Australian International School Saigon - Thu Thiem Campus

AIS’s Thu Thiem campus is located at 264 Mai Chi Tho, An Phu Ward, Thu Duc City (Ho Chi Minh City). The area is part of the modern Thu Thiem peninsula, a growing residential and educational district about 15 minutes from the city centre. The school is easily accessible from major roads such as Hanoi Highway and Mai Chi Tho Boulevard, with convenient transport links across the city.

AIS Thu Thiem offers a full education pathway for students aged 1.5 to 18, from Infant and Kindergarten through Primary (Years 1–6), Secondary (Years 7–11), and Senior School (Years 12–13). The curriculum transitions from the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) to Cambridge Lower Secondary and IGCSE, and culminates with the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP).

AIS is a co-educational international school, welcoming both local and expatriate students. It also offers boarding accommodation for students in Years 7–13, located on the Thu Thiem campus.

AIS provides individualised support for students with additional learning needs, coordinated through its Student Support Services team. Support may include differentiated instruction, small group intervention, and pastoral care within mainstream classes. English language learners also receive EAL (English as an Additional Language) support where needed.

The school follows an Australian educational philosophy and is affiliated with the Inspired Education Group, an international schools network headquartered in London. While Australian in origin, AIS offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) and Cambridge programmes to an international student body.

The school does not have any religious affiliations.

The school day begins at 8:00 am and finishes at 2:40 pm for Secondary students. Morning recess runs from 9:30 to 10:00 am, and lunch is from 12:40 to 1:20 pm. After-school activities take place between 2:50 and 3:50 pm, with language support sessions (EAL and Vietnamese) continuing until around 4:05 pm. This schedule balances academic classes, enrichment opportunities, and time for social interaction.

AIS provides a reliable, air-conditioned bus service that covers a wide network across Ho Chi Minh City. Each bus has a licensed driver and a trained monitor to ensure safety. The standard bus departs at 3:00 pm, with a later service at 4:05 pm for students taking part in after-school activities. Families can arrange route options during enrolment, and changes to travel plans can be managed through the school reception.

The Australian International School (AIS) Thu Thiem offers an internationally recognised curriculum from early years through to graduation. In the Early Years and Primary School (Kindergarten to Year 6), students follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP), supported by elements of the Australian and Cambridge curricula in English, Mathematics, and Science. The Middle School (Years 7–9) continues with the Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme, preparing students for external assessment and subject specialisation. In Years 10–11, students study for the Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) across core and elective subjects. The Senior School (Years 12–13) offers the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), providing a globally recognised qualification for university entry. The curriculum is delivered in English, complemented by language, arts, and technology programmes throughout all school stages.

AIS supports students’ social and emotional learning through its Pastoral Care and Homeroom programme. Each student belongs to a homeroom group led by a teacher who monitors wellbeing and personal growth. The school employs a full-time school counsellor who provides individual and group guidance, and staff receive training to identify and support students’ social needs. SEL is embedded across daily school life, including assemblies, advisory periods, and community activities. The aim is to foster confidence, respect, and empathy through structured relationships between teachers and students.

AIS provides individualised support for students with identified learning needs through its Student Support Services (SSS) team. The Special Education Needs (SEN) Coordinator, Mr. Shane Priddis, oversees provision and collaborates with classroom teachers to adapt learning where appropriate. Support may include differentiated instruction, modified materials, and targeted interventions. The school can accommodate students with mild to moderate learning difficulties but is not a specialist SEN institution. Additional SEN support fees apply, as outlined in the official fee schedule.

AIS offers dedicated English as an Additional Language (EAL) programmes for students who require language support. The EAL Coordinator, leads the programme, which provides tailored instruction during school hours based on each student’s assessed proficiency. EAL is available from Year 2 to Year 11, with separate annual fees depending on the level of support required. The programme helps students build the language skills necessary to fully access the curriculum.

AIS employs a qualified school counsellor who supports the mental wellbeing of students across all year levels. Counselling services include confidential sessions for individuals and small groups, as well as referrals to external mental health professionals when necessary. The counsellor works closely with teachers, homeroom mentors, and the leadership team to promote a safe and supportive environment. Regular wellbeing checks, peer support initiatives, and open communication between staff and families contribute to maintaining positive mental health among students.

AIS operates under a clear Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy that outlines responsibilities for all staff in protecting students. Designated safeguarding officers are appointed to manage and respond to any concerns. Staff receive annual training on safeguarding and reporting procedures. Visitor management, supervision protocols, and secure communication channels help ensure student safety across all school activities and campuses.

1. Enquiry or School Tour
Families begin by completing an Enquiry Form or booking a personalised school tour. This allows parents to learn about the school’s curriculum, facilities, and boarding or day options available at the Thu Thiem or Thao Dien campuses. Tours are arranged directly with the Admissions Office or online.

2. Application Form and Supporting Documents
Parents then complete the Enrolment Application Form and submit required documents online. These include school reports from the previous two years, a copy of the student’s birth certificate or passport, parents’ passports or identity cards, and any relevant Special Educational Needs assessment reports. Certificates of achievement in academics, sport, or community programmes may also be included.

3. Entrance Exams and Interview
Applicants are invited to complete an entrance exam and attend an interview with the Principal or Deputy Principal. This step helps the school assess academic readiness and English language proficiency before placement.

4. Offer Letter and Acceptance
Successful candidates receive a formal Offer Letter. To confirm the place, families must pay a non-refundable Acceptance Fee, followed by tuition fees according to their chosen payment plan.

5. Welcome to AIS
Once payment and paperwork are completed, the student’s enrolment is finalised, and they officially join the AIS community.

AIS Saigon offers academic and talent-based scholarships for new students entering Years 7-12, with awards ranging from 10% up to 100% of the annual tuition fee. The selection is based on academic achievement and individual talents in the school’s three pillars: academics, arts, and sports. The application process requires submission of the scholarship application form, recent school reports, evidence of achievement (academic, sporting, cultural, or community), passport or birth certificate copies, and payment of an application fee of VND 3,500,000. Shortlisted applicants are then invited to take assessments (including English test, cognitive ability test, and writing test) followed by an interview with the senior leadership team. Recipients must maintain high standards of achievement and participation, with scholarship continuation contingent upon consistent performance and contribution to school life.

AIS operates on a rolling admissions basis, and enrolment is subject to seat availability in each year group.