Top 7 International Secondary Schools in Hanoi for Grades 6–9 (2026 Guide) Choosing an international secondary school in Hanoi involves more than just tuition fees, facilities, or school reputation. This is a critical stage that directly affects academic adaptability, high school orientation, and future study abroad pathways. Therefore, parents need to clearly understand the differences between school groups, curricula, tuition fees, and evaluation criteria before making a decision. The following article summarizes the top 7 schools worth considering in 2026, along with a practical selection framework for students in grades 6–9. Understanding the 3 Groups of International Secondary Schools in Hanoi - Common Misconceptions Not all international schools share the same curriculum, tuition, and output orientation. Parents need to clearly distinguish between the three groups below to avoid choosing the wrong one when shortlisting schools for their children. Group 1 - Full International Schools (English-medium, full IB/Cambridge) This group uses English as the primary language of instruction (100%). They offer full international programs: IB (PYP/MYP/DP) or Cambridge (Lower Secondary, IGCSE, A-Level). Most teachers are native speakers or foreign nationals. The student community typically comes from 20+ countries, including many expat children. Tuition is the highest, ranging from 700 million to over 1 billion VND/year. Typical examples: UNIS, BIS, HIS. Standard international educational environment Group 2 - Bilingual International Schools (50/50 Vietnamese-English) This group teaches the MOET curriculum alongside an international program (IB MYP or Cambridge). Teachers are a mix of native speakers and Vietnamese. Students receive a dual diploma: Vietnamese Junior High School Graduation and international certificates. This is the choice for families who want their children to maintain Vietnamese language and culture. Tuition is 400–700 million VND/year. Typical examples: Westlink, Dewey, BVIS. Group 3 - Integrated Cambridge/International Support Schools The core framework remains the MOET curriculum. Schools add Cambridge ESOL/CIE or certain subjects taught in English. Teachers are predominantly Vietnamese. Students are mainly Vietnamese. Tuition is 200–400 million VND/year. Examples: Wellspring, Vinschool, Newton. Comparison Table of 3 International Secondary School Groups in Hanoi Criteria Group 1 - Full Int'l Group 2 - Bilingual Int'l Group 3 - Integrated Instruction Language 100% English ~50/50 Viet-Eng Vietnamese primary Native Teacher % >70% 30–60% <30% Output Degree IB DP / A-Level Dual VN + Int'l VN Secondary + Eng Cert Student Diversity High (>20 nationalities) Medium (10–30) Mainly Vietnamese Ref. Price/Year 700m - 1b+ 400 - 700m 200 - 400m A common mistake is choosing an integrated school for its reasonable tuition but expecting the experience and outcomes of a full international school. To avoid mismatched expectations, families should define their goals from the start: a full international environment, a balanced bilingual program, or a Vietnamese pathway with international support. With Westlink's bilingual secondary program, parents can see a more specific example. What Curricula are International Secondary Schools Teaching? IB MYP, Cambridge IGCSE, and Study Abroad Pathways Although all are secondary level, each international school group can implement very different curricula. Understanding these programs helps parents choose the right current environment and predict high school pathways and future study abroad orientations. When researching international secondary schools in Hanoi, parents should pay special attention to the continuity between secondary school, high school, and international certificates. IB MYP is an International Baccalaureate program for students aged 11–16 MYP stands for Middle Years Programme, part of the International Baccalaureate system. This program is for students from Grade 6 to Grade 10, equivalent to ages 11–16. The highlight of IB MYP is its interdisciplinary project-based learning approach, which encourages students to ask questions, research, present, and develop critical thinking. Instead of focusing solely on rote memorization, students are trained in independent thinking and connecting knowledge across subjects. At the end of Grade 10, students complete a Personal Project. This is considered a major MYP milestone, demonstrating the ability to self-research, plan, and complete an individual project. After MYP, students can transition to the IB Diploma Programme in Grades 11–12. This pathway is suitable for families aiming for a long-term IB curriculum. Cambridge Lower Secondary & IGCSE is a traditional British pathway Cambridge Lower Secondary typically applies to students in Grades 7-9. Following this stage, students continue with IGCSE for 2 years. IGCSE is a globally recognized international certificate in many countries such as the UK, Australia, Canada, and Singapore. Unlike IB, which is highly interdisciplinary, Cambridge allows students to orient toward their strengths earlier. When studying IGCSE, students can choose approximately 5-8 subjects instead of studying all subject groups comprehensively. After IGCSE, students usually progress to A-Levels or transition to the IB Diploma Programme. Simply put, Cambridge is more flexible in subject selection and specialized orientation. However, compared to IB, this program generally has slightly lower levels of interdisciplinary integration and comprehensive thinking. Secondary School Choice Directly Impacts High School and Study Abroad Pathways The most important reason lies in the continuity of the curriculum. A student who has studied IB MYP in secondary school will typically transition to the IB Diploma Programme in high school more smoothly. Compared to students transferring from the Vietnamese curriculum into Grade 11 IB, the differences in learning style, research mindset, and academic English proficiency are often distinct. Similarly, students following Cambridge Lower Secondary will have a more seamless pathway into IGCSE and then A-Levels. This is why parents should not only look at the current secondary level but also check if the school has a clear connection to high school and study abroad. Continuity in the curriculum is a factor that many parents, especially Viet Kieu families, are very interested in. A stable learning pathway helps children transition between levels more easily, without knowledge gaps or having to start from scratch when entering high school or preparing for study abroad. Parents can learn more about the IB program at Westlink to visualize the PYP → MYP → DP pathway. Additionally, to know if a school is truly accredited to teach the IB program, parents should search directly on the official IBO list at ibo.org. Parents being consulted at school 6 Criteria to Evaluate When Choosing an International Secondary School When visiting many schools, each has its own highlights, from facilities and curriculum to admissions consulting. This can easily lead parents to follow initial impressions and make choices based on emotion. Therefore, when researching international secondary schools in Hanoi, parents should have a clear evaluation framework to compare schools more objectively. Criterion 1: IB/Cambridge Accreditation Status This is a critical criterion that many parents often overlook. For the IB program, parents need to distinguish between two states: Authorised: The school has been officially recognized by the IBO and can implement the program according to standard. Candidate: The school is in the process of seeking recognition and is not yet officially approved. For the Cambridge program, parents should also ask if the school is registered for implementation or fully accredited for each level and program. When speaking with admissions, ask directly: "What is the current status of the school for each Cambridge program?" If the school gives a vague answer, lacks data, or avoids the question, that is a sign parents should consider carefully. Criterion 2: Native Teacher Ratio and Professional Qualifications The teaching staff directly impacts student learning quality. Instead of just hearing general introductions about foreign teachers, parents should ask for specific data: What percentage of teachers are native speakers? What is the percentage of teachers with Bachelor's, Master's, or international teaching certificates? What is the average number of years of experience per teacher? Do teachers have experience teaching students transitioning from the Vietnamese system? These questions help parents evaluate the actual teaching capacity of the school rather than relying on marketing images. International learning and development environment Criterion 3: Student Diversity and Average Class Size An international environment is more than just a name; it is reflected in the diversity of nationalities, cultures, and languages in the classroom. A class with 30 students where most are Vietnamese will find it difficult to create a true international experience. Parents can refer to common levels: Full international school: Approximately 20-60 nationalities, class size 16-22 students. Bilingual international school: Approximately 10-30 nationalities, class size 20-25 students. Integrated school: Approximately 1-5 nationalities, class size 25-35 students. The smaller the class size, the more time teachers have to observe, support, and track each student's progress. Criterion 4: ECA System and Study Abroad Preparation Pathway ECA, or Extra-Curricular Activities, are more than just entertainment after school. For students with study abroad goals, ECA is an important part of their personal profile, helping to demonstrate leadership, creative thinking, cooperation, and proactivity. When visiting schools, parents should ask: How many clubs and extracurricular activities does the school have? Are there international programs like MUN, filmmaking, robotics, debate, etc.? In what grade does the school begin career counseling and university orientation? Are students supported in building a personal activity portfolio? A good ECA system needs diversity, professional guidance, and a clear development pathway, rather than just movement-based activities. Criterion 5: EAL Support for Students Transferring from Public Schools EAL, short for English as an Additional Language, is a program that supports academic English for students not yet accustomed to studying in English. This is very important if a child is studying in the Vietnamese system and wants to transition to an international environment from Grade 6. Parents should ask specifically: Does the school have dedicated EAL specialists? How long does the EAL pathway last? Do students study in small groups or receive 1:1 support? In the initial stage, can the workload in some advanced subjects be adjusted for the student? By what criteria does the school evaluate student English progress? If a school says public school students can enter normally without EAL, parents should consider carefully. Transitioning to an academic environment in English requires a realistic pathway to avoid the student falling behind or losing confidence. Criterion 6: Location, Bus Service, and Parent Community This is a practical criterion but has a major impact on a student's daily learning experience. At the secondary level, schedules, clubs, and extracurricular activities are usually busier. If a child spends too much time commuting every day, their studies, rest, and spirit can all be affected. Parents should check in advance: Does the bus route pass through the home area? What is the average travel time each way? What is the annual bus fee? Is the bus schedule compatible with after-school club sessions? Are there any other parents in the living area whose children attend that school? Besides information from the school, parents should refer to actual experiences from the current parent community. This is a helpful source to better understand the learning environment, how the school supports students, and the level of fit for each family. Teacher and students during PE class Top 7 International Secondary Schools in Hanoi 2026 The following list is compiled based on three main factors: international certification, transparency of the curriculum, and interest within the Hanoi parent community. This is not an absolute ranking, as each school will suit different learning goals, budgets, and family orientations. Westlink International School - An IB school within the ISP network Westlink is one of the most notable emerging international secondary schools in Hanoi for the 2024-2026 period. The school belongs to the International Schools Partnership (ISP) - a network that currently operates 116 schools in 25 countries, serving over 110,000 students. Exploring science with a teacher at Westlink International School. Westlink is currently an IB World School for the PYP program, while also implementing MYP and DP. Highlights for secondary level: Student community from over 30 nationalities Personalized EAL program for students transferring from the Vietnamese system Over 50 extracurricular activities, including MUN and Filmmakers within the ISP network 2026 IB scholarships up to 70% for eligible students Location: Tay Ho Tay area, with extensive bus routes Interested parents can schedule a tour of Westlink - admissions will respond within 24 hours. UNIS Hanoi UNIS is the first international school in Asia to fully implement the IB across three levels: PYP, MYP, DP. The school has a multi-national student community, mostly children of expats or families with an international background. Tuition is among the highest in Hanoi. Location: Phu Thuong area, Tay Ho. UNIS is suitable for families wanting a full international environment and prepared for a premium budget. UNIS Hanoi is an international school in the Tay Ho area BIS Hanoi (Nord Anglia) BIS Hanoi belongs to the global Nord Anglia education group. The curriculum combines the British curriculum, IGCSE, and Grade 3 IB DP. Students have opportunities for learning exchanges within the global Nord Anglia network. The Royal City campus has modern facilities with sports fields and full labs. Location: Vinhomes Riverside, Hoa Lan, Road, Phúc Lợi, Hà Nội. Suitable for families prioritizing British standards and large scale. BIS Hanoi campus Hanoi International School (HIS) HIS is one of the oldest IB World Schools in Hanoi. The school has a small scale and low class sizes - suitable for children needing individual attention. IB program from kindergarten to Grade 12. Close-knit parent community with many long-term expat families. Location: Lieu Giai, Ba Dinh - near the center and embassies. Suitable for families wanting a small and stable environment. Outside Hanoi International School The Dewey Schools Dewey is a K-12 system based on John Dewey's philosophy, teaching through projects and experience. Standard US curriculum combined with IB MYP and DP. The school has 3 campuses in Hanoi (Tay Ho Tay, Cau Giay, Ocean Park) - parents have choices based on living area. Dewey is a member of CIS (Council of International Schools). Suitable for families who like experimental and project-based teaching methods. The Dewey Schools possesses modern facilities. Wellspring Wellspring is a bilingual K-12 school founded in 2009. The program integrates MOET and Cambridge CIE. The school is accredited to Cambridge standards for all 3 levels. Extensive facilities in Long Bien with football fields, swimming pools, and full labs. Location: Ai Mo, Long Bien. Suitable for families wanting children to keep Vietnamese and have supplementary Cambridge certificates. Wellspring is known for its spacious campus Vinschool Vinschool is the largest K-12 system in Vietnam, with many campuses in Hanoi. The Vin International program implements Cambridge CIE and part of an international framework. Large scale with diverse clubs and activities. Tuition is in the accessible range, with various levels by campus. Location: Times City, Royal City, Smart City, Ocean Park. Suitable for families prioritizing a reasonable budget and a large community. Vinschool has an extensive, modern campus system and diverse programs. Quick Comparison Table of 7 Schools School Program Est. Tuition/Year District/Area Class Size No. Nationalities High Sch. Pathway Westlink IB PYP/MYP/DP 400 - 600tr Tay Ho Tay ~20 30+ IB DP UNIS IB đầy đủ 3 cấp 800tr - 1,1 tỷ Tay Ho ~18 60+ IB DP BIS Hanoi British + IB DP 700tr - 1 tỷ Thanh Xuan ~22 50+ IB DP / A-Level HIS IB đầy đủ 3 cấp 700 - 900tr Ba Dinh ~16 40+ IB DP Dewey IB MYP/DP + chuẩn Mỹ 350 - 550tr Tay Ho Tay / Cau Giay ~22 10+ IB DP / chuẩn Mỹ Wellspring Bộ GD VN + Cambridge 250 - 400tr Long Biên ~28 <10 IGCSE / A-Level Vinschool QT Bộ GD VN + Cambridge 200 - 350tr Multiple Campuses ~30 <10 IGCSE / A-Level International Secondary School Tuition in Hanoi 2026 Secondary school tuition is typically 10–20% lower than high school tuition but remains a major investment. Knowing the price ranges before visiting helps parents stay within budget. Premium Range (700 million - 1 billion+ VND/year) This group includes UNIS, BIS Hanoi, HIS. Characteristics: full IB or British programs, predominantly native teachers, strong international community. Published tuition excludes registration fees, bus fees, and ECAs. Suitable for expat families with allowances or Vietnamese parents with high income over 100 million VND/month. Mid-premium Range (400 - 700 million VND/year) Includes Westlink, Dewey, BVIS. International programs or standard international bilingual programs. Native teacher ratio 40–70%. Suitable for families wanting international standards while considering a long-term budget for the remaining 7 years from secondary through high school. Accessible Range (200 - 400 million VND/year) Includes Wellspring, Vinschool, Newton. MOET framework supplemented by Cambridge or part of an international program. Predominantly Vietnamese teachers, with native teachers for foreign language subjects. Suitable for families prioritizing the Vietnamese program while adding academic English. Scholarships and Common Financial Aid Most international secondary schools in Hanoi have scholarship or financial aid policies to encourage students with outstanding capabilities. Scholarship levels typically range from 30 - 100% of tuition, depending on selection criteria and individual school policies. Prioritized student groups usually include: Students with good academic performance Students with outstanding talents in sports, music, art, or leadership capacity Families with multiple children enrolled in the school receiving a sibling discount For the 2026 admissions season, the IB scholarship at Westlink is one of the most notable programs, with tuition support up to 70% for eligible students. The application deadline for scholarships is usually concentrated in Q1 and Q2, so parents should proactively contact the admissions department early to be advised on conditions, process, and specific timelines. Note on Additional Fees Beyond Tuition Published tuition often does not reflect total actual costs in a school year. When budgeting, parents should ask clearly about additional fees to avoid being caught off guard after enrollment. Common fees include: One-time registration fee: Approx. 5-30 million VND Entrance exam fee: Approx. 1-3 million VND Extracurricular activity fees outside the program: Approx. 5-20 million VND/year Bus fee: Approx. 15-35 million VND/year depending on route Cost for meals, uniform, textbooks, and learning materials Before deciding, parents should request the admissions department to provide a total cost table for the first year, including tuition, mandatory fees, and optional items. This helps families compare schools more accurately than just looking at the listed tuition. Frequently Asked Questions When Choosing an International Secondary School in Hanoi The following 5 questions are compiled from school tours and actual shared experiences within the Hanoi parent community. When surveying, parents can use these questions to speak directly with the admissions department to better understand the program, the level of student support, and the school's fit for their child. My child is in public school; will they keep up if they transfer to an international school in Grade 6? Yes, if the school has a suitable EAL program. Most transfer students need 6-12 months to catch up with the pace of academic English. The deciding factor lies in the school's EAL quality and the child's learning attitude. Parents should register for a trial day before deciding. Is it possible to enroll mid-year? Most international secondary schools in Hanoi have a year-round admissions policy; parents do not necessarily have to wait for the beginning of a new school year. However, mid-year enrollment also depends on space availability, entrance assessment results, and student fit with the current program. In many cases, students will need additional testing and an interview with the academic department before placement. Which schools have good EAL support for students with weaker English? Westlink, Dewey, and BVIS all have public EAL programs on their websites. Parents should ask specifically: is there a dedicated EAL specialist, how long does the EAL exit pathway take, and is progress measured periodically? Is studying IB MYP in secondary school too heavy for a child? This program does not emphasize rote learning like the Vietnamese curriculum but requires students to think proactively, ask questions, and solve problems. For those accustomed to pre-set lectures, the first 6 months can be a transition period. Afterward, most students will catch up and show clear development in self-study, presentation, and research skills. The Grade 10 personal project is a key highlight of the MYP program. After finishing international secondary school, is it mandatory to study high school abroad? No. Students can continue with international high school in Vietnam (IB DP, A-Level) or study abroad. However, transferring from MYP/IGCSE back to the Vietnamese program in high school will require catching up on many subjects. This option is not encouraged due to the loss of academic continuity. The above list has helped parents gain a clearer perspective when searching for an international secondary school in Hanoi for their child in 2026. Each school has its own strengths in terms of curriculum, international environment, tuition, and transition pathways to high school, so parents should consider based on their family's long-term learning goals. If prioritizing an international IB environment with curriculum continuity, support for transitioning students, and a focus on holistic development, Westlink International School is a worthwhile reference. Parents can leave information on the admissions website or contact Hotline 0865.777.900 for detailed advice and to book a free School Tour.
