Foreign children living in Vietnam may be admitted to public general-education schools. However, the tuition exemption policy effective from the 2025–2026 school year under the National Assembly Resolution (adopted 26/06/2025) applies only to Vietnamese citizens and persons of Vietnamese origin whose nationality is undetermined — pupils holding foreign nationality are not exempt and must pay tuition at the rates set by the provincial Peoples Council (EFFECTIVE: cross-checked against the original legal text, verified 19/10/2026).
1. Can foreign children attend Vietnamese public schools?
Yes. Foreign children legally residing in Vietnam may apply for admission to public general schools. Parents should contact the district Department of Education and Training or the school in their area of residence for guidance; the dossier typically includes the childs passport, the familys visas or temporary residence cards, and proof of residence.
2. How much tuition do foreign pupils pay at public schools?
Foreign-nationality pupils are not covered by the tuition exemption under the National Assembly Resolution of 26/06/2025 (exemption only for Vietnamese citizens and persons of Vietnamese origin with undetermined nationality). Tuition rates are set by the provincial Peoples Council within the Governments framework; ask the school or the Department of Education and Training for the exact amount.
3. Are there other charges besides tuition?
Parents may have to pay other regulated charges: boarding meals, uniforms, student health insurance, class funds and so on. All charges must be publicized with receipts; items such as security fees, cleaning fees or teacher reward fees may not be collected.
4. Is there support for children who do not speak Vietnamese?
Many public schools in big cities have experience receiving foreign pupils, but the curriculum is taught entirely in Vietnamese. Parents should have their child learn Vietnamese first, or consider an international school if the child cannot yet follow Vietnamese-language instruction.
5. Are the whole familys residence documents required?
Yes. Schools usually require the childs passport, valid visas or temporary residence cards of the child and parents, plus residence confirmation. A complete dossier speeds up admission before the new school year.
This article has been quality-reviewed by the FLAW AI Legal Council
This article provides general legal information and does not substitute advice for specific cases.