International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC)
International School in Ho Chi Minh City
Quick answer
International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) is the first IB World School in Ho Chi Minh City, serving 1,500 students from 61 nationalities. The school offers the complete IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP) with American curriculum elements, triple-accredited by IBO, CIS, and WASC. Annual tuition runs $14,000-$24,000 USD (true cost ~$20,650, +9% — HCMC's 95th cost percentile). Admissions are highly selective; best suited to internationally mobile families wanting HCMC's longest-established IB pathway.
Key facts
- Curriculum: American, IB taught at International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC).
- Tuition: $14,000–$24,000/yr published annual range.
- Avg class size: 17 (max 22) Ho Chi Minh City international school · 1,500 students total.
- 61 nationalities top: ISHCMC has a diversity policy across the school to ensure a truly international experience. All nationalities are capped at 25%..
- Ages: 2-18 school day starts at 7:45 am (Primary School) 8:45 am (Secondary School).
- Accreditations: IBO, CIS, WASC verified.
1,500
61 (ISHCMC has a diversity policy across the school to ensure a truly international experience. All nationalities are capped at 25%.)
17 avg / 22 max
Rolling
IBO, CIS, WASC
About International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC)
Established in 1993, International School Ho Chi Minh City is the oldest international school in Ho Chi Minh City and the first IB World School in Vietnam. ISHCMC provides the International Baccalaureate with a culturally diverse perspective to students aged 2 - 18 years. ISHCMC is a vibrant co-educational school of over 1,400 students representing over 60 nationalities and provides a unique learning experience from Early Years through to Grade 12.
Learning & language support (SEN / EAL)
This school states meaningful learning-support provision — still confirm it fits your child's specific need.
Why this matters
Special-needs provision at international schools varies widely and is rarely guaranteed by the school itself — and local legal duties differ by country. Confirm what this school provides, in writing, before you commit.
- Learning support: strong
- In-house specialist staff listed
- EAL/ESL support listed
Not published
- —Educational-psychologist availability not stated
Questions to ask the school
- Is an educational psychologist on staff or available by referral?
- Can you support a child with my child's specific need (e.g. dyslexia, ADHD, autism), and have you done so this year? Ask for concrete examples.
- Is there an additional fee for learning support or EAL — and how much per year?
- Is learning support guaranteed for the full enrolment, or can it be withdrawn later?
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual tuition (USD) | $14,000 – $24,000 |
| Annual tuition (local) | 279000000 ₫-959000000 ₫ |
| Fee year | 2025-2026 |
| Est. all-in cost (modeled)how we calculate | $20,650(+9%) |
| Est. first-year total (modeled) | $22,150 |
| Cost position in Ho Chi Minh City | 95th percentile(premium tier) |
Hidden costs & fee notes
Cognita group school. Registration VND 12,000,000. Tuition ranges VND 350-600 million by grade. Capital fund VND 20,000,000. Uniforms VND 3,500,000-5,500,000. Transport VND 28,000,000-42,000,000/year. IB exam fees VND 10,000,000-16,000,000.
American, IB
IB Diploma Programme, students take IB Diploma examinations in May of their final year after completing the two-year programme. These assessments are externally assessed and moderated which means there is a high degree of objectivity and reliability.
ISHCMC achieved a 100% pass rate for full IB DP candidates which is above the expected global average of 89%, the highest points awarded was a perfect 45. Of the cohort, 76% achieved at or above expected global average of 33 points and 69% achieved in the top quartile of IB Diploma points. With a 36 point average, our graduates achieved above the expected global average of 33 points. The achievements continue with 30% of our graduates achieving 40 points or above.
Korean, Vietnamese, Dutch, French, Mandarin, Spanish
strong
At ISHCMC student support builds on the principles of neurodiversity, inclusion, and differentiation, believing this mindset should be applied to students across the whole learning spectrum, from those with identified learning difficulties to those who are gifted. Support for identified students is established through a consultative process working with students, parents, and staff. The support services team believes that students are best helped when there is a team approach based on individual needs and involving the classroom teacher(s). - Learning Support - Challenges & Enrichment Support - English as an Additional Language (EAL) Support - Social-Emotional Counseling Support - Colleges & Universities Counseling Support
ISHCMC provides English as an Additional Language support for students who require it to become independent and successful learners.
7:45 am (Primary School) 8:45 am (Secondary School) – 3:05 pm (Primary School) 3:30 pm (Secondary School)
Yes, a good variety of food choices are available daily at ISHCMC Global Cafe. All lunch strays in our campus cafeterias are stainless steel to help ensure the quality and temperature of the food does not diminish once served.
ISHCMC is a nut free school.
Recommended neighborhoods
An Phu, Thao Dien, Cat Lai, Binh Thanh
Is International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) right for your family?
A School Fit Brief scores this school against your children's ages, learning needs, and budget — with hidden fee analysis, admissions timing, and a ranked shortlist of alternatives in Ho Chi Minh City.
Get School Fit Brief — $49One-time purchase · PDF + workspace · Source-backed analysis
At a Glance
Fee Position in Ho Chi Minh City
Mid-rangeSchool Profile
Class Size
Student Diversity
Very diverse
Common: ISHCMC has a diversity policy across the school to ensure a truly international experience. All nationalities are capped at 25%.
Estimated Real Cost
Tuition + registration, transport, uniform, exams
Cognita group school. Registration VND 12,000,000. Tuition ranges VND 350-600 million by grade. Capital fund VND 20,000,000. Uniforms VND 3,500,000-5,500,000. Transport VND 28,000,000-42,000,000/year. IB exam fees VND 10,000,000-16,000,000.
Decide on this school — and four others
The $49 School Fit Brief covers International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) and 4 other top schools in Ho Chi Minh City — tuition + true cost, curriculum fit, admission timeline, and red flags. Builds your shortlist in 8 minutes vs the $1,500–3,500 (and 2–4 weeks) an education consultant charges for the same answer.
Nearby Schools (within 5km)
International School Ho Chi Minh City
IB · Ages Ages 2 to 18
$10,984 – $37,756/yr
Compare with InternationalInternational School Ho Chi Minh City American Academy
Other · Ages 3-18
$5,000 – $15,000/yr
Compare with InternationalThe International School Ho Chi Minh City – American Academy
American · Ages 2-18
$12,000 – $22,000/yr
Compare with InternationalDisclaimer: School profiles are source-backed decision aids, not endorsements or official rankings. Tuition figures are approximate and may not include registration fees, uniforms, transport, or exam costs. Always verify directly with the school before applying. WhereNext is not affiliated with any school listed. This is not admissions consulting, legal advice, or official school placement guidance.