Comparing Fees at Quality International Schools in Hanoi in 2026 Have you ever wondered what a comparison of international school fees in Hanoi actually tells you about the quality of education and the learning environment? At primary level, a state school may cost only a few million dong a year, while an international school can cost many times more. This article brings together fee levels alongside information on curricula, facilities and the additional costs of international schooling, helping parents make a choice that suits both their budget and their child's long-term learning goals. Overview of International School Fees in Hanoi for 2025–2026 International school fees in Hanoi for the 2025–2026 school year vary considerably, from around VND 150 million to nearly VND 900 million per year. This gap reflects differences in curriculum, international accreditation, how classes are organised and run, and each school's facilities. Under new regulations from the Ministry of Education and Training, from the 2026–2027 school year annual tuition increases may not exceed 7.5%. For example, if a child starts Grade 1 with fees of VND 250 million, after 11 years fees could reach around VND 555 million per year. Before comparing fees, parents should clearly distinguish between three types of school that are often grouped together under the "international" label. Confusing them at this stage can lead to misleading comparisons and less-than-ideal decisions. Understanding international school fees helps parents plan their budget accurately. International schools – taught entirely in English These schools teach 100% in English from Early Years to Grade 12, following international curricula such as the IB (PYP–MYP–DP), Cambridge IGCSE/A Level or the American AP programme. Their diplomas are recognised worldwide, allowing students to apply directly to universities abroad. Distinguishing features: a high proportion of native-speaking teachers, small classes (15–22 students per class), a multinational student community, and accreditation from the IB Organization, CIS or WASC. Fees at fully international schools are usually in the highest tier, ranging from VND 350–900 million per year depending on year group and programme. International bilingual schools – combining Cambridge with the MOET framework These schools combine the Cambridge curriculum with the national curriculum framework of Vietnam's Ministry of Education and Training (MOET), so students follow two strands of learning in parallel. Students can earn both the Vietnamese upper secondary school diploma and Cambridge IGCSE/A Level qualifications. English typically accounts for 50–70% of teaching time. The international bilingual model suits families who want their child to have an international foundation while keeping the option of sitting Vietnamese university entrance exams. Fees at international bilingual schools are usually around 30–50% lower than at fully international schools. Bilingual schools This model has become popular in recent years. Schools follow the MOET framework combined with the US Common Core, with teaching time split roughly 50/50 between English and Vietnamese. Students are taught by both native-speaking and Vietnamese teachers, developing skills and knowledge in a well-rounded way. This bilingual model helps students become familiar with an international environment while keeping a Vietnamese educational foundation. It can also serve as a useful stepping stone towards IB or other international programmes, so parents should be clear about bilingual school fees when planning their finances. Fee Comparison of 11 Popular International Schools in Hanoi Below are 11 of the international schools in Hanoi that parents ask about most, grouped into three price tiers to make the choice easier. Note: All fee figures in this article are compiled from publicly available information on each school's official website. As fee policies may be adjusted each school year, parents should contact schools directly to confirm the latest fees. Premium international schools (above VND 500 million per year) Westlink International School Hanoi (Trường Quốc tế Westlink) Westlink International School Hanoi is a member of the International Schools Partnership (ISP), a global network of international schools. Guided by its motto "Dream – Strive – Succeed", the school focuses on creating a well-rounded learning environment that helps students develop their thinking and personal skills and nurture a passion for creativity from an early age. Westlink offers both an IB pathway and a bilingual programme on the same campus, meeting the needs of students who want an international education while maintaining the values of Vietnamese education. The IB pathway at Westlink begins with the Primary Years Programme (PYP), continues with the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and is working towards the Diploma Programme (DP), creating continuity throughout each student's learning journey. In addition, STEAM and Maker spaces, along with a campus that Westlink reports holds LOTUS green building certification, help students broaden their hands-on learning experiences. For the 2026–2027 school year, IB programme fees at Westlink range from approximately VND 404–636 million per year (full-payment rate), depending on year group, reflecting international-standard teaching and modern facilities. The Bilingual Middle Years Programme (Grades 6–9) costs approximately VND 274–290 million per year (full-payment rate). Fees are published clearly and are easy to look up, making it straightforward for parents to plan long-term finances for their child. Alongside its published fee schedule, Westlink offers scholarships for students who meet the eligibility criteria. The school's current scholarship page lists, among others, an IB scholarship of up to 25% of tuition and a Future Leader scholarship of up to 70% in the first year for eligible Bilingual Middle Years Programme applicants. Values and eligibility vary by scholarship, so parents can find full details on the school's official scholarships page. Would you like to experience the learning environment at Westlink first-hand? Register today: Address: Tay Ho Tay Urban Area, Hanoi [CẦN CONFIRM: full address] Address: Nguyen Huu Lieu Street, Tay Ho Tay Urban Area, Xuan Tao Ward, Bac Tu Liem District, Hanoi, Vietnam. Phone: (+84) 865 777 900 Email: info@westlink.edu.vn Website: https://www.westlink.edu.vn/ Westlink offers a well-rounded, high-quality international learning environment. United Nations International School of Hanoi (UNIS Hanoi) UNIS Hanoi is the oldest IB school in Hanoi, founded in 1988 under the auspices of the United Nations. The school offers all three IB programmes – PYP, MYP and DP – and after more than 35 years has built a well-established alumni network at international universities. Its 9.2-hectare campus in the Ciputra area (Tay Ho District) is one of the largest international school campuses in Hanoi. The multinational student community includes a significant proportion of children from diplomatic families. The school is accredited by both the IB Organization and CIS. Fees for 2026–2027 range from USD 17,460–39,870 per year, equivalent to approximately VND 459 million to VND 1.05 billion per year depending on year group. A comprehensive IB learning environment with transparent private-school fees. British International School Hanoi (BIS Hanoi) BIS Hanoi belongs to Nord Anglia Education, a group of more than 80 premium international schools in over 30 countries. The school teaches the National Curriculum for England, followed by the IB DP in the final two years, opening up a range of university pathways. What sets it apart are Nord Anglia's global academic partnerships: a STEAM programme in collaboration with MIT and a Performing Arts programme in collaboration with The Juilliard School (New York). BIS students have access to materials and workshops from both institutions. Fees for 2026–2027 range from VND 253.6–970.2 million per year depending on year group. BIS Hanoi develops thinking, creative skills and well-rounded learning experiences. Singapore International School – Hanoi (SIS Hanoi) SIS Hanoi follows the Singapore education model – one of the top-performing systems in PISA worldwide – combined with Cambridge IGCSE and A Level. Students can earn both a Singapore diploma and Cambridge international qualifications. The teaching team brings together Singaporean, native-speaking and Vietnamese teachers. Class sizes are kept small to maintain the quality of interaction. SIS has a higher proportion of students from Singapore and Southeast Asia than other schools. International programme fees for 2026–2027 at the Gamuda Gardens campus range from approximately VND 280.6–626 million per year depending on school level. Students follow the Singapore curriculum combined with Cambridge and enjoy a multicultural experience. Hanoi International School (HIS) HIS is an IB World School in Ba Dinh District and one of the longer-established IB schools in Hanoi. It is a medium-sized school that has chosen not to expand on a "university-style" scale, instead keeping a "boutique school" model with small classes. HIS's academic approach places more emphasis on the learning process than on short-term outcome metrics. The school is recognised by the IB Organization and uses continuous assessment rather than relying solely on end-of-term exams. Its location near Ba Dinh's political centre is convenient for diplomatic families and international staff. Fees for 2026–2027 range from VND 440–797 million per year depending on year group. HIS develops thinking, social skills and well-rounded academic growth for IB students. Concordia International School Hanoi Concordia is a not-for-profit school following an American education model, located in the Splendora urban area (Hoai Duc District). It is part of the Concordia International Schools system – a network of schools with Lutheran roots in several countries. Its standout feature is the Advanced Placement (AP) programme, with more than 20 subjects to choose from, serving students aiming for US universities. The school is recognised by the College Board (USA) and WASC. Small classes help maintain a low student-to-teacher ratio. Fees for 2026–2027 range from VND 558 million to approximately VND 1.039 billion per year depending on year group. Students experience the AP programme with small classes and native-speaking teachers. Mid-range international schools (approximately VND 260–500 million per year) This tier suits families who want a quality international environment while keeping long-term finances balanced. Schools in this group combine international curricula with a bilingual model or British/American standards, offering well-rounded learning opportunities and flexible university pathways. International School ParkCity Hanoi (ISPH) ISPH teaches entirely according to the National Curriculum for England, from the Foundation Stage to A Level, without combining it with the Vietnamese framework. Students follow the Cambridge IGCSE and then A Level pathway – the standard route into universities in the UK and the Commonwealth. The school is located in the ParkCity Hanoi urban area (Ha Dong District) and mainly serves young families and expatriate families working in south-west Hanoi. Teachers are recruited from the UK with QTS (Qualified Teacher Status). Fees for 2026–2027 range from approximately VND 232.7–760.8 million per year depending on year group. ISPH develops thinking, independence and language skills to UK standards. The Dewey Schools Dewey is a bilingual all-through school system that uses Design Thinking from the Stanford d.school as the backbone of its curriculum. It has three campuses covering three areas popular with young families in Hanoi: Cau Giay, Tay Ho Tay and Ocean Park. Its education model combines an American core with the MOET framework and elements of Vietnamese culture. The school is accredited by CIS (Council of International Schools). Dewey's hallmark is project-based learning, in which students tackle real-world problems rather than learning theory alone. According to its published fee schedule, fees range from VND 92–667 million per year depending on campus, programme and school level. The Dewey Schools develop creative thinking, collaboration and problem-solving skills. More affordable international schools (below VND 260 million per year) Japanese International School – JIS Hanoi JIS Hanoi mainly serves the Japanese community working in Hanoi but is open to students of other nationalities. The school teaches bilingually in Japanese and English, offering a Cambridge IGCSE pathway alongside the Japanese national curriculum. This "two parallel streams" model is rare in Hanoi: students can return to Japan with Japanese qualifications or go international with Cambridge qualifications. School culture reflects strong Japanese values of discipline, order and respect. Tuition fees for the 2026–2027 academic year range from VND 150–280 million per year for the Japanese International Programme and approximately VND 150–400 million per year for the Cambridge International Programme, depending on the grade level. Fees for 2026–2027 for the Japanese International programme range from VND 150–280 million per year, while the Cambridge International programme costs Fees at JIS are transparent and suit family budgets. Horizon International School Horizon International School follows the Cambridge curriculum from Primary to Secondary, with more than 70% of teaching in English. It is a medium-sized international school in Hanoi serving both Vietnamese and expatriate students. Horizon's model combines Cambridge International with core Vietnamese content, allowing students to keep the option of sitting Vietnamese university entrance exams if needed. The teaching team includes both native-speaking and Vietnamese teachers trained to Cambridge standards. International programme fees for 2026–2027 range from VND 268.4–673.9 million per year depending on year group. Horizon offers a well-regarded international learning environment and a wide range of experiences. Korean International School KIS Hanoi (Korean International School in Hanoi) mainly serves children of the Korean community working in Hanoi, particularly employees of Samsung, LG and other major Korean companies. The school teaches the Korean national curriculum combined with international subjects taught in English. Its qualifications are recognised when students return to Korea – a distinct advantage over other international schools. The school has stable facilities and a culturally cohesive parent community, creating a settled environment. Fees for 2026 range from VND 87.4–121.3 million per year depending on school level: approximately VND 87.4 million per year for primary, VND 104.4 million for lower secondary and VND 121.3 million for upper secondary. Fees for primary and lower secondary are approximately VND 240–258 million per year. The KIS programme helps students strengthen language, critical thinking and creativity. Why Are International School Fees So Different from Those at Mainstream Schools? Many parents wonder why, at the same primary level, a state school costs only a few million dong a year while international schools charge several hundred million. This difference reflects the higher quality, distinctive strengths and well-rounded learning environment that international schools provide, including the following factors: High-quality curricula: Schools follow internationally recognised programmes such as the IB, Cambridge or AP, which involve licensing and accreditation fees. Students taking IGCSE or IB DP examinations earn qualifications recognised worldwide, building a foundation for international study and assessment. Highly qualified native-speaking teachers: International schools have a high proportion of native-speaking teachers, trained to international standards and receiving benefits such as housing and insurance. This helps students develop language skills, thinking and well-rounded capabilities. Small classes and a personalised approach: Classes of 15–22 students mean each child receives individual attention, participates actively and develops creative thinking, collaboration and independent learning skills. Modern facilities and technology: Schools invest in STEM labs, multimedia libraries, auditoriums, indoor swimming pools, smart boards and creative learning spaces. Some schools also hold green building certifications such as LOTUS or LEED, creating a sustainable, environmentally friendly learning environment. Together, these factors create a high-quality, well-rounded international learning environment, and reflect the real value students receive. Detailed Breakdown of International School Fees in Hanoi in 2026 Published tuition is only the tip of the iceberg. In practice, total first-year costs are often around 15–25% higher than listed tuition. To budget accurately, parents should plan for the three main groups of costs below. Enrolment costs These are paid only in the first year or when changing schools: Application fee: VND 2–5 million, non-refundable whether or not the student is offered a place. Registration fee: VND 20–50 million, paid when confirming enrolment. Deposit: equivalent to 1–2 months' tuition, refundable if the application is withdrawn in line with the school's policy. Capital/building fee: some schools charge VND 30–50 million, non-refundable, used to upgrade facilities. Together, these one-off fees typically account for 10–15% of first-year tuition and are easily overlooked when budgeting. Recurring annual costs These costs recur every school year and add to the real total: School bus: VND 15–40 million per year, depending on distance and route. Lunch and day-boarding: VND 15–30 million per year for full-day schooling. Uniform: VND 5–8 million per year; some schools require purchase from a designated supplier. Textbooks and learning materials: VND 3–7 million per year, particularly high for the IB DP. Adding up all four items, parents may spend an extra VND 40–85 million per year on top of listed tuition. Optional costs These costs arise easily and catch many families by surprise: English language support (EAL/LSA support): for students who have not yet reached the required language level, costing VND 30–50 million per year until the student is ready to follow mainstream lessons. Extra-curricular activities (ECAs): usually charged per package or per session; an annual ECA package may cost VND 10–30 million. International exam fees (IB/Cambridge): Grades 10–12 incur international exam fees of VND 2–5 million per subject. School trips and summer study abroad: not compulsory but common, with each trip costing VND 15–100 million depending on the destination. Total first-year costs at an international school can be 15–25% higher. Planning for all three groups of costs helps parents understand the true total and plan their finances accurately when choosing an international school for their child. Comparing international school fees helps parents understand the budget required, the additional costs involved and the educational value each model offers. However, choosing the right environment for your child also means considering the curriculum, facilities and long-term pathway. If you are considering an international school in Hanoi, you can book a campus tour at Westlink to experience its modern learning environment first-hand and talk with the admissions team about the right pathway for your child.
