Decode what top-tier international schools look for
In recent years, the trend of education has rapidly changed. Transferring from public schools to international or bilingual schools has been steadily rising in Ho Chi Minh City. As of early 2025, there are over 30 international and bilingual schools operating in the city. These institutions both Vietnamese and international learners.
These schools not only offer internationally recognized curricula such as the IB, AP, or Cambridge programs. They also provide an academic environment that encourages critical thinking and presentation skills. Students are guided to develop independent learning habits and, most importantly, to build strong academic English proficiency. However, gaining admission to an international school presents significant challenges. Entrance exams differ entirely from the standardized tests used in public schools. In addition, students must adapt to unfamiliar learning approaches and more cognitively demanding methods of instruction.
A multicultural environment is another major advantage, making international schools a highly attractive choice. In a single classroom, students may come from many different nationalities. This naturally helps them develop their English communication skills. It also strengthens their teamwork abilities in diverse settings. Students build soft skills through activities outside the classroom. These include leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving. Schools integrate these skills into extracurriculars, Model United Nations, STEM clubs, and international exchange programs. However, parents need to understand an important point. To thrive in an international school, students must build a strong foundation in cognitive skills. Math and English are the two key subjects. These subjects are not only central to most entrance exams but also form the backbone for students’ long-term academic development.
To provide parents with a comprehensive, accurate view and help them compare different educational options for their children, Everest Education (E2) has compiled an Ebook featuring updated information on international schools in Ho Chi Minh City (2025 edition). This guide includes a wealth of useful content. This article will walk families through the major considerations when selecting and preparing their children for international schools, while also introducing how E2 supports students’ academic and cognitive development through its complementary programs.
1. Why Are International Schools Increasingly Chosen by Parents?
More and more parents in Ho Chi Minh City are opting for international schools, hoping to equip their children with a comprehensive foundation—from academic knowledge and critical thinking to essential soft skills—preparing them for success in an increasingly globalized world. Choosing an international school is not just about selecting a different education model; it’s about preparing children for global integration from an early age.
According to a 2023 survey by PwC (Vietnam), 68% of financially capable parents in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi prioritize international schools because they believe it’s the fastest route for their children to access modern education, increase their chances of studying abroad, and gain admission to top universities worldwide. Through programs such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP), or Cambridge A-Level, students are introduced to project-based learning, critical thinking, and research skills—areas often underdeveloped in traditional education systems.
A multicultural environment is another major advantage, making international schools a highly attractive choice. In a single classroom, students may come from many different nationalities, naturally developing their English communication skills and teamwork abilities in diverse settings. Soft skills like leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving are also seamlessly integrated into extracurricular activities, Model United Nations simulations, STEM clubs, and international exchange programs.
However, it’s crucial for parents to understand that thriving in an international school requires a strong foundation in cognitive skills, especially in two key subjects: Math and English. These subjects are not only central to most entrance exams but also form the backbone for students’ long-term academic development.
2. International School Admissions: Key Tests and Requirements
Each international school in Ho Chi Minh City typically has its own admissions process, but all require students to take placement tests to assess their academic ability and cognitive skills. These tests are fundamentally different from traditional public school exams, as they are designed based on international standards, evaluating academic English reading comprehension, mathematical logic, and critical thinking abilities.
For instance, schools offering the IB (International Baccalaureate) curriculum, such as International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC), European International School (EIS), and APU International School, require entrance exams in Math and English, conducted entirely in English, and at a level generally more challenging than the national curriculum. The English reading comprehension section often includes short essays, inference questions, and content analysis, while the Math section focuses heavily on logic and reasoning, rather than basic calculations.
Additionally, many schools like The American School, British Vietnamese International School (BVIS), and Renaissance International School Saigon require an English interview to assess speaking skills and compatibility with the international learning environment. This requires students to be well-prepared in terms of language proficiency, demeanor, and the ability to articulate personal viewpoints—skills that are difficult to acquire without prior exposure to similar environments.
According to an admissions officer at an international school in Thao Dien, “Parents should not underestimate the entrance examination. Many students from public schools, despite strong academic records, struggle because they are unfamiliar with open-ended, critical-thinking questions or lack solid academic vocabulary.” This is why an increasing number of parents seek specialized entrance exam preparation centers to help their children become familiar with the test structure and build academic thinking skills early on.
3. A Strong Academic Foundation – The Key to Keeping Up in International Schools
A common misconception among parents is that passing the entrance exam is sufficient for their children to thrive in an international school. In reality, the true academic journey only begins after admission. With a curriculum entirely delivered in English, high critical thinking demands, and a fast learning pace, students need a robust academic foundation to keep up.
The two subjects that often create the biggest challenges when transitioning to an international environment are Math and English Language Arts. These are not only mandatory subjects in the entrance exams but also pillars of the curriculum in most international schools. Without strong foundations in these areas, students easily lose confidence, struggle to absorb new knowledge, and fail to fully demonstrate their capabilities in class.
In Math, the difference lies not only in the language used but also in the mode of thinking. International school Math programs emphasize problem-solving, logical reasoning, and the ability to present solutions with clear justifications—skills that Vietnamese students often have limited practice with in traditional settings. Many students, although proficient in calculations, feel confused when facing open-ended problems that require explaining their reasoning or presenting solutions step-by-step.
Similarly, English Language Arts goes far beyond simply “understanding readings” or “writing paragraphs.” It demands that students analyze texts, evaluate arguments, critique viewpoints, and build well-structured personal essays. These academic skills require gradual development over time and cannot be crammed in a few weeks.
This is why many parents opt to enroll their children in supplementary programs before applying to international schools. Early preparation, structured thinking development, and practicing academic English are essential for students not only to “pass the test” but also to “keep up and thrive” in a completely new academic environment.
4. International Schools in Ho Chi Minh city Ebook – A Must-Have Tool for Parents
One of the greatest challenges parents face when deciding to transfer their children to international schools is the lack of clear comparative information. Each school offers different curricula, tuition fees, and educational models—making the decision-making process overwhelming, especially when considering family budgets and children’s adaptability.
Understanding this need, Everest Education has compiled a free Ebook featuring comprehensive information on notable international and bilingual schools in Ho Chi Minh City. The Ebook covers over 30 schools, ranging from IB and AP programs to Cambridge and A-Level curricula. Each school profile includes detailed information on:
Curriculum
Tuition fees by grade level
Facilities and learning resources
Admission requirements and application fees
Parent testimonials
Additionally, the Ebook integrates insights from Everest Education experts on how to assess the compatibility between students and different school models. With clear and detailed information, parents can easily filter options based on criteria such as geographical location, tuition range, curriculum, or future overseas study potential.
5. Everest Education – Your Partner in Helping Students Excel in International School Environments
For over 12 years, Everest Education (E2) has been a trusted partner for thousands of families in Ho Chi Minh City, supporting students academically as they prepare for, enter, and succeed in international school environments.
Highlight programs at E2 include:
Test Preps: Personalized programs tailored to each school’s model, helping students familiarize themselves with test formats, academic language, and critical thinking development.
Tutoring: 1-on-1 or small group tutoring for subjects taught in international schools, ensuring effective learning and personalized support.
English Language Arts: Building academic English skills, reading comprehension, essay writing, text analysis, and critical thinking—core competencies for thriving in international programs.
Singapore Math: Developing logical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and systematic solution presentation—a crucial foundation for mastering Math and analytical thinking, based on Singapore’s renowned methodology.
College Compass: Supporting parents planning to transfer their children to international high schools or universities. This program helps design suitable academic pathways and systematically prepare for applications to US colleges.
Special Offer: Everest Education is currently offering free trial placement tests for students preparing to transfer to international schools. Test results will help parents clearly understand their children’s strengths and areas for improvement, accompanied by expert advice for an optimal academic roadmap tailored to each child’s goals.
Choosing an international school is a major and promising journey, but it also requires thorough preparation. With Everest Education’s support, parents not only gain complete information to make informed decisions but also find effective academic solutions to help their children truly excel in international school environments.
