Finnish education in Vietnam
Vietnam has become one of the largest Southeast Asian markets for Finnish-inspired early childhood education, though provision so far mostly stops at preschool.
- HEI Schools Saigon Central, in Ho Chi Minh City, was the first Finnish-curriculum kindergarten in Vietnam, opening in 2023.
- A larger HEI Schools campus has since been announced for Thai Nguyen province, planned to serve up to 500 children aged 1 to 6.
- Finnish-inspired provision in Vietnam is built on Finland's play-based early childhood education and care curriculum, adapted to local culture and language.
- As in several other new markets, most Finnish-branded provision in Vietnam currently covers early years only, not the full K-5 primary stage.
Why Finnish-inspired education has taken off in Vietnam
Vietnam's private and international education sector has expanded rapidly, and its early years market in particular has drawn interest from families looking for alternatives to a traditionally exam-oriented culture. Finland's global reputation in early childhood education, paired with active regional expansion, has made it a visible option for Vietnamese parents comparing preschools.
What's available in Vietnam today
HEI Schools Saigon Central in Ho Chi Minh City was Vietnam's first Finnish-curriculum kindergarten, built on Finland's early childhood education and care curriculum and adapted to Vietnamese culture and language. A larger HEI Schools campus has since been announced for Thai Nguyen province, intended as the group's largest in Southeast Asia, planned to serve children aged 1 to 6.
How the Finnish approach is adapted locally
Providers operating in Vietnam generally blend Finland's holistic, play-based early years pedagogy with the country's own cultural and linguistic context, rather than importing the Finnish curriculum unchanged. This mirrors the approach taken in most markets where Finnish-inspired education has expanded: local licensing and language sit alongside imported teacher training and pedagogy.
What comes after preschool
The clearest gap in Vietnam's current provision is what happens after age 6: Finnish-curriculum options at primary (K-5) level remain limited compared with the early years market. For a Vietnamese school considering extending Finnish methods into primary grades rather than stopping at kindergarten, how to bring Finnish education to your school sets out what that transition typically involves.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a Finnish kindergarten in Vietnam?
Yes. HEI Schools Saigon Central in Ho Chi Minh City was the first, with a larger campus later announced for Thai Nguyen province.
Does Finnish-curriculum education in Vietnam extend beyond preschool?
Not widely yet. Current provision is concentrated at early years and kindergarten level, roughly ages 1 to 6.
What age does Finnish-inspired provision in Vietnam usually cover?
Mostly children aged 1 to 6, at preschool and kindergarten level.
How does this fit with Vietnam's own national curriculum?
Finnish-inspired centres operate within Vietnam's own early years licensing requirements while layering Finnish pedagogy and teacher training on top.
Related reading
Bring Finnish pedagogy to your school
OPPI affiliates a selective cohort of schools each year for its K-5 Finnish-pedagogy programme, backed by Education Finland. Tell us about your school and our team will reach out.
Backed by Education Finland. Over 20 schools have already affiliated, including DPS, Radcliffe and Sanctus. Places in each cohort are limited.
Apply to the affiliation cohort →