Vietnam-Finland International School (VFIS) is a member of Ton Duc Thang University, operating as a non-profit institution. It is also the first school in Vietnam to follow Finnish education standards, established under Decision No. 5834/QD-HCMC by the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee on November 7, 2016. This milestone symbolizes a strong and enduring educational partnership between the governments of Vietnam and Finland.
In August 2019, VFIS officially opened its first academic year, welcoming students from various cultural backgrounds into its learning community. In May 2021, VFIS was honored to be recognized by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) as an IB World School and officially authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. As part of the global IB community, VFIS shares a common philosophy and commitment to providing a high-quality, challenging international education. The school believes that such an education empowers students to take control of their lives and careers, no matter where they live and work.
The VFIS curriculum integrates the excellence of Finnish education with the valuable traditions of Vietnamese culture, equipping students with essential life skills and fostering positive character development. This prepares them to face challenges and achieve success anywhere in the world. VFIS currently offers two educational programs: the International Program and the Bilingual Program, catering to students from Grade 1 to Grade 12 from 15 different nationalities.
With a comprehensive, reality-driven curriculum, VFIS provides students with opportunities to develop their passions, find inspiration in life, and dream about their future. The Finnish pedagogical approach at VFIS ensures students are well-prepared for life with knowledge, essential skills, and a positive, healthy attitude to embrace challenges and strive for success worldwide.
Furthermore, VFIS aims to cultivate global citizens who understand Vietnamese cultural traditions while confidently navigating a multicultural, international environment. This vision aligns with the aspirations of many parents who seek a well-rounded, globally aware, and happy upbringing for their children in a rapidly changing society. At VFIS, parents can trust that the school’s educational objectives are rooted in scientific research, paving the way for unlimited learning opportunities. Above all, VFIS prioritizes student happiness and autonomy.
A unique feature of Finnish education, which is deeply embedded in VFIS's curriculum, is the principle of “ensuring a sustainable future.” This was a key motivation for Ton Duc Thang University when establishing VFIS, with the goal of preparing students to adapt and overcome challenges in an unpredictable future.
The VFIS faculty comprises dedicated and passionate educators with high expertise in teaching and research, following Finnish standards. Notably, 100% of Finnish teachers at VFIS hold a Master’s degree or higher and are committed to inspiring students with Finnish teaching methodologies. With their dedication and heartfelt commitment, VFIS teachers strive to nurture well-rounded, responsible, and happy individuals in society.
VFIS upholds the principle that “each student possesses unique potential that must be discovered and developed.” The journey of exploring and nurturing these potentials requires student effort, with VFIS teachers providing the necessary support for them to grow confidently. The school believes that learning can happen in multiple ways and in various environments, from classrooms and hallways to cafeterias, parks, and outdoor playgrounds. At VFIS, students maintain a balanced approach to academics, recreation, and life skills development.
VFIS was designed and constructed under the supervision of outstanding Finnish architects, optimizing learning effectiveness through an open and flexible educational space. This dynamic and professional learning environment fosters independent learning while inspiring students to explore, create, and interact. Class sizes are maintained at approximately 20-25 students per class, with flexible and open classroom layouts that provide a comfortable learning environment. The school consists of 10 units surrounding a central hall. Each unit features classrooms arranged around a communal area furnished with flexible seating, where students gather before classes and engage in relaxation and social activities. Additionally, open spaces within each unit serve as venues for group work, workshops, and parental events.
While technology plays a crucial role in modern society, Finnish education also values tactile learning experiences. VFIS recognizes the cognitive benefits of hands-on activities and provides specialized classrooms, such as the Home Economics room, where students learn cooking, food hygiene, and dining etiquette. Another unique feature of Finnish education, Crafts, is taught in textile and woodworking workshops equipped with materials imported from Finland.
Despite being located outside Finland, VFIS respects and upholds Finnish educational values and programs. Students at VFIS are encouraged to experience joy in learning, ensuring they grow into confident individuals who are happy and fulfilled. To achieve this, VFIS emphasizes key Finnish values, such as the “Sisu” spirit—perseverance and resilience in overcoming challenges—and “Equity,” which ensures equal development opportunities for all students. Additionally, VFIS embraces the Vietnamese traditional value of “Sentimentality,” a guiding principle in education that fosters emotional intelligence (EQ) in an increasingly impersonal world.
VFIS students consistently demonstrate strong academic and personal growth, reflecting the resilient spirit of Finnish education. Their achievements in national and international competitions affirm VFIS’s commitment to excellence. With a solid knowledge foundation, language proficiency, and diverse life skills, VFIS Grade 12 graduates have successfully gained admission to prestigious universities worldwide. Many VFIS students have chosen Ton Duc Thang University for further studies, benefiting from direct admission policies for VFIS graduates. Notably, in the 2023-2024 academic year, VFIS Bilingual Program students achieved a 100% pass rate in the national high school graduation exam. Additionally, International Program students excelled in the 2024 IB Diploma Examination, with an impressive average score of 34.5, surpassing the global average of 30.32. The highest-scoring student achieved a remarkable 40 points.
As the first international school established within a Vietnamese public university, VFIS is committed to its mission of fostering human development based on the core values of Integrity, Intelligence, and Courage. The school aspires to be a cradle of Enlightenment, Humanity, and Modernity, directly contributing to educational innovation and progress. VFIS strives to promote independent thinking and creativity on a global scale while enhancing the quality of primary and secondary education and teacher training in Vietnam. Built upon the sustainable development foundation of Ton Duc Thang University over the past 27 years, VFIS envisions itself as a pioneering educational community. Here, leaders, educators, staff, students, and parents work together to provide a comprehensive and ethical education, equipping students with the necessary tools to achieve global success.
