Hanoi is home to a wide range of high-quality international schools, offering diverse educational pathways for families pursuing a global education and future study abroad opportunities. From the International Baccalaureate (IB) and the UK’s A-Level curriculum to the U.S. Advanced Placement (AP) program, each school has its own strengths in academics, learning environment, and university placement outcomes. In this article, Aralia introduces six outstanding international schools in Hanoi and shares key factors to help parents and students choose the learning environment that best aligns with their long-term goals.
1. United Nations International School of Hanoi (UNIS Hanoi)
Grade Levels: Preschool to Grade 12
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (PYP, MYP, DP)
Founded in 1988, UNIS Hanoi is one of the oldest and most prestigious international schools in Vietnam. It was also the first international school in the Asia-Pacific region to receive authorization to offer all three International Baccalaureate (IB) programs.
As a non-profit school operating under the auspices of the United Nations, UNIS Hanoi fosters a multicultural learning environment with students from more than 100 countries and territories. The school places a strong emphasis on leadership development, social responsibility, and global citizenship.
UNIS Hanoi consistently achieves among the best IB Diploma results in the region, with an IB Diploma pass rate of approximately 97%. Its graduates are admitted to many world-renowned universities, including Oxford, Columbia, Cornell, University College London, the University of Toronto, and the University of Melbourne.
Website: https://www.unishanoi.org/
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2. Concordia International School Hanoi
Grade Levels: Preschool to Grade 12
Curriculum: American Curriculum and Advanced Placement (AP) Courses
Concordia Hanoi is a non-profit international school that delivers a fully English-language American curriculum. The school is part of the prestigious Concordia network, alongside its sister schools in Shanghai and Hong Kong.
One of Concordia’s defining strengths is its rigorous academic program, which offers 21 AP courses for high school students. In 2025, more than 90% of students’ AP exam scores were 3 or higher, reflecting the school’s exceptional academic standards.
The school places a strong emphasis on developing students’ research skills, academic writing, and critical thinking. Concordia graduates have been admitted to many of the world’s leading universities, including Harvard, Stanford, Yale, Cornell, and Duke.
Website: https://www.concordiahanoi.org/
3. British International School Hanoi (BIS Hanoi)
Grade Levels: Ages 2–18
Curriculum: English National Curriculum and International Baccalaureate (IB)
As a member of the Nord Anglia Education network, BIS Hanoi provides a British education with an international perspective for students from early years through secondary school.
One of BIS Hanoi’s greatest strengths is its exclusive collaborations with MIT, UNICEF, and The Juilliard School, giving students early exposure to technology, the arts, and global community projects.
BIS Hanoi students have consistently achieved average IB scores above the global average for many years. Approximately half of the graduating class each year receives offers of admission from universities ranked among the world’s top 100.
4. British Vietnamese International School Hanoi (BVIS Hanoi)
Grade Levels: Preschool to Grade 12
Curriculum: English-Vietnamese Bilingual Curriculum and A-Levels
BVIS Hanoi is an excellent choice for families seeking to combine an international education with the preservation of their children’s Vietnamese language and cultural heritage.
The curriculum is based on the English National Curriculum while integrating Vietnamese-language subjects, enabling students to develop proficiency in both languages and gain a deep appreciation of both cultures.
The school consistently achieves outstanding A-Level results, with the majority of graduating students earning high grades. BVIS students also demonstrate exceptional English proficiency, with many achieving an IELTS score of 7.0 or higher before graduation.
BVIS graduates have been admitted to leading universities around the world, including the University of Oxford, Ivy League universities in the United States, the London School of Economics and Political Science, King’s College London, Monash University, and the University of Melbourne.
5. Hanoi International School (HIS)
Grade Levels: Ages 4–18
Curriculum: IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and IB Diploma Programme (DP)
HIS is one of the longest-established international schools in Hanoi and is a fully authorized IB World School.
Compared with many larger international schools, HIS has a smaller student community, allowing teachers to provide closer individual support and develop personalized learning pathways for each student. The school places a strong emphasis on critical thinking, research skills, and intercultural understanding.
HIS graduates have been admitted to a wide range of international universities, including the University of Sydney, the University of Melbourne, Seoul National University, and Singapore Management University.
Website: https://www.hisvietnam.com/
6. Singapore International School (SIS)
Grade Levels: Preschool to Grade 12
Curriculum: iPSLE, IGCSE, Cambridge A-Levels, and GAC
Part of the KinderWorld Education Group, SIS is one of the largest international school systems in Vietnam.
A key strength of SIS is its integration of Singapore’s education model with the Cambridge curriculum from the United Kingdom. The academic program places particular emphasis on Mathematics, Science, and English, subjects that are widely recognized as strengths of Singapore’s education system.
SIS graduates earn internationally recognized qualifications that are accepted worldwide and are frequently admitted to universities in the United States (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign), Australia (Monash University and the University of Melbourne), the United Kingdom, and Singapore.
Website: https://sis.edu.vn
How to Choose the Right International School in Hanoi
With dozens of international and bilingual schools operating in Hanoi, choosing the right learning environment can be a challenging decision for many parents and students. In reality, there is no single “best” school for every student. The right school is one that aligns with a student’s learning needs, personality, adaptability, and long-term goals. Below are several key factors that parents and students should consider when selecting a school.
Identify Your Educational Goals
The first factor parents should consider is their child’s long-term educational pathway. If the goal is admission to universities in the United States, schools offering the AP curriculum, such as Concordia Hanoi, may provide significant advantages. Meanwhile, A-Level programs at BIS Hanoi, BVIS Hanoi, and SIS are highly regarded by universities in the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries.
For students who have not yet decided on a study destination or who would like greater flexibility in their university options, the International Baccalaureate (IB) program offered at UNIS Hanoi, BIS Hanoi, and HIS is an excellent choice, as it is widely recognized by universities around the world.
Consider the Student’s Learning Style
Every school has its own educational philosophy and learning environment. Some schools emphasize rigorous academics with a wide range of advanced courses, such as AP or IB, making them well-suited for students who are highly independent and enjoy academic challenges. Others, such as HIS, have smaller student communities that offer more personalized support and a closer-knit learning environment.
Parents should consider whether their child would thrive in a highly competitive academic setting or in an environment that places greater emphasis on balanced, well-rounded development.
Research University Placement and Student Outcomes
One of the most important indicators of an international school’s quality is the success of its graduates. Parents should research:
- Universities where graduates are commonly admitted
- International examination results, such as IB, AP, A-Level, or IGCSE
- The quality of the school’s university counseling and career guidance services
- Research opportunities, internships, and extracurricular activities are available to students
These factors reflect how well a school supports students throughout the university application process while helping them develop academically and personally.
Consider Tuition and Long-Term Costs
Tuition at international schools in Hanoi can range from several hundred million to nearly one billion Vietnamese dong per year, depending on the curriculum and grade level. In addition to tuition, parents should also consider other expenses, including:
- Admission fees
- Facilities fees
- School transportation
- Uniforms
- Educational field trips
- Standardized test fees
Calculating the total cost throughout a student’s educational journey will help families plan their finances more effectively.
Visit the School Before Making a Decision
Although school rankings and information available on websites provide a helpful overview, firsthand experience remains the most valuable factor. Parents are encouraged to attend Open Days, school tours, or meet directly with admissions staff to observe the learning environment, campus facilities, teacher-student interactions, and overall school culture. This is often the most effective way to determine whether a school is truly the right fit for their child.
The right educational environment not only helps students achieve academic success but also provides a strong foundation in skills, critical thinking, and confidence, preparing them for success at international universities. Choosing a school is a long-term decision that directly impacts a student’s academic journey, personal development, and future aspirations. We hope this list of Hanoi’s leading international schools, along with the selection criteria above, will help parents and students make a well-informed decision and find the educational environment that best supports their learning journey.
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