When deciding to invest in their child’s International Baccalaureate (IB) education, financial planning is often among the top concerns for parents. While IB programs across Vietnam’s leading international schools follow a unified global standard, the total cost of investment varies significantly among the country’s three main education hubs: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. This is not merely a question of tuition, but a strategic consideration of educational investment efficiency.
As an educational research and school information platform, Esearch aims to provide valuable insights to support parents in selecting the most suitable environment for their child’s development. Below is our tuition analysis of IB programs across three key regions in Vietnam for the 2025–2026 academic year.
1. THE BIG PICTURE: THREE DEVELOPMENTAL TIERS OF VIETNAM’S IB MARKET
Chart: Comparison of IB Program Tuition Fees Selected International Schools
in Vietnam (Academic Year 2025–2026)
Source: Official school websites, academic year 2025–2026.
Note: Tuition fees (rounded) are sourced from official school websites and may vary depending on school policies.
Based on data collected from representative IB schools, Esearch observes that Vietnam’s IB ecosystem has evolved into three distinct developmental tiers. The tuition gap reflects not only investment scale and infrastructure quality but also each region’s market segmentation and degree of internationalization.
Sources: (1) Saigon South International School (SSIS), Ho Chi Minh City
(2) Odyssey International School (OIS), Da Nang
(3) United Nations International School (UNIS), Hanoi
1.1. Hanoi – The Peak of Academic Excellence and International Standards
In Hanoi, the international education environment is considered the “pinnacle of academia,” featuring leading names such as the United Nations International School of Hanoi (UNIS), the British International School Hanoi (BIS Hanoi), Hanoi International School, and Reigate Grammar School Vietnam. Tuition fees at this group of schools range from approximately 418 million to over 1 billion VND per year, comparable to prestigious IB schools in the Southeast Asia region.
Additionally, The Olympia Schools, with fees from 138 to 868 million VND per year, represents a flexible trend by combining a bilingual program with the full IB program, expanding access for more Vietnamese families. Overall, Hanoi is a concentrated and selective market where the IB program is not only an academic choice but also a symbol of prestige and international standards.
1.2. Ho Chi Minh City – Vietnam’s Most Dynamic and Competitive Education Ecosystem
In Ho Chi Minh City, the international education ecosystem is considered the most dynamic and competitive in the country. Schools such as the International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC), the British International School Ho Chi Minh City (BIS HCMC), Saigon South International School (SSIS), the European International School (EIS), and the Australian International School (AIS) all offer the IB program with tuition fees ranging from 279 million to over 959 million VND per year.
A key feature of this region is the diversity in educational philosophies, with many schools combining the IB with other programs like IGCSE, AP, or A-Level to meet the academic needs of both local and international students. Complemented by a large community of international parents and a rich network of extracurricular and arts activities, Ho Chi Minh City solidifies its position as a vibrant global education hub—a convergence point for families with a long-term vision for educational investment.
1.3. Da Nang (formerly part of Quang Nam Province) – An Emerging Destination Balancing Cost and Quality of Life
In contrast, Da Nang is emerging as a new destination for international education, offering strong advantages in cost and quality of life. Currently, the Odyssey International School (OIS) is the only school in Central Vietnam that holds Candidate School status for the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP). Tuition ranges from VND 198 to 570 million per year, significantly lower than Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Beyond financial affordability, Da Nang attracts families thanks to its safe environment, clean air, and balanced lifestyle, making it a favorable option for those who prioritize both academic growth and emotional well-being. Although the international school ecosystem is still in its developmental stage, Esearch identifies Da Nang as a promising market for 2025–2030, particularly as more education groups and young families explore opportunities outside the two major metropolitan centers.
Although Da Nang’s international education ecosystem is still in the development stage, Esearch assesses it as a high-potential market for the 2025–2030 period, especially as the trend of “shifting away from the two major education hubs” is increasingly being considered by many education groups and young families.
CONCLUSION
Each region contributes its own distinct identity to Vietnam’s expanding IB ecosystem. Ho Chi Minh City stands out with its vibrant energy, program diversity, and strong global orientation, reflecting the city’s role as a hub of international connectivity and innovation. Hanoi, on the other hand, continues to define the benchmark for academic excellence and international prestige, maintaining its reputation as the country’s intellectual and institutional anchor. Meanwhile, Da Nang—with its balanced lifestyle, affordability, and emerging educational opportunities—signals the next wave of development, representing a promising frontier for families seeking both quality learning and holistic well-being.
Ultimately, the question is not which city is better, but which environment is most aligned with a family’s values and vision for their child’s global learning journey. Esearch believes that in the years ahead, the focus will shift from “the most expensive or famous” to “the most suitable.” This evolution will broaden access to international education, promoting a more inclusive, globally connected, and sustainable education ecosystem across Vietnam.
*Esearch is always ready to accompany you in finding the best educational environment for the next generation.
For more details on school programs, facilities, and admissions, please visit:https://esearch.vn/en .
Source: Esearch Team
