International Schools Around Thu Thiem Area Ho Chi Minh City

Hello there!

Are you feeling overwhelmed searching for an ideal home in the new Thu Thiem urban area, and more importantly, an excellent school for your children? If the answer is YES, then you've come to the right place! Honestly, in a rapidly developing area like Thu Thiem, choosing the right school for your child can be even more of a headache than choosing an apartment. But don't worry, today, I'll help you navigate the world of international education around Thu Thiem, to see which options are truly worth the investment and suitable for your family!
  Thu Thiem – Saigon's New Gem and the Journey to Find a School for Your Child

If you're new to Saigon, or considering moving to Thu Thiem, you'll surely be amazed by the spectacular transformation of this area. From a sparsely populated land, Thu Thiem (now part of An Khanh Ward,Ho Chi Minh City, formerly District 2) has risen to become a new financial, commercial, and urban center with skyscrapers, wide boulevards, and some of the most luxurious high-end apartment projects. I still remember about 5 years ago, when I first visited, the area was quite wild. Now, look at it, a modern miniature Saigon is unfolding before our eyes.

However, modern life comes with its concerns, especially when it comes to children's education. For well-off Vietnamese families, or particularly for expatriate families from Europe, America, Korea, Japan, etc., living and working in Vietnam, finding an accredited international school that aligns with their home country's curriculum and ensures their children's future is always a top priority. I understand that feeling! Back then, when I was assisting a French client in September 2022 to rent a 3-bedroom apartment at The Metropole Thu Thiem, the first thing they asked me wasn't about the rent, but "Are there any good international schools nearby, and do they have a bus service?" That shows how important education is!

So, what are the "gems" in the international education system around Thu Thiem that we should know about?

1. British International School (BIS)

Location: 225 Nguyen Van Huong, An Khanh Ward (formerly District 2), Ho Chi Minh City.
Distance from Thu Thiem: Approximately 15-20 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
Curriculum: English National Curriculum, IGCSE certificates, and the International Baccalaureate (IB Diploma Programme). This is one of the most standardized and widely recognized programs in the world.
Target age group: From 2 years old (nursery) to 18 years old (Year 13).
Key Highlights:
1. It is one of the oldest and most reputable international schools in Ho Chi Minh City, with modern facilities and high-quality teachers from the UK and other Western countries.
2. It offers a wide range of extracurricular activities for holistic student development.
3. The graduation rate of students accepted into top universities worldwide is very high.
4. Personally, I find that BIS has a very close-knit and active parent community. I once helped a Korean family find a 4-bedroom apartment for rent in Masteri Thao Dien in 2023; they chose Masteri because the BIS school bus passed by, making it convenient for their child to go to school and for the mother to walk to the shopping mall.

2. Australian International School (AIS)

Location: It has three main campuses, the closest to Thu Thiem is the main campus at 264 Mai Chi Tho,An Khanh Ward (formerly District 2), Ho Chi Minh City.. Another campus in An Khanh Ward (now part of Thu Duc City, formerly District 2) is also very close to Thu Thiem.
Distance from Thu Thiem: The Mai Chi Tho campus is about 10-15 minutes, the An Khanh campus is only about 5-7 minutes by car.
Curriculum: Comprehensive International Baccalaureate (IB) program for all levels (PYP, MYP, DP).
Target age group: From kindergarten to Year 12.
Key Highlights:
1. AIS is known for its friendly, multicultural learning environment and its focus on the personal development of each student.
2. It boasts modern facilities, including an Olympic-sized swimming pool and multi-purpose sports fields.
3. I once had clients, an American family, who rented a 3-bedroom apartment at The Sun Avenue in late 2021, and they were very satisfied with their child attending AIS An Khanh due to the extremely convenient commute, which significantly reduced the pressure of rush-hour traffic.

3. European International School (EIS)

Location: 730 F-G-K Le Van Mien, An Khanh Ward (formerly District 2), Ho Chi Minh City.
Distance from Thu Thiem: Approximately 20-25 minutes by car.
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB) program from kindergarten to Year 12.
Target age group: From 2 years old to 18 years old.
Key Highlights:
1. EIS embodies a European educational style, with a lush green campus, open design, and an emphasis on creativity and critical thinking.
2. It offers a diverse learning environment with students from over 50 countries.
3. Personally, I find that EIS has a very "artistic" and "free-spirited" atmosphere, suitable for families who want their children to develop in a unique way, not too constrained by traditional frameworks.

4. American International School (AIS Vietnam / The American School - TAS)

AIS Vietnam: 220 Nguyen Van Huong, An Khanh Ward (formerly District 2), Ho Chi Minh City. (Sometimes confused with AIS Australia).
TAS: 6 Song Hanh, An Phu Ward (formerly District 2), Thu Duc City.
Distance from Thu Thiem: AIS Vietnam is about 15-20 minutes; TAS is about 10-15 minutes.
Curriculum: American curriculum, focusing on US educational standards, leading to a US High School Diploma and offering AP (Advanced Placement) courses.
Target age group: From kindergarten to Year 12.
Key Highlights:
1. Both schools provide a solid academic program, preparing students well for universities in the US and other countries.
2. TAS also offers a Bilingual program (English and Vietnamese) for some grade levels, which is quite interesting for families who want their children to maintain their Vietnamese language skills.
3. I have a Vietnamese-American client who returned to Vietnam and bought a 2-bedroom apartment in Masteri Thao Dien in mid-2023. She wanted her child to study the American curriculum for an easier transition back to the US later, so she chose AIS Vietnam and was very satisfied with the quality of education there.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an International School for Your Beloved Child

By now, you probably have a better overview of the schools, but to make a final decision, there are a few things, based on my experience, that you should research thoroughly:

1. Tuition fees: This is one of the heaviest expenses. Tuition fees for international schools around Thu Thiem typically range from approximately 300 million to over 700 million VND per year (this information needs to be regularly updated as prices can change annually). I find that BIS tuition is often among the highest, while AIS or TAS might have slightly more flexible packages. Don't forget to factor in other incidental costs such as meals, uniforms, bus services, and extracurricular activities.
2. Curriculum: Each school has its own curriculum (British, Australian, American, IB). You should research which program best suits your child's future orientation and learning style. For example, if your family plans for your child to study abroad in the US, an American curriculum would be an advantage.
3. Location and commute time: Living in Thu Thiem gives you a traffic advantage over many other areas. However, rush-hour traffic jams are still a common feature of Saigon. Carefully calculate the travel time from home to school. 15-20 minutes might sound close, but for a child, 30-40 minutes on a school bus every day can be a challenge. I once advised a Japanese couple who rented a 2-bedroom apartment at The River Thu Thiem in early 2024. They accepted a slightly higher rent to be able to take their child to AIS An Khanh in just 5-7 minutes, instead of having to travel further to schools in Thao Dien.
4. Facilities: Swimming pools, sports fields, science labs, libraries... These amenities play a crucial role in a child's physical and mental development.
5. Cultural diversity and community: A multicultural environment will help your child develop communication skills and a broad understanding of the world. Research whether the school has an active parent community, and whether it offers a variety of clubs and extracurricular activities.

Thu Thiem Real Estate Market: Education is a Customer Magnet

It's undeniable that the presence of high-quality international schools has become a "golden" factor increasing the value of real estate in Thu Thiem and surrounding areas. I have seen many cases where landlords with apartments for rent in projects like The River Thu Thiem, Metropole Thu Thiem, Sala, or New City Thu Thiem always emphasize their proximity to international schools when promoting their apartments.

Internal data collected by 456.com.vn over the past 2 years (2022-2024) shows that 2-3 bedroom apartments in projects adjacent to Thu Thiem, such as The River Thu Thiem or Metropole Thu Thiem, consistently have rental prices approximately 10-15% higher than similar apartments in areas slightly further from schools. Especially during peak enrollment season (June-August annually), the demand for apartment rentals from families with young children, particularly expatriate families, surges. A landlord at The River Thu Thiem shared with me in July 2023 that her 3-bedroom apartment was rented within 2 weeks of listing, at a good price, simply because of its extremely convenient location for her tenants' children to attend AIS An Khanh. This is the clearest proof of the appeal of education as a factor.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About International Schools and Thu Thiem

1. Are there any international schools right within Thu Thiem yet?
Currently, no international schools have been completed and are operating directly within the Thu Thiem urban area. However, the schools listed above are all very close, and with Thu Thiem's increasingly developing transport infrastructure, commuting will become more and more convenient.
2. What is the average tuition fee and are there ways to save money?
As mentioned above, average tuition fees range from 300-700 million VND per year depending on the school and grade level (this information is updated annually). Some schools offer scholarships or financial aid for outstanding students or those with special circumstances. You should contact the admissions office of each school directly for the most accurate information.
3. Is a deposit required before enrollment?
Most international schools require a non-refundable application fee and/or a reservation deposit. This is a fee you need to prepare when deciding to apply for your child.
4. How long is the travel distance from Thu Thiem projects to the schools?
From Thu Thiem projects like The River Thu Thiem, Metropole Thu Thiem, Sala, New City Thu Thiem... to international schools in Thao Dien or An Phu, it usually takes about 5-25 minutes by car. AIS An Khanh is the closest, only about 5-7 minutes. Schools in Thao Dien will be a bit further, about 15-25 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

Don't worry, we're here to help you!

Finding the perfect school and a suitable apartment nearby is truly a journey that requires time and effort. But you know what, you're not alone!

My team and I at 456 Vietnam – with over 13 years of experience navigating the real estate market in Saigon, especially in "hot" areas like District 1, 2, 4, 7, Binh Thanh, Thu Duc (Thao Dien, Thu Thiem, Phu My Hung...) – are always ready to assist you. We have helped thousands of families, from Vietnamese to expats from Europe, America, UK, France, Germany, Korea, Japan... find their dream home near prestigious international schools.

For instance, prominent projects like Vinhomes Central Park, Vinhomes Golden River, Grand Marina, Sunwah Pearl, Masteri Thao Dien, Lumiere Thao Dien, Estella Heights, The Vista, Thao Dien Green, Thao Dien Pearl, The River Thu Thiem, Metropole Thu Thiem, Sala, The Sun Avenue, New City Thu Thiem, Feliz En Vista, Palm Heights, Millenium, Goldview, Icon 56, Saigon Royal, Sunrise City, Saigon Pearl, The Manor, City Garden, Pearl Plaza... are all "fertile ground" where 456.com.vn continuously updates apartments for rent and sale.

At 456.com.vn, we provide comprehensive support services for both tenants and landlords, ensuring your home search journey is as smooth as possible:

1. Apartment selection consultation: We will listen to your needs, budget, and lifestyle to offer the most suitable apartment options in terms of location (near your children's school!), size (enough bedrooms for the whole family!), and amenities.
2. Legal support – bilingual contracts: All paperwork, lease/purchase contracts are diligently supported by us, with bilingual contracts (Vietnamese - English, Korean... if you need) to ensure everything is clear and transparent.
3. Easy viewings – free apartment handover: Do you want to view a property outside of business hours? No problem! We are always flexible to arrange appointments that best suit you and hand over the apartment completely free of charge.
4. Guidance on temporary residency registration, procedures for foreigners: For expats, administrative procedures can sometimes be quite complex. Don't worry, 456 Vietnam will guide you from A to Z, helping you settle into your new life quickly.
5. Support for contacting management board, resident card registration, internet, utility services: From registering elevator cards, internet to other utility services, we will assist you in connecting with the management board and service providers.
6. Tenant support throughout their stay: This is a point that I believe few agencies can match. We don't just stop at handing over the apartment; we accompany you throughout your stay. Any support requests receive super-fast responses.
7. Rental property management support for landlords: If you are a landlord and looking for potential tenants, we also offer property management services, helping you feel secure about your asset.

What do customers say about 456 Vietnam?

Mr. Tuan, a client who rented a 3-bedroom apartment at The Metropole Thu Thiem through 456 Vietnam, shared: "I was truly impressed with 456's professionalism. They not only helped me find the perfect apartment but also assisted with all legal procedures, helping my family settle in confidently and my children quickly adapt to the new learning environment at AIS. Their post-rental support service was also very attentive."

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