International schools in Vietnam offer a distinct advantage over their counterparts in other parts of Asia: a superior standard of education at a relatively affordable cost.
Ho Chi Minh City is renowned as a primary hub for international schools, but Hanoi also boasts an impressive selection. This northern city features a variety of schools offering different curricula, including International, British, American, French, and Singaporean options.
International School in Ha Noi
Most schools in Hanoi offer both an ‘international program’ and a ‘bilingual program.’ The former follows an international curriculum in English, while the latter follows an enhanced version of the national curriculum in Vietnamese.
Even though local students are required to take Vietnamese language and culture lessons, these classes are open to non-native students as well, resulting in bilingual teaching and Vietnamese cultural activities in nearly every international school in Hanoi.
Vietnamese families aspire to provide their children with international education, as they believe it will better prepare them for entry into Western universities. Due to this high demand, waiting lists for enrollment are common, making early application advisable. While the typical school year runs from August to June, many international schools in Hanoi accept new students throughout the year.
The expat community in Hanoi is sizable and expanding, offering a diverse lifestyle and culture for those relocating here.
Vietnam was a late entrant to the international school scene, with the first one established in 1993. However, the country has rapidly caught up with the rest of Asia, providing comparable sports facilities, extracurricular programs, and more.
Concerns about air pollution in Vietnam and Asia are valid, but there are ways to mitigate its impact on your family. Installing air purifiers at home, monitoring the Air Quality Index, and limiting outdoor activities during unhealthy air conditions can help. Exploring the beautiful Vietnamese countryside away from the city can also provide respite from pollution.
While the list of the top 10 international schools in Hanoi is provided, there are a total of 14 schools in the city to choose from.
1. Morning Star International School
With a rich 27-year history, Morning Star International School provides a creative, high-quality education that encourages every student to become confident, imaginative thinkers. The school opened its doors to students in 1994 with our first Kindergarten. 27 years on, the school has expanded to two campuses, with one international kindergarten and one elementary school.
Morning Star offers both international and bilingual programs with a unique learning environment. It prides itself on our close-knit community, believing that for our students to flourish they should feel as comfortable as possible and be excited about coming to school. Read more about what makes this school special below:
Small class sizes
Morning Star is committed to small class sizes. Small class sizes mean students get more one-on-one time with teachers, and teachers can identify problems faster, the classrooms have a more cohesive class culture and teachers form closer relationships with their students.
Qualified teachers
Teaching faculty at Morning Star are professionals from all over the world, bringing with them knowledge and experience of different teaching methods and global education.
Community conscious
Morning Star creates a welcoming, nurturing environment with students, families, and the surrounding community. Throughout the year the school hosts and participates in events allowing our students, parents, and family to engage and socialize with the wider community.
Global community
Students of the school are from 60 countries, building a truly international community of learners, and celebrating and embracing our cultural and personal differences. They are encouraged to learn about different cultures, religions, beliefs, and attitudes so they develop an open-minded global outlook.
School fees
International program: 300.000.000 VND/year
Bilingual program: 200.000.000 VND/year
2. British International School Hanoi
Curriculum: IB, British
Language of instruction: English
Ages: 2 to 18
School fees from 305.000.000 to 863.000.000/ year
3. United Nations International School Hanoi
Curriculum: IB
Language of instruction: English
Ages: 3 to 18
School fees from 500.000.000 to 832.000.000/ year
4. Concordia International School Hanoi
Curriculum: American
Language of instruction: English
Ages: 4 to 18
School fees not public.
5. Singapore International School, Van Phuc
Curriculum: British, Singaporean
Language of instruction: English
Ages: 1 to 12
School fees from 338.000.000 to 472.000.000/ year
6. Hanoi International School
Curriculum: IB
Language of instruction: English, Vietnamese
Ages: 4 to 18
School fees not public.
7. St. Paul American School Hanoi
Curriculum: American
Language of instruction: English
Ages: 4 to 18
School fees from 422.000.000 to 704.000.000/ year
8. TH School
Curriculum: British, International
Language of instruction: English
Ages: 2 to 18
School fees from .000.000 to 580.000.000/ year
9. The International School ParkCity Hanoi
Curriculum: British, International
Language of instruction: English
Ages: 3 to 17
School fees from 406.000.000 to .000.000/ year
10. Japanese International School
Curriculum: British, International, Vietnamese, Japanese
Languages of instruction: English, Japanese, Vietnamese
Ages: 3 to 18
School fees not public.
