Why Vietnam’s international schools offer scholarships

Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi host many international and bilingual schools with British, American and IB programmes. To attract talented Vietnamese and expat students, some schools offer scholarships and bursaries, particularly at IGCSE and pre‑university levels.

---

1. Scholarship types

• Academic merit scholarships for top performance in school exams, IGCSE or national assessments.
• IB Diploma/A Level scholarships for strong Grade 10/11 students.
• Talent scholarships for sport, arts and music at certain schools.
• Needs‑based assistance for families who cannot afford full fees.

Examples of Vietnamese schools with scholarship programmes

Ho Chi Minh City:

• British International School Ho Chi Minh City

  • Academic scholarships: Typically 10–40% of tuition, with higher percentages for exceptional IGCSE results. IB/A Level scholarships can provide 25–60% fee reduction for outstanding candidates entering Grade 10/11.
  • Talent scholarships: Sports and arts scholarships usually 10–25% depending on level.
  • Other: Also offers sibling discounts (typically 5–10% per additional child).
  • Deadlines: Applications usually October–December for the following academic year.

• Australian International School Vietnam

  • Academic scholarships: Academic excellence awards often 25–35% fee reduction.
  • Talent scholarships: Music and sports scholarships typically 10–25%.
  • Deadlines: Applications often due September–November.

• International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC)

  • Academic scholarships: Merit scholarships usually 10–30% coverage. Senior‑school scholarships sometimes 30–50% for top performers.
  • Bursaries: Needs‑based assistance can provide partial to substantial support (often 20–50%) after confidential financial assessment.
  • Deadlines: Applications typically October–December.

• Saigon South International School – Academic scholarships typically 10–35% fee reduction. Applications often September–November.

Hanoi:

• United Nations International School of Hanoi – Academic excellence scholarships, typically 10–40% of fees. Applications usually October–December.
• Hanoi Academy – Merit scholarships available, usually 10–30% coverage.
• British International School Hanoi – Academic scholarships typically 10–35% fee reduction.

---

2. Typical fee coverage

Based on the schools listed above, typical coverage ranges are:

• Academic scholarships: 10–40% of tuition, with higher percentages (up to 60%) for exceptional IB/A Level candidates.
• Talent/sporting scholarships: 10–25% depending on level of achievement.
• Bursaries: 20–50% based on financial need, with substantial support possible after confidential assessment.

Other costs (exams, transport, meals) are rarely fully covered.

---

3. Eligibility and competition

Schools usually consider:

• Academic record and teacher comments.
• Performance in entrance or scholarship tests.
• Contribution to school life and behaviour.
• For bursaries: documentation of family income and expenses.
• For sporting/talent scholarships: evidence of high‑level performance (competition results, portfolios, graded exams, coach references).

Competition levels:

• Premium schools like British International School Ho Chi Minh City and International School Ho Chi Minh City receive many applications; competition is strong (see school examples above for specific requirements).
• Bursaries are competitive and require demonstrated financial need.
• Sporting scholarships are limited and often require national‑level representation or equivalent achievement.

Scholarship spots are limited, with high demand at popular HCMC and Hanoi schools.

---

4. Application process and timing

Steps often include:

1. Researching scholarship details on school websites.
2. Submitting school and scholarship applications together.
3. Providing reports, certificates and references, plus financial data for bursaries.
4. Sitting tests and attending interviews or auditions.

Families should begin the process 9–12 months ahead of the intended start date.

---

5. Duration and renewal

• Awards are normally for one academic year, with potential renewal dependent on grades, conduct and ongoing need.

Always ask schools to explain their renewal policy clearly.

---

How Tutopiya helps families in Vietnam

Tutopiya supports students in Vietnam by:

• Providing targeted online tuition for IGCSE, A Levels and IB.
• Helping students reach the grade thresholds competitive scholarships require.
• Linking school scholarship strategies with later university admission and funding plans.

If you’re exploring scholarships at international schools in Vietnam, Tutopiya can help your child build the academic and exam performance that scholarship committees prioritise.