International Schools Offering the IB Programme in Vietnam: A Parent's Guide International schools offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) are drawing growing interest from parents in Vietnam, thanks to their internationally benchmarked teaching standards and focus on all-round development. The IB helps students build strong academic foundations while developing critical thinking and the skills needed to thrive in a global environment. That said, every school has its own strengths when it comes to environment and curriculum delivery. Read on for a detailed overview to help you choose the right fit for your child. What Is the IB? An Overview of the Three Programme Levels The International Baccalaureate (IB) is an international education framework designed to develop students holistically — academically, intellectually and in terms of practical skills. Rather than focusing on rote memorisation, the IB encourages critical thinking, active learning and the real-world application of knowledge. This foundation helps students build the skills they need to adapt and thrive within a global education system. The IB is delivered across three main programme levels, each matched to a different stage of a child's development: IB PYP (Primary Years Programme): For children aged 3 to 12, focused on building foundational learning skills, curiosity and independent thinking. IB MYP (Middle Years Programme): For students aged 11 to 16, designed to broaden cross-curricular knowledge and develop problem-solving skills. IB Diploma Programme (DP): For students aged 16 to 19. This is the internationally recognised secondary-level IB qualification. Students study six subject groups and complete three core components: the Extended Essay (EE), Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). International Schools Teaching the IB in Hanoi To help parents get a clear overview and compare their options, here is a list of international schools in Hanoi currently teaching the IB. Westlink International School (WIS) Westlink International School is one of the international schools in Hanoi delivering a well-structured IB curriculum, with a focus on the all-round development of students from primary through to secondary school. WIS offers the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP), supporting a long-term learning pathway for students. What stands out at WIS is its personalised approach to teaching, with a strong focus on developing critical thinking, research skills and the ability to thrive in an international environment. The school has also invested significantly in modern facilities, from internationally standardised classrooms to multi-purpose sports and arts spaces, supporting both academic learning and the development of soft skills. Teachers at Westlink hold international teaching qualifications and bring hands-on experience delivering the IB. Contact detailsAddress: Gia Vinh Road, Tay Ho Tay New Urban Area, Xuan Tao Ward, Bac Tu Liem District, HanoiPhone: (+84) 865 777 900Email: info@westlink.edu.vn | enquiry@westlink.edu.vn Westlink offers a comprehensive IB programme in a modern learning environment Hanoi International School (HIS) Hanoi International School is one of the longest-established international schools in Hanoi, founded in 1996. It was set up through a partnership between the Centre for Educational Technology and a US-based international education development partner, laying a solid foundation for an internationally standardised model of education in Vietnam. Over the years, HIS has built a genuinely international learning environment. The school places strong emphasis on student initiative, personalised learning and adaptability. Its curriculum is designed to balance academics with all-round skills development, so students build a strong knowledge base while also developing critical thinking, communication skills and the ability to integrate into an international setting. The school teaches entirely in English, from early years through to upper secondary. HIS is also one of the few schools in Hanoi authorised to deliver the full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum, making it well suited to families planning for study abroad, international transfers or a globally recognised academic pathway. The IB programmes offered at HIS include: IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) IB Diploma Programme (DP) Contact detailsAddress: 48 Lieu Giai, Ba Dinh District, HanoiPhone: (+84) 24 3832 7379Website: https://www.hisvietnam.com Vietnam International School (VIS) Vietnam International School is a popular choice among parents in Hanoi looking for an internationally standardised learning environment and the IB. Founded in 2012, VIS offers a continuous pathway from early years through to upper secondary, making it well suited to a long-term education plan. The school has modern facilities designed to support both learning and all-round development. Teachers at VIS are highly qualified and experienced in international education, helping students build independent thinking and the ability to integrate into a global environment. The school takes a personalised approach to learning, allowing students to choose subjects based on their interests and future career direction, alongside a strong focus on soft skills, project-based learning and research ability. Contact detailsAddress: Duong Noi New Urban Area, Ha Dong District, HanoiPhone: 024 3358 1717Email: truongquoctevietnam@gmail.comWebsite: http://www.vis.edu.vn British International School Hanoi (BIS) British International School Hanoi is one of the IB schools well suited to parents seeking a British-standard education. BIS follows an international education model, offering a continuous pathway from early years through to upper secondary. The school is known for its modern campus, which includes a library, theatre, indoor swimming pool and a range of specialist facilities. BIS Hanoi has built a friendly learning environment that emphasises community and personalised support for every student, helping them develop strongly across academics, life skills and a global mindset. Its curriculum spans early years through to upper secondary and incorporates the International Baccalaureate, making it a good fit for families planning for study abroad, international university transfer or an internationally recognised pathway in Hanoi. Contact detailsAddress: Hoa Lan Street, Vinhomes Riverside, Long Bien District, HanoiPhone: 024 3946 0435Website: https://www.bishanoi.com BIS Hanoi combines modern facilities with a British-standard IB programme Singapore International School (SIS) Singapore International School is a school system in Hanoi that draws strong interest from parents looking for a bilingual programme with an international outlook. SIS runs a model that blends the Singapore curriculum with international education, catering to students from early years through to upper secondary. The school places strong emphasis on a disciplined, modern learning environment geared towards students' all-round development. SIS's curriculum centres on strong academic foundations while also building thinking skills, communication and the ability to adapt to an international setting. The school also integrates extracurricular activities and life skills, helping prepare students for study abroad, international transfers and other global learning opportunities. Contact detailsAddress: Gamuda Gardens, Hoang Mai District, HanoiPhone: 024 6666 7777Website: https://www.sis.edu.vn United Nations International School Hanoi (UNIS) United Nations International School Hanoi is one of the longest-established and most respected IB schools in Vietnam. It was founded through a partnership between the Government of Vietnam and the United Nations, giving it a genuinely global educational foundation. Over many years, UNIS has established itself among the leading international schools in Hanoi, particularly for its internationally benchmarked delivery of the IB. Students at UNIS learn in an environment that emphasises initiative and independent thinking. The curriculum focuses on hands-on, real-world experience, helping students understand concepts deeply and apply them effectively — an important factor for parents seeking an international learning environment, all-round education and an early start on planning for study abroad. UNIS was also among the first schools in Asia to adopt the International Baccalaureate. The IB programmes offered at UNIS include: IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) IB Diploma Programme (DP) Contact detailsAddress: G9 Ciputra, Tay Ho District, HanoiHotline: (84 24) 7300 4500Email: info@unishanoi.orgWebsite: https://www.unishanoi.org International Schools Teaching the IB in Ho Chi Minh City As demand for IB education in Ho Chi Minh City continues to grow, the list below will help you compare your options and choose the right school. International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) International School Ho Chi Minh City was one of the first schools in Vietnam to introduce the International Baccalaureate. With more than 30 years of operation, the school has built a solid reputation in international education. ISHCMC is a strong option for parents in Ho Chi Minh City looking for a high-quality IB programme and an internationally standardised learning environment for their child. The curriculum at ISHCMC is designed to build a global mindset, independent learning and problem-solving skills. Students are encouraged to explore knowledge through real-world experience and active learning methods. Its experienced international teaching staff also play a key role in supporting students' all-round development and preparing them for study abroad. Contact detailsAddress: 28 Vo Truong Toan, An Phu Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh CityPhone: 028 3898 9100Email: admissions@ishcmc.edu.vnWebsite: https://www.ishcmc.edu.vn European International School (EIS) European International School is one of the IB school systems in Ho Chi Minh City, delivering the IB continuum from primary through to secondary. Many parents choose EIS for its small class sizes. The school has built a multicultural learning environment with students from a wide range of countries, helping children develop a global mindset and strong integration skills. The IB programme here emphasises active learning and encourages research and exploration. Alongside academics, the school also invests significantly in extracurricular activities such as the arts, sport and community projects — a foundation that supports students' all-round development and suits families planning for international study and an IB pathway in Ho Chi Minh City. Contact detailsAddress: 730 F-G-K Le Van Mien, Thao Dien Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh CityPhone: 028 7300 7257Email: info@eishcmc.comWebsite: https://www.eishcmc.com International Schools of North America (SNA) SNA is one of the few schools in Ho Chi Minh City authorised to deliver the full International Baccalaureate continuum. With more than 20 years of development, SNA has established a solid position among the city's IB schools. Its curriculum focuses on creative thinking, independent learning and practical, applied skills. A multicultural environment featuring languages such as English, French, Spanish and Chinese helps students build broader international communication skills. The school takes a personalised approach with small class sizes, allowing teachers to closely support each student. Alongside academics, SNA places strong emphasis on soft skills through extracurricular activities such as sport, the arts and community projects. Contact detailsAddress: Street 20, Him Lam Residential Area, Binh Chanh District, Ho Chi Minh CityPhone: 028 730 19799Email: info@sna.edu.vnWebsite: https://sna.edu.vn International School Saigon Pearl (ISSP) International School Saigon Pearl is a school in Ho Chi Minh City that draws strong interest from parents seeking an internationally standardised learning environment at primary level. The school teaches the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), supporting early academic and skills development. The school runs small class sizes, allowing teachers to closely support each student and personalise the learning process. The IB programme at ISSP focuses on critical thinking, inquiry and active learning. A multicultural environment and a wide range of extracurricular activities also help students build communication skills, creativity and confidence. Contact detailsAddress: 92 Nguyen Huu Canh, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh CityPhone: 028 2222 7788Email: info@issp.edu.vnWebsite: https://www.issp.edu.vn 7 Criteria for Choosing the Right IB School for Your Child Studying the IB in Vietnam is a long-term investment, so it's worth looking beyond brand reputation alone when choosing a school. The seven criteria below can help you evaluate and shortlist schools more thoroughly. Check the school's authorisation status and continuum plans. The school needs to be authorised for the specific level your child will be studying. If you want your child to progress through PYP → MYP → DP on the same campus, ask the school directly about its plans for expanding the IB continuum. Main language of instruction and EAL support. Some schools teach entirely in English, while others run an integrated bilingual IB model. EAL — English as an Additional Language — support is an important factor for Vietnamese students or returning students who need extra time to adapt to an English-medium academic environment. Proportion of international students and class size. The more diverse the student body, the richer the cultural experience your child is likely to have. Smaller class sizes also make it easier for teachers to track each student's progress and individual learning needs. University pathway and outcomes. Ask the school directly about its DP graduation rate, average DP score, and the universities its graduates have been admitted to over the past three years. Tuition fees and hidden costs. Beyond the official tuition, budget for related costs such as application fees and examination fees. Depending on the school, these may be bundled into tuition or charged separately. Location and facilities. A commute of more than 45 minutes each way can affect a child's wellbeing and readiness to learn. Facilities should also genuinely suit your child's age and learning needs, rather than simply looking impressive. Admissions process and response time. A school that can respond to enquiries within 24 hours is usually a good sign of a well-run admissions system and solid parent support. Frequently Asked Questions About IB Schools Should my child start the IB from primary school, or wait until secondary?Starting with the PYP helps children become familiar with the IB's inquiry-based approach from an early age. That said, many students who start the IB at MYP or DP level do just as well, provided they have a solid foundation in English. Is the IB harder than the Vietnamese national curriculum?The IB places less emphasis on rote memorisation, but it does demand strong critical thinking, essay-writing and time-management skills. Many parents find that their children become more independent earlier when studying the IB. Where is the IB Diploma recognised?The IB Diploma is recognised by more than 5,000 universities across over 90 countries. In Vietnam, a number of public and international universities accept the IB DP for admissions, while in the UK, US, Canada and Australia, it's regarded as one of the more favourably viewed qualifications. Which IB schools in Hanoi accept students transferring back from overseas mid-year?Most IB schools in Hanoi accept applications year-round, subject to availability. It's best to contact the admissions office early and bring your child's original school records and transcripts. Can a child who doesn't speak English yet still study the IB?Yes, provided the school has strong EAL (English as an Additional Language) support. Westlink, for example, offers personalised EAL support through Individual Learning Plans (ILPs), helping students build their English proficiency progressively towards IB standards. What's the difference between the IB and an integrated bilingual programme?The IB is an official curriculum framework set by the IB Organisation (IBO), built to a consistent international standard and recognised worldwide. An integrated bilingual programme, by contrast, typically combines Vietnam's Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) curriculum with foreign teaching materials, and does not lead to an IB qualification. Choosing the right IB school in Vietnam has a direct impact on your child's learning journey and future study-abroad opportunities. Every school has its own strengths in terms of curriculum, environment and approach to development. If you're looking for a well-structured IB environment in Hanoi, Westlink International School is well worth considering. Get in touch and book a tour today to find the right path for your child's education.
