By Jérémie Chiari · Last updated: March 2026
Schooling is often the number one obstacle for families considering a move to Vietnam. And that is understandable: you don't gamble with your children's education. The good news is that Vietnam, and the big cities in particular, offers quality options at prices far below those of Singapore or Hong Kong.
Here is what you need to know to make this important choice.
4 schooling options for your children
1. International school (English-language curriculum)
This is the most common choice for expats. International schools follow internationally recognized curricula: IB (International Baccalaureate), the American curriculum (Common Core), or the British curriculum (Cambridge IGCSE/A-Level). Teaching is in English, often with Vietnamese or Mandarin classes as an option.
Best for: families who don't plan to return to France in the short term, or who want a bilingual education for their children.
2. AEFE-accredited French school
The AEFE network (Agence pour l'Enseignement Français à l'Étranger, the agency for French education abroad) ensures continuity with the French curriculum. In Vietnam, the Lycée Français International Marguerite Duras in Ho Chi Minh City is the leading school. In Hanoi, the Lycée Français Alexandre Yersin offers the same curriculum.
Limitations: there is no AEFE French school in Da Nang. If you move to Da Nang with children, you will have to choose an international school + CNED, or homeschooling.
3. CNED (distance learning)
CNED lets children follow the official French curriculum remotely. Lessons are sent in modules, with homework to hand in and exams. It is the safe option for families who want to guarantee a possible return to the French system.
In practice: many families in Da Nang combine international school in the morning + CNED in the evening or on weekends. It is demanding, but it guarantees the best of both worlds: English immersion + the French curriculum.
4. Homeschooling (IEF)
Home education (IEF, instruction en famille) is practiced by a growing number of expat families. In Vietnam, there is no academic oversight for foreign children. You can use CNED with regulated enrollment, or online programs such as Khan Academy, IXL or Schoology.
Note: since 2022, France has imposed strict conditions on IEF. If you are domiciled in Vietnam, the French rules do not apply directly, but check your situation with the consulate.
Main international schools in Vietnam
| School | City | Curriculum | Fees/year | Ages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| APU International School | Da Nang | IB + Cambridge | 4,000-8,000 EUR | 3-18 |
| Concordia ICS | Da Nang | American | 3,500-7,000 EUR | 3-14 |
| UIS (United Int. School) | Da Nang | Cambridge | 3,000-6,000 EUR | 3-18 |
| LFI Marguerite Duras | HCMC | French (AEFE) | 5,000-8,000 EUR | 3-18 |
| ISHCMC | HCMC | IB | 18,000-30,000 EUR | 2-18 |
| British International School | HCMC / Hanoi | British | 15,000-28,000 EUR | 2-18 |
| LF Alexandre Yersin | Hanoi | French (AEFE) | 4,500-7,500 EUR | 3-18 |
| UNIS Hanoi | Hanoi | IB | 16,000-25,000 EUR | 3-18 |
Indicative annual tuition (excluding registration and uniforms). 2025-2026 data.
School curricula compared
| Criterion | IB | French (AEFE) | American | British |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Language | English | French | English | English |
| Diploma | IB Diploma | French baccalauréat | High School Diploma | A-Levels / IGCSE |
| Recognized in France | Yes (equivalence) | Yes (native) | Yes (equivalence) | Yes (equivalence) |
| Teaching approach | Interdisciplinary, critical thinking | Academic, structured | Flexible, credits | Early specialization |
| University access | Worldwide | France + French-speaking countries | USA + English-speaking countries | UK + English-speaking countries |
| Average price in Vietnam | 8,000-25,000 EUR | 5,000-8,000 EUR | 5,000-20,000 EUR | 10,000-28,000 EUR |
School costs: Vietnam vs France vs the rest of the world
Even if you choose a good international school, Vietnam remains far more affordable than other popular expat destinations.
| Destination | Int'l school /year | French school /year |
|---|---|---|
| Da Nang (Vietnam) | 3,000-8,000 EUR | N/A (CNED: 800-1,200 EUR) |
| HCMC (Vietnam) | 8,000-30,000 EUR | 5,000-8,000 EUR |
| Bangkok (Thailand) | 8,000-25,000 EUR | 6,000-10,000 EUR |
| Singapore | 20,000-40,000 EUR | 12,000-18,000 EUR |
| Dubai | 10,000-30,000 EUR | 8,000-15,000 EUR |
The children's experience: what they say
Parents' biggest worry is how their children will adapt. Here is what we see most often:
English in 3-6 months
Children under 10 become bilingual within 3 to 6 months of immersion. Teenagers take 6 to 12 months but reach an excellent level. It is a gift that will serve them for life.
A window on the world
In international schools, your children mix with Korean, Japanese, American, Australian and Vietnamese classmates. This diversity builds open-mindedness and adaptability that the traditional French school can hardly offer.
A healthier lifestyle
Less screen time (life outdoors is too tempting), more sport (beach, surfing, swimming all year round), a varied, fresh diet. Expat children in Vietnam are often fitter than those who stayed in France.
The one thing to watch: French
In English immersion, children's French can slip if you don't make a conscious effort to maintain it. CNED, reading in French, and time with other French-speaking families are essential to preserve bilingualism.
Our tips for a smooth transition
- 1Visit schools before you move: if possible, come on a 1-2 week scouting trip before the move. All schools welcome visits and some offer free trial days.
- 2Enroll in CNED in parallel: even if you choose an international school, CNED is your safety net for a return to France. Enrollment is possible all year round.
- 3Choose a neighborhood near the school: in Da Nang, international schools are concentrated in the Ngu Hanh Son and Son Tra districts. Live nearby to avoid long commutes.
- 4Join expat parent groups: the Facebook groups “Parents Expats Da Nang” and “Familles Francophones Vietnam” are excellent resources for first-hand experience and support.
- 5Plan extracurricular activities: surfing, martial arts, music, swimming: Da Nang offers a range of activities at ridiculously low prices (10-30 EUR/month).
Sources
- AEFE - Global school network: Agence pour l'Enseignement Français à l'Étranger (agency for French education abroad)
- CNED - Distance learning: Centre National d'Enseignement à Distance (French national distance-learning center)
- ISC Research - International Schools: data on international schools worldwide