Vietnam – Education and Schools

How good is the education system in Vietnam?

Vietnam’s schooling network is broadly regarded as one of the more effective in the world, and education occupies a position of great national importance. With a literacy rate exceeding 90 per cent, the country places teachers among the most esteemed members of society. Since 2008, successive governments have channelled roughly 20% of the national budget into the education sector.

Despite ranking among the lower-income participants in international assessments, Vietnam outstripped every other developing nation — and surpassed many far wealthier countries — in the 2012, 2015, and 2018 PISA evaluations, a performance that attracted widespread global attention. The PISA 2022 results, however, told a more sobering story, with Vietnamese students recording a drop in standings compared to previous cycles. Scores came in at 469 in mathematics, 462 in reading, and 472 in science — each falling marginally below the OECD average.

In the 2022 PISA rankings, Vietnam finished 31st out of 81 participating countries in mathematics, 35th in science, and 34th in reading, placing it second in Southeast Asia overall. It is important to note that declining results were a widespread phenomenon in PISA 2022, with OECD member states recording their steepest collective fall in student performance since the rankings began in 2000. Vietnam’s slide should therefore be understood against this broader backdrop.

The country maintains high primary completion rates, strong gender parity in enrolment, favourable student-to-teacher ratios, and a low rate of children outside formal education. Score gaps between different groups of students remain relatively modest, reflecting a degree of success in extending reasonably equitable access across urban and rural communities. Nonetheless, while city-based schooling in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City is generally of high quality, schools in remote and rural areas continue to grapple with overcrowded classrooms, insufficient facilities, and constrained resources.

The year 2024 marked the completion of the first full rollout cycle of the 2018 General Education Curriculum across all school levels, and also signalled the final cohort to sit the high school graduation exam under the 2006 framework, as the country moves toward a reformed examination model. Families considering Vietnam should consult the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) website for the most up-to-date policy developments and assessment data.

At what age is education compulsory in Vietnam, and how is schooling structured by age?

Vietnam’s education framework is organised into five distinct stages: preschool, primary school, lower secondary school, upper secondary school, and higher education. Formal schooling encompasses twelve years in total — five years at primary level, four at lower secondary, and three at upper secondary. Compulsory attendance covers the primary and lower secondary stages, encompassing children roughly between the ages of six and fourteen (as of 2025 — always confirm the current legal position with MOET).

Pre-school (Mẫu giáo) serves children between the ages of three and five, broadly comparable to nursery and kindergarten elsewhere. Attendance is not mandatory, but a great many parents choose to send their children early to lay the groundwork for formal learning. Indeed, 97% of Vietnamese fifteen-year-olds reported having participated in at least one year of pre-primary education.

Primary school (Tiểu học) takes in children aged 6 to 11, covering grades 1 through 5, and is obligatory for all children. The curriculum at this level centres on foundational subjects: Vietnamese language, mathematics, science, and moral education.

Lower secondary school (Trung học cơ sở) serves students from ages 12 to 15, spanning grades 6 to 9. Attendance at this stage is likewise compulsory, and the curriculum builds on primary foundations by introducing a broader and more specialist range of subjects. An entrance examination at the end of this stage plays a role in determining which upper secondary school a student may access.

Upper secondary school (Trung học phổ thông) covers grades 10 to 12, generally for students aged 15 to 18. While not compulsory, this stage is widely attended in urban settings and culminates in a national graduation examination. Core subjects at this level include Literature, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, Geography, Civics, Foreign Languages, Technology, Information Technology, and Physical Education.

What types of schools are available in Vietnam?

Vietnam’s schooling landscape encompasses both public and private institutions, and the contrasts between them are considerable. Public schools receive government funding and are required to follow the national curriculum prescribed by MOET. Tuition costs are generally minimal — and now waived at many levels — though educational quality varies markedly from one region to another, particularly between cities and rural areas. Teaching approaches in the state sector tend to be more uniform and closely tied to the national syllabus.

Class sizes in public schools are typically large — forty or more students per class is common — and resources can be stretched even at the primary level. This stands in marked contrast to systems like those in Finland or Australia, where maximum class sizes are more strictly governed. For expat households, the most significant practical obstacle to joining a state school is the language of instruction: all lessons are delivered exclusively in Vietnamese.

Private schools have expanded rapidly across Vietnam’s urban centres. They frequently offer smaller classes, more up-to-date resources, bilingual teaching, and access to internationally recognised academic frameworks. Many families now regard private schooling as a worthwhile long-term investment. Annual fees at private schools span a broad range — from approximately VND 26 million at the lower end to VND 208 million or more — and bilingual options are increasingly available.

Semi-public, people-founded, and privately operated institutions are grouped together under the term non-public educational establishments. Specialist and vocational schools also exist at upper secondary level, providing routes into technical and trades-based careers. A category of locally based international schools — sometimes described as a middle-ground option — offers bilingual Vietnamese and English instruction alongside teaching in Vietnamese culture.

Vietnam’s first international school opened around thirty years ago, and the sector has grown dramatically since then. These fee-paying schools generally provide well-resourced environments, experienced teaching staff, and globally recognised academic programmes. A government restriction on the proportion of local Vietnamese students permitted to enrol means that these schools largely serve internationally based families.

What curriculum and qualifications do schools in Vietnam follow?

State schools are required to deliver the national curriculum established by the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET). The year 2024 saw the conclusion of the first complete rollout of the 2018 General Education Curriculum across all school levels. This curriculum places heavy emphasis on core academic content across Vietnamese language, mathematics, the sciences, social studies, and civics, with moral education embedded throughout.

MOET has announced a new format for the national examination system, shifting the focus from purely knowledge-based testing toward the assessment of student competencies. The revised exams will serve three functions simultaneously: certifying graduation, evaluating the quality of teaching and learning, and underpinning university admissions decisions. In this regard, the reformed exam resembles the French Baccalauréat — a single high-stakes assessment that simultaneously confers a leaving qualification and determines access to higher education.

Entry to higher education is contingent on passing the highly competitive National High School Graduation Examination, which replaced an earlier two-stage process and now functions as the unified entry point to tertiary study.

Internationally recognised frameworks are becoming increasingly prominent. The International Baccalaureate (IB) programme, with its emphasis on critical thinking, self-directed learning, and intercultural awareness, is gaining ground. Fully international schools offer programmes including the IB, British, American, Canadian, and Montessori curricula, while bilingual schools combine local and international elements. British-curriculum institutions typically offer the IGCSE at age 16 — broadly equivalent to England’s GCSEs — and A-levels or the IB Diploma at 18, both of which are widely accepted by universities around the world.

What are typical school hours and holidays in Vietnam?

The Vietnamese academic year is split into two semesters. For the 2025–2026 school year, the first semester runs from 5 September through to 18 January or earlier. Schools teaching grades 2 to 8 and 10 to 11 may begin up to one week ahead of this date, while those handling grades 1, 9, and 12 may start up to two weeks early. The second semester runs from mid-January through to 31 May or earlier. Summer break spans June to August.

In state schools, the day typically begins between 7:00 and 7:30am and runs until midday or early afternoon. A split-shift arrangement is commonly used — particularly at primary level — whereby separate groups of pupils attend in the morning and afternoon respectively. A midday break is standard. Hours can differ by province and individual school, so families should confirm timetables directly with their assigned school or the local education authority.

International schools generally follow a three-term year running from August through to June, broadly mirroring academic calendars in many Western countries. Their school days tend to run continuously from around 8:00am until approximately 3:30pm, with a supervised lunch break. Extended care and after-school programmes are commonly available to support working parents.

National public holidays punctuate the school calendar throughout the year. The most significant is Tết (Lunar New Year), which typically falls in January or February and brings a break of one to two weeks. Other notable holidays include Reunification Day (30 April), Labour Day (1 May), and National Day (2 September). Exact dates shift from year to year, so families should always confirm the current calendar with their school or with MOET.

How do you enrol a child in school in Vietnam?

The enrolment procedure differs depending on whether you are applying to a state school or a private or international institution. For state schools, the process is managed at the local level through the education department of the district People’s Committee. Priority is given to local residents who hold a household registration document (hộ khẩu), which can complicate matters for foreign families who do not possess this.

Foreign children may attend public schools provided they hold a valid visa (such as a dependent visa, temporary residence card, or long-term visa), demonstrate sufficient Vietnamese language ability to follow instruction, and submit the required documentation: passport, birth certificate, vaccination records, and school transcripts from previous institutions.

For international and private schools, the admissions process is handled directly by each school’s enrolment team. Applying six to twelve months ahead is strongly advised, particularly for schools in high-demand areas such as Districts 1, 3, and 7 in Ho Chi Minh City, and the Hoàn Kiếm and Ba Đình districts of Hanoi. The most popular international schools may have waiting lists extending a year or longer, and some levy non-refundable application fees prior to offering a place.

The step-by-step process for enrolling in a state school in Vietnam is as follows:

1. Check your eligibility and district: Determine which district you live in and contact the local People’s Committee or district education office to find the assigned catchment school for your address.
2. Gather required documents: Prepare your child’s passport, birth certificate (with certified translation if not in Vietnamese), proof of address (rental contract, temporary residence card), vaccination records, and transcripts from any previous schools.
3. Submit an application: Apply to the district education authority or directly to the school during the designated enrolment window, typically from April to June for the September start.
4. Arrange a language assessment: Some schools may assess your child’s Vietnamese language ability to determine appropriate class placement or support needs.
5. Confirm your place and pay any fees: Once a place is offered, confirm acceptance and pay any supplementary costs (uniforms, learning materials, etc.).
6. Register with MOET’s local department if required: In some cases, foreign nationals must notify the provincial Department of Education and Training. Check with your local authority for current requirements.

Always verify current documentation requirements with the relevant local authority or school before submitting an application. For official guidance, consult the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) or your local Department of Education and Training (Sở Giáo dục và Đào tạo).

What international schools are available in Vietnam?

Vietnam’s international school landscape has grown substantially in recent years. A 2022 report by the International Schools Database recorded more than 120 international schools operating in the country, with the greatest concentration in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. According to ISC Research, Vietnam ranks among the top five countries globally for international school growth.

The majority of international schools are located in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang, with newer campuses emerging in secondary cities and outlying districts. Schools offer fully international academic programmes — including IB, British, American, Canadian, and Montessori — alongside bilingual international schools that weave together local and international content.

Fee levels span a wide spectrum. In Ho Chi Minh City, annual tuition at international schools ranges from around VND 681.9 million up to VND 959 million at the premium end. In Hanoi, UNIS Hanoi charges between USD 12,570 and USD 38,210 depending on year group (as of 2025–26). Schools in Da Nang come in at roughly 40–60% less than those in the major cities, with annual fees of approximately VND 215–265 million (around USD 8,200–10,000), as of 2025–26.

Budget-tier international schools charge roughly VND 200–400 million per year for primary-age pupils, and are typically newer or smaller establishments offering recognised curricula. Mid-tier schools charge approximately VND 500–700 million for primary and VND 700–950 million for secondary or IB Diploma years, generally with strong programmes and solid facilities. Premium schools may charge VND 800 million to VND 1.3 billion or above for secondary and IB Diploma years, and typically offer extensive campuses and strong records of university placement. All figures are as of 2025–26 — confirm fees directly with individual schools, as these rise annually.

Even where an employer covers tuition, families should budget separately for additional costs such as lunches, textbooks, uniforms, and technology levies. Application fees typically range from approximately VND 3 million to VND 25 million (as of recent figures), with registration fees adding to the total outlay.

To locate accredited international schools in Vietnam, use the Council of International Schools (CIS) school search or the International Schools Consultancy (ISC Research) directory. The International Schools Database also provides fee comparisons and parent reviews for Vietnam.

What higher education options are available in Vietnam?

Vietnamese Government decrees identify three categories of higher education institution: university systems (đại học), which are large multidisciplinary bodies with research capacity; more narrowly focused universities or colleges (trường đại học); and academies (học viện), which concentrate on a specific field of study.

The six principal university systems in Vietnam are Vietnam National University Hanoi, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, Hue University, the University of Da Nang, Thai Nguyen University, and Hanoi University of Science and Technology. According to the QS World University Rankings 2024, ten Vietnamese institutions appeared on the list — up from eight the year before. Vietnam National University Hanoi ranked 325th globally and first among Vietnamese universities.

Vietnam has increasingly pursued international university partnerships, and vocational training remains a central pillar of the country’s educational strategy, designed to equip young people with practical competencies suited to industrial roles. Two broad vocational pathways are available: programmes lasting one to three years in vocational training, and two to three year vocational and technical education courses.

A rising number of international and foreign students are choosing Vietnamese universities, drawn by the comparatively low cost of study and the strengthening profile of the country’s higher education sector. Expats and international residents can generally access the same institutions as Vietnamese nationals, though admission criteria, the language of instruction (predominantly Vietnamese at state universities), and tuition structures may differ. Certain programmes — particularly at postgraduate level and those run under international partnership arrangements — are delivered in English. Fee levels vary considerably by institution and subject; consult the relevant university directly or visit the MOET website for current figures, as these are updated annually.

Vietnamese universities and vocational institutions are increasingly aligning their curricula with private sector needs. Multinational corporations including Samsung, Intel, and Toyota have established partnerships with Vietnamese educational bodies to provide internships, research pathways, and tailored training programmes.

What should expat parents know about language of instruction in Vietnam?

Children entering the state system at age six encounter a curriculum centred on subjects including Vietnamese language, mathematics, literature, science, history, and civics — all delivered entirely in Vietnamese. For children who arrive without any knowledge of the language, this creates a substantial practical barrier. Unlike many European school systems, which offer dedicated integration programmes for newly arrived students, Vietnamese state schools do not generally provide specialist language support for non-Vietnamese-speaking pupils.

Expat and international families are technically permitted to enrol in public schools, but given the weight placed on rote learning, the academic demands involved, and the exclusively Vietnamese medium of instruction, very few do so in practice. Children who do make this transition tend to be younger, since language acquisition proceeds more rapidly at earlier ages, and full immersion at primary level can produce impressive results over one or two academic years — though the adjustment period is rarely straightforward.

A growing category of bilingual or “local international” schools provides instruction in both Vietnamese and English alongside Vietnamese cultural education, making them a widely favoured option for families keen to develop or maintain their children’s Vietnamese while still accessing internationally recognised content.

At fully international schools, students may encounter multiple languages — including Vietnamese, Mandarin, Spanish, and Korean — from the earliest years of schooling, in addition to the primary medium of instruction, which is typically English. This makes international schools a natural fit for families arriving from abroad, enabling children to pursue their studies in a familiar language while gradually becoming part of local life.

The long-term consequences of school choice are significant. Children who spend their entire education in international schools may leave Vietnam holding strong, globally recognised qualifications but with limited Vietnamese language skills — a consideration for families planning an extended stay. Parents are encouraged to weigh their anticipated length of residence, their child’s current age, and their future educational trajectory carefully before making a decision.

What financial support or subsidies are available for education in Vietnam?

School fees in Vietnam for 2025–26 range from nothing at public schools to close to VND 959 million (approximately USD 36,943) annually at the most expensive international institutions. Under Resolution 217/2025/QH15, state school tuition is waived from September 2025, leaving families with only modest supplementary costs of around USD 50–100 per year.

Vietnamese citizens and individuals of Vietnamese origin living in Vietnam are entitled to free tuition under this resolution. Foreign children may enrol in public schools if they hold a valid visa, possess sufficient Vietnamese language ability, and supply the required documentation — however, foreign children attending international or foreign-invested schools do not qualify for the tuition exemption.

During the 2024–2025 academic year, ten provinces and cities — including Da Nang, Ba Ria–Vung Tau, Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, Khanh Hoa, Quang Nam, Vinh Phuc, Yen Bai, Binh Duong, and Long An — introduced local measures to eliminate tuition fees for pupils from preschool through to grade 12 in public schools. This variation across regions means that the effective cost of state schooling may differ depending on where in Vietnam you are based.

No government subsidies or tax relief mechanisms exist specifically to help expat families with the cost of international or private schooling. That said, many multinational employers who deploy staff to Vietnam include a school fees allowance within the expatriate remuneration package — this is worth raising during relocation negotiations. Some international schools extend sibling discounts and reductions for early payment; most offer sibling discounts of 10–20% from the third child onwards, and early settlement discounts of 10–15% when fees are paid annually in advance.

For the most current information on state school entitlements, reach out to your local Department of Education and Training (Sở Giáo dục và Đào tạo) or contact the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) directly. Fee structures and eligibility criteria are subject to regular legislative revision in Vietnam.

Frequently asked questions: education in Vietnam for expat families

Can my child attend a Vietnamese state school without speaking Vietnamese?

In principle, yes — foreign children holding a valid visa are permitted to enrol in public schools. In practice, however, all classroom instruction takes place entirely in Vietnamese, and no dedicated language support is typically available for pupils who do not yet speak the language. Most expat families find this arrangement unworkable for older children and turn instead to bilingual private schools or international schools. Younger children — broadly those between four and seven — tend to absorb a new language most readily through full immersion.

How early should I apply to international schools in Vietnam?

Starting the process six to twelve months before your intended enrolment date is strongly recommended, particularly for schools in sought-after locations such as Districts 1, 3, and 7 in Ho Chi Minh City, and Ba Đình and Hoàn Kiếm in Hanoi. The most popular international schools may have waiting lists stretching a year or beyond, so beginning your research before your relocation date is confirmed is a sensible approach.

Are foreign qualifications (such as GCSEs or A-levels) recognised in Vietnam?

Qualifications earned at accredited international schools — including the IB Diploma, British A-levels, and the American High School Diploma — are generally accepted by Vietnamese universities and recognised by institutions around the world. If your child is transferring into the Vietnamese state system from overseas schooling, certified translations of previous academic records will be required, and the school is likely to carry out a placement assessment.

Can expat adults study at Vietnamese universities?

An increasing number of overseas students are choosing Vietnamese universities, attracted by affordable tuition and the rising international standing of Vietnam’s higher education sector. Admission requirements, visa conditions, and the language of instruction differ across institutions and programmes. Many postgraduate programmes — and some undergraduate courses — are available in English, particularly where international partnerships are in place. Contact individual universities or MOET directly for current admission criteria and applicable fee schedules.

What childcare options exist for children under three in Vietnam?

Public kindergartens may accept children from as young as 18 months, introducing them to basic numeracy and early literacy concepts. Private nurseries and crèches are widely available in major cities, from small neighbourhood facilities to internationally run nursery groups. Standards and costs vary considerably — a personal visit, verification of licences with the local authority, and enquiries about staff-to-child ratios are all advisable before making a commitment.

Do international schools in Vietnam teach Vietnamese language as a subject?

A good number of international schools include Vietnamese language and cultural studies within their timetable, particularly those with a notable proportion of locally based students. Some schools introduce students to multiple languages — including Vietnamese — from the very early years. This can be especially valuable for children intending to remain in Vietnam over the longer term or who wish to engage more deeply with local life. It is worth reviewing a school’s language provision as part of your selection process.

Is there English-language or bilingual higher education available in Vietnam?

Vietnam has broadened its university partnerships with overseas institutions considerably in recent years, and a number of jointly delivered programmes are taught in English. Major cities host branch campuses and collaborative programmes linked to universities in Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan. Foreign higher education institutions seeking to establish a campus in Vietnam are required to have appeared within the top 500 universities globally for at least three consecutive years. Contact institutions directly or consult MOET for an up-to-date list of approved international programmes.

Are there scholarships available for expat children at Vietnamese schools?

Government scholarship schemes are directed primarily at Vietnamese citizens. At the international school level, formal financial assistance is limited — most schools offer sibling discounts and incentives for early payment rather than needs-based bursaries. A minority of schools do provide merit-based awards; it is worth asking the admissions office what support, if any, is available. For most expat families, the most practical route to managing international school fees is an education allowance negotiated as part of a corporate relocation package.