Education and Schools in Vietnam

Education and schools in Vietnam have seen significant growth in the private sector in recent years. This stems partly from the country’s expanding expat community. Vietnam ranks among the top five countries globally for international school growth. Several prestigious international schools in Vietnam, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, offer top-quality education to expat and wealthy Vietnamese families.

Vietnam maintains a high standard of public education, with a literacy rate of 97 percent – among the highest in the Asia-Pacific region, despite its status as a developing country. Schools outside the main urban centres often lack resources, but many international parents in cities opt for the good public schools to avoid the steep costs of international school fees.

Public schools in Vietnam

Public schools in Vietnam operate quite differently from what Western parents might expect. Students in Vietnam typically study quietly and passively, a stark contrast with the interactive learning and class discussions that have become common in Western education. Teachers follow a standardised national curriculum with limited room for creative approaches.

A handful of schools in Ho Chi Minh City have broken away from traditional Vietnamese teaching methods, offering more progressive learning environments. These modern public schools have extremely long waiting lists due to high demand from both locals and expats.

Vietnamese students face intense academic pressure from their families and teachers, and most attend private tutoring after school due to Vietnamese culture’s strong emphasis on academic achievement.

The Vietnamese education system is undergoing major reforms. Vietnam’s 2018 General Education Programme introduced competency-based learning and student-centred teaching. The 2024 academic year marked the final high school graduation exam under the old 2006 programme, with a new assessment system launching in 2025.

Useful links

• Ministry of Education and Training Vietnam
• Department of Education and Training, Ho Chi Minh City
• Vietnam Institute of Educational Sciences

Private and international schools in Vietnam

Private and international schools in Vietnam have flourished remarkably in recent years. Since 2019, international schools have surged by over 40 percent. Most cluster in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, serving both the growing expat population and affluent Vietnamese families seeking global education standards.

Top international schools typically employ native English speakers or teachers trained in the school’s affiliated country. Many schools follow well-regarded curricula such as the British National Curriculum, International Baccalaureate, or the American curriculum.

Popular international schools fill up quickly, with lengthy waiting lists for admission.

Applying for international schools in Vietnam

Applications for international schools remain open throughout the academic year, but spaces at sought-after institutions disappear fast. To improve your chances of securing a place, plan to apply 6 to 12 months before your intended move.

Many international schools require entrance exams to test your child’s English and maths proficiency. Schools often request interviews with both the parent and their child before making formal offers.

Expect to pay fees in advance or provide non-refundable admission fees for each child. Fee structures vary between schools and typically increase with the child’s age. School bus transport and cafeteria lunches come as additional costs at most private schools. Also budget for uniforms, extracurricular activities, field trips and stationery.

Best International Schools in HCMC
Best International Schools in Hanoi

Special educational needs in Vietnam

The government’s approach toward special educational needs in Vietnam has shifted from division to inclusion over recent decades. The country once separated special-needs students from mainstream education, but since the early 2000s, it has shifted toward integration. The 2010 Law on Persons with Disabilities formally recognises inclusive education as the primary approach for students with disabilities, using separate provisions only when inclusive conditions aren’t feasible.

Three key ministries collaborate on special education programmes: Education and Training; Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs; and Health. Vietnam launched the Ramping Up Education For All programme in 2024, focusing on improving inclusive education, particularly for ethnic minority children and those with disabilities. Many private and international schools also offer specialised services tailored to each child’s specific support needs.

Useful links

• Saigon Children’s Charity
• Council for Exceptional Children Vietnam
• UNICEF Vietnam – Inclusive Education
• International Association of Special Education – Vietnam

Tutors in Vietnam

Tutors in Vietnam are popular, with more than a third of households making use of them. The industry continues to expand rapidly.

Tutoring options span from subject-specific coaching to language training and exam preparation. STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) make up nearly half of all tutoring services, reflecting their importance in the Vietnamese education system. Many parents prefer one-on-one tutoring for its personalised approach tailored to individual learning styles.

Quality tutors can help your children adapt to new curricula when transitioning to Vietnam, bridging any learning gaps as they adjust. Well-regarded tutoring providers include Everest Education, International Tutor Group, and ITS Education Asia.

Useful links

• Everest Education
• International Tutor Group
• ITS Education Asia – Vietnam