International Baccalaureate Programmes in Ho Chi Minh City

AIS Saigon, a Top IB School in Vietnam

AIS Saigon offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) for children aged 3 to 11, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) for students aged 16 to 18, widely regarded as the gold standard qualification for university entrance.

The IB programmes cater to ambitious students, providing them with unparalleled opportunities to accomplish their goals. Beginning with the PYP in the early years establishes a robust foundation of knowledge and life skills, enhancing learning outcomes and setting students up for success in the IBDP. As they progress, students can customise their subject choices to align with their higher education and career aspirations, equipping them to excel at top universities and in their chosen professions anywhere in the world.

Best IB Education in HCMC
 

What Is the IB?

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a leading international curriculum framework for students aged 3 to 18, designed to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, confident, and caring young people. IB programmes empower students to take ownership of their learning and cultivate a portfolio of in-demand, future-ready skills to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

IB students are recognised for their ability to think critically and tackle complex academic challenges. These programmes provide a successful pathway for personal development and academic achievement, leading to better learning outcomes, an unrivalled skill set, admission to top universities worldwide, unlimited career opportunities, and a competitive edge in the job market.

Benefits of Studying the IB from the Early Years

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a rigorous and holistic programme, designed to serve as an ideal stepping stone from secondary school to university.

Research shows that universities often prefer IB graduates because they are better prepared for higher education and real-life challenges, and usually outperform their peers. As an IB World School in Vietnam, AIS Saigon is dedicated to providing students with a robust foundation of knowledge and essential life skills for success at university and beyond.

The IB programmes pioneer a future-focused education from the early years, employing proven best practices to prepare students for the challenges of a globalised world. Through the PYP, students develop key 21st-century skills, which are further strengthened in the Diploma Programme: practical knowledge, organisation, time management, versatility, critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, communication, and more.

Thu Thiem IB School Programmes

Unrivalled Preparation to Excel at University & Careers

Ho Chi Minh City IB Schools

Empowering Students with Future-Ready Skills

Saigon IB School Curriculum

A Rigorous & Personalised Curriculum

Why Choose Our IB School in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam?

Renowned for its rigorous academic curriculum and comprehensive skill development, the IB programmes at AIS Saigon offer a challenging yet supportive environment that builds a strong foundation for success at top universities and in diverse career fields worldwide. By choosing our IB programmes in HCMC, you provide your child with a world-class education delivered entirely in English, unlocking unlimited opportunities for higher education and future careers.

IB World Schools in Vietnam

Top Preparation Leading to Exceptional Student Outcomes

AIS Saigon's IB teachers are subject specialists who provide continuous support to ensure that students excel in all components of the programme. This meticulous preparation is reflected in their impressive academic achievements, consistently maintaining a 100% pass rate, with IBDP scores surpassing the global average year after year.

With excellent guidance from dedicated university and careers counsellors, our Thu Thiem IBDP graduates gain entry to some of the world's most prestigious universities, including Oxford, New York University, and the Universities of Sydney and Melbourne. Additionally, our students have secured prestigious scholarships, such as a music scholarship to the Boston Conservatory at Berklee in the United States.

International Baccalaureate Schools of Ho Chi Minh

Extensive Enrichment Opportunities for Lifelong Success

Beyond academics, our IB school in Saigon offers a wealth of elite extracurricular programmes that nurture unique talents and cultivate invaluable skills such as leadership, communication, teamwork, and resilience through sports, arts, technology, and more. Our student well-being programme ensures that IB learners develop effective socio-emotional skills, study habits, organisation, decision-making, conflict resolution, and an entrepreneurial mindset. With state-of-the-art facilities, including a dedicated IB Centre, advanced science labs, and creative arts spaces, students have the ideal environment to thrive and reach their full potential inside and outside the classroom.

IB Programmes

Schools with IB PYP Programmes in HCMC
 

IB PYP Curriculum

AIS Saigon's IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) offers a broad, inquiry-based curriculum designed to develop the whole child. In addition to a wide range of subjects, students explore six key transdisciplinary themes: Who We Are, Where We Are in Place and Time, How We Express Ourselves, How the World Works, How We Organise Ourselves, and Sharing the Planet. These themes cover topics ranging from personal identity and global citizenship to science, social studies, and sustainability.

The PYP provides a globally challenging framework, equipping students with the intellectual, personal, emotional, and social skills needed to excel in our fast-paced world. Through the IB PYP, students develop essential skills in research, communication, and self-management while fostering attitudes such as curiosity, empathy, and responsibility. The comprehensive IB PYP curriculum encourages children to explore real-world issues, make meaningful contributions to their communities, and nurture a love for learning, preparing them for academic success in the IB programmes and beyond.

Schools with top IBDP results in Vietnam
 

IB Diploma Curriculum

The IB Diploma Programme at AIS Saigon is designed to develop students who are not only academically proficient but also well-rounded, critical thinkers with a global perspective. Our IBDP curriculum is only available at AIS Thu Thiem campus. It nurtures students to excel intellectually, physically, emotionally, and ethically, preparing them for success in higher education and beyond.

The IBDP curriculum is structured around six subject groups, from which students select courses that align with their interests and future aspirations: Studies in Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, and The Arts.

In addition to selecting one subject from each group, all students complete the three core components of the IBDP, which are:

  • Theory of Knowledge (TOK): A module that encourages students to reflect on the nature of knowledge and how we know what we claim to know.
  • Extended Essay (EE): A 4,000-word independent research project that fosters advanced research and academic writing skills.
  • Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): CAS ensures that students engage in a variety of activities alongside their academic studies, promoting personal and interpersonal development.

IBDP Entry Requirements

Candidates to the IBDP at AIS Saigon need a minimum of five C grades or higher in their IGCSEs or equivalent programmes to be able to start the IB Diploma Programme. For Higher Level subjects, an IGCSE grade of B or higher is recommended. For Standard Level subjects, a grade of C is sufficient.

Each subject and grade level has specific requirements and guidelines to help students choose the right IB courses based on their abilities, interests, and future academic plans. Our experienced IB teachers guide students throughout this process.

For more information, view our IB Diploma Handbook.

Learn More

International Baccalaureate Subjects

IB Courses for students in Saigon

IB PYP Subjects

The PYP curriculum includes a comprehensive curriculum spanning Languages, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Arts, and Physical Education, integrated through the IB themes and units of inquiry. At our IB school in Ho Chi Minh City, we enrich the IB PYP framework with Cambridge International English and Maths programmes.

Ho Chi Minh City IB Diploma Programme
 

IB Diploma Subjects

The IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) provides a broad and balanced curriculum with six subject groups, each designed to foster essential academic and personal skills. Students must take one subject from each group below. Those who do not choose Visual Arts or Music in Group 6 must choose an additional subject from Group 3 or 4. They must select three subjects at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL), allowing them to focus on areas of interest while maintaining a well-rounded academic profile. We are the only IB school in HCMC that offers the IB Japanese A for native Japanese students.

Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature – Students analyse both literary and non-literary texts, enhancing their analytical and communication skills.

Group 2: Language Acquisition – Students learn a new language, developing cultural awareness and language proficiency essential in a globalised world.

Group 3: Individuals and Societies – Subjects such as Economics, Geography, and Business Management help students understand human behaviour, societal dynamics, and global challenges.

Group 4: Sciences – Students choose from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Environmental Systems to gain in-depth scientific knowledge and hands-on experience.

Group 5: Mathematics – Courses like Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation develop problem-solving and analytical skills, preparing students for various academic fields.

Group 6: The Arts – Options like Visual Arts or Music allow students to explore creativity and self-expression through practical and theoretical studies.

In addition to these subjects, all students must complete the IB Core elements, which include Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), the Extended Essay (EE), and Theory of Knowledge (TOK). These core components foster independent research, critical thinking, and personal development, equipping students for university and beyond.

Learn More About the IB

There are essentially two types of assessment in the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, each serving a specific function: 

A formative assessment is embedded in the teaching and learning process and therefore occurs in the daily routine of a classroom. Students constantly reflect on their learning and act on feedback. 

A summative assessment occurs at the end of the teaching and learning process. It allows students to demonstrate what they have learned in a new context. The goal is to provide teachers, students, and parents with clear, evidence-based insight into students' understanding of how to apply knowledge. To have an external assessment benchmark, all students will take the Cambridge Checkpoint for English and Mathematics in Year 6. Children in Year 1 to Year 5 will also undergo formal assessments.

Senior students enrolled on the International Baccalaureate Diploma course of study will be entered for assessments and examinations in their chosen subjects. Coursework, also known as internal assessments, follows a marking criterion set by the IBDP exam board. Exams are taken in our purpose-built IB centre, in line with the International Baccalaureate Organisation's high standards. 

External Assessments (70-80%): This includes final exams and coursework assessed by IB examiners at the end of Year 13.

Internal Assessments (IAs) (20-30%): These consist of major projects or assignments in each subject, assessed by teachers and moderated externally by IB examiners.

Each IBDP subject is graded on a 1-7 scale, with up to 42 points from the six subjects. An additional 3 points can be earned from Theory of Knowledge and Extended Essay core modules, leading to a maximum possible score of 45 points.

To achieve an IB Diploma, IB students must successfully complete six subjects, three at Higher Level (HL), and three at Standard Level (SL). In addition, they must also complete the three core DP course elements.

A minimum of 24 points is required to be awarded the IB Diploma, with at least 12 points in HL subjects and 9 points in SL subjects. A grade 1 in any subject will disqualify a student from earning the diploma.

The prestigious IB Diploma is recognised by top universities worldwide, including those in Vietnam. It equips students with essential 21st-century skills and offers a comprehensive international education that prepares them for various fields of university study and careers.

An IB education fosters academic excellence, curiosity, and proactivity, encouraging sustainable change. Beyond providing a strong academic foundation for success in higher education, it helps students develop a progressive mindset, an entrepreneurial spirit, confident communication skills, and strong leadership qualities, preparing them to excel in an increasingly fast-paced, globalised world.
 

All IB subjects and courses at AIS Saigon are taught by highly qualified, native English IB teachers using excellent resources in our first-class facilities. 42% of AIS' IB teachers hold a master's degree. Our dedicated IB faculty members—including teachers, tutors, and IB coordinators—are always available to support each student in achieving their individual goals and excelling in the programme. Employing a variety of pedagogical methods, such as collaborative projects, interdisciplinary studies, and experiential learning opportunities, our internationally trained teachers engage students and deepen their understanding of complex concepts, equipping students with a solution-oriented mindset. Furthermore, AIS Saigon is committed to supporting our staff's career development and fostering a supportive and challenging educational environment for all students.

The main difference between an IB school and a regular school lies in the approach to learning and the depth and breadth of the curriculum. The IB education system emphasises inquiry-based and interdisciplinary learning with an international focus. Additionally, the IB curriculum equips students with essential skills needed for success at university and beyond, especially through the IBDP CAS core component (Creativity, Activity, Service) and the IB learner profile, exclusive to the IB programmes.

As English is the global language of business and communication, mastering it to a native level is essential for students to succeed in our globalised world.

Learners enrolled in the PYP and IBDP at AIS Saigon use English as their primary language of study throughout their time at our school. Additionally, approximately 85% of AIS DP students achieve a bilingual diploma (in English and another language), compared to a global average of only 27%. This is a strong indicator that AIS Saigon's IB programmes are truly internationally focused. Our goal is for all students in this programme to graduate well-prepared and confident in their English-speaking abilities.

The IGCSE and the International Baccalaureate both offer strong, renowned international programmes. However, the IGCSE is a qualification for 14–16-year-olds, while the IB Diploma is a pre-university course typically taken by 16–18-year-olds. Studying both programmes at our school ensures the most well-rounded international preparation for lifelong success.

Only schools accredited by the International Baccalaureate Organisation can offer IB programmes, including examinations for the Diploma Programme. Our IB school in Ho Chi Minh City has been offering the Diploma Programme (DP) since 2012.

The IB Learner Profile outlines the type of learner the IB hopes to develop through its programmes. It encompasses a broad range of human attributes, capacities and responsibilities that go beyond academic success, all of which are essential to excel in the 21st century. The IB Learner Profile encourages students to be: inquirers, thinkers, communicators, risk-takers, knowledgeable, principled, caring, open-minded, balanced, and reflective.

Before selecting IB Diploma subjects, students should consider the following questions and discuss them with AIS Saigon IB teachers and counsellors to ensure their choices align with their interests, strengths, and future university and career goals: 

  • Which subjects have I enjoyed in the past, regardless of grades? Why? 
  • Which subjects have I performed well in previously? 
  • Which subjects and levels do my teachers, parents, and counsellors recommend? 
  • What careers am I considering? What do I want to study at university? 
  • Which countries am I considering for university study? 
  • Are specific subjects required for entry into particular courses in these countries? 
  • How does my academic success relate to my future plans? 

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Learn more about the International Baccalaureate programmes at our IB school in Ho Chi Minh City and how they can pave the way for your child's lifelong achievement.

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