ranges from about 8,000,000 to 100,000,000 VND (roughly 350 to 4,000 USD). A small number of schools instead offer a larger, refundable debenture or certificate of entitlement that secures priority admission.
4. Uniforms and School Materials
Families usually buy uniforms and may budget for materials or a device. A full uniform and kit set commonly costs around 3,000,000 to 8,000,000 VND (roughly 120 to 320 USD) on entry, with some stationery, textbooks or technology charged separately depending on the school.
5. Transportation Fees
School bus services are usually optional and priced by distance and number of trips, commonly around 10,000,000 to 40,000,000 VND (roughly 400 to 1,600 USD) per year.
6. Meals and Cafeteria Costs
Many schools offer meal plans or pay-as-you-go dining. Where lunch is not included in tuition, an annual meal plan is often around 20,000,000 to 30,000,000 VND (roughly 800 to 1,200 USD). Some schools include lunch for younger students.
7. Additional and Miscellaneous Costs
External Cambridge examinations for iGCSE and A Levels are charged separately, usually from Year 10 or 11. Where a child needs English language (EAL) support or additional learning support, this is often billed per term. Optional sports, arts and after-school clubs may also carry fees depending on participation.
A Sample First-Year Budget
Adding the one-off and annual costs to tuition gives a truer picture than the headline number alone. The table below sketches a first-year budget for a mid-range school, using indicative ranges. Your actual total depends on the school and the options you choose.
| Cost item | Typical range (VND) | When paid |
|---|---|---|
| Annual tuition (mid-range example) | 300M – 600M | Annually or in instalments |
| Application / registration | 2M – 25M | One-off, on entry |
| Refundable deposit | 20M – 30M | One-off, refundable |
| Uniform and kit | 3M – 8M | On entry |
| School transport (optional) | 10M – 40M | Annually |
| Lunch (where not included) | 20M – 30M | Annually |
| Exam fees (from Year 10/11) | Charged per session | Secondary years |
| EAL / learning support (if needed) | Billed per term | As required |
As a rough guide, the one-off and optional extras can add roughly 50,000,000 to 130,000,000 VND on top of tuition in the first year, before any sibling or early-payment discounts. Later years are usually lower, because most one-off charges apply only on entry.
International School Fees For School Year 2025-2026 At ABCIS
At The ABC International School (ABCIS), the 2025–2026 fee structure provides families with a clear and transparent view of international education costs. Fees typically include tuition, a one-time registration fee, and a refundable deposit, along with optional costs such as transportation, meals, extracurricular activities, and external examinations.
Tuition fees vary by year level across Early Years, Primary, and Secondary. Families can choose to pay annually or in installments, with annual payments often eligible for a discount. Instalment plans follow a set schedule, and policies apply for late payments, withdrawals, and discounts such as sibling or loyalty reductions.
In general, tuition fees include:
- School uniforms (with variations by year group)
- House T-shirts, caps, and cardigans
- Learning-related items such as folders
- Sports and swimming kits (depending on the year level)
- Student insurance (for all year groups)
For younger students, lunch is also included as part of the tuition fee, helping to support their daily routine at school.
For older year groups, lunch may not be included, and some activity-related items may vary depending on curriculum requirements.
Overall, the tuition structure is designed to bundle key essentials into one fee, making it easier for families to understand what is covered while still allowing flexibility for year-specific needs.
Early Year Tuition Fees 2025–2026
Please note this Schedule of Fees may change without prior notice dependent on currency exchange fluctuations
Early Years tuition at ABCIS applies to Nursery and Reception students and is designed to support young learners in a nurturing and engaging environment.
Primary Tuition Fees 2025–2026 (Year 1 – Year 6)
Primary tuition fees apply to students in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. At this level, learning becomes more structured while still maintaining a supportive and engaging environment.
Secondary Tuition Fees 2025–2026 (Year 7 – Year 13)
Secondary tuition fees apply to students in Key Stage 3 and above, where the curriculum becomes more specialised and academically focused.
Other Information About Discount & Refund
ABCIS provides additional policies related to discounts, refunds, payment schedules, and financial terms to support families in planning their child’s education.
Key points include:
- Payment options: Tuition fees can be paid annually (with a discount) or in three instalments across the academic year
- Late payment policy: A surcharge may apply for overdue payments beyond the specified timeframe
- Registration fee: A non-refundable fee required to secure a place, which may be adjusted when students progress between year groups
- Discounts:
- Sibling discount of 15% for additional children from the same family
- Loyalty discount of 5% for long-term enrolled students (subject to conditions)
- Examination fees: Additional fees apply for external Cambridge examinations such as IGCSE, AS, and A Levels
- Refund policies: Refund eligibility depends on the timing of withdrawal and adherence to required notice periods
- Deposit refunds: Refundable deposits are subject to specific withdrawal notice timelines
For complete and up-to-date details on all fees, payment schedules, discounts, and refund conditions, families can refer to the official admissions page: https://www.theabcis.com/admission/school-fees/
How Much Do International School Fees Rise Each Year?
Most international schools in Ho Chi Minh City raise tuition every year. Increases commonly run between 5 and 10 percent, driven by staffing and operating costs, though some schools have moved more sharply in recent years. A school charging 400,000,000 VND today might cost 440,000,000 VND or more within two years.
When you meet an admissions team, it is worth asking directly what the average annual increase has been over the past three years, and whether any cap applies to returning families. Schools with transparent governance will answer clearly.
Why Do International School Fees Vary?
International school fees are influenced by multiple interconnected factors. Understanding these can help parents interpret pricing differences more effectively.
1. Curriculum Differences
Schools offering British, American, or IB curricula may have different operational requirements, teacher qualifications, and assessment frameworks, all of which impact fees.
2. Teacher Quality and Staffing
Schools employing internationally recruited, highly qualified teachers often incur higher staffing costs, which are reflected in tuition fees.
3. Class Size and Student Support
Lower student-to-teacher ratios typically require more staff and resources, contributing to higher fees. Smaller class sizes may also enable more personalised attention.
4. Facilities and Resources
Schools with advanced facilities such as science laboratories, performing arts centres, and sports complexes often have higher operational and maintenance costs.
5. Accreditation and Reputation
International accreditation and global recognition can influence fee structures, as maintaining these standards requires ongoing investment.
6. Location and Operational Costs
Schools located in central or high-demand areas of Ho Chi Minh City may have higher overheads, which can affect tuition pricing.
Are International Schools in Ho Chi Minh City Expensive? Weighing Value
For families whose employer provides an education allowance, the premium tier is often accessible. For those funding fees themselves, the honest question is not only what a school costs, but whether the fee is comfortable alongside other commitments. A mid-range school a family can afford comfortably usually serves a child better than a prestigious name that creates ongoing financial pressure.
Value also depends on outcomes, not just price. ABCIS holds four consecutive BSO Outstanding inspection grades (most recently in January 2024), is accredited by Cambridge International and AQA, and sees over 95% of students progress to university. Delivering that from South Saigon rather than a central premium site is part of how it offers strong value. You can read more in our guides to reasons to choose an international school and BSO accreditation.
How to Evaluate International School Fees Beyond Price
Cost matters, but it should not be the only consideration. When comparing schools, weigh these alongside the fee.
1. Curriculum Fit
Different curricula suit different learning styles and future pathways. Consider which programme aligns best with your child.
2. Learning Environment and Teacher Quality
Class size, teaching approach, school culture and the experience of teachers all shape a child’s day-to-day experience and progress.
3. Student Support Services
Academic support, pastoral care and wellbeing provision are central to a holistic education.
4. Long-Term Value
Rather than focusing only on annual fees, weigh the long-term outcomes and opportunities a school provides, and how it supports the move if you are changing schools. For wider context, our guide on public schools versus international schools compares the options.
Building a Clear and Confident Education Budget
To accurately assess the cost of private education, it is essential to look beyond the headline tuition number. By breaking down the one-time, annual, and optional costs, you can build a comprehensive budget and avoid financial surprises. This thorough understanding allows you to confidently choose an educational path that aligns with your family’s goals, securing a world-class learning experience that will equip your child for lifelong success.
If you would like to explore specific programmes or request detailed fee information, you can contact The ABC International School (ABCIS) or arrange a visit to better understand the school environment and admissions process.
- Trung Son Campus: #152-158, Street No. 1, Trung Son, Binh Hung Commune, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Nha Be Campus: #2, Street No. 9, Tan An Huy, Nha Be Commune, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Phone: +84 (0)28 7308 1828
- Email: office@theabcis.com
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Annual tuition typically ranges from about 150,000,000 to 950,000,000 VND (roughly 6,000 to 38,000 USD), depending on the school tier, curriculum and year level. Additional one-off and optional costs sit on top of tuition.
They are a significant commitment, though Vietnam is generally more affordable than Hong Kong or Singapore. More affordable schools start near 150,000,000 VND a year, while premium schools reach around 950,000,000 VND. The key is choosing a fee level a family can sustain comfortably.
Fees rise with year level to reflect more specialist teaching, smaller subject groups, advanced laboratory and technology resources, and dedicated university guidance, all of which cost more to deliver.
Annual increases of about 5 to 10 percent are common, driven by staffing and operating costs. Ask each school what its average increase has been over the past three years and whether any cap applies.
Budget for one-off application and registration fees, a possible capital levy or refundable deposit, uniforms, transport, meals, technology, external exam fees from Year 10 or 11, and any English or learning support that is billed separately.
Yes. Most schools let families pay per term or semester rather than in a single annual payment, and many offer a discount for paying the full year up front. Contact the school’s finance team to confirm the options.
Many schools offer sibling and early-payment discounts, and some award scholarships for academic, arts, music or sporting talent. ABCIS offers sibling and loyalty discounts and recognises outstanding students through its scholarship programme.
The deposit is designed to be refundable. Schools may deduct unpaid fees, unreturned items or damage before refunding it after the student has withdrawn and all obligations are met.
A capital levy is a compulsory charge that funds campus development. A debenture is a larger, often interest-free contribution that can secure priority enrolment and is usually returned when the child leaves. Not all schools require either.
The ABCIS bundles uniforms, house kit, learning folders, sports and swimming kits and student insurance into tuition, with lunch included for younger students. For the exact, current schedule, see the official fee page.
