International School Tuition and Fees in Ho Chi Minh City (2026 Guide)

International education has become an increasingly popular choice for families living in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, as parents look for globally recognised curricula, strong English-language environments, and well-rounded academic experiences.

As demand grows, one of the most common questions families ask is: how much do international school fees actually cost?

The answer is not straightforward. Tuition fees in Ho Chi Minh City vary widely, with annual costs typically ranging from approximately 250,000,000 VND to 950,000,000 VND, depending on the school, curriculum, and year level.

This guide explores international school fees in Ho Chi Minh City, including typical tuition ranges, additional costs, and the key factors that influence pricing. It also helps parents evaluate overall value when considering schools such as The ABC International School (ABCIS).

Key Takeaways for Parents

• The total cost of an international school education goes far beyond the annual tuition fee, often including one-time application, admission, and capital levy charges.
• Parents should budget for additional variable costs such as uniforms, school transport, lunches, technology, and extracurricular activities.
• School fees are progressive, increasing as a child moves from Early Years and Primary into more resource-intensive Secondary and Sixth Form (A-Levels).
• This investment funds highly qualified teachers, world-class facilities, small class sizes, and globally recognised qualifications that open doors to top universities worldwide.

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.

View full Tuition fees here.

2. Application and Enrolment Fees

Most international schools require families to pay one-time fees during the admissions process. These typically include:

• Application fee: Paid when submitting an application
• Assessment fee: May apply if entrance testing or evaluation is required
• Registration or enrolment fee: Paid upon acceptance to secure a place

These fees are generally non-refundable and are separate from tuition. They help cover administrative processing, admissions assessments, and placement procedures.

3. Uniforms and School Materials

Families are typically required to purchase school uniforms and may also need to budget for learning materials.

These may include:

• Daily school uniforms and physical education kits
• Stationery and textbooks (depending on the school’s policy)
• Digital learning devices or technology requirements, if applicable

Some schools include certain materials within tuition, while others charge separately.

4. Transportation Fees

School bus services are commonly available for families who prefer organised transport. Transportation fees are usually optional and depend on:

• Distance between home and school
• Number of trips per day
• Route availability and scheduling

These fees are charged separately from tuition and vary based on usage.

5. Meal Plans and Cafeteria Costs

Many international schools provide on-campus dining options, either through meal plans or pay-as-you-go systems.

Costs may depend on:

• Whether meals are included in a package or billed separately
• The number of meals provided per day
• Dietary requirements or specialised meal options

Some schools include lunch in their tuition package for younger students, while others treat it as an additional expense.

6. Extracurricular Activities and Enrichment Programmes

Co-curricular and extracurricular activities play an important role in international education. While some basic activities may be included in tuition, many schools offer optional paid programmes such as:

• Sports teams and specialised coaching
• Music, arts, and performing arts programmes
• Academic clubs and competitions
• After-school enrichment classes

These programmes may carry additional fees depending on the level of participation and resources required.

7. Additional and Miscellaneous Costs

Beyond the main categories, families may encounter other occasional or optional costs, including:

• Examination fees for external assessments or certifications
• Field trips and educational excursions
• Replacement of lost items such as ID cards or materials
• Technology fees or digital platform subscriptions

These costs are typically variable and depend on student participation and school policies.

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/

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.

How to Evaluate International School Fees Beyond Price

While cost is an important factor, it should not be the only consideration when choosing a school.

1. Curriculum Fit

Different curricula suit different learning styles and future academic pathways. Parents should consider which programme aligns best with their child’s needs.

2. Learning Environment

Class size, teaching approach, and school culture all contribute to a child’s overall experience.

3. Teacher Quality

Experienced and well-qualified teachers play a crucial role in delivering effective education and supporting student progress.

4. Facilities and Resources

Access to modern classrooms, libraries, laboratories, and extracurricular spaces can enhance the learning experience.

5. Student Support Services

Academic support, pastoral care, and wellbeing initiatives are important components of a holistic education.

6. Long-Term Value

Rather than focusing only on annual fees, families should consider the long-term educational outcomes and opportunities a school provides.

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)