

International School Ho Chi Minh City
ISHCMCPart of Cognita, Secular, Founded 1993
Updated July 2026
Established in 1993, the International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) is the city's first international school and an authorized IB World School. It provides a rigorous, holistic education for students aged 2 to 18, fostering a diverse community of over 60 nationalities.
Curriculum
Term structure
Teaching approach
The school is guided by the 'ICARE' core values: Inclusion, Curiosity, Achievement, Resilience, and Empathy. Its mission is to inspire wellbeing and learning, empowering a diverse, internationally-minded community to flourish as energized, engaged, and empowered learners. The educational approach is inquiry-based, aiming to prepare students to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
Programmes
The school offers a coherent IB continuum, including the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and the Diploma Programme (DP). The curriculum is designed to challenge students to think critically and across disciplines, supported by expert-led instruction. Additionally, the school offers the ISHCMC High School Diploma alongside its IB offerings.
Outcomes
The school reports a 100% university acceptance rate, with 98% of graduates admitted to their top-choice universities. Students consistently achieve results that surpass global IB averages, reflecting the school's long-standing academic rigor. Graduates frequently secure significant scholarship funding and pursue diverse careers globally.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides comprehensive student support services, including academic learning support and challenge and enrichment programs. An Intensive English Language Program (IELP) is available for students who require support in English proficiency, aligning with the IB Middle Years Programme curriculum. Additionally, the school offers wellbeing support through dedicated counseling and nursing services.
Frequently asked questions(7)
- What curriculum does International School Ho Chi Minh City offer?
- International School Ho Chi Minh City offers IB PYP, IB MYP and IB Diploma.
- How much is tuition at International School Ho Chi Minh City?
- Annual tuition at International School Ho Chi Minh City is ₫287.4M–₫987.8M. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What ages does International School Ho Chi Minh City teach?
- International School Ho Chi Minh City enrolls students aged 2 to 18.
- Is International School Ho Chi Minh City a day or boarding school?
- International School Ho Chi Minh City is a day school.
- What accreditations does International School Ho Chi Minh City hold?
- International School Ho Chi Minh City holds accreditations including IB, CIS and NEASC.
- Is International School Ho Chi Minh City co-educational?
- International School Ho Chi Minh City is a co-ed school.
- Where is International School Ho Chi Minh City located?
- International School Ho Chi Minh City is an international school in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-2027| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| EE2 (Half Day) | 2–2 | ₫287.4M |
| EE2 (Full Day)/EE3 | 3–3 | ₫396M |
| EE4 | 4–4 | ₫514.8M |
| Year 1/KG | 5–5 | ₫702.4M |
| Year 2/ Grade 1 | 6–6 | ₫702.4M |
| Year 3/ Grade 2 | 7–7 | ₫702.4M |
| Year 4/ Grade 3 | 8–8 | ₫749.3M |
| Year 5/ Grade 4 | 9–9 | ₫749.3M |
| Year 6/ Grade 5 | 10–10 | ₫769.6M |
| Year 7/ Grade 6 | 11–11 | ₫874.9M |
| Year 8/ Grade 7 | 12–12 | ₫874.9M |
| Year 9/ Grade 8 | 13–13 | ₫874.9M |
| Year 10/ Grade 9 | 14–14 | ₫914.9M |
| Year 11/ Grade 10 | 15–15 | ₫914.9M |
| Year 12/ Grade 11 | 16–16 | ₫987.8M |
| Year 13/ Grade 12 | 17–17 | ₫987.8M |
Other fees(5)
| Registration fee· Early Explorer - KG Admissions Fee | ₫25M |
|---|---|
| Registration fee· Grade 1 - Grade 12 Admissions Fee | ₫50M |
| Enrolment fee· Annual Development Fee (ADF) for Grades 1 to 12 | ₫67.5M |
| Enrolment fee· Certificate of Entitlement (COE) - one-time payment option for Grades 1 to 10 | ₫337.5M |
| Bus / transport· Supplementary fees apply for the school bus | — |
Discounts
- Sibling discount: 50% / 20% / 35%
Admissions
The school operates on a rolling admissions basis, accepting applications year-round as space permits. Prospective families are encouraged to inquire via the school's website or contact the admissions office to arrange a campus visit or attend an Open Day. The application process includes the submission of student information, academic history, and, if required, English language testing and interviews.
Calendar
The academic year typically commences in August and concludes in June. The calendar includes key breaks such as a winter break, Tet holiday, and various national holidays, alongside scheduled professional development days for staff. Important milestones, including student-led conferences and celebrations of learning, are integrated throughout the year to showcase student progress.
Facilities
About the campus
The school operates across two campuses: a Primary Campus and a Secondary Campus. Facilities include libraries, makerspaces, Fab Labs, film studios, science labs, and food tech rooms. Sports amenities feature 25m swimming pools, gyms, outdoor courts, and a rooftop sports field, while the Secondary Campus also includes a professional theater and recording studios.
Co-curriculars
Students participate in a wide range of activities beyond the classroom, including sports, arts, and service-learning. Offerings include the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, competitive sports teams (such as swimming and basketball), music ensembles, debate clubs, and various student-led service groups. These activities are designed to foster leadership, physical health, and community engagement.




Kate GrantPrimary PrincipalKate Grant is the Primary Principal at ISHCMC. She hosts events such as "Coffee with ISHCMC’s Primary Principal" to discuss the school's inquiry-based educational approach and nurture curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.
Dr. Hana AdamsDirector of Student Support ServicesDr. Hana Adams is the Director of Student Support Services at ISHCMC. She holds a PsyD, MA, and is an LMFT, and focuses on pastoral support structures and helping students develop healthy stress management techniques.
More international schools in Ho Chi Minh City
- European International School (EIS), Ho Chi Minh CityIB PYP, IB MYP, IB Diploma
- Renaissance International School SaigonIB PYP, IB MYP, IB Diploma
- Australian International School (AIS), Ho Chi Minh CityAISIB PYP, Cambridge Lower Secondary, IGCSE
- Vietnam Tinh Hoa by North London Collegiate School InternationalIB PYP, IB MYP
- The British International School Ho Chi Minh CityBIS HCMCBritish EYFS, National Curriculum (England), IGCSE
- GermanIB Diploma
IB PYP
CIS
NEASC