Vietnam Finland International School
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$18K - US$26K
Curriculum: Finnish · IB
Age Range: 6-18
Students: ~600
Location: District 7 / Tan Hung, Saigon
Updated April 2026
In Brief
VFIS is the most distinctive curriculum choice in Saigon - genuinely non-profit, Finnish-method teaching through to the IB Diploma, and fees comfortably below the Thao Dien schools. Worth a serious look if your family values inquiry-based learning and you're flexible on the District 7 location.
VFIS is the first Finnish international school in South-East Asia, and the affiliation with Ton Duc Thang University gives it a non-profit structure that is genuinely rare in Vietnam's international school market. Every dong of tuition feeds back into the school rather than to corporate owners - a structural advantage that shows in calm, incremental investment in facilities and staff. The curriculum draws on Finnish education principles: inquiry-led, project-based, less formal than British or American tracks in the early years, moving into the IB Diploma Programme for Grades 11 and 12. It's a coherent approach rather than a hybrid of exam-system fragments.
The campus sits inside the Ton Duc Thang University grounds on Nguyen Huu Tho Street in Tan Hung Ward - District 7 terrain, accessed via Gate 9 on the university perimeter. Finnish architects designed the building, and the emphasis on open learning spaces and outdoor areas reflects the pedagogical model rather than being decorative. Head of School is Ms. Miekk-Oja Suvi Kristiina. The International Programme runs from Grade 1 through to Grade 12; a cheaper Bilingual Programme runs alongside it for families who want Vietnamese language integrated at higher depth.
Two practical constraints. Grade 1 is the entry point for the International Programme - there is no full English-medium pre-school on the International track, though a kindergarten-in-kindergarten option exists separately. And the Tan Hung location is not the Thao Dien corridor: families based in District 1 or Thao Dien are looking at 30 to 40 minutes depending on traffic. The school suits families who've already chosen to live in or near District 7, or those who've specifically sought out the Finnish model and are prepared to work the geography around it.
What parents value
- –Non-profit, affiliated with Ton Duc Thang University. The first Finnish international school in South-East Asia - a specific and genuine curriculum identity, not a marketing description. IB Diploma at Grade 12 caps the academic track.
- –Finnish-designed campus on a university site with open learning spaces, science facilities, sports hall, and outdoor areas on a 5-hectare footprint. Facilities are genuinely built for the learning model.
- –Fees start at around 458 million VND for the International Programme from Grade 1 - significantly below ISHCMC, BIS, and AIS at equivalent primary levels. The non-profit structure keeps fee increases more predictable than at for-profit chains.
Points of consideration
- –Entry to the International Programme begins at Grade 1 (age 6). There is no full English-medium pre-school on the main international track - confirm early years options with the school directly if you have a child under 6.
- –Tan Hung Ward, District 7 location works well for families nearby but adds meaningful commute from the Thao Dien or District 1 corridors. Map your home address to the school before visiting.
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Grades 1-5 (International Programme) | 6 | NaN |
| Grades 6-7 (International Programme) | 11 | NaN |
| Grades 8-10 (International Programme) | 13 | NaN |
| Grades 11-12 (IB Diploma) | 16 | NaN |
Fees converted from VND. For the most up to date and accurate figures please double check with the school.
Additional Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee (Primary) | NaN |
| Application Fee (Secondary) | NaN |
| Security Deposit (refundable) | NaN |
Academic Results
| Accreditation | Non-profit; affiliated with Ton Duc Thang University |
| IB Diploma | IB DP offered in Grades 11-12; Finnish-inspired curriculum in earlier years |
Key results: Accreditation: Non-profit; affiliated with Ton Duc Thang University; IB Diploma: IB DP offered in Grades 11-12; Finnish-inspired curriculum in earlier years.
Extra Curriculars
Contact the school for details on co-curricular activities and facilities. Ask what a normal week looks like outside lessons for your child's age group and interests.
Inspections & Accreditations
Inspection
No published inspection details are currently available.
Accreditations
Accreditation details are not publicly listed.
Memberships
Membership details are not publicly listed.
Student Body
Saigon's international schools draw a mix of corporate-package families, long-term residents, and a growing number of locally-based international families. Contact the school for current enrolment breakdown.
Leadership
School leadership
Contact the school for details.