Australian International School (AIS), Ho Chi Minh City

Rooted in Australian values of openness, confidence, support, and innovation, the school's educational philosophy focuses on holistic development, academic rigour, and pastoral care. It aims to foster a "dare-to-try" spirit, encouraging students to become curious, reflective, and creative thinkers with a global mindset. The school prioritises a personalised learning approach that supports individual student strengths and integrates structured well-being lessons to build emotional resilience and life skills.

The school offers an academic pathway starting with the Inspired Early Years Approach and Play-Based Learning in Kindergarten, transitioning to the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) alongside Cambridge English and Mathematics for Years 1 to 6. Secondary students follow the Cambridge Lower Secondary curriculum and the IGCSE in Years 10 and 11, where they study core subjects like English and Mathematics alongside electives such as Biology, Business Studies, and Computer Science. For senior students in Years 12 and 13, the school provides the IB Diploma Programme, IB Courses, and a NEASC-accredited High School Diploma, allowing students to graduate with either or both qualifications.

Graduates of the school achieve a 100% university acceptance rate, securing placements at leading universities worldwide in countries such as Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Japan, and South Korea. In the 2025 IB examinations, students achieved an average score of 34.5, exceeding the global average of 30, with 77% of candidates earning a Bilingual IB Diploma. The school's academic success is further highlighted by a history of students achieving 100% pass rates and receiving "Top in Vietnam" awards in their IGCSE and IBDP exams.

The school provides English as an Additional Language (EAL) support classes for students who are identified as not yet fluent in English, helping them fully integrate into the English-medium curriculum. For students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), the school coordinates specialized admissions meetings involving the Principal and the Learning Support coordinator. This collaborative process ensures that appropriate provisions and tailored support are in place to meet each student's unique learning requirements.

Admissions are open to both foreign passport holders and Vietnamese nationals aged 18 months to 18 years, with boarding options available for secondary students in Years 7 to 13. Prospective students must demonstrate the academic ability to successfully follow the international curriculum and are required to undergo an English language proficiency test. The enrolment process also includes a compulsory meeting with the relevant Principal or Deputy Principal, and a specialized consultation with the Learning Support coordinator for children with special educational needs.

The school day runs from 8:00 am to 2:40 pm, Monday to Friday, while administrative offices are open from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. The academic year is divided into two semesters and four terms, typically running from early August to mid-June. For the 2025/26 academic year, Semester 1 terms run from August 7 to December 12, 2025, and Semester 2 terms run from January 6 to June 12, 2026.

The school operates across three purpose-built campuses in Ho Chi Minh City, which underwent significant upgrades in 2024. The main Thu Thiem campus serves students from Kindergarten to Year 13 and houses the school's boarding house, state-of-the-art technology rooms, and performing arts studios. The Thao Dien area features two green campuses located 300 metres apart: the Lotus campus for Kindergarten and the Cherry Blossom campus for Primary, which includes dedicated sports facilities and a swimming pool exclusively for younger learners. Across the campuses, students have access to refurbished classrooms, playgrounds, FIFA-sized football fields, and swimming pools.

The school provides a structured co-curricular and enrichment programme led by specialist staff, focusing on sports, performing arts, visual arts, and music. As part of the global Inspired Education Group, students have access to unique international opportunities, including global summer camps, exchange programmes, and specialist-led extracurricular activities. The school also emphasizes leadership opportunities and practical, real-world learning experiences to help students develop creative and collaborative skills outside the classroom.