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Primary School Parents and the Rising Trend of International School Scholarships
For many years, scholarships have often been associated with the final years of high school or university. However, a growing number of international schools in Vietnam, including the International Schools of North America (SNA), have begun offering scholarship programs starting from the primary level. Notably, selection criteria extend beyond academic transcripts.
As tuition fees at bilingual and international schools in Vietnam range from approximately VND 300 million to 800 million per year, scholarships are increasingly viewed as a means to expand access to international education while enabling schools to identify students with long-term potential.
At SNA Saigon South Campus, the NextGen Scholarship Program for the Primary Years Programme (PYP) offers support ranging from 20 percent to up to 50 percent of tuition fees. For students enrolling from Grade 1, scholarships may be maintained throughout the five years of primary education, provided that academic and developmental criteria continue to be met.
Beyond Academic Scores
According to school representatives, scholarship decisions are not based solely on grades. The selection committee also evaluates factors such as how students ask questions in class, their ability to respond to teacher feedback, and their level of collaboration during group activities.
Three recent scholarship recipients, Quoc Anh, Erkin, and Tue Nghi, illustrate different expressions of learning motivation at the primary level.
Academic Curiosity
Quoc Anh, who was awarded a 40 percent scholarship for the 2026 to 2027 academic year, stood out due to his curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. He frequently asks additional questions related to topics discussed in everyday contexts, demonstrating a strong interest in the world around him.
“For me, going to school every day is something I look forward to. I enjoy learning and try to improve every day,” Quoc Anh shared.
In addition to his studies, he enjoys reading books and stories and has been participating in swimming since the age of three and a half. These activities contribute to the development of teamwork, perseverance, and resilience, which are considered important indicators of long-term potential in young learners.
His curiosity and willingness to explore were key factors that led the selection committee to recognize his potential for sustained academic growth.
Adaptability in a Learning Environment
Erkin, a recipient of a 50 percent scholarship for the 2025 to 2026 academic year, has been recognized for his adaptability and steady progress within an international learning environment. Initially reserved when he first joined the school, he gradually became more confident in participating in class discussions and expressing his ideas during group activities.
“In my first year, I was quite shy about sharing my thoughts. Over time, I realized that teachers always encourage students to speak up, so I began to participate more,” Erkin said.
Outside the classroom, he engages in hands-on activities such as model building and simple scientific experiments. These experiences help develop patience and independent inquiry skills, which teachers have identified as key strengths in his approach to learning.
Consistency in Learning
Tue Nghi, who also received a 50 percent scholarship for the 2025 to 2026 academic year, impressed the selection panel with her careful and consistent learning approach. During the interview, she expressed a strong interest in the animal world and demonstrated thoughtful and clear reasoning.
According to her teachers, she remains focused on the learning process and often takes time to revise her work after receiving feedback.
“I believe doing well does not always mean being the fastest. What matters is understanding the lesson and improving each day,” Tue Nghi explained.
Beyond academics, she spends time reading and drawing, activities that help strengthen observation skills and patience.
Scholarships as a Means of Identifying Potential
At many international schools, scholarships at the K-12 level are not only financial support for families but also a strategic approach to identifying students with long-term development potential.
Within the International Baccalaureate framework, student evaluation is not limited to current academic performance. It also considers independent thinking, learning attitudes, and initiative. As a result, scholarship programs increasingly emphasize perseverance, learning mindset, and the ability to thrive in academically demanding environments.
This presents an opportunity for parents to invest in the IB programme, widely regarded as a global standard in education and designed to develop internationally minded learners. SNA is currently one of only seven schools in Vietnam authorized to offer the full IB continuum, including the PYP, MYP, and DP.
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Address: Street 20, Him Lam Residential Area, Binh Hung Commune, Ho Chi Minh City Hotline: 0964 466 014
