Updated Guide to International Bilingual Primary Schools Up-to-Date Details on How to Apply to International Bilingual Primary Schools

Up-to-Date Details on How to Apply to International Bilingual Primary Schools

TIN TỨC

16/06/2025

In the context of global integration, international bilingual primary schools are increasingly becoming the top choice for many parents due to their high-quality curriculum and multicultural learning environment. However, the admissions process at these schools often differs from that of traditional schools, making it challenging for parents to navigate. This article aims to help parents clearly understand the primary school admissions process at international bilingual schools in Ho Chi Minh City, enabling them to best prepare for their child’s educational journey.

01.Giải đáp thắc mắc về quy trình tuyển sinh cấp Tiểu học trường song ngữ quốc tế

Clarifying Questions About the Primary School Admissions Process

Admission Stages in the Primary School Enrollment Process

The admissions process at international bilingual primary schools is typically structured into clear stages. Parents should be well-informed about the key stages below to fully prepare for primary school enrollment.

02.Những giai đoạn tuyển sinh mà phụ huynh nên nắm rõ

Key Admission Stages Parents Should Be Aware Of

Stage 1: Research and Information Gathering

The research phase plays a crucial role in selecting a suitable school. Parents should clearly define their criteria such as curriculum, educational philosophy, tuition fees, and location and gather information through official school websites, social media, digital brochures, or online consultations. Events like Open Days and School Tours offer valuable opportunities to experience the school firsthand and interact directly with staff.

Stage 2: Submitting the Application

Once a suitable school is selected, parents proceed to prepare and submit the application. Applications can be submitted in person or via the school’s online system. A non-refundable application fee is usually required to process the documents and organize entrance assessments.

Stage 3: Student Assessment

Schools conduct assessments to determine the student’s readiness and to tailor a learning path that suits each child. These may include tests in Math, Vietnamese, English, and possibly a personal interview. In addition to academic skills, communication and social competencies are evaluated to ensure alignment with the school's educational philosophy.

Stage 4: Admission Results and Enrollment Completion

Results are typically released within 5 - 10 business days. If accepted, parents receive an official Letter of Offer and are required to pay the tuition fees, start-of-year fees, or reservation fees (if applicable). They must also complete the hard-copy application documents and will receive further instructions regarding school schedules, uniforms, and materials before the official start of the school year.

Primary School Admission Requirements at International Bilingual Schools

When choosing to enroll a child in an international bilingual school, parents must understand all admission requirements to prepare thoroughly and accurately. Below is essential information about the primary school admission process at bilingual institutions in Ho Chi Minh City that families can refer to.

03.Chi tiết quy trình tuyển sinh tại trường song ngữ quốc tế

Detailed Overview of the Primary School Admission Process

Admission Requirements

International bilingual schools typically establish their admission requirements based on the orientation of their academic programs (such as Common Core, Oxford, etc.) combined with legal regulations issued by the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training, specifically Circular No. 28/2020/TT-BGDĐT on primary school regulations. Generally, the admission criteria include the following:

1. Age Requirements

  • Students must be at least 6 years old by December 31 of the year of admission to be eligible for Grade 1 (as per Circular 28/2020/TT-BGDĐT, Article 13).
  • Children must fall within the age range defined for primary school (usually 6 to 11 years old). Some schools may also assess cognitive and social readiness for children in exceptional circumstances.

2. Academic Requirements

  • For students applying to Grade 2 and above, most schools require academic transcripts or report cards from the current school, along with assessments to evaluate academic performance and class readiness.
  • Some schools may administer entrance exams (based on Vietnam’s Ministry of Education curriculum) to assess students' comprehension, logical reasoning, and language skills.

3. Nationality

Bilingual international schools generally accept both Vietnamese and international students. However, note:

  • Schools that are 100% foreign-invested may have limits on the number of Vietnamese students enrolled, in accordance with Department of Education and Training regulations.
  • Parents must provide valid documents such as birth certificates, passports, or residence cards to verify nationality and legal residency.

Most bilingual schools encourage a multicultural environment, so students of diverse nationalities are welcome.

4. English Proficiency

  • For bilingual programs, students should have basic English proficiency appropriate to their age. Many schools conduct placement tests to determine whether students need additional English support (EAL).
  • For students with no prior bilingual learning experience, transition programs or academic support are often available to help them adapt gradually.

Application Documents

Properly preparing the required documents is essential for a smooth admission process. While specific requirements may vary by school, the typical application dossier includes:

1. List of Common Documents

  • Completed admission application form (school template).
  • Certified copy of birth certificate.
  • Most recent report card or academic transcript (for Grade 2 and above).
  • Medical certificate issued within the last 6 months.
  • ID photos (3x4 cm or 4x6 cm, as specified).
  • Copies of parent and student ID cards/passports.
  • Copies of documents related to residency, nationality, visa, or temporary residence (for international students).
  • English language certificates (if any).

2. Detailed Guidelines for Document Preparation

- All documents should be notarized (within the last 6 months) to ensure legal validity.

- Foreign-language documents must be translated into Vietnamese and notarized.

- Applications may be submitted in person or via the school’s online admissions portal (if available).

- Pay special attention to health certificates and nationality documents, as these are often mandatory for international schools.

3. Submission Deadlines

- International bilingual schools typically set application deadlines within a specific period during the year (usually March to June). Parents should monitor timelines closely to submit documents on time and avoid missing the enrollment opportunity.

- Some schools may close applications early once enrollment quotas are met, so it’s important to stay updated via the school’s website or admissions team.

- If additional documents or revisions are needed, the school will notify parents via email or phone.

Detailed Primary School Admission Process at UTS – US Vietnam Talent International School

To ensure each student is matched with a suitable academic program and ideal developmental environment, UTS has built a clear and professional admissions process, providing support and guidance for parents throughout.

04.Tìm hiểu chi tiết quy trình tuyển sinh cấp Tiểu học tại UTS

Learn More About the Primary Admissions Process at UTS

Admission Requirements

Age and Academic Readiness

- Students applying for Grade 1 must be 6 years old within the calendar year.

- Special cases (such as students returning from overseas, those with socio-economic challenges, or children of foreign nationals living in Vietnam) may be considered for admission at an older age, but not more than 3 years above the standard age.

- Students enrolling late or outside the typical age range will be considered individually and may be required to submit valid documentation to justify circumstances (e.g., early advancement, repeating a grade).

Nationality

- UTS accepts applications from both Vietnamese and international students.

- For foreign students, parents must submit additional documents such as a passport, notarized translation of the birth certificate, and certified academic transcripts from previous years (translated into Vietnamese and legally notarized).

Entrance Assessment

All students are required to participate in an entrance assessment, consisting of three subjects:

  • Math and Vietnamese: Students must achieve a minimum of 5 out of 10 points.
  • English: Admission requirements vary by grade. From Grade 2 onward, the English assessment includes all four skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. For Grade 1, only basic speaking skills are assessed.

Application Documents

For Grade 1 Applicants

- Grade 1 Admission Application Form (school template).
- Certified copy of birth certificate.
- Proof of residence or screenshot of current residence on VNEID (Level 2 identification) of the parent.

For Applicants from Grade 2 to Grade 5

- Original primary school report book.
- Certified copy of birth certificate.
- School transfer request form (verified by both the sending and receiving schools) and official letter of acceptance from the UTS principal.
- Transfer recommendation letter (issued by the current school).
- Proof of residence or certified personal identification.

Instructions for Document Preparation

Once the student registers and passes the entrance assessment, the Admissions Office will coordinate with the Academic Affairs Department to issue an official acceptance and guide parents through the process of withdrawing the report book and collecting required documents.

Additional Notes:

  • The report book and official enrollment documents must be submitted before the start of the academic year.
  • For international students, additional documents are required, including a notarized Vietnamese translation of the birth certificate, passport, and certified academic transcripts from previous years.

Admission Process Steps

The primary school admission process at UTS is carried out through the following steps (visual diagram not included here). For detailed guidance and personalized support, parents are encouraged to submit their information RIGHT HERE. Alternatively, parents can contact the Admissions Hotline at: (028) 710 78887.

05.04 bước ba mẹ cần lưu ý trong quy trình tuyển sinh tại UTS

04 Key Steps Parents Should Note in the UTS Admissions Process

Tuition and Other Fees

UTS maintains a transparent tuition policy aligned with its high-quality international bilingual education. Tuition is calculated annually and includes the main academic program as well as associated costs such as extracurricular activities, medical insurance, and testing fees.

n addition, parents are required to pay mandatory supplementary fees such as facilities fees, entrance assessments, seat reservation fees, enrollment fees, meal services, and transportation. These fees are generally non-refundable. Full fee details are available via the link below.

See more: Fee Schedule and Fee Policy at UTS

UTS Admissions Advantages: Why Parents Choose US Vietnam Talent International School

When selecting a primary school for their child, parents seek more than just academic knowledge—they value comprehensive development in skills, mindset, and personal growth. UTS fulfills these expectations through an internationally recognized bilingual program, a multicultural environment, and a clearly defined, transparent admissions process.

06.UTS là lựa chọn phù hợp cho con phát triển trong môi trường đa văn hóa

A Nurturing Environment for Children to Grow in a Global Community at UTS

A Flexible and Diverse International Curriculum

The UTS academic program is a synthesis of three core components:

1. National Curriculum: Provides a strong foundational knowledge based on the 2018 General Education Program issued by Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training.

2. International Curriculum: Enhances skills and knowledge necessary to become global citizens through two flexible program pathways:

  • Oxford International Curriculum - United Kingdom: Developed by experts from Oxford University Press and aligned with the UK’s National Curriculum. Its unique student-centered approach emphasizes learning through joy. The program includes six subjects: Mathematics, Science, Global Skills Project, English, Wellbeing, and Computing.
  • Common Core Curriculum – United States: Built upon selected standards from the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), covering three core subjects: Math, English, and Science.

3. Talent Program: Designed to equip students with essential knowledge, skills, and character traits, enabling them to unlock their full potential. The program comprises four focus areas: Physical Education, Personal and Social Skills, The Arts, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

Check out now: All study programs at UTS here

Modern Facilities and Multicultural Learning Environment

UTS makes strategic investments in smart classrooms, libraries, laboratories, dedicated arts and sports zones, creating optimal conditions for comprehensive student development. The school’s multicultural environment encourages a growth mindset and prepares students for global integration.

Currently, UTS offers its primary school program at two strategic campuses in Ho Chi Minh City, making it convenient for parents to select a location that fits their child’s learning journey and daily commute.

UTS Van Lang Complex:

  • 68/69 Dang Thuy Tram Street, Ward 13, Go Vap District, HCMC.
  • 880/68 Duong Quang Ham Street, Ward 5, Binh Thanh District, HCMC.

Discover more: Modern facilities at UTS Van Lang Complex

07-1.Cơ sở vật chất hiện đại được trang bị đầy đủ tại UTS cơ sở Văn Lang Complex

07-2.Cơ sở vật chất hiện đại được trang bị đầy đủ tại UTS cơ sở Văn Lang Complex

Fully equipped modern facilities at UTS Van Lang Complex campus

UTS Saigon South Campus: Street 22, Phong Phu 5 Ward, Binh Chanh District, HCMC.

Discover more: International standard space of UTS Saigon South campus

08-1.Không gian học tập chuẩn quốc tế tại UTS cơ sở Nam Sài Gòn

08-2.Không gian học tập chuẩn quốc tế tại UTS cơ sở Nam Sài Gòn

International standard learning space at UTS Saigon South campus

Q&A Corner: Frequently Asked Questions About the UTS Primary Admissions Process

Question 1: What are the specific assessment criteria for UTS entrance evaluations?

>> UTS answers: The structure and duration of entrance assessments vary by grade level and academic track.

Common Core Program – United States:

  • Grade 1: Assessment includes English language ability, mathematical thinking, and communication skills. Duration: 1 to 1 hour 15 minutes.
  • Grades 2–5: Assessment includes Math (in Vietnamese), Vietnamese language, and all four English skills: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing. Duration: approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.

Oxford International Curriculum – United Kingdom:

  • Grade 1: Assessment includes English communication, early math skills, and basic language understanding. Duration: about 40 minutes.
  • Grades 2 - 5: Assessment includes Math (in Vietnamese), Vietnamese language, all four English skills, and an integrated knowledge test in Math and Science. Duration: approximately 3 to 3.5 hours.

Question 2: If a student fails the entrance exam, can they retake it?

>> UTS answers:

- Passing the entrance exam is a mandatory requirement to enroll at UTS. If a student does not pass the initial assessment, the school will notify parents of the subjects that were not satisfactory.

- The student will be given time to review and prepare.

- Once ready, the family may contact the school to schedule a retake. Any subjects already passed do not need to be retaken.

09.Nhiều vấn đề khúc mắc của phụ huynh về quy trình tuyển sinh được giải đáp

Answering Parents' Key Concerns About the Admission Journey

Learn more: Frequently asked questions about the admissions process at UTS

Partnering With Your Child on the Journey to Become a Global Citizen at UTS

The primary school admission process at international bilingual schools involves multiple important stages. Each step requires careful preparation to ensure that students start their academic journey in the best possible way.

For families looking to provide their child with a multicultural and globally oriented education, UTS offers a well-structured admissions pathway and dedicated support. Preparing the required documents thoroughly and submitting them on time will increase your child’s chances of successful enrollment and ensure a learning path that fits their needs and potential.

If you are interested, we invite you to:

  • Contact our admissions team for detailed guidance on programs, tuition fees, learning pathways, and application procedures.
  • Register to attend one of our Open Days and experience the UTS learning environment and facilities firsthand.

US Vietnam Talent International School is a trusted educational choice with accessible tuition and an international-standard learning experience. Begin exploring our learning environment with your child today.

Admissions Hotline: (028) 710 78887
Website: https://utschool.edu.vn

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