In Ho Chi Minh City’s international school market for the 2025-2026 academic year, tuition fees vary significantly. Standard-tier schools typically charge between VND250 million and 400 million per year (US$9,500-15,200), mid-tier schools range from VND500 million to 700 million, while premium schools can exceed VND800 million ($30,400) and reach more than VND1.2 billion ($45,600) annually.

Within the IB Continuum system, comprising the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP), most schools fall into the mid- to premium-price segments. Annual tuition often starts at around VND500 million and can exceed VND1.2 billion, excluding additional fees such as examinations and facilities.

This pricing structure has contributed to the perception that IB education is accessible mainly to high-income families. However, some education analysts argue that tuition should be assessed in terms of long-term return on investment rather than upfront cost.

Compared with IB Continuum schools in markets such as Singapore and Hong Kong, tuition fees in Ho Chi Minh City are estimated to be 30-40% lower while maintaining comparable teaching standards. A significant proportion of IB teachers in Vietnam are trained in countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia, in line with International Baccalaureate Organization requirements.

One potential financial advantage of the IB Diploma is university credit recognition. Students achieving strong Higher Level results may receive advanced standing or credit exemptions at institutions such as the University of California system, New York University, and Boston University.

Depending on institutional policies, this can translate into exemptions of 15 to 30 credits. With tuition in the United States typically ranging from $500 to $1,500 per credit, potential savings could range from $7,500 to $45,000. Additional savings may come from shorter study durations and reduced living expenses, potentially bringing total savings to as much as $70,000.

Education specialists also note indirect costs that are often overlooked, including remedial tutoring, repeated coursework, delayed graduation, or changes in academic direction. The IB Continuum’s emphasis on independent learning and research skills is viewed as one way to mitigate these risks.

Tesla Education is currently the first IB Continuum school in Tan Binh District and the fifth in Ho Chi Minh City. The school has introduced a Academic Excellence Scholarship fund offering up to 90% tuition support for Grade 10 students, with assistance reaching VND500 million.

According to the school, the initiative is intended to expand access for students with strong academic potential who may otherwise be unable to pursue the IB Diploma.

Beyond tuition, commuting is another factor affecting overall education costs. Many established IB schools in Ho Chi Minh City are located in former District 2 and District 7, requiring longer travel times for families in areas such as Tan Binh, Tan Phu, and Binh Tan.

Students take part in sports activities as part of Tesla Education’s holistic learning environment. Photo courtesy of Tesla Education

Locating an IB Continuum school in Tan Binh may help reduce daily travel time, potentially saving students one to two hours per day and allowing more time for rest, extracurricular activities, and study.

For many families, decisions around international education involve balancing academic quality, financial considerations, and long-term outcomes. Tesla Education’s approach positions IB education as a long-term investment, with a focus on accessibility and cost efficiency.

Founded in 2015, Tesla Education offers a full IB Continuum from early years to Grade 12, alongside Cambridge and Vietnam’s national curriculum. The school emphasizes science, technology, project-based learning, and holistic student development.

As part of its current admissions cycle, the school is offering academic excellence scholarships for Grade 10 students, with tuition support of up to 90%, equivalent to a maximum of VND500 million.

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