Cities / Hanoi / United Nations International School Hanoi
United Nations International School Hanoi
Not-for-profit IB World School in Ciputra, one of only two UN-affiliated schools in the world, serving 1,100+ students from 60+ nationalities since 1988. Annual fees for 2026-27 run from US$17,460 (Early Years) to US$39,870 (Grades 11-12).
In brief
The grande dame of Hanoi international schooling, founded in 1988 and still the school the UN, embassy, and big NGO families default to. Three IB programmes on a 9.2 hectare custom campus in Ciputra.
UNIS sits in the Tay Ho expat belt and pulls students from over 60 nationalities. It was the first IB World School in Asia to run all three programmes: PYP, MYP, and the Diploma. Tuition runs from roughly USD 12,500 in Early Years to USD 35,000-plus in Grades 11-12.
Priority goes to UN and diplomatic families, with NGO and private-sector applicants from the wider waitlist. Families describe a strong sense of community, active parent volunteering, and a weekly newsletter, though working parents find the daytime meetings inconvenient. Teachers stay long, the academic record is solid, and the campus has the playing fields and theatre most Hanoi schools cannot match. Best fit for families wanting a stable, established IB pathway and able to plan admissions well ahead.
Fees
| Fee | Age | Type | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Years 3 (Discovery) | 3 | Annual | ₫436,500,000 |
| Early Years 4 | 4 | Annual | ₫436,500,000 |
| Kindergarten | 5 | Annual | ₫672,500,000 |
| Grades 1-5 | 6 | Annual | ₫833,250,000 |
| Grades 6-8 | 11 | Annual | ₫880,250,000 |
| Grades 9-10 | 14 | Annual | ₫938,250,000 |
| Grades 11-12 | 16 | Annual | ₫996,750,000 |
| Application Fee (non-refundable) | One-time | ₫15,000,000 | |
| Tuition Deposit (credited to fees) | One-time | ₫37,500,000 | |
| Enrollment Fee (non-refundable) | One-time | ₫43,750,000 |
Reviews
- Parent signal is strongly positive on transition support, communications, transport, activities, and facilities. One parent said the school was a highlight of living in Hanoi, while also noting admissions can be difficult for families outside priority groups.
- Independent commentary reinforces the same broad picture: a high-quality IB school with strong facilities, intellectual curiosity, wellbeing, and a caring environment.
- Staff comments add a useful caution. Employees praise the community and resources, but mention air quality, ageing facilities in some areas, and unequal staff packages.
Head of school
Dr Elizabeth Gale
Dr Elizabeth Gale is the Head of School at UNIS Hanoi, leading the institution with a commitment to the ideals and principles of the United Nations. She emphasizes academic excellence and the importance of creating a positive impact in the community.
Accreditations
- Council of International Schools 01
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (Accrediting Commission for Schools) 02
Academic results
- IB Pass Rate 2021 100%
- IB 40+ Points 2021 40%