International school fees for 2026–2027 range from VND 100 million to over VND 1 billion a year. Compare leading schools in Hanoi, understand hidden costs and learn how to choose a school.

International School Fees in Hanoi: The Latest Detailed Update for 2026–2027

How much do international schools cost today, and how do fees break down across each stage of school? This article brings together detailed fee information for international schools in Hanoi, from bilingual schools to full IB schools, along with hidden costs, scholarships and discounts. Read on to understand the costs, compare options and choose the right programme for your child.

How much do international schools cost per year today?

International school fees in Hanoi range from around VND 100 million to over VND 1 billion a year. This wide gap confuses many parents when they first start researching. The difference isn’t simply about “expensive versus cheap”; it comes from three groups of schools offering different curricula:

• Domestic bilingual schools teaching the Vietnamese curriculum with enhanced English usually charge VND 100–300 million a year.

• Foreign-invested schools teaching the IB, Cambridge or American curricula fall within VND 300–700 million.

• Top-tier schools such as UNIS, BIS, Dwight and Concordia reach VND 800 million to over VND 1 billion, close to the cost of a year of undergraduate study in the UK.

In addition, international school fees in Hanoi increase with age, depending on the stage of school:

• Kindergarten: around VND 200–600 million a year

• Primary: VND 250–760 million a year

• Lower and upper secondary: from VND 292 million to over VND 900 million a year

On enrolment, families also pay an entrance assessment fee, an enrolment fee, a guarantee fee and a facilities fee, not to mention school meals and transport. Once everything is added up, the real total cost is usually 15–30% higher than the published tuition fee.

International school fees in Hanoi, updated for 2026–2027

Fee comparison table: 9 notable international schools in Hanoi

The table below brings together 9 of the schools parents are most interested in, with fees compiled from each school’s official website:

Notes:

• Higher fees don’t necessarily mean correspondingly higher quality. Most of the price difference comes from the cost of native English-speaking teachers, international accreditation and the scale of investment in facilities.

• The international school fees in this table don’t include the entrance assessment fee, enrolment fee, place reservation fee or annual facilities fee. The real total cost is usually 15–25% higher than the published fee.

• Some schools also offer a bilingual programme at a more accessible price, only around 40–55% of their full international programme.

• The fees in the table reflect the latest school year, but students who transfer mid-year or enrol late are charged according to a separate formula. Some schools also apply automatic annual increases of 3–7%, set out in the enrolment contract.

6 “hidden” costs beyond tuition that parents often overlook

The tuition fees published on school websites are just the tip of the iceberg. Once all the accompanying costs are added, the total cost for a year can rise by a further 15–30%. Below are 6 items that are easily overlooked when budgeting for an international school in Hanoi.

Registration and enrolment fees (one-off, non-refundable)

These are the first two payments parents make as soon as their child is accepted. Each has its own purpose:

• Registration fee: covers application processing and the entrance assessment.

• Enrolment fee: the formal condition for your child to join the school.

Amounts vary widely, from VND 5 to 30 million depending on the school’s segment. Neither is refundable, even if the family changes its mind. Ask clearly about the terms before transferring any money.

Place reservation deposits: what should you look out for?

Some schools require a deposit to hold a place, usually VND 10–50 million. This may be deducted from the first year’s tuition if your child enrols on schedule. If the family changes its mind, the deposit is usually not refunded, and most schools keep it in full. Before paying, ask for 3 things in writing:

• The deadline for a refund

• The specific conditions for a refund

• The percentage refunded in each case

Annual facilities fee

The facilities fee is used to maintain and upgrade classrooms, labs, swimming pools and sports facilities. The usual amount in Hanoi is VND 10–20 million a year, with some premium schools charging more. This is paid every year, not as a one-off. Many parents only find out after signing the contract.

School meals and transport

These two items are almost essential if your child attends school all day:

• School meals: VND 15–30 million a year, depending on meal quality and nutrition.

• School bus: VND 10–40 million a year, depending on the distance between home and school.

Parents living in Tay Ho or Long Bien whose child attends a school in My Dinh or Ciputra need to budget carefully for transport. The further the distance, the more the cost rises.

Uniforms and international textbooks

International school uniforms usually come in 3–4 sets:

• Everyday uniform

• PE kit

• Formal uniform (at some schools)

Uniforms cost a total of around VND 3–5 million. Licensed Cambridge, IB or Oxford textbooks are much more expensive than Vietnamese ones and can cost a further VND 3–5 million a year. Lower and upper secondary usually cost more because there are more subjects. This package comes to around VND 5–10 million a year in total.

Extracurricular activities, trips and summer programmes

International schools see extracurricular activities as a core part of the programme. Each domestic trip usually costs VND 1–5 million. Overseas trips (to Singapore, Malaysia or the UK) can cost VND 20–50 million per trip. International summer programmes are also charged separately. Extracurricular costs usually total VND 10–25 million a year – not a small amount.

Hidden costs often found at international schools beyond tuition

The total cost of 12 years at an international school: how much do you need?

Many parents look at the annual fee table and nod: “That’s manageable.” But multiplied by 12 years of schooling, the real figure makes many families think again. Below are 4 budget segments based on common international school fees in Hanoi, with suggested income levels to avoid running out of funds partway through.

Segment 1 – Under VND 200 million a year

This is the group of international-standard bilingual schools or schools with part of their curriculum from overseas. The total cost over 12 years is around VND 2–3 billion, including enrolment fees and annual facilities fees.

This segment suits families with an income of VND 100–150 million a month. Note: fees usually rise by 5–7% a year, so allow an extra 15–20% on top of the current published fees.

Segment 2 – VND 200 to 500 million a year

This is the largest group, including Hanoi’s major international bilingual schools. With all the extra costs, the total investment over 12 years comes to around VND 3.5–7 billion.

Suggested income: VND 200–400 million a month so that cash flow isn’t too tight. This is also the segment with the most scholarships and sibling discounts, which can save 10–20% of the total cost.

Segment 3 – VND 500 million to 1 billion a year

Most of Hanoi’s leading IB and Cambridge schools sit here. The total cost over 12 years can easily reach VND 7–12 billion, not counting meals, transport and summer activities.

This segment suits families with an income of VND 500 million a month or more. Parents should set aside a separate education fund, kept apart from everyday cash flow.

Segment 4 – Over VND 1 billion a year

UNIS Hanoi and Dwight are two typical examples, with fees for the two final secondary year groups exceeding VND 1 billion a year according to their published fees for 2026–2027. The total investment over 12 years can reach VND 12–15 billion.

This segment is no longer calculated by income, but by the family’s accumulated assets and long-term financial plan.

How international school fees have been rising over the years

International school fees almost never stand still from year to year. Parents budgeting for 12 years of schooling need to understand this rate of increase to avoid running short partway through.

How fast fees have risen over the past 5 years (2021–2026)

A review of the published fees of leading schools in Hanoi shows that typical increases are 3–7% a year, depending on the stage and programme. Some top schools have raised fees more sharply at upper secondary level, sometimes by 8–10% every two years.

Cumulatively, a student starting Grade 1 this year will pay Grade 12 fees that are 30–50% higher than today’s published rates. This is something parents often miss when they look only at the first year’s figure.

Why international schools tend to raise their fees

There are three main reasons:

• Rising operating costs: salaries for native English-speaking teachers, IB/Cambridge licences and international accreditation are all paid in foreign currency.

• USD/VND exchange rate fluctuations: these push up the cost of imported curriculum materials, facilities and final exam fees.

• Strong market demand: demand remains high, especially for secondary international schools in Hanoi, so schools face little pressure to hold prices.

How to negotiate and lock in fees

Most schools don’t publish a price-lock policy, but parents still have a few ways to reduce financial pressure. Before signing the enrolment contract, ask the school what the maximum annual fee increase will be. Some schools accept payment of 2–3 years of tuition in advance to lock in current fees, in exchange for no refund if the student leaves partway through.

It is also worth reading the contract carefully for the enrolment fee and facilities fee, as these are two items that can be adjusted “quietly” without parents noticing.

Trends in international school fee increases in recent years

Scholarships, discounts and fee reductions at international schools

The published fee isn’t necessarily the final amount parents pay. By making good use of the right policies, families can save 10–30% of the total cost each year, especially at schools with fees above VND 500 million.

Common types of scholarships at international schools

International schools in Hanoi usually offer three main groups of scholarships:

• Academic scholarships: based on entrance assessment results and previous years’ reports, usually covering 30% to 100% of tuition.

• Talent scholarships: for students who excel in sport, music or the arts.

• Leadership or community scholarships: based on extracurricular activities and contributions to society.

Some schools also offer needs-based scholarships for outstanding applicants whose families face financial difficulties. Parents should ask clearly whether a scholarship applies only to tuition or also to the enrolment and facilities fees.

Sibling discounts: 3–15% off

This is the most common policy, but it is rarely widely advertised. When two or more children attend the same school, families usually receive a 3–15% tuition discount from the second child onwards. Some schools increase the discount with the number of children (a third child might receive 20% off or have the registration fee waived).

Note: this discount only applies to tuition, not to transport, meals or extracurricular activities.

Full-year payment discount: save 5–10%

Paying tuition in one lump sum at the start of the year is usually cheaper than paying in instalments. The difference at Hanoi’s top schools ranges from 5% to 10% of the annual fee. With tuition of VND 500 million a year, the saving can be VND 25–50 million, enough to cover the facilities fee and uniforms.

As well as these three policies, parents should ask about early-bird enrolment discounts, referral discounts for introducing other families, and fee lock-in policies for the first 3 years. Many schools are happy to give personalised advice if parents ask specific questions from the outset.

Attractive scholarships and discounts at international schools in Hanoi

Westlink: competitive fees and a range of scholarships

In a market where international schools in Hanoi are reaching VND 1 billion a year, Westlink offers an option worth considering for families looking for an international education at a more accessible level than the top tier. The school is part of the International Schools Partnership (ISP), a global network of international schools, while its fees are lower than those of some of the most expensive schools in Hanoi.

Key points about Westlink’s fees (school year 2026–2027, full payment):

• Bilingual Middle Years Programme: VND 274–290 million a year for Grades 6–9. This is around half the fee of the IB pathway at the same school.

• IB pathway: from VND 404 million (Early Years) to VND 614 million a year (MYP Grade 8). The school’s fee table also lists the IB Diploma Programme (DP), for which Westlink is currently a candidate school, at VND 636 million a year (full payment).

• Facilities fee: included in tuition, with no additional annual charge, unlike many schools that charge VND 10–20 million a year separately.

Parents can choose how to pay: in a single payment, which works out at around 7% less than the total of the three termly instalments, or in 3 instalments across the school year to help manage their finances.

Transparent entry fees (school year 2026–2027):

• Placement test fee: VND 2.5 million

• Enrolment application fee: VND 21 million

• Guaranteed fee: VND 55 million (refundable when a student leaves through the proper procedure)

In terms of scholarships, Westlink currently offers an IB scholarship covering up to 25% of tuition fees for prospective students from Early Years to IB Middle Years, as well as scholarships for the Bilingual Middle Years Programme and the ISP Global Voices Scholarship. The school also offers support for students with outstanding talent in the arts and sport, and for families with several children at the school.

Frequently asked questions about international school fees

What is the average international school fee today?

International school fees in Vietnam range from VND 100 million to over VND 1 billion a year. The most common range is around VND 300–600 million a year, increasing from kindergarten to upper secondary. IB, British and American schools are usually the most expensive, while international bilingual programmes are considerably more affordable.

Do international school fees include meals?

Most schools don’t include meals in their published tuition fee. School meals are usually charged separately at around VND 15–30 million a year, depending on the stage. Some schools include meals in an “all-inclusive service fee”, so parents should check the detailed fee schedule carefully before paying.

Is the registration fee refundable if my child doesn’t enrol?

The registration fee (VND 5–70 million depending on the school) is almost never refundable. It is a one-off application processing fee. Place reservation deposits are different: some schools refund them if a student withdraws before the start of term, but you need to check the contract terms carefully.

Should a family with an income of VND 100 million a month choose an international school?

It’s possible, but it needs careful thought. With an income of VND 100 million a month (VND 1.2 billion a year), a family should choose a school with fees below VND 250 million a year, which means the international bilingual group. A safe rule is that tuition shouldn’t exceed 20–25% of annual income, so there is still budget left for savings and other expenses.

Understanding international school fees helps parents plan their finances more proactively and choose the right programme for their child. At Westlink, fee information is published clearly, with several payment options and scholarship policies that vary by intake. This gives families a sounder basis for planning their long-term budget. Contact Westlink for specific advice on fees, programmes and the right learning pathway for your child.