Student Recruitment at UNIS Hanoi: A Parent’s Comprehensive Guide

Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions for any family, and understanding the process of student recruitment can help you make the right choice.

At UNIS Hanoi, we take pride in offering a global curriculum, an inclusive community, and a deep commitment to the values of the United Nations.

This article guides parents through our recruitment and admissions process, what to prepare, and essential considerations when applying to UNIS Hanoi.

Student Recruitment at UNIS Hanoi: What Makes Us Different

At UNIS Hanoi, our recruitment approach reflects our educational philosophy and global vision. We are a community where internationalism, academic excellence, and personal growth thrive together.

Recruitment Philosophy & School Values

Our recruitment philosophy is grounded in curiosity, community, integrity, courage, diversity, and responsibility. We strive to nurture lifelong learners who act with compassion and integrity in an ever-changing world.

As one of only two United Nations schools worldwide, our programme reflects the ideals and principles of the United Nations, emphasising respect for diversity and global citizenship.

We actively promote cultural diversity through our admissions policy, ensuring a balanced representation of nationalities in each grade.

We have a priority to maintain an inclusive international environment, and our prioritisation lanes ensure fair access to families affiliated with the UN, the diplomatic corps, and the wider expatriate and Vietnamese community.

Application Process & Key Stages

The UNIS Hanoi student recruitment process is structured into four key stages:

Application: Families submit the required documents and a non-refundable fee.
Assessment: Applicants complete interviews or assessments according to their age and grade level.
Review: The Admissions Committee carefully reviews each application based on our policies and capacity.
Decision & Placement: Offers are made according to space availability, placement criteria, and prioritisation lanes.

Please note that submitting an application and fee does not guarantee placement until the review process is complete.

Admissions Policies & Placement Criteria

Our admissions process is guided by policies that support diversity and academic readiness while maintaining balance across the school community.

Cultural Diversity Policy: We maintain a truly international student body by limiting the percentage of any single nationality.
EAL & Learning Support Capacity: Placement is dependent on available spaces in English as an Additional Language (EAL) and Learning Support programmes.
Priority Lanes: Admissions gives priority to families affiliated with the United Nations, the diplomatic corps, siblings of current students, alumni families, expatriates, and Vietnamese nationals.
Grade Placement Guidance: Placement decisions consider age, previous school calendars, and academic readiness. For the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), prerequisites must be met for entry.

Timeline & Availability

We begin issuing offers in March each year, following the priority lanes. Rolling admissions are accepted throughout the school year; however, placement is dependent on space availability and student withdrawals.

For the best chance of securing a place, we recommend families complete your application by mid-February. Early preparation ensures sufficient time for assessment, review, and decision-making.

What Parents Should Prepare Before Applying to UNIS Hanoi

Before beginning the application, families should ensure they have all required documentation ready and understand the steps involved in assessments and contractual obligations.

Documents Checklist & Application Materials

Families are required to provide complete and accurate documentation to support their application.

For family:
- School records of 2 previous complete years (not required for preschool applicants)
- Student photo
- Parent photo
- Student passport
- Questionnaire(s)
- Payment receipts
- Standardised testing results (grades 3-11)
- Unofficial High School transcript (grades 9-11)
For the current school:
- Teacher/school recommendation
- Writing sample (grades 1-5)

Preparing for Assessments & Interviews

UNIS Hanoi conducts age-appropriate assessments and interviews to ensure students are well-matched to the academic and social environment of the school.

Early Years (EY3/EY4/K): Children participate in Play Experience sessions to assess social interaction, language development, and fine motor skills.
EY–G5: Parents attend interviews to share information about your child’s learning habits and personality.
Grades 1–5: Student interviews are held with teachers or admissions officers to understand the applicant’s educational background and interests.
Grades 1–12: Applicants may complete online academic and English proficiency assessments to evaluate their readiness for an international curriculum.

Costs & Contractual Considerations

The application fee is nonrefundable. Once a placement is offered, parents may be required to sign an enrolment contract and pay a tuition deposit to confirm the space.

Families should also consider visa and immigration requirements, especially for expatriate applicants.

We recommend that families plan your budgets carefully, considering tuition, fees, and other potential relocation costs to ensure a smooth transition into the UNIS Hanoi community.

Key Notes for Parents During Student Recruitment

Throughout the student recruitment process, it is important for families to ensure alignment with UNIS Hanoi’s values and prepare their child for a successful transition.

Aligning Family Values & School Culture

We seek families who share our mission to develop lifelong learners and responsible global citizens.

Parents are encouraged to discuss with your child what it means to join a diverse international community and to embrace respect for different cultures.

Visiting our campus, attending open houses, or scheduling a tour can help families experience our unique environment firsthand.

Supporting the Transition

Transitioning into a new school can be a major change, particularly in an international setting.

Parents should speak with their child about new routines, peer groups, and languages. Early Years students often adjust through play-based learning, while older students may require continuity in curriculum and academic expectations.

For Grades 11–12, entry into the IB Diploma Programme requires specific prerequisites. Families should also communicate any EAL or Learning Support needs early in the process.

Understanding Placement & Space Availability

Placement decisions depend on space availability within each grade, as well as EAL and Learning Support capacities.

If no space is available, students may be placed into a wait pool for future consideration. We recommend early submission of applications, as later ones may face higher competition.

Parents can stay updated on your application status through the Admissions Portal and by maintaining contact with our Admissions Office.

Ready to Be Part of Our Community? Apply Now

We warmly invite families to apply for the 2026–27 academic year and become part of our thriving international community. Begin your journey by visiting our website and clicking Apply Now.

To gain a deeper insight, book a campus tour or contact our Admissions Office at +84 (24) 7300 4508 or email admissions@unishanoi.org. Our team is here to support you with grade placement guidance, visa information, or any other questions during your child’s journey to UNIS Hanoi.